The U.S. Heating Pads Market Size, Share & Growth Analysis Report By Product (Electric, Microwavable), By Application, By Age Group, By Gender, By Distribution Channel - Forecast 2024-2029

U.S. Heating Pads Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029

UNITED STATES HEATING PADS MARKET SIZE

The U.S. heating pads market was valued at USD 544.76 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 668.81 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.48% during the forecast period. The U.S. heating pads market is growing significantly due to the growing demand for cordless heating pads, increasing demand for senior-friendly heating pads, growing demand for infrared heating pads, growing prevalence of chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders, growing incidence of sports injuries, expanding distribution channel, and availability & convenience of heating pads.

MARKET DEFINITION

The heating pad is a heat therapy that promotes consistent circulation throughout the body. The heating pads market is a specific segment within the broader heat therapy market. This includes electric, microwavable, infrared, and chemical heating pads. Heating pads are used to relieve pain, stiffness, and muscle tension. Heating pads are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are made up of various materials and used by both females and males. Heating pads work by converting electrical energy into heat

U.S. HEATING PADS MARKET DYNAMICS

DRIVERS

1. Advances in Heating Pads

The advancement in heating pads is a major trend in the U.S. heating pads market due to various factors, including tech-savvy consumers, a rising focus on pain management, and rising competition among vendors in the U.S. market. In the U.S., people are taking more interest in smart devices to maintain their wellness and health. Heating pads with digital controls or that can connect to apps fit this trend. The new heating pads offer smart control options, targeted therapy, auto-shutoff, and adjustable temperature options. The popularity of infrared heating pads is rising in the U.S. market as they enhance healing by penetrating deeply into the skin. This effect of advanced heating pads is known to have a stronger impact while requiring minimal time to provide pain relief. Thus, advanced heating pads are in demand and cater to different kinds of chronic pain, which helps them gain traction in the U.S. market. In the U.S., chronic pain is becoming a rising concern, and the advancement in heating pads is the best solution to get relief from such pain at home. The rising geriatric population in the U.S. and the increasing number of people suffering from chronic pain increase the demand for faster pain relief for a longer duration. For instance, the geriatric population in the U.S. has reached around 58 million in 2022. With the rising cost of healthcare in the U.S., people prefer such home remedies. These technological advancements make heating pads more user-friendly, effective, and versatile, driving the demand for the U.S. heating pads market during the forecast period.

1. Growing Demand for Cordless Heating Pads

The trend of cordless heating pads is growing significantly in the U.S., with both wireless and battery-operated options available. This trend is driven by versatility, convenience, innovation, safety, and technological advancement. Cordless heating pads provide more movement than traditional corded heating pads. Cordless heating pads reduce the restrictions of corded heating pads due to their length. Cordless heating pads can be used anywhere and are a comfortable option. In the U.S. market, well-established and new vendors are innovating new designs and styles in heating pads to cater to the trend of cordless heating pads. The wearable heating pads can be easily worn on the back and offer targeted pain relief. For instance, Newell Brands offers a wireless heated back wrap uniquely designed for targeted back pain relief. Many companies offer extended battery life for heating pads to ensure’ longer life. Cordless heating pads can be used in various scenarios, such as outdoor picnics and events. Cordless heating pads also reduce the risk of tripping hazards. These cordless heating pads can be cleaned easily and offer comfort, contributing to their rising popularity in the U.S. market. These reasons drive the demand for heating pads in the U.S. market during the forecast period.

1. Growing Prevalence of Chronic Pain Conditions and Musculoskeletal Disorders

The prevalence of chronic pain conditions and musculoskeletal disorders is a driver in the U.S. heating pads market due to the aging population, larger target audience, and rising demand for non-pharmaceutical pain relief solutions. In the U.S., millions of people are facing chronic pain issues, and it is affecting their lives. For instance, in 2021, around 21% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain issues, which accounted for around 20% in 2016, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People are facing various issues, such as back pain, muscle injuries, and arthritis. The heating pads provide an accessible and convenient way to manage pain at home without any medication. As the population ages, there is a rise in various chronic conditions. Older adults can use such heating pads to get relief from chronic conditions. People are choosing heating pads as a safer alternative, as there is no drug use involved in achieving pain relief. Due to the rising awareness about the usage of drugs and their long-term effects on the human body, people prefer a drug-free approach. People in the U.S. focus on maintaining their health by taking more precautions, adopting natural food-eating habits, and increasing exercise activities. The growing awareness about the usage of heating pads and their long-term benefits for human health is expected to increase their demand in the U.S. market during the forecast period.

RESTRAINTS

1. Side Effects of the Heating Pads

The side effects of heating pads can challenge the U.S. market. Heating pads offer various benefits, but a few drawbacks can be challenging, including burns, overuse, and fire risks. The improper use of heating pads, such as for a longer period of use or when using them in high-temperature settings, might cause skin burns. It is a specific concern for people with circulation problems or diabetes. Falling asleep with heating pads or leaving them unattended can be a fire hazard. Relying solely on heating pads for relief might also create a serious underlying condition. Thus, it is necessary to contact a doctor regarding the long-term and continuous use of heating pads. As heating pads emit heat, it might be dangerous to use them improperly. Thus, the side effects of the heating pads may hinder growth in the U.S. market during the forecast period.

Key Developments in Walgreens Boots Alliance and Sunbeam for Future Growth 

1. In 2021, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) announced a majority investment in Shields Health Solutions, a leader in integrated, health system-owned specialty pharmacy care, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Walgreen Co. This partnership will help Walgreens expand its services, with Shields rapidly growing its platform to serve over one million specialty patients across more than 30 disease states and partnering with over 70 health systems nationwide. This move is expected to drive WBA's growth in the coming years. 
2. In 2020, Sunbeam, a prominent brand in heat therapy products, launched the Go Heat Cordless Heating Pad. This innovative device offers portable, faster heat therapy to relieve pain and treat sore muscles, whether at home or on-the-go. Clinically proven to ease muscle tension and stress, the Go Heat pad provides targeted relief within 30 seconds, offering convenience and portability for users seeking effective pain management anytime, anywhere. 

UNITED STATES HEATING PADS MARKET SEGMENT INSIGHTS

PRODUCT TYPE

The U.S. heating pad market is segmented by product type into electric, microwavable, and others. The electric product segment held the largest market share in 2023. The segmental growth is due to affordability, consistent heat generation, and ease of use with the automatic shutoff and temperature control features.

APPLICATION TYPE

The U.S. heating pad market by application is categorized into pain management, injury recovery, and others. The pain management segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR during the forecast period. In the U.S., many people are facing chronic pain issues such as back pain, muscle tension, and arthritis. Thus, heating pads offer a drug-free and convenient pain management solution at home. Around 17 million people in the U.S. are living with high-impact chronic pain, which affects their work life and daily routine. These factors drive the demand for heating pads in the U.S. market.

AGE GROUP TYPE

Based on the age group segment, the 65 & above segment dominates with the largest U.S. heating pad market share. This segment includes most of the senior people experiencing chronic pain conditions like back pain and arthritis. As heating pads offer a drug-free and convenient pain management solution at home, drive the demand for heating pads in the U.S. market during the forecast period. In the U.S., seniors prefer heating pads for pain management in everyday activities or as a part of physical therapy. 1 among 12 adults who have high-impact chronic pain in the U.S. The growing senior population in the U.S. is projected to increase the number of people having chronic pain conditions in the U.S.

GENDER TYPE

Based on gender type, the female segment shows prominent growth, with the highest CAGR of the U.S. heating pad market. It is driving due to various factors, including rising chronic pain & arthritis conditions and growing usage for relieving menstrual cramps & pain. In the U.S., diagnosed with arthritis among women groups is rising significantly. Heating pads are ideal for relieving pain from various chronic pain conditions. Many companies offer plush and soft fabrics and stylish & innovative feature-based heating pads to attract women's groups. The rising awareness about heating pads among women and their benefits for health & wellness drives the demand for them in the U.S. market.

DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

The offline store dominates the U.S. heating pad market share based on the distribution channel. Offline stores segment in the distribution channel segment includes drugstores & pharmacies, department stores, medical supply stores, and specialty stores. Offline stores hold the largest segment in the distribution channel segmentation. As heating pads are tangible products, some people like to see and feel them before buying. As various chronic pain conditions among seniors in the U.S., demand for health & wellness products is rising in the U.S. market. This leads to the demand for offline stores in the U.S. heating pads market. Many healthcare institutions or hospitals are recommending heating pads and prescriptions to relieve various chronic pain conditions.

UNITED STATES HEATING PADS MARKET VENDORS

The U.S. heating pad market report contains exclusive data on 31 vendors. A few key players and the presence of many other prominent vendors fragment the market. The vendors compete in this market with price, features, technology, ease of use, applications, etc. Various companies are offering heating pads for multi-purpose applications along with new features. The new features include advanced heat control, smart technology integration, improved materials for comfort, and combination therapy with vibration or massage. Major players in the market are Bear Down Brands, LLC., Beurer, Conair LLC, Compass Health Brands, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Etsy, Inc., Nature Creation, Newell Brands, Thermalon, and Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Vendors in the market compete through various factors such as pricing, features, technology, ease of use, and application versatility. Many companies are offering multi-purpose heating pads equipped with advanced features, including smart technology integration, improved materials for enhanced comfort, and combination therapy options such as vibration or massage for added relief. 

Established brands are focusing on building consumer trust and leveraging their reputation to maintain their market share. The competition caters to both feature-seeking consumers and budget-conscious shoppers. Companies are increasingly adopting effective marketing campaigns and direct-to-consumer distribution channels to influence purchasing decisions and boost brand awareness, further increasing their presence in the market.