My Experience With Heated Mattress Pad And Heated Blanket
As someone who lives in a cold climate, I’m always looking for ways to stay warm and cozy at night. Recently, I decided to invest in a heated bedding option and found myself stuck between two popular choices: a heated mattress pad and a heated blanket. After doing some research and trying both options out for myself, I’ve come to some conclusions about which one is right for me. Here’s what I found:
Heated Mattress Pad Vs Heated Blanket: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into the pros and cons of each option, it’s important to understand the main differences between a heated mattress pad and a heated blanket. Simply put, a heated mattress pad goes directly on top of your mattress and is held in place by elastic corners, while a heated blanket is draped over your body like a traditional blanket. Both options come in a range of sizes and temperature settings, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Heated Mattress Pad
A heated mattress pad is designed to warm up your bed before you get into it and keep you cozy throughout the night. Because it’s placed directly on top of your mattress, it provides even, consistent heat across your entire body. It’s also a great option for those who tend to get chilly at night but don’t want to sleep with a lot of extra blankets on top of them.
Heated Blanket
A heated blanket, on the other hand, is designed to be draped over your body like a traditional blanket. It’s great for snuggling up on the couch or adding an extra layer of warmth to your bed. Because it’s not directly on top of your mattress, it may not provide as much overall warmth as a heated mattress pad, but it can be a good option for those who only need a little extra heat.
Step-by-Step Guide for Choosing Between a Heated Mattress Pad and a Heated Blanket
If you’re trying to decide between a heated mattress pad and a heated blanket, here are some steps to help you make the right choice:
- Consider your personal needs: Do you get cold easily or just need a little extra warmth?
- Think about where you’ll be using the heated bedding: Will it be on your bed or on the couch?
- Determine your budget: Heated bedding can be a bit pricey, so make sure you’re willing to spend the money.
- Read reviews: Look for reviews from people who have used both options to see what they recommend.
- Try before you buy: If possible, test out both options in-store to see which one feels more comfortable to you.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Using Heated Mattress Pads and Heated Blankets
Whether you choose a heated mattress pad or a heated blanket, here are some tips for getting the most out of your purchase:
- Start on a low heat setting and gradually increase until you find your desired temperature.
- Use a timer to automatically turn off your heated bedding after a certain amount of time.
- Invest in a dual-control heated mattress pad if you sleep with a partner who prefers a different temperature.
- Choose a heated blanket with a soft, cozy material like fleece or microfiber.
- Use a heated throw blanket to warm up a specific area of your body, like your feet or legs.
- Wash your heated bedding according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it clean and functioning properly.
- Consider using a heated mattress pad to warm up your bed before you get in, then switch to a heated blanket for added warmth throughout the night.
- Experiment with different temperature settings until you find the one that feels most comfortable to you.
- Avoid sleeping with a heated blanket or mattress pad on high, as this can be a fire hazard.
- Keep your heated bedding stored safely and away from flammable materials when not in use.
Pros and Cons of Heated Mattress Pads and Heated Blankets
Both heated mattress pads and heated blankets have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider both options before making a purchase.
Pros of Heated Mattress Pads:
- Provides even, consistent heat across your entire body
- Great for those who get cold easily at night
- Can be used to warm up your bed before you get in
- Some options come with dual controls for couples with different temperature preferences
Cons of Heated Mattress Pads:
- Can be expensive
- May not be as portable as a heated blanket
- Requires a bit of setup to get it on your bed
Pros of Heated Blankets:
- Can be used to warm up a specific area of your body, like your feet or legs
- Great for snuggling up on the couch
- More portable than a heated mattress pad
- Can be less expensive than a heated mattress pad
Cons of Heated Blankets:
- May not provide as much overall warmth as a heated mattress pad
- Some options may not be as durable as a heated mattress pad
- Requires you to manually drape it over your body, which may be less convenient than a heated mattress pad
My Personal Review and Suggestion on Heated Mattress Pads and Heated Blankets
After trying both options out for myself, I ultimately decided to go with a heated mattress pad. While I do appreciate the portability of a heated blanket, I found that the even, consistent warmth of the mattress pad was more comfortable for me. I also liked that I could set it to warm up my bed before I got in, so I didn’t have to wait for it to heat up while I was already in bed.
That being said, I think both options have their merits depending on your personal needs and preferences. If you’re someone who only needs a little extra warmth, a heated blanket may be the way to go. If you tend to get chilly throughout the night and want a more consistent source of heat, a heated mattress pad may be a better fit.
FAQs
Q: Are heated mattress pads safe to use?
A: Yes, as long as you use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t sleep with them on high heat settings. Be sure to unplug your heated bedding when not in use to avoid any potential fire hazards.
Q: Can I use a heated blanket on my bed?
A: Yes, you can use a heated blanket on your bed, but it may not provide as much overall warmth as a heated mattress pad. If you do choose to use a heated blanket on your bed, make sure it’s large enough to cover your entire body and that you don’t sleep with it on high heat settings.
Q: How do I clean my heated bedding?
A: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your heated bedding, as different materials and brands may have different cleaning requirements. In general, it’s best to wash your heated bedding on a gentle cycle in cold water and hang it up to air dry.