Recommendations for best heated blanket for a bed?

Submitted by mrfuzzyshorts t3_zw5701 in boston

Marylander here visiting you northern folks with a question that I figure you would be the best to answer.

As the title asks, What heated blanked would you most recomend for someone who needs one?

I have a friend from below the equator. who is now living here in the states in a colder climate than they are use to. And so far are having a hard time finding a good quality heating blanket to keep them warm during this colder winter. I have heard good things about Boston folks, as I heard you folks use them all though winter.

The ones they sell around here are nothing more than cheap heating pads that they stretched out. And with a 4 hour shut off time? Who sleeps for less than 4 hours???

Any recommendations to brands that have done you well?

1

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

becausefrog t1_j1sxbmm wrote

I have never used an electric blanket. I have gone back and forth between down duvets (Ikea), good thick quilts (Pottery Barn), and very heavy blankets (Woolrich) though.

Things that help besides a good set of blankets are a bedroom humidifier (dry air feels colder besides drying you out), plastic over the windows, and an air gap under the bed. You need the air to be able to circulate beneath the bed, so don't just put a mattress on the floor and don't store a lot of stuff under the bed. You will be warmer with that air gap providing some insulation.

Wool socks or a good pair of sheepskin slippers (even fake ones) will keep you warm while you're up and about, and a good throw on the couch is a must. The best I've found are these faux fur throws. They are super soft and luxurious and have that weight, but I wouldn't use them on the bed or you will overheat. Plus they can be hard to clean. I vacuum/steam clean mine.

19

phantomsoundkeeper t1_j1t0b3k wrote

We love our heated mattress pad. Spouse likes to turn it on high 30 min before bed then put it on low for sleeping; my side stays on high all night 🔥 (edit to add Sunbeam brand)

11

bostonvikinguc t1_j1ulfyi wrote

Sunbeam where it burnt me bed to a crisp. Don’t do it. Sunbeam is cheap electronic garbage. There is a reason you don’t see name brands making this. The liability is huge and you are fucked if it shorts out.

9

No-Sheepherder-6257 t1_j1tdn9p wrote

I can second the sunbeam brand. I had to return one to Amazon because only half of it worked. The second one worked perfectly. I lay it out flat on the bed and sleep on top of it. Mine has a timer that goes up to 12hrs.

One thing I will add is that I was born here and I don't really know anybody that uses them. The first time I encountered one was when I stayed in a friend's guest room at the age of 20 and I never saw one again until I bought my own about 2 months ago.

They're a great way to cut down on heating costs. I want to get another one for my couch.

2

Forsaken-Garlic4818 t1_j1szvgu wrote

+1 to no electric blanket. In the winter I swap my comforter out for a giant sherpa throw blanket and wear fuzzy socks. I feel nice and toasty without overheating at night.

10

dpm25 t1_j1t0cj6 wrote

Don't listen to the above. A pre heated bed via an electric blanket is the best thing ever. It's saves on heating bills and is so comfortable.

We have a Biddeford. No idea on anything else out there.

8

f0rtytw0 t1_j1sxrvz wrote

Same as the other poster, never used an electric blanket. Just layer some lighter blankets with a heavier blanket. Light cotton layer, wool layer, and heavy down blanket usually is too warm.

7

1000thusername t1_j1ucb7t wrote

Yeah ditto on the down comforter and flannel sheets. They work wonders

7

Angri_1999 t1_j1t3sjm wrote

We have a heated mattress pad. All of the heat stays with you and the airspace under the blanket, and most of them work on a 12 hour timer. We can keep the thermostat colder at night because we have the heat where we need it.

I don’t remember the brand, but I bought it at Bed Bath and Beyond a year or two back. I don’t remember if it was about $100 before the 20% off or after, but it was pricey enough I made sure to get that coupon. Only wish I’d bought it sooner.

4

photinakis t1_j1t08v4 wrote

I have a simple Sunbeam one I got from Amazon. I put it on the absolute lowest setting underneath my heavy duvet and I am SO toasty warm.

3

ScarletOK t1_j1u3xzi wrote

Down comforter (real down) and flannel sheets. If you are still cold, wear a nightcap. I don't try to wear socks anymore in bed, I was always taking them off in my sleep when I got too hot and then I had to hunt for them in the morning.

I'm a proponent of light down sweaters indoors. You will never notice wearing them because they are weightless and you can turn your thermostat down 5 degrees if you do.

3

MumziDarlin t1_j1v81gh wrote

Beautyrest plush electric blanket. We've tried a few over the years - this was recommended because of the low emf (electric blankets create an electric field - this one less.) You don't want a throw, because they usually go off after 3 hours. We bought one for our old kitty, and we love keeping the house cooler. It has up to 10 hours before it shuts off. We bought a second one this year, for a guest bed. https://www.target.com/p/plush-electric-blanket-beautyrest/-/A-51435195?preselect=51389066#lnk=sametab

2

S4drobot t1_j1sykpe wrote

worst pick up line eva....

1

nowwithclothing t1_j1t28rv wrote

I bought one at Target that lives on my bed in the winter. It is the best purchase I made in 2021 and I'm sad I hadn't invested before.

Really, any heated blanket you purchase will do that job, but make sure it has an auto-off just to be safe; mine shuts off after either 8 or 10 hours.

1

UndercoverPages t1_j1vna0r wrote

As others have said, a staying warm starts with a comforter that insulates well. (Real down is the best at this.) A heated blanket is not the best approach. Heated blankets aren't designed for a full night of use. They are not made of material that keeps the heat in and as you have noticed, they shut off after a few hours. This is understandable. If the blankets got really hot, insulated well and didn't shut off, they would be a huge fire hazard.

After getting a down comforter, I second the recommendation for a heated mattress pad rather than a heated blanket. Heated mattress pads provide more evenly-distributed warmth because they won't bunch up like blankets. They keep the heat under a layer of insulation provided by your blankets so they maintain heat better. Most of them have 8-12 hour auto-shutoff.

I have used and like the SoftHeat brand. In any case, you should focus your search on low-voltage mattress pads. Low-voltage mattress pads reduce the risk of fire and electrocution. They have the additional benefit using much thinner wires. Unlike with normal voltage pads, you won't feel the wires when you lie on top of it. A low-voltage mattress pad won't immediately make the mattress hotter to the touch, but that heat accumulates in your mattress and comforter. Even after a minute, it is noticeably cozier under the blankets than without one.

In summary, start with a comforter filled with real down so you don't lose as much body heat to the air. (Down-alternative make feel similar, but it does not insulate nearly as well!) Use a low-voltage electric mattress pad to provide add a gentle, cozy warmth, which is all the extra heat you need under a good down comforter. The combination of the two will keep your friend toasty all night.

1

Beantowncrash t1_j1tz0cu wrote

I have found a heated mattress pad works much better and provides better heat. In my opinion.

0

bostonvikinguc t1_j1ulb3n wrote

I was almost killed with a heated mattress pad as a kid. Don’t use electric at all in your bed.

3

coldsnap123 t1_j1v5kuq wrote

This question is dumb, just look at Amazon.

−1

Present-Evidence-560 t1_j1uij4d wrote

Sleeping with a heated blanket is how burns and fires start

−2