Community Chat

[fthunt]

Funny you ask just as I bought one!   I always had one years ago but got away from it.  (i.e., husband)   LOL    I say....don't buy cheap - they pill, wires are obvious, etc.    I just did my homework and decided on Beauty Rest from Amazon.  Queen, dual control just over $100.  And it IS a Beauty - rather substantial, ribbed soft on the top side, 4 colors to choose - and digital nightstand control with ample selections - preheat, etc.   I'm tickled with it.  Ummm, it's getting colder here w/snow.

[wonderfulworld]

I have used one on my bed for years. I have read that there is some concern about the electromagnetic waves they emit. You can research it yourself. I always purchase one that has a voltage adaptation that lowers the voltage or something like that.

I will have to say they do not warm up quite as hot.

[Imadickens]

My dh holds the #1 certificate in NYState as Arson investigator. As soon as he completed all his training he got rid of all our electric blankets! He said we were wrapping our bodies in all the coils with electricity coursing through them which could be dangerous! At first I missed them. I got a good hot water bottle and took it to bed with me instead. Much safer! Aside from fire danger, I'm not happy with the electricity constantly wrapped around my body! Same reason not to live near power lines!

Look, I'm sure they are quite safe, especially 37 years later, but I figure I might as well do what I can to stay healthy! Of course, I don't get cold any more so now it's easy!

[Moonchilde]

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@SXMGirl wrote:

I have both an electric blanket and an electric mattress pad.  For someone who is always cold, I would start with the mattress pad.  One item that I would suggest is dual temp controls.  Even if the person is alone, being able to have different settings can make for a more comfortable bed.  I would also look for a large variety in the control settings.

Depending on the person's age, you might want to help them set the blanket/mattress pad up.  Sometimes it can be difficult to connect the blanket/pad with the controls, especially is they have arthritis or any type of hand coordination difficulty.

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Excellent idea to help with setup. Even if they're not elderly, two sets of hands would make it easy peasy.

[phoenixbrd]

I have a mattress pad.  It has dual controls, 5 temperature selections, and automatically turns off.  It is so decadent...I feel so spoiled.  When I get in the shower at night, I turn on the controls and I so quickly fall asleep in my preheated toasty bed. I appreciate the small pleasures in life.  However I suspect, if I do the research it might not be the healthiest choice.  

[seaBreeze]

JewelryWisher gave you good advice, and here's mine (I turn it on only to 'warm the bed', then shut off once in bed):

Electromagnetic Fields

An electromagnetic field is created around any item that uses electricity, including electric blankets, according to Joseph Mercola, D.O. Appliances such as electric blankets typically produce extremely low frequency, or ELF, fields. There is disagreement about the effects of ELF fields, but Mercola suggests that the extended exposure to these fields that accompany the use of electric blankets may cause negative health effects, including an increased risk of cancer. Because of the close proximity to the body, the electromagnetic field of an electric blanket can penetrate the body several inches for hours at a time. The electromagnetic field may also cause problems to the fetuses of pregnant women who use electric blankets.

[Lilysmom]

Just a note for those thinking of a heated mattress pad.  You are not supposed to use a heated mattress pad with a memory foam topper.  

I have both an electric blanket and an electric throw.  If I were buying for an elderly or infirm person, I would go for a throw.  Easier to manage.  I love to curl under one or the other but just til I'm warmed up.   LM

[Drythe]

Just to add to the mix.  I am always cold too.  But the best solution I've found is an electric foot warmer.  Goes between the sheets and mattress  pad.  If my feet are warm I'm OK, and I worry less about those electromagnetic waves.

The size I have is @ 24" X 48" - goes all the way across the foot of the bed.

*****  WARNING!   THIS IS A CAT MAGNET !  *****

[Mom2Dogs]

I love my electric blanket and use it every night once it gets cold.

If this person shares a bed you would want dual controls.

We sleep in a cold room so when I crawl into bed the sheets are nice and warm.  DH controls his own side...I like a warmer bed than he does, but usually by morning I have shut the controls off sometime during the night.

I have had a mattress pad warmer but it did not last long and I prefer the electric blanket.

[Noel7]

I've had electric blankets over the years and have been using one every night for the past couple of nights.

I never had cold feet when I was younger, I do now, plus I don't warm up easily.  We don't keep a heater on at night, neither one of us sleep well that way.

I like being able to warm the sheets and bedding before I get in and keep it on low if it's really cold.

I made the mistake of getting a heavy one from Costco two years ago, but it sure does the job!  It warms up fast!  I don't like heavy but this one is so good...