Huh. I didn't think this was possible.

They just don't make them like they used to either!!!

Oh, I've worn out several, including the one I have at work right now (this one is the first one whose light has gone out on the controller).  If you buy some of the Kaz deluxe ones, they have a lifetime warranty, but they don't always replace them with another deluxe one.  Once, they gave us a new deluxe and once they sent us a smaller one with a shorter warranty. 

It does seem that heating pads don't last long...I agree with Nanners.. the best ones are the rice or the corn..

hugs

I don't think thats true Ivy. I use mine so hot, that I am pretty sure that the heat would kill any kind of bacteria on them. I actually burn thru my bags fairly quickly so I am pretty sure that there isn't enough time for any bacteria to build up. The only hand spanking I get from my doc is because I have marks on my stomach from the bags, and he is always telling me to put a towel around them, which I already do:) I am literally addicted to the things, they work better than pain meds sometimes. JMHO Hugs! :)

If it's not hot enough to burn you, it's probably not hot enough to burn bacteria. If they last a while, it couldn't hurt to wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe or something. If they're only there for a few days, I wouldn't worry about it.