FAQ
Honest answers, including the one about heat not working for everyone. Anything missing? info@thalpea.com.
The patch
How does it work?
Open the pouch and the patch starts warming on its own: iron powder, activated carbon, salt, vermiculite and water reacting with air. Stick it to the outside of your underwear, low on the belly, and get dressed. It is warm within about twenty minutes and stays warm for hours. Take it off before bed.
Is it hot enough? Other patches felt like nothing.
That is the most common complaint about heat patches: they never warm, or they fade in an hour. Before a patch goes in our box we tape a thermometer to it for eight hours and keep the ones that hold their warmth longest without running hot. If yours does not warm, we replace the box.
Does it go on skin?
No. On the outside of your underwear. The fabric layer keeps the warmth in the comfortable range and nothing touches your skin. The adhesive is made for fabric, so it stays put through a commute, a class and a walk. It is not waterproof.
Will anyone see it?
Under jeans, leggings or a dress, no. It is thin and sits flat.
What is in it?
Iron powder, activated carbon, vermiculite, salt, water and a water-absorbing polymer, sealed in a soft non-woven pouch. No medication, no menthol, no herbs, no fragrance.
Does heat even work for me?
Not for everyone. Roughly one in six people say heat does little for their cramps. If that is you, a patch will not change it. If your pain is severe or stops your life, please see a doctor. Heat is comfort, not treatment.
Safety
Can it burn me?
Worn as directed it should not. The rules: on underwear, never on bare skin, never while sleeping, not under a tight waistband, off after eight hours, and take it off at once if it feels too hot. Full warnings are printed on the box.
Who should not use it?
Do not use if you cannot feel heat properly (for example diabetes or nerve damage), have poor circulation, are pregnant, or have a skin condition where the patch would sit. Not for children. Remove before an MRI. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
Can I use it with painkillers?
Yes. Heat is external and drug-free, so it does not interact with medication. Many people use both on day one.
Sizes and boxes
Regular or XL?
Regular is the belly patch, about 13 x 10 cm. XL back wraps are longer, for the days the ache wraps around to your lower back.
How many do I need?
One a day on the worst days. A box of 10 covers about two cycles. The Quarter Box of 20 covers a quarter with spare. The Half-Year Box of 30 is six cycles.
How should I store them?
Sealed in their pouches, at room temperature, out of direct sun. A patch only starts once the pouch is opened. Check the date on the box.
Subscription
How does the subscription work?
Subscribe on the Quarter Box and a new box ships every three months at the lowest price per patch we offer. Skip a shipment or cancel from your account or by emailing us. No minimum term.
Shipping
How fast does it arrive?
Orders ship within 2 business days in a plain mailer, with tracking by email. US delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Shipping is free on 2 or more boxes, or on orders of $44 or more, in every country we ship to. Details in our shipping policy.
Do you ship outside the US?
Where shipping is offered at checkout, yes. Allow 10 to 14 business days. Any import duties or taxes are charged by your country, not by us.
Returns and the guarantee
What is the heat guarantee?
If a patch does not warm, we send a new box. No return, no form. Email your order number and which patch failed.
Can I return a box?
Unopened, sealed boxes can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Opened patches cannot be returned for hygiene reasons. If a box arrives damaged or wrong, tell us within 7 days and we will replace it. Full terms in our refund policy.
Contact
How do I reach you?
info@thalpea.com or +1 (833) 862-0172. We answer within one business day.
