At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to try ReliefHeat smart heat wrap ($99). I had just spent about eight hours flying to Vegas, so my back was sore and this was just what the doctor ordered. In fact, I might have given ReliefHeat an iPhone Life Best of CES 2020 award, but the company didn't have a formal booth at CES, just an exhibit at one of the evening events for the press. Still, it was a great example of smartphone technology that meets the everyday needs of consumers.
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The ReliefHeat wrap comes in two sizes, one for 20-to-40-inch waists and one for 40-to-60-inch waists, so order correctly. It uses Velcro-style hook and loop closure to rest as tightly or loose as you want. The material is perforated fabric that is quite comfortable to wear for extended times, even during a workout. The big advantage of the ReliefHeat is the app-controlled temperature and duration. You can choose 100 degrees for basic warmth or go to 150 degrees or higher if you really want to feel it. Just don't wear it against your bare skin as it can get quite hot. You can also set the duration from just five minutes to a half hour or more. The battery life is rated at three hours but that's at a lower temperature, like 100 degrees. If you use a higher temperature, expect to get 1.5 to 2 hours of usage.
The wrap uses an included USB-C adapter to recharge and that doesn't take long, but you cannot wear and use the unit while it is charging. I found the app to be simple and clean. You can set it and forget it so you don't have to keep the app open to keep the ReliefHeat working. It will turn off on its own after the specified duration ends, or it runs out of power, and you will get a notification.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable
- Easy to use app
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Need to order for 22-40 inch waist or 40-60
- Battery life closer to 2 hours than 3
- Cannot wear while charging
Final Verdict
The ReliefHeat is a great combination of heat therapy and a cool app. If you experience lower back pain, the ReliefHeat smart heat wrap gives you control in the way a traditional heating blanket can't.
