Product Review: BEYOND BODIHEAT, A Failure to Ignite

BEYOND BODIHEAT is advertised as an "air activated heat pad that provides continuous, low-level heat." The BEYOND BODIHEAT pad is used to relax sore, aching muscles and to relieve back pain, joint pain, stiff neck and shoulder.

BEYOND BODIHEAT pads are sold in the analgesic or pain reliever section of any over-the-counter health care section of chain pharmacies. Air activated heat pads are marketed near the topical pain relieving creams or arthritis rubs.

Pros
BEYOND BODIHEAT cost is about half the price of the top competitor.

Cons
BEYOND BODIHEAT failed on all counts. It failed to adhere to the skin and failed to attain a therapeutic temperature after waiting triple the time suggested.

The Problem
My husband has been suffering with a lower back pain for weeks and is taking prescription, as well as non-prescription, analgesic and muscle relaxants for relief. Unfortunately, the treatment is not always effective. The pain is aggravated by his work and use of a traditional electric heating pad was out of the question. He would need something that would allow him full mobility for a six-hour shift. I have previously used an air activated heat pad for lower back pain and assumed it would be an adequate treatment for his situation.

Unfortunately, each nationally advertised air activated heat pad can cost about $3.50 and our budget would not accommodate that price point. I discovered a similar product, in similar packaging with a "special reduction price" tag taunting me. The price had been temporarily marked down to $2.49 for four pads. The eBay price for these pads was almost $3.00 for the same package. Being the frugal shopper that I am, and not willing to wait for a shipment, the sale was made.

What is BEYOND BODIHEAT?
BEYOND BODIHEAT 's exclusive formula is indicated on the product packaging and includes iron powder, water, and activated carbon. These materials become hot when exposed to air. They are trapped in a loosely woven web of fabric measuring about four inches by five inches. One side of the heat pad has been covered with an adhesive backing that "keeps the heat where you need it most."

Actual usage
The BEYOND BODIHEAT package claims that the heat pad will heat up within 20 minutes and requires no kneading or shaking. The heat pad must simply be removed from its individual wrapping to activate. However, after waiting 30 minutes, the change in temperature was almost non-detectable.

The packaging further advises that the heat pad not be adhered to the skin, lest it burn the patient. It should be adhered to fabric clothing, worn over the affected area, which would protect the skin. However, the heat pad was only slightly warm so we placed it directly on my husband's skin to maximize the minimal heat. The elastic waste band of his shorts went over the top of the heat pad.

Within five minutes my husband returned to me, with the heat pad in hand and stating that it wasn't going to stay. I pressed my finger against the adhesive surface and it would hardly catch the pull of adhesive. It didn't have enough effectiveness to stick to the tabletop. I also noted that there was no noticeable heat emanating from the heat pad. It had been open for almost one hour.

In every way, the BEYOND BODIHEAT air activated heat pad failed to perform. If I were to be given this product at no cost, it would go in the trash bin.

(BEYOND BODIHEAT is a Registered Trademark of OKAMOTO INDUSTRIES, INC. CORPORATION, JAPAN )

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