Thermophore Moist Heat Pack – Medium 14" x 14" (Press & Hold Switch ) Model 056
Thermophore Moist Heat Pack — Medium 14" × 14", Press & Hold Switch (Model 056)
The medium-size Thermophore with the original press-and-hold Easy-Comfort™ switch. Squeeze to heat, release to cool — full manual control with built-in doze-off safety. Weighted construction, 150–165°F, automatic moist heat without water, 25-minute auto shutoff. Designed for a single shoulder, knee, abdomen, or hip. Compact enough for travel. The same deep moist heat trusted by doctors, workers' comp physicians, and physical therapists since 1931.
Understanding the Switch: Press & Hold vs. 3-Setting
The Model 056 uses a press-and-hold Easy-Comfort™ switch — squeeze to heat, release to cool. You control exactly when heat flows. If you doze off and your hand relaxes, the pad cools automatically as a safety feature.
If you prefer hands-free operation with a 3-setting switch (Low/Medium/High), see the MaxHEAT 156 ($53.84) or Liberty 156 ($62.66, USA assembled).
I originally got my first Thermophore heating pad many years ago from my workers' comp doctor. I must say I was very impressed with the awesome moist heat that it provided. It has helped me for over 20 years of hard use with sore backs, sore neck, sore leg muscles. I recently purchased another one. I strongly recommend this brand if you want some serious heat. Works great for pain relief.
Our Take: The Model 056 is the original Thermophore medium — the press-and-hold design that doctors and workers' comp physicians have been recommending for decades. At 14" × 14" it targets a single shoulder, knee, abdomen, or hip. The press-and-hold switch is the original Thermophore design: squeeze to heat, release to cool. You decide when heat flows. If you doze off, the pad cools automatically. It reaches 150–165°F — dramatically hotter than generic pads — and the weighted construction molds to your body for full contact. Customers report 20+ year lifespans with daily use. At 75 watts with a 9.5-foot cord, it's also compact and travel-friendly. If you want the same pad with a hands-free 3-setting switch, the MaxHEAT 156 is $61.95. If you need full back coverage, the Classic 055 (14" × 27") is the large press-and-hold at $69.99
Why You'd Choose the Model 056
- The Easy-Comfort™ hand switch lets you squeeze to heat and release to cool. That gives you full manual control over exactly when heat is on and off.
- Covers a single shoulder, wraps a knee, covers the abdomen, or targets a hip. Smaller and easier to manage than the 14" × 27" large models.
- If you fall asleep and your hand relaxes, the pad automatically stops heating. The 25-minute auto shutoff adds another layer of safety.
- This model reaches much hotter therapeutic temperatures than most generic drugstore pads, which often top out around 120–140°F.
- The weighted design helps the pad conform to the body and reduce air gaps, which supports more even heat transfer.
- Many long-time owners report years of dependable daily use, making Thermophore a durable option compared with many generic heating pads.
- The medium size is easier to pack than large models, and the 9.5-foot cord gives you more flexibility when positioning the pad.
- This model qualifies for HSA and FSA purchases and may be reimbursable when prescribed for arthritis pain management.
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Perfect For
- Single shoulder, knee, hip, or abdomen
- Workers' comp and occupational injury recovery
- Chronic pain patients who use heat daily
- Users who want manual press-and-hold control
- Petite users who find the large models too big
- Travel — compact enough to pack in a suitcase
You May Prefer a Different Model If…
- You want hands-free 3-setting operation → MaxHEAT 156 — Low/Med/High switch, $61.95
- You want USA assembly in a medium pad → Liberty 056 — same switch, USA assembled, $72.99
- You need full back coverage with press-and-hold → Classic 055 (14" × 27") — $67.99
- You want the Moisture-Plus cover for dry climates → MaxHEAT Plus 356 — $76.99.
Model 056 — Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 056 |
| Size | 14" × 14" (Medium) |
| Best for | Shoulder, knee, abdomen, hip, travel |
| Weight | Weighted |
| Max temperature | 150–165°F |
| Watts | 75 |
| Switch type | Press-and-hold Easy-Comfort™ — heats only while button is pressed |
| Auto shutoff | 25 minutes (plus auto-cool when switch released) |
| Moist heat | Automatic — fleece absorbs humidity from air |
| Cover | Soft fleece — removable, washable |
| Cord length | 9.5 feet |
| HSA / FSA eligible | Yes |
| Medicare approved | Yes — when prescribed for arthritis |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Brand | Battle Creek Equipment Company (est. 1931) |
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Medium Pad Comparison — Which Is Right?
Four medium 14" × 14" Thermophore options. The difference is switch type, cover, and assembly.
| Feature | Model 056 ★ | Liberty 056 | MaxHEAT 156 | Liberty 156 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 14" × 14" | 14" × 14" | 14" × 14" | 14" × 14" |
| Switch type | Press & hold | Press & hold | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) |
| Doze-off safety | Auto-cool when hand relaxes | Auto-cool when hand relaxes | 25-min shutoff only | 25-min shutoff only |
| Max temperature | 150–165°F | 150–165°F | 150–165°F | Up to 165°F |
| Assembled in | USA | USA | China | USA |
| Price | $59.95 | $64.99 | $61.95 | $72.99 |
| Shop | ★ This Product | Shop Liberty 056 → | Shop MaxHEAT 156 → | Shop Liberty 156 → |
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All medium models: 14" × 14", weighted, automatic moist heat, 2-year warranty, HSA/FSA eligible. Prices are current Thermophore.com prices and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the press-and-hold switch work?
You squeeze the Easy-Comfort hand-held switch to activate heat and release it to let the pad cool. The pad only heats while you are actively pressing the button. This gives you full manual control over exactly when heat is on and off. If you doze off and your hand relaxes, the pad automatically cools as a built-in safety feature. The pad also has a 25-minute auto shutoff as an additional safety measure.
What is the Model 056 designed for?
The Model 056 is a medium 14 by 14 inch pad designed for targeted areas like a single shoulder, knee, abdomen, or hip. It is also a good size for petite users who find the 14 by 27 inch large models too big, and many customers prefer this compact size for travel.
How does the Thermophore produce moist heat without adding water?
The fleece cover absorbs moisture from the humidity in the surrounding air. When the pad heats up, it activates that moisture into therapeutic steam that penetrates deeper into muscles and joints than dry heat alone. No water, spray bottles, or damp towels are needed. Moist heat has been shown to penetrate up to 27 times deeper than dry heat.
What temperature does the Model 056 reach?
The Model 056 reaches between 150 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It uses 75 watts. For comparison, most generic drugstore heating pads max out at 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the difference between the Model 056 and the 3-setting models?
The Model 056 uses a press-and-hold switch. You must squeeze the button to heat and release it to cool. This gives you full manual control and built-in doze-off safety. The 3-setting models like the MaxHEAT 156 and Liberty 156 have a Low, Medium, and High switch that stays on hands-free until the 25-minute auto shutoff. Choose the 056 if you want manual control. Choose a 3-setting model if you want hands-free operation.
Is the Thermophore Model 056 HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. The Thermophore Model 056 is HSA and FSA eligible. It is also approved for Medicare and insurance reimbursement when prescribed for arthritis pain management. Check with your insurance company to verify reimbursement, which can vary by coverage.
Can I lay on this heating pad?
No. It is not recommended to lay on this or any heating pad. The pad is designed to be placed on top of the body area being treated. Laying on a heating pad can trap heat against the skin and increase the risk of burns. The weighted design ensures the pad stays in place and maintains full body contact without the need to lay on it.
Questions? Sales: 1-800-403-8285 · Warranty: 1-800-253-0854
Thermophore.com is managed by HRM USA Inc, 49 Richard Rd, Warminster PA 18974.
Owned by Battle Creek Equipment Company, est. 1931.