Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heating Pad— Medium 14" × 14" (Model 156)
Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heat Pack — Medium 14" × 14" (Model 156)
The medium-size Thermophore at our best value. Constant-Comfort™ hands-free switch with 3 heat settings, weighted construction, up to 165°F, automatic moist heat without water, 25-minute auto shutoff. Sized for a single shoulder, knee, abdomen, or travel. The same Thermophore quality trusted by doctors since 1931.
Love my Thermophore moist heating pad. I've had many over the years, and they are the best. The ordering process was easy, and it arrived in only a few days. Very satisfied customer!!
Our Take: The MaxHEAT 156 is the most affordable medium-size Thermophore. At 14" × 14" it is built for targeted heat on a single area — a shoulder, a knee, one side of the abdomen, or for petite users who find the 14" × 27" large models too big. It is also the easiest Thermophore to pack for travel. Same weighted construction, same Constant-Comfort™ hands-free switch with 3 heat settings (Low / Medium / High), same 25-minute auto shutoff, and same automatic moist heat as the large MaxHEAT 155. At up to 165°F it runs dramatically hotter than generic drugstore pads. If you want this same medium size with USA assembly, the Liberty 156 is the upgrade. If you need full back coverage, the MaxHEAT 155 (Large) is the right choice.
Why You'd Choose the MaxHEAT 156
- The medium size covers a single shoulder, wraps a knee, covers the abdomen, or targets one specific area. Smaller and more manageable than the 14" × 27" large models, and great for travel.
- At $53.84, the MaxHEAT 156 is the most affordable way to get a medium-size Thermophore with 3 heat settings and hands-free operation. The Liberty 156 costs more for USA assembly.
- The Constant-Comfort™ switch gives you hands-free control with three temperature levels. Start on Low for comfort, step up to Medium for moderate relief, or use High for maximum therapeutic intensity.
- Generic drugstore pads often top out at 120–140°F. The MaxHEAT 156 reaches up to 165°F on High for stronger therapeutic moist heat.
- The weighted construction molds to curves and joints, maintaining full surface contact. It stays in place on a shoulder or knee without constant repositioning.
- At 14" × 14", the MaxHEAT 156 is much easier to pack than the large models. Many customers choose this size specifically for travel.
- 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 without added water.
- The MaxHEAT 156 qualifies for Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account purchases. It is also approved for Medicare and insurance reimbursement when prescribed for arthritis pain management.
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Perfect For
- Single shoulder, knee, elbow, or one side of the abdomen
- Petite users who find the 14" × 27" large models too big
- Travel — compact enough to pack in a suitcase or gym bag
- Arthritis in specific joints, tendinitis, menstrual cramps, localized muscle spasms
- Budget-conscious buyers who want Thermophore quality at the best medium-size price
You May Prefer a Different Model If…
- You want USA assembly in this medium size → Liberty 156.
- You need full back coverage or both shoulders → MaxHEAT 155 (Large, 14" × 27").
- You need a narrow pad for neck, jaw, or sinuses → MaxHEAT 177 (4" × 17").
- You want digital temperature control up to 170°F → Digital 655.
MaxHEAT 156 — Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | MaxHEAT 156 |
| Line | MaxHEAT |
| Size | 14" × 14" (Medium) |
| Best for | Shoulder, knee, abdomen, travel |
| Weight | Weighted (lighter than large models) |
| Max temperature | Up to 165°F (150–165°F range) |
| Heat settings | 3 (Low / Medium / High) |
| Switch type | Constant-Comfort™ hands-free 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 | China |
| 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 | MaxHEAT 156 ★ | Liberty 156 | MaxHEAT 155 | Liberty 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, travel | Shoulder, knee, abdomen, castor oil packs | Full back, both shoulders, hip | Full back, both shoulders, hip | Neck, jaw (TMJ), sinuses | Full back, both shoulders, hip |
| Max temperature | 150–165°F | Up to 165°F | Up to 165°F | Up to 165°F | Up to 150°F | Up to 170°F |
| Switch type | Constant-Comfort™ (3-setting) | 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 | China | USA | China | USA | China | China |
| Price | $61.95 | $72.99 | $69.99 | $75.99 | $56.99 | $99.99 |
| Shop | ★ This Product | Shop Liberty 156 | Shop MaxHEAT 155 | Shop Liberty 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 MaxHEAT 156 (Medium) and the MaxHEAT 155 (Large)?
Both share the same 3-setting switch, 25-minute auto shutoff, and automatic moist heat. The MaxHEAT 156 is 14 by 14 inches (Medium) and the MaxHEAT 155 is 14 by 27 inches (Large). Choose the 156 for targeted areas like a single shoulder, knee, or abdomen. Choose the 155 for full back coverage, both shoulders, or wrapping around a hip. Both are assembled in China.
What is the difference between the MaxHEAT 156 and the Liberty 156?
The MaxHEAT 156 and Liberty 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 MaxHEAT 156 is assembled in China. The Liberty 156 is assembled in the USA at the Thermophore facility in Fremont, Indiana and costs more. Both carry the same 2-year warranty.
Is the MaxHEAT 156 good for travel?
Yes. The 14 by 14 inch medium size is more compact and easier to pack than the 14 by 27 inch large models. Many customers choose this size specifically for travel. It still delivers the same intense moist heat and weighted design as the larger Thermophore pads.
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 MaxHEAT 156 reach?
The MaxHEAT 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 MaxHEAT 156 HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. The Thermophore MaxHEAT 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.