I used to suffer from bad period pains. I did of course visit a doctor for help with this, but the most helpful treatments I used were either hot water bottles, or their portable equivalent, heat soother pads. I do not suffer as often or as badly now, but I still like to have a heat patch always to hand. I formerly bought the Lilets brand most often but I have had trouble buying these recently. When I was looking for an alternative, I came across a brand called Heat Aid. As they were for sale in Poundland, I had some doubt that anything as cheap as that would be affective. I was used to paying £3-4 per patch, whereas the Heat Aid ones cost £1 for two. It was a big saving so I was willling to give them a try.


THE PRODUCT

These patches are not solely for use for menstrual pain. The packet claims that they are easy and discreet to use and that the self warming action will last for up to 12 hours. Like all similar products, there are restrictions about who these are suitable for. It is recommended that pregnant women and those with diabetes seek medical advice first. They are intended only for adults, who should be able to remove the patch themselves if needed, and who do not have sensitive skin. As they grow to be quite hot, I think this advice is very wise.


APPLICATION

The pads are air activated, so they do not begin to feel warm immediately. This makes it easier to position them than it would be if they were hot straight away. They are sealed in a plastic sachet, which is thankfully easy to open. The last thing you want when you are suffering is to struggle to access your pain solution! Each one is about 15cm long, and relatively thin. I would say that they are relatively discreet, but as they are not completely flat, it would be possible to see that they were there under tighter clothing in my opinion. The products that I have used before needed to be stuck directly to the skln. These pads are quite different, as they must be stuck to your clothes and positioned next to the afflicted area. I do prefer this method now I have used it, as I think it provides a little extra protection should they become to a little too warm. It does mean that I have to think about what I will wear when I want to use these. They are self adhesive, but you can't stick them to something flimsy or thin because of the need not to have them in contact with the skin. They do stick firmly and I have not felt as though they are moving around at all, even when I have been working in the garden and moving around a lot. This is reassuring. At the end of the day, they peel off my clothes without causing damage and they don't leave behind any gluey residue as I feared.


FEELING HOT?

At first, there is only a very slight warm feeling. Heat Aid say that the pads will take 30-45 minutes to reach their full temperature. However, I think the process typically takes only 20 minutes or so. The process is gradual, and while they do get hot, it isn't to the point of making me feel uncomfortable. It feels like I am walking around with a comfortable hot water bottle attached to my middle. The heat is pleasant and soothing, and always helps me to feel better. It is something that I would normally wish to use in combination with other pain remedies, as it does not stop the pain and cramping totally. However, the instructions for use state that these should not be used at the same time as painkillers "as you will not be able to feel if the heat pad is becoming uncomfortably hot". I do not find that painkillers I use ever cause my skin to be insensitive to pain or heat, and I wonder if this warning is meant to apply to certain topical creams. I prefer not to risk ignoring advice such as this though, so as a precaution I haven't tried to use the pads alongside pain medication.

You can't use these pads in areas where you would lie or sit on the patch, which would limit their use under some circumstances. For example, I wanted to use one when I had a minor muscle pain in my lower back, but as it was too uncomfortable to lie on my side or front, I couldn't use a patch. They can't be used at night at all, as it is recommended to check them every couple of hours. I haven't experienced any irritation myself, nor added discomfort even after having kept them in place for several hours. The heat remains for at least 8 hours for me, but I have not achieved 12 hours from one patch. Eight hours is usually as long as I want anyway.


WOULD I RECOMMEND THESE PATCHES?

They are very reasonably priced, and actually heat up more and last longer than other more expensive brands I have tried. They are easy to use, and simple to put on and take off. I would recommend them, providing you can position them on your clothing near enough to the area you want to target, and you meet all the usage conditions listed on the packet. I will continue to use them, when my discomfort is not severe enough to need help from painkillers also. For a milder pain, they are very comforting.


[This review also appears on Ciao under my user name.]