Thermophore Liberty 2 (USA Assembled) Moist Heat Pack — Medium 14" × 14" (Model 156)
The medium-size Thermophore — USA assembled with 3 heat settings. Perfect for a single shoulder, knee, abdomen, or castor oil packs. Weighted construction, up to 165°F, automatic moist heat without water, 25-minute auto shutoff. The same Thermophore quality in a targeted, travel-friendly size. Assembled in Fremont, Indiana since 1987.
I have been using the Liberty 2 for almost 2 months. I made this purchase for use with castor oil packs, after returning two pharmacy purchased pads. Neither produced enough heat to warm a pack. The Thermophore has worked great. Heat output, weight and automatic shutoff are all perfect for this use. Thank you for a quality product.
Our Take: The Liberty 156 is the medium-size Thermophore for people who need targeted heat on a single area — a shoulder, a knee, one side of the abdomen, or a castor oil pack. At 14" × 14" it's roughly half the size of the large 14" × 27" models, making it more manageable for focused therapy and easier to take when traveling. It shares the same weighted construction, the same 3 heat settings (Low/Medium/High), the same 25-minute auto shutoff, and the same automatic moist heat as the large Liberty 155. It's assembled in the USA at the Thermophore facility in Fremont, Indiana. Many customers choose this model specifically for castor oil pack therapy — the weighted design holds the pack in place, the intense heat (up to 165°F) actually warms the oil, and the 25-minute shutoff matches typical session times. If you need full back coverage or want to drape across both shoulders, the Liberty 155 (Large) is the right choice. If you want this same medium size at a lower price without USA assembly, the MaxHEAT 156 is identical in performance.
Why You'd Choose the Liberty 156
- The medium size covers a single shoulder, wraps a knee, covers the abdomen for castor oil packs, or targets one specific area. Smaller and more manageable than the 14" × 27" large models, and easier to pack for travel.
- The Liberty line has been assembled at the Thermophore facility in Fremont, Indiana since 1987. Domestic assembly with American labor standards. If supporting USA manufacturing matters to you, this is the medium Thermophore to choose.
- The 14" × 14" size covers the abdomen, the weighted design holds the castor oil pack in place, the intense heat (up to 165°F) actually warms the oil, and the 25-minute auto shutoff matches typical session times. Many customers choose this model specifically for castor oil therapy.
- The one-touch switch gives you three temperature levels. Start on Low for comfort, step up to Medium for moderate relief, or use High for maximum therapeutic intensity. Easy to switch mid-session. Stays on hands-free until the 25-minute shutoff.
- Generic drugstore pads max out at 120–140°F — often not hot enough for castor oil packs or deep therapy. The Liberty 156 reaches up to 165°F, providing the intensity needed for real therapeutic relief.
- The weighted construction molds to curves and joints, maintaining full surface contact. Stays in place on a shoulder or knee without you holding it. Also holds castor oil packs flat against the body.
- The fleece cover absorbs humidity from the air and the pad's intense heat converts it to therapeutic steam. Moist heat penetrates deeper than dry heat into muscles and joints — without adding water, spray bottles, or damp towels.
- The Liberty 156 qualifies for Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account purchases. Also approved for Medicare and insurance reimbursement when prescribed for arthritis pain management.
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Perfect For
- Castor oil pack therapy — the weight, heat, and shutoff are ideal
- Single shoulder, knee, elbow, or one side of the abdomen
- Petite users who find the 14" × 27" large models too big
- Travel — easier to pack than the large models
- Arthritis in specific joints, menstrual cramps, localized muscle spasms
- Buyers who want USA assembly in a medium size
You May Prefer a Different Model If…
- You need full back coverage or both shoulders → Liberty 155 (Large, 14" × 27") — USA assembled, $74.99.
- You want this medium size at a lower price without USA assembly → MaxHEAT 156 — identical performance, $53.84.
- You need a narrow pad for neck, jaw (TMJ), or sinuses → MaxHEAT 177 (4" × 17") — the petite/neck model.
- You want digital temp control up to 170°F → Digital 655 — the most advanced Thermophore.
Liberty 156 — Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Liberty 2 — Model 156 |
| Line | Liberty (USA Assembled) |
| Size | 14" × 14" (Medium) |
| Best for | Shoulder, knee, abdomen, castor oil packs |
| Weight | Weighted (lighter than large models) |
| Max temperature | Up to 165°F (150–165°F range) |
| Heat settings | 3 (Low / Medium / High) |
| Switch type | One-touch 3-setting hand switch |
| Auto shutoff | 25 minutes |
| Moist heat | Automatic — fleece absorbs humidity from air |
| Cover | Soft fleece flannel — removable, machine washable |
| Cord length | 10 feet |
| Assembled in | USA — Fremont, Indiana |
| HSA / FSA eligible | Yes |
| Medicare approved | Yes — when prescribed for arthritis |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Brand | Battle Creek Equipment Company (est. 1931) |
Thermophore Size Comparison — Find the Right Fit
All Thermophore pads share the same weighted, automatic moist heat design. Choose by size and use case.
| Feature | Liberty 156 ★ | MaxHEAT 156 | Liberty 155 | MaxHEAT 155 | MaxHEAT 177 | Digital 655 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 14" × 14" | 14" × 14" | 14" × 27" | 14" × 27" | 4" × 17" | 14" × 27" |
| Size category | Medium | Medium | Large | Large | Petite / Neck | Large |
| Best for | Shoulder, knee, abdomen, castor oil packs | Shoulder, knee, abdomen | Full back, both shoulders, hip | Full back, both shoulders, hip | Neck, jaw (TMJ), sinuses | Full back, both shoulders, hip |
| Max temperature | Up to 165°F | 150–165°F | Up to 165°F | Up to 165°F | Up to 150°F | Up to 170°F |
| Switch type | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | Digital 115–170°F |
| Auto shutoff | 25 minutes | 25 minutes | 25 minutes | 25 minutes | 25 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
| Assembled in | USA | China | USA | China | China | China |
| Price | $62.66 | $53.84 | $74.99 | $63.97 | $47.99 | $124.99 |
| Shop | ★ This Product | Shop MaxHEAT 156 → | Shop Liberty 155 → | Shop MaxHEAT 155 → | Shop 177 Petite → | Shop Digital 655 → |
All Thermophore pads produce automatic moist heat without adding water. All include a washable fleece cover, 10-foot cord, and 2-year warranty. All are HSA/FSA eligible. Prices are current Thermophore.com prices and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Liberty 156 (Medium) and the Liberty 155 (Large)?
Both are USA assembled with the same 3-setting switch, 25-minute auto shutoff, and automatic moist heat. The Liberty 156 is 14 by 14 inches (Medium) and the Liberty 155 is 14 by 27 inches (Large). Choose the 156 for targeted areas like a single shoulder, knee, abdomen, or for castor oil packs. Choose the 155 for full back coverage, both shoulders, or wrapping around a hip.
Can I use the Liberty 156 for castor oil packs?
Yes. The Liberty 156 is an excellent heating pad for castor oil packs. The 14 by 14 inch medium size covers the abdomen perfectly, and the weighted design keeps the pad in place over the castor oil pack. The 3 heat settings let you dial in the right temperature, and the 25-minute auto shutoff aligns with typical castor oil pack session times. Many customers choose this model specifically for castor oil pack therapy after finding that generic drugstore pads do not produce enough heat.
What is the difference between the Liberty 156 and the MaxHEAT 156?
The Liberty 156 and MaxHEAT 156 are the same pad with the same features: 14 by 14 inches, weighted, 3 heat settings, 25-minute auto shutoff, and automatic moist heat. The only difference is where they are assembled. The Liberty 156 is assembled in the USA at the Thermophore facility in Fremont, Indiana. The MaxHEAT 156 is assembled in China at a lower price. Both carry the same 2-year warranty.
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. The cover produces moist heat for 20 to 30 minutes, after which it begins to dry out and the pad should be set aside to regain moisture from the air.
What temperature does the Liberty 156 reach?
The Liberty Model 156 reaches up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit on the High setting, with a range of 150 to 165 degrees across settings. It has three heat settings: Low, Medium, and High. For comparison, most generic drugstore heating pads max out at 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is the Thermophore Liberty 156 HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. The Thermophore Liberty Model 156 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.