Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heating Pad — Large 14" × 27" (Model 155)
Our #1 best-selling moist heating pad. Weighted to contour your body, reaches up to 165°F, produces deep moist heat automatically from humidity in the air — no water needed. Three heat settings, 25-minute auto shutoff, washable fleece cover, 10-foot cord. Drug-free pain relief trusted by doctors since 1931.
It's slightly weighted, it has this humidity feature which seems to really help the heat penetrate, and it actually gets hot. I've now also bought this as a gift for a friend too.
Our Take: The MaxHEAT 155 is the Thermophore that most people buy — and for good reason. At 14" × 27", it covers your entire back, wraps around a hip, or drapes across both shoulders. The approximate 4 lb weight is a key differentiator from many drugstore pads: it molds to your body's curves, maintains full surface contact, and stays put without you holding it. The fleece cover draws moisture from the air and the pad's intense heat converts it to therapeutic steam — no water, no damp towels. Three heat settings via a one-touch hand switch plus a 25-minute auto shutoff that follows the clinical recommendation of 15 to 30 minute sessions. At up to 165°F, it runs dramatically hotter than many generic pads. Comes with a washable fleece cover and a 10-foot cord.
Why You'd Choose the MaxHEAT 155
- Many generic drugstore pads max out around 120°F to 140°F. The MaxHEAT 155 reaches up to 165°F on the High setting — the intensity needed for deep, therapeutic moist heat that penetrates muscles and joints.
- At roughly 4 pounds, the pad is noticeably heavier than many generic pads. That weight helps the pad conform to curves and joints, maintaining fuller surface contact for more consistent heat delivery.
- The fleece cover absorbs humidity from the air. Combined with the pad's intense heat, this creates deep, penetrating moist heat therapy without adding water, using spray bottles, or placing damp towels over the pad.
- The one-touch Constant-Comfort hand switch gives you three temperature levels. Start on Low, move to Medium for stronger relief, or use High for maximum therapeutic intensity.
- The large size covers the full back from shoulders to lower back, wraps around a hip or thigh, or drapes across both shoulders. It offers much broader coverage than smaller pads commonly sold in big-box stores.
- The auto shutoff aligns with commonly recommended therapy intervals of 15 to 30 minutes. It also reduces the risk of overheating or falling asleep with the pad on.
- Moist heat therapy can help ease pain from arthritis, back pain, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, and sports-related soreness by increasing blood flow and helping muscles relax.
- The MaxHEAT 155 qualifies for HSA and FSA purchases. It is also approved for Medicare and insurance reimbursement when prescribed for arthritis pain management.
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Perfect For
- Back pain, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms
- Post-workout muscle recovery and tension relief
- People who want drug-free relief for chronic pain
- Physical therapy, chiropractic, and massage therapy clinics
- Anyone tired of replacing lower-quality heating pads every 1 to 2 years
You May Prefer a Different Model If…
- You want USA assembly → Liberty 155 — same pad, same features, assembled in USA.
- You want manual press-and-hold control → Classic 055 — heats only while you hold the button.
- You want digital temperature control up to 170°F and a 60-minute timer → Digital 655 — our hottest, heaviest, most advanced pad.
- You need a smaller pad for neck, jaw, or knee → MaxHEAT 156 or MaxHEAT 177.
MaxHEAT 155 — Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | MaxHEAT 155 |
| Size | 14" × 27" (Large) |
| Best for | Back, shoulders, hips, and legs |
| Weight | Approx. 4 lbs |
| Maximum temperature | Up to 165°F |
| Heat settings | 3 (Low / Medium / High) |
| Switch type | One-touch Constant-Comfort hand switch |
| Auto shutoff | 25 minutes |
| Moist heat | Automatic — fleece absorbs humidity from the air |
| Cover | Soft fleece flannel — removable and machine washable |
| Cord length | 10 feet |
| Assembled in | China |
| HSA / FSA eligible | Yes |
| Medicare approved | Yes — when prescribed for arthritis |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Brand | Battle Creek Equipment Company (est. 1931) |
Complete Thermophore Comparison
Every Thermophore moist heating pad, side by side. Find the right model for your needs.
| Feature | MaxHEAT 155 ★ | Liberty 155 | Classic 055 | Digital 655 | MaxHEAT 156 | MaxHEAT 177 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 14" × 27" | 14" × 27" | 14" × 27" | 14" × 27" | 14" × 14" | 4" × 17" |
| Size Category | Large | Large | Large | Large | Medium | Petite / Neck |
| Best For | Back, shoulders, hips, legs | Back, shoulders, hips, legs | Back, shoulders, hips, legs | Back, shoulders, hips, legs | Shoulder, knee, abdomen | Neck, jaw, sinuses, elbow |
| Maximum temperature | Up to 165°F | Up to 165°F | Up to 165°F | Up to 170°F | 150°F–165°F | Up to 150°F |
| Switch Type | 3-setting hand switch (Low / Med / High) | 3-setting hand switch (Low / Med / High) | Press-and-hold manual control | Digital control, 115°F–170°F plus timer | 3-setting hand switch (Low / Med / High) | 3-setting hand switch (Low / Med / High) |
| Auto Shutoff | 25 minutes | 25 minutes | None — heats only while button is held | Up to 60 minutes, adjustable | 25 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Moist Heat | Yes — automatic | Yes — automatic | Yes — automatic | Yes — automatic | Yes — automatic | Yes — automatic |
| Weighted Design | Yes (approx. 4 lbs) | Yes (approx. 4 lbs) | Yes (approx. 4 lbs) | Yes (heaviest) | Yes | Yes |
| Cover | Fleece flannel — washable | Fleece flannel — washable | Fleece flannel — washable | Fleece flannel — washable | Fleece flannel — washable | Fleece flannel — washable |
| Cord Length | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Assembled In | China | USA | China | China | China | China |
| Line | MaxHEAT | Liberty | Classic | Digital | MaxHEAT | MaxHEAT |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| HSA / FSA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $63.97 | $74.99 | $60.43 | $124.99 | $53.84 | $47.99 |
| Shop | ★ This Product | Shop Liberty 155 | Shop Classic 055 | Shop Digital 655 | Shop 156 Medium | Shop 177 Petite |
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 shown may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the MaxHEAT 155, Liberty 155, and Classic 055?
All three are 14 x 27 inch large pads with the same weighted, moist heat design. The MaxHEAT 155 has a 3-setting switch with Low, Medium, and High plus a 25-minute auto shutoff and is assembled in China. The Liberty 155 has the same 3-setting switch but is assembled in the USA. The Classic 055 uses a press-and-hold switch that heats only while you hold the button, giving you manual control, and is assembled in China. All reach the same maximum temperature and produce the same moist heat intensity.
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.
Why does the pad shut off after 25 minutes?
The 25-minute auto shutoff is a safety feature. Thermophore pads reach higher temperatures than many generic brands, so limiting exposure to 25 minutes at a time provides safe, effective relief without risk of skin damage or overheating. This follows commonly recommended therapy intervals of 15 to 30 minutes. It also helps prevent burns if you fall asleep with the pad on.
What temperature does the MaxHEAT 155 reach?
The MaxHEAT Model 155 reaches up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit on the High setting. It has three heat settings: Low, Medium, and High, controlled by the one-touch hand switch. For comparison, many generic drugstore heating pads max out around 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is the Thermophore MaxHEAT 155 HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. The Thermophore MaxHEAT Model 155 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.
Is the cover washable?
Yes. The soft fleece flannel cover is removable and machine washable. It is important to keep the cover clean for optimal moist heat performance, as the fleece fibers are what absorb humidity from the air to create the automatic moist heat.
Can I lie on this heating pad?
No. It is not recommended to lie on this or any heating pad. The pad is designed to be placed on top of the body area being treated. Lying on a heating pad can trap heat against the skin and increase the risk of burns. The weighted design helps the pad stay in place and maintain full body contact without the need to lie 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, established 1931.
