Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heat Pack — Petite 4" × 17" (Model 177)
The most versatile petite Thermophore at the best price. The 4" × 17" strip wraps around your knee, neck, thigh, calf, ankle, or wrist — and drapes over a shoulder, low back, or glutes. Weighted 2 lbs, 3 heat settings up to 150°F, automatic moist heat without water, 25-minute auto shutoff, 10-foot cord. The same pad as the Liberty 177, at a lower price. $55.99.
This is the first heating pad I've purchased and I did some thorough research before settling on this one — I absolutely love it! The cord is long, it can attach around my knee, thigh, calf, or neck. It can also be draped over my shoulder or glutes and even on my low back! It has three heat settings: Low, Medium, and High. I've not tried the high heat setting though medium provides more than adequate heat for my needs. This version has piqued my interest in their other models but I highly recommend this one!
Our Take: The MaxHEAT 177 is the best-value petite Thermophore — the same pad as the Liberty 177 at $2 less. At 4" × 17" it is more versatile than its size suggests: the narrow strip wraps around a knee, neck, thigh, or calf, and drapes over a shoulder, low back, or glutes. The review above captures this perfectly — one pad, many body areas. At 2 lbs it is lighter than the 4 lb large models but still weighted enough to maintain solid body contact. It reaches up to 150°F — slightly cooler than the large models because it is designed for sensitive areas where lower temperatures are safer. Same 3 heat settings, same 25-minute auto shutoff, same automatic moist heat from the fleece cover. At $55.99 it is the lowest-priced petite with a 3-setting switch. If you want USA assembly, the Liberty 177 is $57.99. If you want the Moisture-Plus cover for dry climates, the MaxHEAT Plus 377 is $68.79.
Why You'd Choose the MaxHEAT 177
- The lowest-priced petite Thermophore with a 3-setting switch. Same pad as the Liberty 177 ($57.99) — same size, weight, heat, and features. The only difference is assembly location.
- The 4" × 17" strip wraps around a knee, neck, thigh, calf, ankle, or wrist. It drapes over a shoulder, low back, or glutes. One pad, many use cases. Customers are often surprised by how many areas this petite pad can reach.
- Three temperature levels let you dial in the right amount of heat. Many users find Medium provides more than adequate heat. Start on Low for sensitive areas like the neck, then step up as tolerated. Stays on hands-free until the 25-minute auto shutoff.
- The petite models reach up to 150°F — slightly cooler than the large models. This is by design: the neck, knee, and smaller joints are more heat-sensitive. Still dramatically hotter than many generic drugstore pads.
- At 2 pounds the petite pad maintains solid body contact on smaller areas. The weight helps it stay in place when draped over a shoulder or low back.
- The 10-foot cord gives you plenty of reach from the outlet to wherever you are using the pad — on the couch, in bed, or in a recliner.
- The fleece cover absorbs humidity from the air and the pad's heat converts it to therapeutic steam. Moist heat penetrates deeper than dry heat — without adding water, spray bottles, or damp towels.
- The MaxHEAT 177 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
- Knee pain, thigh, and calf — wraps around the joint or muscle
- Neck pain and cervical tension
- Shoulder — drapes over for targeted heat
- Low back and glutes — targeted coverage for smaller areas
- TMJ or jaw pain and sinus pressure
- Small joints — ankle, wrist, elbow
- First-time Thermophore buyers — great entry point to the brand
You May Prefer a Different Model If…
- You want USA assembly in the same pad → Liberty 177 — $57.99, assembled in Indiana.
- You want the Moisture-Plus cover for dry climates → MaxHEAT Plus 377 — $68.79.
- You want press-and-hold manual control → Liberty 077 — $55.99, USA assembled.
- You need wider coverage for neck and both shoulders → MaxHEAT Neck & Shoulders — $118.99.
- You need full back coverage → MaxHEAT 155 (14" × 27") — $63.97.
MaxHEAT 177 — Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | MaxHEAT 177 |
| Line | MaxHEAT |
| Size | 4" × 17" (Petite) |
| Best for | Neck, knee, shoulder, thigh, calf, low back, ankle, wrist, jaw |
| Weight | 2 lbs |
| Max temperature | Up to 150°F |
| Heat settings | 3 (Low / Medium / High) |
| 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) |
Petite Pad Comparison — Which Is Right?
All petite 4" × 17" Thermophore pads. The difference is switch type, cover, and assembly.
| Feature | MaxHEAT 177 ★ | Liberty 177 | Liberty 077 | MH Plus 377 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 4" × 17" | 4" × 17" | 4" × 17" | 4" × 17" |
| Switch type | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) | Press & hold (manual) | 3-setting (Low/Med/High) |
| Cover type | Standard fleece | Standard fleece | Standard fleece | Moisture-Plus |
| Max temp | Up to 150°F | Up to 150°F | 150–165°F | 150–165°F |
| Assembled in | China | USA | USA | China |
| Price | $55.99 | $57.99 | $55.99 | $68.79 |
| Shop | ★ This Product | Shop Liberty 177 | Shop Liberty 077 | Shop MH Plus 377 |
All petite models: 4" × 17", 2 lbs, automatic moist heat, 10-ft cord, 2-year warranty, HSA/FSA eligible. Prices are current Thermophore.com prices and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MaxHEAT 177 designed for?
The MaxHEAT 177 is a petite 4 by 17 inch pad designed for the neck, cervical spine, jaw, sinuses, and small joints like the knee, elbow, ankle, or wrist. The narrow strip shape wraps around these areas for targeted heat therapy. It can also be draped over a shoulder, placed on the low back, or wrapped around a thigh or calf.
What is the difference between the MaxHEAT 177 and the Liberty 177?
The MaxHEAT 177 and Liberty 177 are the same pad with the same features: 4 by 17 inches, 2 pounds, 3 heat settings, up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, 25-minute auto shutoff, and automatic moist heat. The only difference is where they are assembled. The MaxHEAT 177 is assembled in China at $55.99. The Liberty 177 is assembled in the USA at $57.99. Both carry the same 2-year warranty.
What temperature does the MaxHEAT 177 reach?
The MaxHEAT 177 reaches up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit with three heat settings: Low, Medium, and High. The petite models run slightly cooler than the large models because they are designed for sensitive areas like the neck, jaw, and knee where lower temperatures are safer and more comfortable.
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.
Can the MaxHEAT 177 wrap around a knee or thigh?
Yes. The 4 by 17 inch strip is long enough to wrap around a knee, thigh, calf, or neck. It can also be draped over a shoulder or placed on the low back or glutes. The narrow shape makes it one of the most versatile Thermophore pads because it conforms to so many different body areas.
Is the Thermophore MaxHEAT 177 HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. The Thermophore MaxHEAT Model 177 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 or wrapped around the body area being treated. Laying on a heating pad can trap heat against the skin and increase the risk of burns.
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.