DocumentationCan You Heat a Bed Buddy Without a Microwave?
We do not recommend heating a Bed Buddy any way except the microwave method on your tag. Here is why, and what to use instead.
Quick answer
We do not recommend it. Bed Buddy wraps are designed to be heated in a microwave, following the time on the tag. An oven, stovetop, hair dryer, hot water bath or heating pad can overheat the filling or fabric and cause burns or damage.
Applies to: all Bed Buddy heat wraps. The tag on your model is the only heating method we describe.
Why only the microwave
Heating times on our tags are written for microwave ovens at set wattages. Other heat sources are harder to control and do not match any instructions we have.
| Method | Our view | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave, per your tag | Recommended | Times are published by model and wattage |
| Conventional oven | Not recommended | Dry heat for too long can scorch the filling and fabric |
| Stovetop or boiling water | Not recommended | Wet wrap, uneven heat, scalding risk |
| Hair dryer or heater | Not recommended | Uneven heat that is hard to control |
| Another heating pad on top | Not recommended | Sustained heat can overheat the wrap |
| Microwave convection mode | Do not use | Our guidance is microwave power only |
If you do not have a microwave
Here are some safer ideas.
- Use the wrap cold. Our hot and cold wraps can go in the freezer and work as a cold compress. See how to use your Bed Buddy cold.
- Warm the room, not the wrap. A cozy blanket or warm bath are gentle options.
- Ask a friend or workplace to share a microwave, then carry the wrap with you. It will stay warm for a while.
If your microwave stops working
Check that the wrap has not been left half-heated. Let it cool completely before you move it or try again. If you smell scorching, do not use it.
Warning: Never leave a heating wrap unattended, and never use any heat source on a wrap that is damp. If you are not sure whether a wrap is safe to use, replace it.
Related guides
Do You Add Water to a Bed Buddy?
No. Our Original Bed Buddy wrap needs no added water in the microwave. Here is why, and what to do if your model's instructions look different.
How to Clean Your Bed Buddy
Clean a grain-filled Bed Buddy by wiping with a damp cloth and letting it dry fully. Never soak it or put it in a washing machine.