Maximising Battery Life - 9v 1200mAh Lithium powering a 5v Heatpad

Show your battery - converting 9V to 5 may b not efficient, your pad is taking to much current from that why your battery is geting hot = battery is overloaded,replace relay by MOSFET= minimum current consumption.

  1. Use Heating Pad rated for 3.7V and 18650 battery - no voltage converter.
  2. 5V USB Power Bank - voltage converter in it is the most efficient.