Chilly nights, dry homes and varying temperature preferences are a recipe for discomfort when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. A heated mattress pad is one option for dialing in the temperature for maximum comfort, and as a bonus, it Typically requires less energy than your central heating.
It must be said that a heated mattress pad may not save you money at first, as an upfront investment of a few hundred to a thousand dollars can offset any savings on your utility bill. However, it is probably more efficient to heat your bed to a specific temperature for 8-10 hours than your entire home.
Heated mattress pad or electric blanket?
When it comes to heating the night, you have two main options. If you’re looking for a way to heat your entire bed at night, a heated mattress pad is probably better, while an electric blanket is more portable to keep on your couch, at your desk, or to travel with.,
Mattress pads are a few of their own Perks: THey fit snugly to your bed, which means they heat efficiently and consistently and don’t bunch up while you sleep. They can also add extra cushion to your mattress, although most are thinner than a normal mattress topper. we have already received A guide to choosing an electric blanket If that’s more your speed, but if you want to go with a heated mattress pad, here’s what to consider before buying.
Check for Safety First
When choosing a heated bed, make sure your options have been tested by either Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If your mattress pad has one of these labels, you can feel more confident that it meets safety standards (if used properly) to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire. Most heated beds purchased from a reputable company are likely to be safe, but you can also look for additional features such as automatic shut-off.
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Heated mattress pads are typically made of polyester, cotton, or a poly-cotton blend. Cotton absorbs moisture and breathes better, making it more comfortable if you sweat at all during the night. (If you sweat a lot, your pad is too hot.) A polyester pad is probably going to be cheaper. A mix can give you the best of both. Keep in mind that the quality of the fabric will also affect the durability and how well your mattress pad holds up when washed.
Select a heating system
The mattress pad is heated either by electric wires or by water. The former has a network of metal wires running through the pads, while the latter pumps a small amount of hot or cold water into silicone tubes. Water heating pads are generally more expensive, but they are more versatile year-round because they can also be used for cooling. Some people can feel the electrical wiring through the thin pad, so keep that in mind if you’re a sensitive sleeper.
look at the distinctive features
Once you’ve got the basics down, what’s left is to compare the rest:
- Heat Settings: The more settings your hot pad has, the more specific you can be with the temperature control. See at least 10 discrete settings. If you share a bed, you may also want a mattress pad that has different zone settings for different temperature preferences. Some pads also have separate settings for the upper, middle, and lower body, preheating functions, and time controls.
- control mechanism: The controls are often attached directly to the pad, although some have wireless controls or connect to a smartphone app. Controls can also be analog or digital. No matter the format, look for controls that are easy to see and change in the dark.
- Cord Length and Outlet Requirements: For safety reasons, you should generally avoid connecting your heated bed to an extension cord. This means that the cord length and outlet configuration in your bedroom can actually be a dealbreaker for some models.
- Shape: Not all pads have a flexible shape to fit different mattress thicknesses.
- machine washable: Machine-washable and dryer-safe materials offer more convenience, but also keep in mind that you don’t need to wash your mattress pad as frequently as your sheets, and air-drying will make your pad last longer. Can help with maintenance.
- User Reviews: Check out both ranked lists of the best heated mattress pads and read user reviews to see how specific products perform and hold up over time.
- Warranty: as Wirecutter explainsHeated beds aren’t known for their reliability, and most consumer complaints are about mattress pads that simply stop working. Look for pads that have at least a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.