abeles@mhuxm.UUCP (abeles) (03/01/84)
I finally bought a heating pad (for minor backaches, etc.). For several years I had held off, because I once got one which I later returned-- it didn't get hot enough. I was comparing to an old one at home which probably develops 100 watts: at least when I shopped a few years ago, the maximum was 50 watts, evidently limited in this modern age by safety regulations. My question is whether anyone knows if old-fashioned heating pads that work are available anywhere, or whether the feds have succeeded in over-regulating this. With the presently legal pads, it is impossible to get much warmth unless you cover the pad with lots of insulation (towels, etc.) so that the heat can build up. One alternative is the "hydrocollator" which is a thing you throw in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then wrap in a towel and apply to the affected area. This is obviously *very* hot. In fact, there is nothing like it when you need it. But hydrocollators also cool down quickly, meaning constant trips to the stove. Similarly with hot water bottles.