Plan ahead to use this..
After being plugged in for an hour and set to the highest setting, it has only heated up to 143 degrees.  The highest setting is 158 and I'm not sure how much longer it'd take to get there. I think the thermometer on the controller is accurate since the temperature drops when I lay on it.<br /><br />This heating pad is made PU leather and is big.  The entire pad itself is 28" x 17-3/8" but the heated area with stones is only 19" x 11".  This is a large mat that I don't see really working well for your neck and shoulders since you can't contour it around that area well.  If you lay on it so it's touching the back of your neck and shoulders, I guess technically it's hitting those areas....<br /><br />The manual says not to put directly on skin and to use a towel as a protective layer but I can't imagine how long it would take to heat the pad and the towel for you to really feel it.  Maybe if you're sleeping on it, that's necessary but it's not that hot to the touch.  It is a nice warmth when laying on it with a standard tshirt.
Rating: 4 stars