Nothing is better than putting on a heated blanket on a chilly winter night to warm yourself up before getting into a comfortable bed and getting ready for a restful night’s sleep.
The best part is that using a heated blanket is not as challenging as most people would assume, and you can get yours at any convenience store or from reliable online stores dealing in bedding.
It’s essential to understand how to use them effectively and safely. So, this post will go over how heated blankets function, the safety risks they pose, and how to use an electric blanket properly.
What Is a Heated Blanket?
An electric blanket, commonly known as a warmed blanket, is a fabric composed of heavy materials with an interior part integrated with an electrical system that transmits heat and comfort.
This electric blanket can be connected to the wall socket and allows users to adjust the heat level. Most electric blankets are constructed from acrylic and polyester. This combination is vital in reducing fire risk. Plus, it’s tightly woven to preserve heat.
Heated blankets often come with at least three heat settings: low, medium, and high. There may be separate heat settings for each bedside on heated blankets designed for king-size or double mattresses.
The various temperature levels are managed through a connected control device that can vary the heat level with the push of a button.
Electric blankets come in three varieties:
- A duvet or over blanket: This electric blanket may be used as a regular or duvet.
- Underblanket: This blanket style is positioned over your mattress but beneath the bed sheet
- Throw-style electric blanket: This electric blanket seems like a thin throw or a typical decorative
How Does Your Electric Blanket Work?
Every electric blanket uses a network of interconnected coil heating wires covered in heat-resistant plastic. When plugged into the socket, the blanket produces constant heat while consuming volts of power. Others might use their heated blanket all night long, while some folks merely want to use it to warm their bed before turning it off.
The final layer of every heated blanket type will feature extensive connections. Before cleaning or cleaning the electric blanket, unhook and disengage the connectors that direct energy from the plugs to the insulation’s heating element.
The foot of this blanket or bed’s end is the safest place for these connectors to lay while you utilise them. Doing this guarantees that your electric blanket won’t overheat or detach due to movement throughout the night.
You may also look for the latest models of electric blankets, which come with thermostats and heat settings that can detect body temperature and change the heat on their own.
Furthermore, these devices have cutoff features that guard against overheating and potential fire threats. If your electric blanket overheats after reaching a specific internal temperature, shutoff mechanisms will immediately turn it off.
Carbon-fibre cables are used in modern electric blanket heating systems to assure safety and provide constant temperatures.
Are Electric Blankets Safe?
Electric beds are safe for use, but there are a few factors to consider when raising the question of their safety — for example, some can overheat if misused or used over a long period.
Given that they are electrical equipment, electric blankets raise several safety issues, including:
-
Exposure to the Electromagnetic Field (EMF)
Most electric blanket critics point out that their usage has significant health risks like increased cancer, infertility issues (especially in males), and trouble becoming pregnant.
The electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that users of heated blankets are subjected to are connected since heated blankets and heated bed pads produce EMFs.
However, despite many studies, no solid evidence indicates that exposure to electromagnetic fields (at low levels) can cause health issues in human beings.
-
Electric Blanket Fire Hazard
The biggest drawback of heated blankets is their high fire outbreak risks. As a result, electric blankets are rigorously tested to decrease the risk of fire or overheating, and many include automatic cutoff features.
However, the cutoff features are not included in the older heated blankets, making the wiring susceptible to being damaged or even fried without your knowledge. Inadvertently turning on your electric blanket can raise the likelihood of a fire.
-
Burns
Users risk burning themselves while using heating equipment, especially those with high settings. The most vulnerable groups are the elderly and children, as neither group may be able to handle a risky situation without suffering severe injuries or, in the worst-case scenario, death.
Diabetes patients are particularly at risk because they frequently have neuropathy, which reduces their sense of touch in their limbs. As a result, they may not notice that their colourful blankets are getting too warm until it is too late.
How to Use Your Electric Blanket Safely?
You might feel uneasy about bringing an electric item into your bed. Your worry is understandable, given that your unconventional blanket might overheat if you don’t take the necessary measures. Fortunately, there are safety guidelines for electric blankets that you can adhere to:
- Adhere to all manufacturer’s guidelines on the application, handling, cleaning, and storage of your electric blanket
- Invest in an electric blanket model with automatic shutdown to avoid leaving your blanket on unintentionally
- Kids and persons with cognitive impairments shouldn’t use heated blankets since they might be unable to turn them off or take them off if they become too warm.
- Avoid using electric blankets if you have diabetes; diminished skin sensitivity might lead to burns.
- Turn off the blanket in the morning (after sleep)
- You should never use pets, especially dogs, with heated blankets since they can gnaw the electrical wires within
- Avoid sitting or laying your electric blanket unless it is electric under blanket.
- Never use an electric blanket and a heated bed pad at the same time
- Do not use your electric blanket on a pull-out couch, waterbed, adjustable bed, or recliner
- To prevent hot spots, ensure your heated blanket is flat and has no bunches or wrinkles.
If you look after your heated blanket, it may offer a comfortable and affordable method to stay warm and have a good night’s sleep.
Final Thoughts
You now know how heated blankets function, so get a heated blanket on if you like it to stay warm on chilly winter evenings. However, always follow the manufacturers’ guidelines and take it for a check-up if you sense it isn’t working correctly.
Fortunately, the latest electric blankets models incorporate extra features that will make them safer. So stop delaying and treat yourself to an electric blanket right away.
