An electric blanket is a common choice for people who are cold at night, but there are some questions about whether or not you can use an electric blanket with a mattress topper.
You’ve probably heard these horror stories where the blanket made the mattress catch fire. Or you’re just worried the topper lower your blanket’s efficacy, making you waste money.
The answer is: it depends on your bed setup.
There are some mattress toppers that can’t be used with an electric blanket, such as memory foam and latex. However, if you have a more conventional type of mattress pad like a poly-filled pad, you will be okay.
Always consult your mattress topper’s manual to discover if it can be paired with an electric blanket. The manual will also tell you what types of blankets work best with your topper.
In this article, we are going to analyze in which cases you can use an electric blanket with a mattress topper, and why. We will also see some alternative ways of keeping yourself warm in those freezing, stormy nights.
Mattress Toppers and Electric Blankets
It’s best not to use an electric blanket on top of a memory foam or latex mattress topper. Memory foam and latex materials are designed for cool sleepers who don’t need additional bed warmth, so adding too much heat can make things less comfortable.
If your mattress pad is made of poly-fiberfill, then get cozy, but always follow the instructions that come with the topper and electric blanket combination to get the most out of both products.
For example, it may be necessary to turn off your electric blankets in order for warmer air released during use does not affect your pressure points besides making you hotter.
Note: If you want to use an electric blanket on top of your mattress, make sure the blanket is under the fitted sheet and not over it. Avoid placing a heating pad directly against your skin because this may cause discomfort or pain sometimes.
The Mattress Toppers that Best Go with Electric Blankets
The best mattress topper for an electric blanket is a poly-fiberfill pad. It will give you the warmth and softness of memory foam, but it won’t affect sleep if your body temperature rises during use.
An electric blanket should only be used with a poly-fiberfill topper. You can use it on top of memory foam and latex, but make sure the electric blanket is under your fitted sheet and not over-top of it.
Avoid putting a heating pad directly against your skin because this may cause discomfort or pain sometimes.
In conclusion, if you have a poly-fiberfill mattress pad and want to use an electric blanket on it, go ahead! Just make sure the blanket is under your fitted sheet so it’s not over-top of your sleep surface and that you turn off the power when you’re done for best results.
If you have a memory foam or latex mattress topper, you will need an alternative way of warming up your bed. You can use heated mattress pads under the fitted sheet that is plugged into the wall, but they cannot be used with electric blankets because it’s too much heat for these materials.
Note: You also have options like using microwavable heating pads and heatable pillows, which are not as powerful but more affordable.
When You Should Avoid Electric Blankets
You should avoid electric blankets in certain cases, such as when you sweat at night or during summer. If your partner is a hot sleeper, then it’s best for both of you to stick with traditional blanket options.
Electric blankets can also be a health hazard. When an electric blanket is not working properly, it can cause burns or electrocution.
Make sure you purchase quality electric blankets to avoid future health problems and check the warranty before purchasing, so if there are any issues with your blanket, you’ll be covered financially.
Also, here’s a list of things you can do to minimize the risks associated with electric blankets:
- Keep them flat. If they bunch up, the heat will build up inside the extra space created by the bunches, increasing the risk of fire.
- Keep the blanket empty. Put nothing on top of the blanket while it’s eating. We’ve heard horror stories of phones catching fire while on them.
- Turn the blanket off before getting under it. Don’t leave it on while you’re sleeping and you’re wrapped in it.
- Don’t wash it in the washing machine. Read the manual and follow the instructions there.
Also Read: Side Effects of Electric Blankets (And Who Shouldn’t Use Them)
Alternatives to Electric Blankets
Electric blankets aren’t the only thing you can use to keep yourself warm at night.
Here are some alternatives to consider:
Add more blankets
This is what our grandparents did. They didn’t have all the modern life luxuries we do. But realistically, do we even need them?
Adding more blankets is both effective and cheap. It’s also more sustainable than any other solution, since it won’t make you use more electricity.
The biggest downside is that keeping more layers gets heavy quick. So if you’re a restless sleeper, this may not be the best option for you.
Electric Mattress Pads
If you don’t want to use an electric blanket, there are also electric mattress pads that can be used on top of your bed. These give the same warmth as a traditional blanket but work with electricity instead.
You may need to get over one pad if they’re not large enough to cover the complete bed, but this is a good choice if you’re looking to save money and don’t need extra warmth throughout.
A heating pad is better suited for sore muscles or injuries like arthritis pain (which can be exacerbated by heat).
It’s also important to consider how the heating pad will affect your sleep. For example, if you’re a warm sleeper who gets too hot easily or someone with night sweats, it may make sense not to use a heating pad at all and keep some other options on hand.
Use an Electric Heater
Another suitable alternative to electric blankets is a heater. You can find different styles and sizes of heaters, from stand-up models that work well for larger spaces like the bedroom or office to tabletop models you might use if you have limited space around your bed.
Besides being useful during colder nights, heaters are often helpful on particularly chilly days during the winter.
You can also use a space heater on your bed if you want to keep just one part of the room warm, or have it off to the side but close enough for warmth. Regardless of which model is right for you, be sure to follow all safety information provided by the manufacturer and take care not to burn yourself on the heater.
Hot Water Bottles
Hot water bottles are another great way to keep warm. These can be as cheap or expensive as you like, but if your heater isn’t working properly, then this is a suitable alternative that will heat the bed space rather than just the blanket itself. Just place one of these under your fitted sheet where it covers most of your body and enjoy the warmth.
Foot Warmers
Not everyone’s feet get cold at night, but if they do, then these are a good thing to invest in. You can use them on their own or along with other heat sources such as hot water bottles, heated mattress pads and electric blankets for extra warmth where it matters most.
Don’t have foot warmers? Socks do the same thing. They’ll still help you with vase-constriction and keep your feet warm. Wearing socks to bed is perfectly fine. There are no risks associated with it.
Candles
Didn’t expect this one, did you?
Candles are another affordable option if you don’t want to use electricity but still need some warmth at night, although they’re not the safest choice by any means.
You can also try using tea lights or electric candles for a safer alternative that’ll help make the room feel cozier without increasing risk. Although of course they don’t offer as much heat, they might be just enough to fall asleep. Plus, you can get some nice smelling ones.
On the Go?
If you’re traveling and don’t have a heating pad or blanket available, there are some other ways to keep warm.
We already mentioned hot water bottles. They are an old-fashioned way of staying warm at night, and they are very portable.
You can also use a waterproof mattress pad protector to keep yourself warm while you sleep on your hotel room’s bedding. This is especially helpful if they don’t provide extra blankets or heating pads for their guests. You can then bring it back home with you when you’re done traveling.
Conclusions
Is an electric blanket recommended with a mattress topper? In short, it depends on the model of your mattress and what you’re looking for.
All heat sources work differently, so if you’re not sure which one is best suited to your needs, then will do more research before making a purchase. That way, you can get something you’ll be happy with for years to come.
We offered many alternative solutions in this article. Our suggestion is to start with the easiest ones to implement. If these don’t work well enough, move onto the more expensive solutions.
Sleep is a personal experience. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to it. There are people who can sleep without issue in the harshest conditions. And there are people who need a perfect atmosphere to fall asleep.
You can’t do much about it. What you can do is do your best to recreate your ideal conditions before sleep.
Also Read: Can You Fill an Air Mattress with Water (Genius or Crazy?)
