Heated blankets are a great year-round sleep accessory for those who tend to sleep excessively cold. Most Heated blankets sold today have multiple heat settings – some models have 10 or more – that allow owners to find the heating level that works best for them. Additionally, Heated blankets in larger sizes, such as Queen and King, often have dual-heating settings for couples with different temperature preferences.
In addition to consistent warmth, Heated blankets can benefit sleepers in other ways. Proper thermoregulation is crucial to the circadian rhythm, the natural sleep timer that makes people feel tired when they need sleep and feel alert and awake when the day begins. Heated blankets can also alleviate the symptoms of certain medical conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as aches and pains associated with menstrual cycles. While Heated blanket price-points vary by brand and model, most are available for $150 or less.
What Is A Heated Blanket?
A Heated blanket is a blanket that contains integrated Heatedal heating wires. Types include under blankets, over blankets, throws, and duvets. The Heated blanket may be used to pre-heat the bed before use or to keep the occupant warm while in bed.
No.1. Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket
This heated blanket is designed to be used as a throw, and the ultra-soft fabric is made from polyester. It uses ThermoFine technology to deliver even heat, and the controller has three different settings to choose from. The blanket automatically shuts off after three hours, and if it gets dirty, you can simply clean it in the washing machine and dryer. Reviewers say this blanket is the perfect size to use on the couch, and many love how soft and cozy it is.
No.2. Biddeford MicroPlush Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket
It can be tough to share an electric blanket with your partner, especially if you can’t agree on the same heat level. If you have this issue, you can both get the heat you want with a dual-control blanket like the Biddeford Microplush Electric Blanket. This cozy blanket is surprisingly affordable, and the queen and king sizes come with two controllers for dual heat zones.
The Biddeford Electric Blanket has a soft micro plush fabric on one side and a cozy sherpa on the other. It offers ten heat settings, as well as a ten-hour shut-off for safety. It can even be cleaned in the washer and dryer.
No.3. Hyde Lane Premium Faux Fur Heated Throw Blanket
If you’re looking for a more decorative option that won’t look out of place draped over an accent chair or sofa, we love Hyde Lane’s Heated Faux Fur Throw Blanket. The faux fur microfiber is soft to the touch, and it has a wavy texture that mimics the look of real fur. The low-voltage wires aren’t visible on the surface of the throw, which is a big plus if you plan on displaying this blanket, and the silver remote is small and discreet looking. The blanket heats up fast and the three heat settings are comfortable and warm—but not overly hot.
No.4. Perfect Fit Luxury Micro-Fleece Low-Voltage Electric Heated Blanket
If you’re willing to spend a little more for the best-heated blanket, you’ll get more features and better performance. In particular, the SoftHeat by Perfect Fit Low-Voltage Heated Blanket delivers a better user experience thanks to its super-fine wires and gentle heat—however, it has a higher price tag to match.
This fleece blanket uses low-voltage technology, which makes it safer for pets and if it ever gets wet. It’s available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, as well as a variety of plain colors, and the larger sizes boast dual controllers.
No.5. Serta | Luxe Plush Fleece Heated Electric Blanket
The Serta Soft Heat Low-Voltage Heated Blanket, which features super-thin wires that are nearly undetectable during use for a more comfortable experience.
The high-end Serta Heated Blanket uses low-voltage wires that are safe in the presence of moisture and for pets to sleep on. You can choose from twin, full, queen, or king sizes, and the larger options come with dual zones for customizable heat. The microplush fabric is soft and cozy to the touch, and the thin wires are designed to provide even heat distribution without being bulky.
Buying Guide – How to Buy a Heated Blanket
Many Heated blankets today come with adjustable heat settings, so you can use them year-round for a variety of needs and purposes. Whether you’re trying to save on your Heated bill during cold winter nights, ease period pain, or simply enjoy a warm and toasty feel when you hop into bed, a Heated blanket can help.
Fortunately, Heated blankets are widely available at major retailers like Target or Walmart, manufacturer websites, and online marketplaces like Amazon. Depending on the size, features, and brand of your Heated blanket, the cost will vary, but you can usually find a quality Heated blanket between $50 to $150.
We’ve written this guide to help you choose your Heated blanket. Learn how Heated blankets work, their common design features, and safety tips to consider, and view our top picks for the best-reviewed Heated blankets of 2021.
How Do Heated Blankets Work?
Keeping a cool bedroom temperature is a critical ingredient for a good night’s sleep. However, if you live somewhere with cold winters, or have trouble sleeping in the cold, and Heated blanket can help warm things up to a more comfortable temperature – and quickly at that.
Heated blankets use Heatedity to heat insulated wire that’s safely enmeshed in between the blanket’s fabric layers. The wire heats up, heating the surrounding fabric, which then warms you up more quickly than your body heat or regular bedding.
Thermoregulation
Humans experience thermoregulation, the process by which the body works to maintain an ideal temperature range. Your internal temperature can climb as high as 100.4 or sink as low as 96.8 over the course of the day. As long as the human body stays within this comfortable range, you’ll be able to achieve the best possible function during the day and rest more easily at night.
In the morning, your body raises its internal temperature to help energize you, making it easier to get things done. But as the day fades, it starts cooling down, preparing you for eventual sleep. Your body continues cooling even after you go to sleep, with your internal temperature hitting its lowest point just a few hours before you wake up.
It’s possible that due to thermoregulatory dysfunction or simply having too cold a sleeping environment, you might struggle to experience the right level of warmth at bedtime that can let you sleep comfortably. A Heated blanket might be useful for providing the right amount of warmth to keep you comfortable so you can sleep soundly.
Common Design Features of Heated Blankets
Like most things, Heated blankets have come a long way since their introduction to the bedding market. They offer much more than a single on/off the heat setting.
Below are a few of the innovative design features available with Heated blankets today. If any particular appeal to you, make sure to look out for them as you shop for your own Heated blanket.
Heat Settings: Heated blankets typically come with adjustable heat settings, meaning that you have a range of temperature options to choose from. With some models you can actually pre-program these settings, setting the blanket to warm up automatically during a set period before bedtime and automatically shutting off after a certain time to prevent you from waking up in a hot sweat.
Composition: Heated blankets are typically made from polyester. This fabric is fire-resistant, comfortable, and also thick – key to insulating the coils and wires in the blanket so you don’t feel them scratching at your skin. The plug and controls are typically made from plastic. Some controllers feature an LCD display for easy reading and adjustments during the night.
Cleaning: Your Heated blanket will specify the care instructions. To clean your blanket, you’ll typically remove the plug and controls. The remaining fabric is often machine washable and can be tumble dried on the low heat setting.
Size: Blankets are available in different sizes that match standard mattress sizes (twin, full, queen, and king). Heated blankets that are queen-size and larger usually come with dual control settings so the blanket’s temperature can be adjusted for either side of the bed – perfect for those who share their bed with a partner who prefers a different temperature.
Warranty: Most qualities Heated blankets come with a warranty, protecting your purchase. If the blanket burns within a certain time period, you may be able to return it for a refund.
Low-Voltage Options: Heated blankets come in two main varieties: regular and low voltage. Both of these are designed to be completely safe, but low-voltage Heated blankets are even safer and provide less drain on your Heatedity. However, they do take a bit longer to warm up.
Heated Blanket Safety
With Heated blankets, it’s vital to understand how to use and care for them safely. Doing so will help you avoid unnecessary fires, electrocution. Always make sure to read and follow the directions carefully. Read on for answers to common questions about Heated blanket safety.
Conclusion
There’s something super luxurious about hopping into an extra warm bed — and a Heated blanket might be the perfect way to get that luxury. If not for the spa-like feel, you can look forward to turning down the thermostat and potentially saving some cash.
While using a Heated blanket can seem like it’s all about comfort, it’s also important to consider safety. Make sure you’re paying close attention to the quality and reputability of the product and always read the user manual before using your new Heated blanket.
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