During the colder months, many people in the UK find an electric blanket to be a popular addition to their houses. These blankets provide extra warmth that an ordinary blanket might not offer, making them a go-to option for staying cozy. However, the question often arises: should an electric blanket go under or over the mattress protector? This is especially important for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the blanket.
To start, placing your electric blanket beneath the mattress protector is recommended. This placement not only helps to shield the blanket from sweat, bodily fluids, and potential spills, but also adds a layer of protection against dust mites. Products like the Protect-A-Bed mattress protector are designed to be safe with quality-tested electric blankets, ensuring they won’t melt or burn during use. Additionally, this setup helps maintain the blanket’s durability and performance throughout the chilly winter months, offering peace of mind and cozy nights.
What is an Electric Blanket?
An electric blanket is a heated bedding accessory that contains built-in electrical heating elements. It’s designed to provide warmth by delivering controlled heat, allowing you to enjoy a cozy bed even on the coldest nights. With adjustable temperature settings, you can select your preferred level of heat, ensuring comfort tailored to your needs.
These blankets are not only about comfort but also about being cost-effective. Instead of heating your entire home. An electric blanket allows you to stay warm while helping you save money on energy bills. This makes it an ideal solution for those looking to balance warmth and efficiency during the colder seasons.
Are Electric Blankets Safe?
Yes, electric blankets are generally safe to use when proper care and guidance are followed. When purchasing an electric blanket, it’s important to choose a brand new one rather than a second-hand option. As newer models are more likely to include modern overheating protection features. It’s also advisable to check that the blanket has been tested for safety and includes built-in safeguards to prevent overheating, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience.
Can you Sleep with an Electric Blanket On?
While electric blankets provide warmth, it’s not recommended to leave them turned on while sleeping. If you choose to use an electric blanket overnight, ensure it has a thermostatic control or a timer to automatically shut off. Reducing the risk of overheating. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and review the provided information to prevent hazards. Proper care and attention can help avoid potential dangers associated with leaving electric blankets unattended for extended periods.
How Long do Electric Blankets Last?
An electric blanket should generally be replaced every 10 years to ensure safety and effectiveness. Over time, wear and tear can compromise the blanket’s performance and safety. It’s essential to watch for signs of damages. Such as creasing, folding, loose connections, scorch marks, fraying fabric, or exposed parts. Damp patches, worn flex, and missing or damaged tie tapes are also indicators that the blanket should be replaced. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to avoid potential hazards and maintain a safe sleeping environment.
How to Store an Electric Blanket?
To properly store a heated blanket, it’s important to handle it carefully to prevent damage. Instead of folding the blanket, roll it gently, which helps avoid stress on the internal wires. This method of storage ensures that your electric blanket remains in good condition and can last longer. Proper storage practices help maintain the blanket’s functionality and safety for future use.
How to Use an Electric Blanket
- Start by spreading the electric blanket evenly over your bed, ensuring no wires or controls are near your neck area.
- Plug the cord into the wall and use the controller to adjust to your preferred settings for chilly nights.
- Ensure the controller is positioned near the head of the bed, as per the manufacturer’s design, which may vary.
- Before using the blanket for the season, inspect it for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires, charred spots, tears, or cracks.
- If any issues are found, retire the blanket and purchase a new one for safety.
- Avoid running the cord under heavy materials. Such as mats, or between the mattress and base, to prevent damage from weight and friction.
- After winter, roll the blanket gently instead of folding it, to avoid kinks that could bend or break the internal wires.
- Consider replacing your electric blanket every ten years to prevent fires and to benefit from newer safety advances like lower-wattage heating and improved thermostat controls.
- Regularly upgrading your electric blanket ensures you enjoy the latest improvements in safety and efficiency.
Electric Blanket Buying Guide
When buying the best electric blanket, it’s important to consider key features that enhance comfort and safety. Look for heat settings that let you switch between different temperatures, ensuring an optimum level of warmth. Ensure the blanket has overheating protection that automatically turns off if overheating occurs, offering added security. For couples, dual control allows each person to set their preferred temperature on their side of the bed. An ultra-fast heat up feature is perfect for chilly nights, quickly warming your bed from freezing to cosy. Also, check the cord length to make sure it can comfortably reach your bed without hassle.
How to Wash an Electric Blanket?
- Disconnect the power lead from the blanket by lifting the flap until the small button is released.
- Pull the cord out to fully detach it from the blanket.
- Ensure the blanket is suitable for machine washing.
- Wash the blanket on a wool setting at 40°C.
- After washing, the blanket can be air dried or low heat tumble dried.
- All Silentnight blankets are washable, but not suitable to be dry cleaned.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you are unsure about the washing process.
How Hot do Electric Blankets Get?
Electric blankets can be set to a variety of temperatures depending on your desire for warmth. The lower settings typically range between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, while the hottest settings can reach up to 56 degrees Celsius.
Should Electric Blankets go Above or Below Mattress Protectors?
An electric blanket should be sandwiched between the mattress topper and the bottom sheet to optimize comfort and safety. This placement ensures that the electric blanket works effectively without compromising the body-moulding properties of your selected bedding layers. You may notice a difference in how the feel of the blanket impacts your sleep when properly positioned. While some might consider placing the electric blanket on top, it’s generally advised to put the electric blanket underneath the mattress topper and bottom sheet for the best experience.
Do you Sleep Over or Under an Electric Blanket?
An electric blanket is typically positioned on top of the mattress and under the sheet, where it can be secured at the corners using the fastening straps if provided. This setup ensures the blanket stays in place and provides consistent warmth throughout the night. In contrast, a heated throw is designed to be draped over you for additional warmth. By placing the electric blanket under the sheet and ensuring it is properly secured, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe sleeping experience.
Conclusion
Electric blankets are a practical and cozy solution for staying warm during the colder months, offering both comfort and cost-efficiency. By understanding the proper usage, safety measures, and maintenance tips, you can enjoy the benefits of an electric blanket while minimizing risks. Whether it’s positioning the blanket under the mattress protector, following manufacturer’s care instructions, or knowing when to replace it, these practices ensure a safe and comfortable experience. With thoughtful care and attention, an electric blanket can be a reliable companion for many winters to come.
FAQ’s
An electric blanket is typically positioned over a padded mattress protector. This ensures the blanket can efficiently spread heat and offer warmth without being insulated by the mattress protector, which may lessen its effectiveness.
Lay the electric blanket flat: Make sure there are no creases or folds. Cover with a fitted sheet: This will hold the electric blanket steady and keep it from moving during the night.
The initial step is to insulate, which can be achieved by using a wool mattress topper. If you use an electric blanket to heat your bed, it should be positioned under your mattress topper. It is completely safe to use an electric blanket with a MiniJumbuk mattress topper.
An electric blanket should be placed on your mattress beneath the sheet and secured at the corners if fastening straps are available. A heated throw can be laid over you.
