Heat Pad from Amazon almost burnt me then died

[Deleted User]

I bought a heat pad from Amazon. It arrived 3 days ago. I have problems with painful back spasms and when it arrived it seemed brilliant, it really did help.

But more and more I noticed it wasn't heating at the same temperature. It would seem to go almost cold for long periods in the 90 minute cycle.

Then today I plugged it in, it became warm, then hot, then so hot it was painful and I removed it.

It now is dead, won't heat at all.

I am certain I can get my money back from Amazon, that isn't the issue. What I am concerned about is what happens if it is unsafe to use. I do mean it became so hot it was unbearable, it hurt. Can I send it anywhere to be tested?I am more concerned about the safety of other buyers than getting my money back.

brendon

You say you were using the product for your back? You wouldn't happen to be leaning on it would you, like between a chair? My understanding is these products are designed to have one side exposed to the air, and so would probably have their temperature tuned assuming that one side was exposed.

George_Michael

deannatrois wrote: »

But more and more I noticed it wasn't heating at the same temperature. It would seem to go almost cold for long periods in the 90 minute cycle.

Then today I plugged it in, it became warm, then hot, then so hot it was painful and I removed it.

As you were clearly aware of the fact that it wasn't working correctly, why on earth did you keep using it?

[Deleted User]

Good point. Oh well.

I didn't 'keep' on using it lol, not having used one before, I thought the lowering of temperature was normal. It wasn't until it became too hot I thought ok, this can't be right.., and of course I took it off lol.

InsideInsurance

Any decent retailer/ manufacturer will review returned items to determine cause of failure so there really isnt much point you incurring costs getting it inspected.

For example any third party Apple authorised repairer has to return all defective parts back to Apple after replacing them even outside of warranty for diagnostics

arcon5

Report it to trading standards. If this is one of many complaints they will likely investigate.

unholyangel

deannatrois wrote: »

Good point. Oh well.

I didn't 'keep' on using it lol, not having used one before, I thought the lowering of temperature was normal. It wasn't until it became too hot I thought ok, this can't be right.., and of course I took it off lol.

It is normal - at least for the 3 I've owned over the last 10 years.

Heats up until almost hot enough to burn then cuts out and cools down. Once it reaches a certain temperature, it heats up again. Wash, rinse, repeat.

However they aren't meant to be put right next to skin. They're meant to be used with a cover (most come with one) and with the user wearing clothes (or at least I presume so as without either of the above....its far too hot to use).

I can also suggest an alternative. Moor mud packs. I got a few from lidl a few years back (big one which covers my entire back/shoulders was £7.99 and small one which covers small of my back was £3.99). Best thing I've ever had for back pain. Can heat them up in micro/oven or cool them in fridge/freezer.

Usually takes small one 2-3 mins to heat up in microwave and even 8 hours later it will still be warm!