Speaking of pyrex, if your casserole dishes explode you can always salvage the liners that are used to keep casseroles warm or cold. I find they work better than any heating pad I have tried.

Infrared Saunas reduced my swelling btw. Very different than a traditional sauna. Anyone that has access to one locally, might want to try one out.

I think the above bears some factchecking (which is somewhat problematical, but there is agreement on the following):

• A Chinese company does not own the Pyrex trademark.
• Pyrex products are manufactured in the U.S. - in Charleroi, Pennsylvania
• The "recipe" change is not recent, and was required by U.S. environmental law.

http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/pyrex.asp
http://stats.org/stories/2009/explod..._oct14_09.html
http://www.pyrexware.com/index.asp?pageId=30&TruthId=2
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...ware/index.htm
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/vall.../s_766181.html

The link above in BOLD (including all internal links) is, IMO, the most informative (detailed) and thoroughly researched (credible).

Doc

I am not speaking from the RSD view. BUT, I have found a heated mattress pad is awesome. They are so much better than an electric heating blankett as you lay on top of the mattress pad and the heat rises. My ex had a bad back and it was wondeful for the muscle pain. Also it covers the entire body and has seperate settings for left or right side of the bed. You can find them on sale at Khol's around the holidays at a resonable price. Also as you dont have the washing/wearing out problems of a heatiing blanket as you are not washing it as frequently as you would the blanket. It is also most awesome for warming up the sheets before you go to bed! So if you are looking for a heating pad, to lay down with. I would highly recommend looking into one of these. Also you can find the microwaveable wraps for neck,back,even a rather large size area pillow type. with beads or rice in them and some even have relaxing scents to them at great prices at most stores like wal-mart or cvs. But if your looking at higher end ones, bed bath and beyond or there is a store in most malls that has those ah-ha gadgets i just cant remember the name sorry. Hope you find what works for you.

Dry heat just intensifies the burning for me but moist heat is good. I've only ever used moist heat at physical therapy, though, so at some point I want to be able to find something I can use at home.