What to Look for in an Electric Blanket

What to Look for in an Electric Blanket

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Electric blankets not only keep you nice and warm in the winter, but they can also help soothe aches and pains, reduce reliance on central heating (and therefore help save you money and help the environment), and they can even boost your mental health so they are a great buy. If you have never owned an electric blanket before, or it’s a while since you’ve shopped for one (and technology does move all the time), you may want some pointers on what to look for. Remember that some aspects are quite subjective and will be down to personal preference but here is a general guide to different features and what you might want to look for when choosing the right one for you:

Fabric

The two most common fabrics for electric blankets are polyester and fleece. Polyester is a really versatile material as it’s soft and washes really well. It’s also cost-effective and tends to be cheaper than other materials without compromising on comfort. Fleece is as you would expect; soft and fluffy, and great for snuggling into on a cold night. It’s usually thicker than polyester so holds heat better but being thinner, polyester can be easier for storage in the summer. Diamond quilted electric blankets are at the luxury end of the range due to how thick and soft they are, and you can even get faux fur ones which can make quite the statement.

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Heat Settings

The main purpose of an electric blanket is to keep you warm, so the heat settings are one of the most important aspects to consider. Most electric blankets are much more sophisticated than a simple ‘on/off’ control these days, with many having multiple settings. The more settings you have, the more versatile it is as it becomes adaptable to the changing temperatures throughout the year. You can even use it in the summer if it turns a little chilly or you want to use it on a very low heat to soothe sore muscles or joints.

‘Fast heat’ settings mean there’s no need to pre-heat – just put it on, go perform your bedtime ablutions and it will be lovely and cosy just a few minutes later.

Single or Dual Controls

If there is only one occupant of the bed, or you both like a similar temperature, then a single control blanket may suit your needs just fine. However, for couples, dual controls can ensure that everyone has it just as they like it. Dual controls allow each person to specify their own temperature independently so both of you can get a great night’s sleep.

Zone Settings

As well as being able to set different temperatures for each side of the bed through dual controls, some also have specific zones at the bottom of the blanket – perfect for anyone who suffers from cold feet in bed!

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Timers

A timer can be a really handy feature if you like the heat to help you drift off to sleep, but don’t necessarily want it on all night. Just set the timer for however long you want it to stay on for and it will turn itself off without disturbing you. A timer can also allow you to set the blanket to come on at a certain time, ensuring it’s up to temperature for when you come up to bed.

Fit

With an electric blanket that you fit over your mattress, you need to know that it will stay in place and be comfortable to lie on. Some have elastic straps to keep it in place but one with an elasticated skirt will usually fit the bed more effectively and keep it in position all night. If you can budget for it, an elastic strap model is always recommended as they snugly fit over your mattress, giving you a smooth, crease-free surface to sleep on.

Hypoallergenic

If you suffer from allergies, a hypoallergenic blanket is ideal as the fabric is designed to be inhospitable for irritants like bed bugs. (Even if you don’t have allergies, this seems like a great idea!).

Energy Use

Electric blankets are actually really economical to run, with some costing just 2p a night. If this means you can turn the heating off a little earlier or turn the thermostat down, this can save you even more plus, of course, using less energy is much better for the environment.

For more information, please visit Double Bed Electric Under Blanket Australia.

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Homefront Premium Fully Fitted Double Size Luxury Fleece Electric Blanket

Price: £79.99

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Price

Prices can vary and tend to rise with the quality of the fabric and the number of functions and features. Think about which features are most important to you. Consider though that a good electric blanket will last for many years so even the premium ones at around £80 will be a good investment if it helps you sleep better and eases any aches and pains throughout the next several winters.

Safety

Electric blankets are very safe as long as you look after them well. Look for additional features like overheat protection that will give you extra peace of mind.

Electric blanket FAQ

 

How to use an electric blanket properly

According to Dr Neil Stanley, an independent sleep expert and author of How to Sleep Well, in order to get a good night’s sleep, you actually have to lose body temperature. It drops throughout the night, the lowest point being about two to four o’clock in the morning.

“My advice is that you need a cool bedroom and a warm bed. Getting into a cold bed may be perceived by your brain and body as a threat, increasing wakefulness.”

Dr Stanley says switching on an electric blanket around half an hour before bed should make it perfectly cosy to get into, letting you drift to sleep naturally, but you should set it to turn off some time after you nod off. All the blankets I tested were able to warm up the bed in 30 minutes or less, costing less than 3p at today’s prices. 

What makes a good electric blanket

Better blankets have elastic skirting but cheaper models use straps, which can be fiddly. More timing options and heat settings can also make a difference. The best electric blankets let you set different temperatures for your upper and lower body (since feet tend to get colder). If you sleep with a partner, look out for the dual control function, which allows one side of the bed to heat up independently to another.

Price-wise, you’re looking at around £40-50 for a basic option; £60-80 for something a little more high-tech; and over £100 for the best blankets. All models tested here are for a double bed, though they come in other sizes, and each is machine-washable. Safety-wise there is very little to worry about, but look out for British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) approval. 

Here’s what I found after several nights testing the best electric blankets, starting with my favourite. (And if you’re looking for other ways to improve your sleep this winter, you could consider upgrading your pillow next).

How does an electric blanket work?

High-resistance wires – these days often made of carbon fibre –  heat up as an electrical current passes through them. The heat is transferred via fireproof plastic coating to the bedlinen itself. Your blanket will come with a plug (or two if it’s dual-control), which usually extends to around a metre or so. Attach it to your mattress via its straps or elastic skirt, place your sheet over it, and then make your bed as usual. Make sure your duvet fully covers the bed so as not to dissipate the heat. 

Then, via the control pad (or your smart phone) you switch it on, and choose between heat settings and – on the better models – select a time.

How safe is an electric blanket?

While old electric blankets were seen as fire hazards, new models simply are not. Your blanket should have passed BEAB checks, and feature auto cut-off or overheat protection. Some are even machine-washable without damaging the product. 

However, Page offers some advice on conduct: “Be careful with liquids in bed, and if your pets sleep in bed with you, that’s a bit of a question mark, just in case they chew the wires.” 

Are there any health benefits?

While health benefits shouldn’t be exaggerated, you might find if you suffer from a condition like arthritis or poor circulation that an electric blanket can alleviate some of the pain.

“We have head people with arthritis or bad backs saying it alleviated those ailments,” says Page. Stanley agrees: “If you have problems with circulation, or medical problems where you are feel cold, it could be beneficial.”

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If you want to learn more, please visit our website Double Bed Electric Under Blanket New Zealand.