The Thermophore^® Automatic Moist Heat Pack^™ is an unusual pain-relieving product. It provides a convenient way for the user to control the application of intense, moist heat directly to painful areas with the flick of a switch, for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Because the Thermophore pack is so different from the ordinary heating pad or hot towel treatment many people have tried, we frequently are asked how it provides such remarkably effective temporary pain relief. Here are the questions we hear most often:

Why is moist heat more effective than dry heat in relieving pain?
It has been proven that water is a more effective conductor of heat than air. In addition, body tissues are able to tolerate moist heat at a higher temperature than dry heat. As this intense heat penetrates painful body tissues, blood vessels dilate, increasing the circulation in the area. The increased blood flow relieves inflammation, brings additional oxygen, carries away toxins and waste for healing, and provides relief from pain. The Thermophore pack makes a hot fomentation compress without adding water, using drippy towels or soaking in a tub, to provide temporary relief from pain. It eases the cycle of pain and muscle spasm to allow for more natural movement and comfortable rest. It is especially effective in providing relief from the pain of arthritis, back or neck pain, muscle strains or respiratory congestion.

Where does the moisture come from?
Each Thermophore unit has a specially woven flannel cover. During storage, this cover traps moisture from the atmosphere in the air spaces between the textile strands. When the special safety switch is activated, the Thermophore pack becomes intensely hot very quickly. Through a hygroscopic action, the moisture moves away from the source of heat to the cooler body tissue. When properly applied, a layer of moisture is produced between the Thermophore pack and the body to effectively transfer heat directly to the painful area.

Is it necessary to add moisture to the Thermophore Pack?
No, you add nothing. Simply place the Thermophore pack on the affected body area, depress the switch, and within moments, intense moist heat will penetrate tissues to relieve pain. In some regions of extremely low humidity, it may be necessary to store the Thermophore in a humidified room. In particularly dry situations, a stupe cover has been developed to provide moisture directly to the flannel cover.

Why does the Thermophore Pack get so hot?
For best results, the painful tissues need to be heated enough to greatly increase the circulation of blood, reduce inflammation and relieve muscle spasm. This increased circulation brings fresh blood cells and speeds up the healing action. The momentary switch allows the Thermophore heat to be controlled by the patient for maximum safety, comfort and benefit.

Why is the Thermophore Pack so much heavier than ordinary heating pads?
To relieve aches and pains with hot fomentation treatments, it is necessary for the heat to effectively transfer deeply into body tissues. To make the Thermophore pack more efficient, we have positioned weights to cause the Thermophore pack to conform to body contours. This reduces air spaces between the Thermophore hot pack and body, so more heat is transmitted to the body tissues. Ordinary stiff plastic heating pads leave air pockets, which result in uneven transfer of heat.

Why doesn’t the Thermophore Pack have a three-heat switch?
To be effective, moist heat fomentations must be intensely hot. A low or medium heat simply isn’t hot enough to produce the pain-relieving effects of the Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pack. Any product with low or medium switch settings is not designed to produce its own moisture, and will not equal the effectiveness of the Thermophore.

Why does the Thermophore Pack have a special, spring-loaded switch?
The Thermophore pack treatment is so soothing and relaxing that users often doze off as their pain and tension eases. If the user does fall asleep, their hand will relax, automatically turning the unit off. No other product has a safety switch quite like the Thermophore Pack. The Thermophore pack also has heavy-duty "strain relief" areas molded on each side of the switch for added durability.

How often can fomentations be applied?
Beneficial results continue for several hours after each treatment. If needed, the Thermophore Pack can be applied two or three time daily at intervals of six to eight hours. Maximum results are obtained within thirty minutes, and treatments should not last longer unless prescribed by your physician.

Why not just buy an ordinary heating pad instead of paying so much more for a Thermophore unit?
An ordinary heating pad is not hot enough to provide the same level of comfort and temporary pain relief as the Thermophore. A Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pack is a hot fomentation product and it is viewed as a medical device by medical professionals. An ordinary heating pad will keep you warm and help you relax, but it will not penetrate deeply into tissue and will not be as effective as a Thermophore Hot Pack. If you suffer from pain that interferes with your life or keeps you from getting a good night’s rest, you will be grateful that you invested in the comfort, pain relief and relaxation of a genuine Battle Creek^® Thermophore^® Automatic Moist Heat Pack^™.

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