We recommend that the electric blanket is placed underneath a fitted sheet (so the direct heat is not against your skin). If you have layers on your bed, such as a mattress topper, underblanket, underquilt etc, in most cases we would recommend: (from the top down): Doona/Quilt/Duvet. Optional loose sheet.
An electric blanket should only ever be positioned over you and the bedding, laying on top of a heated blanket can potentially cause you to overheat and also damage the internal coils.
Don't lie on top of an electric blanket, or you risk damaging the wires. You can purchase a heated mattress pad to lie on, but you should still place that pad on top of the mattress protector and topper.
Most heated mattress covers and fully fitted electric blankets are designed to be used under your duvet, so you can use them with complete confidence.
Unless otherwise stated, all electric blankets should sit on top of underlays/mattress protectors. The undersurface of underlays/mattress protectors are not designed to take intense heat especially if they have a waterproof coating.
✓ Don't put blankets on top of an electric blanket, and don't use an electric blanket and a heating pad at the same time. Heat can become trapped in the bedding layers and cause burns. ✓ Turn off and unplug an electric blanket when it isn't being used.
Electric overblankets, on the other hand, are designs you cuddle up underneath. You can use these underneath your duvet. Most designs are safe to be used inside the duvet cover, but always double check to make sure this is the case. Finally, heated throws are probably the cosiest form of electric blanket.
While a modern, well-maintained electric blanket is unlikely to cause problems with proper use, it is not recommended to keep electric blankets on all night. Instead, it's helpful to use electric blankets to warm up your bed before you get in and turn them off before you fall asleep.
Heated blankets are specifically designed for a comfy night's sleep and sit underneath your sheets and bedding. Some heated blankets fit your mattress like a fitted sheet, while others are easy to put on to keep it secure during the night.
Never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow pressure relief mattress, or use emollient creams. Ask for non-flammable alternatives instead. If your blanket gets wet, don't use it and never switch it on to dry it. Do not buy second-hand electric blankets.
It's recommended that you do not sleep with an electric blanket on. If it is left turned on for a long amount of time, the blanket may overheat and cause severe burns.
Just like any electrical appliance, heated blankets can be a fire hazard. Leaving them on for an extended time can increase the chances of something happening. Fortunately, newer blankets often have an automatic shut-off mechanism to prevent them from overheating.
Whilst your electric blanket can be left on your bed whilst not in use, as the warmer seasons approach, you may want to store your electric blanket. If you do wish to pack the blanket away, it's always best to roll it, as folding the blanket could cause damage to the wires.
Sunbeam announced it is recalling thousands of electric blankets, saying that they can overheat and catch fire. The recall involved 43,000 queen-sized blankets that were sold from September 2022 through January 2023. They were sold online at Amazon and at other small, independent stores nationwide.
Electric bedding should never be used for an infant or someone who is immobile. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, can result in neuropathy, which arises from damage to the peripheral nerves. Neuropathy causes pain, tingling and prickling sensations, most commonly in the feet and hands.
When it comes to muscle pain, joint pain, and back pain, heated blankets can bring sweet relief.
This is what controls the temperature and timer settings of your blanket, so you always want it to be working properly. If your controller is making a buzzing sound, or if it starts to smell like burning, this is a sign that there's a fault with your electric blanket control.
Run a gentle cycle: 'Nearly all modern electric blankets can be washed in your washing machine, but most manufacturers do not recommend a full wash cycle,' continues Nick Woodward. 'Most blankets only need a few minutes' wash on your washer's “delicate” or “gentle” cycle. Followed by a brief rinse and spin cycle.
Heated blankets are primarily used as bedding. Depending on overnight winter temperatures in your home, you can use your heated blanket alone or topped by a duvet or comforter. Since electric blankets are used on beds, they are available in Twin, Full, Queen, and King to coordinate with standard mattress sizes.
If you're using a new electric blanket, the fire hazard risk is minimal. Older electric blankets present a bigger danger. Wire damage and frayed fabric in older electric blankets can spark a house fire.
On the question of over or under, your electric blanket should go under your mattress protector. This will give your electric blanket the same protection as your mattress when it comes to sweat, bodily fluids and other spills and stains.