Are Heated Blankets Safe?
Electric blankets are indeed blessings on those chilly winter nights. Where they help you feel cozy, beating the cold breezes, it also allows saving on your heating bills. This might seem a two-in-one solution unless and until you get concerned about heated blanket safety, wondering, “Are electric blankets bad for your health?”
Generally, modern electric blankets do not impose any harmful effects when obtained from a reliable manufacturer and used correctly. However, if any condition is left unmet, you risk your and your family's health and safety. Dive into this comprehensive guide to satisfy your concerns about the associated health risks. We have also shed light on FAQs like “Can you wash an electric blanket?” and more.
Is it safe to sleep with a heated blanket?
Stuck with “Is it safe to sleep with a heating blanket?” Hear us shouting NO! The right way of using electric blankets is to warm your bed and turn them OFF when sleeping.
Some electric blankets come with timers that automatically turn the heating system OFF after the set time; you can sleep with them. However, manual ones should be turned Off before going into bed or falling asleep. Hope by now, you have found the answer to "Can you sleep with a heated blanket on all night?”
Some electric blankets come with timers that automatically turn the heating system OFF after the set time; you can sleep with them. However, manual ones should be turned Off before going into bed or falling asleep. Hope by now, you have found the answer to "Can you sleep with a heated blanket on all night?”
Some people may doubt heating blankets cause burns and even ignite the fire. But that's a myth that needs to be debunked. If you have sourced your blanket from a premium brand, like HOMLYNS, there's no need to worry about it. Also, according to recent research by Colombia University, 99% of fire incidents due to electric heating blankets are caused by worn-out ones that have been used for over ten or more years.
Another electric blanket myth is linking them with the cause of cancer. Do heated blankets cause cancer? According to The National Cancer Institute, most electric blankets are a source of minimal electromagnetic fields, and both aren't seen to cause cancer.
Further Reading: Is It Safe to Sleep With a Heated Blanket?
Can You Wash an Electric Blanket?
YES! You can hand wash an electric blanket with wires in it. You will need to detach the power cord and the controller. However, when washing, you should stick to some preventive measures, like gentle cycles only and more. Some blankets come with detachable power cords; these are generally nonwashable. Check the care tag for confirmation or consult the manufacturer's Customer Support.
Can you Put an Electric Blanket in the Dryer?
It varies from blanket to blanket. Most modern electric blankets with waterproof insulation can be dried in dryers. But before putting them into the dryer, take a moment to find and read the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual sent with the product. You can also spot washing instructions on the packaging.
If your blanket isn't compatible with a dryer, drying it will damage wire insulation and shrink it. For the blankets compatible with dryers, please do not use a high heat setting; instead, tumble dry for ten to fifteen minutes and take it out when it's still a bit damp to avoid overheating.
Safety Guidelines for Machine Washing an Electric Blanket
You can either hand wash an electric blanket or go with machine washing it. The following are some precautions to consider:
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Avoid hot water cycle; stick to warm, cool, or cold water.
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Please don't use fabric softeners or detergents to keep the internal wiring intact; washing an electric blanket safely.
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Avoid the Fast spin cycle and rely on a gentle one to ensure no damage to the wiring.
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Wash an electric blanket alone in the machine. If you need to maintain the load, just add a few bed sheets.
Using the delicate cycle or gentle wash cycle when washing electric blankets (2:45-3:10)
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpSzOXD3d74
Further Reading: How to Wash a Heated Blanket Without Damaging It: A Step-By-Step Guide
Who Should Be Careful When Using an Electric Blanket?
Electric heating blankets have gained popularity for providing comfort on chilly nights, but their use requires careful consideration, especially for infants, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with health conditions like diabetes, circulation issues, etc. By understanding individual needs, electric blankets can offer warmth while prioritizing safety and well-being.
Heated Blankets for Babies & Kids
Heated blankets are safe for babies and kids if they are above the age of five, i.e., sensible enough to use them rightly. When getting them one, ensure to consider the likelihood of bedwetting. No doubt, the heating cables inside these blankets are insulated; however, staying cautious is always recommended.
Photo by @ jazzerp
Heated Blankets During Pregnancy
Several studies have suggested that it is safe to use heated blanket during pregnancy, as they offer few risks. However, things can become complicated if your blanket gets pretty hot, raising your core body temperature to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts have suggested strictly avoiding using them during the first trimester. If you have been using them for a while, and want to continue, get one with low EMF emission and temperature controls, and prefer pre-warming instead of sleeping with these blankets on.
Further Reading: Can I Use a Heated Blanket When Pregnant?
Heated Blankets for the Elderly
Older people also need that warm feel on cold winter nights. But safety concerns like “Are electric blankets safe for elderly” leave them worried. If you are also one of them, hop on below to explore your answer. It’s safe for seniors unless and until they suffer from health conditions like paralysis from stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, or dementia. If they aren't facing such issues, let them use the heating blanket for bed with caution to avoid electric shocks, fire hazard, and burns.
Heated Blanket for Diabetics
Diabetes patients are often suggested not to use electric blankets by doctors. It's because diabetes leads to neuropathy in most patients that increase sensitivity toward extremely hot heating pads and electric pads. This can even lead to burns; however, use must be prohibited. If you have diabetes and want to feel the comfort of these blankets, stick to the article and find the proper way to use it besides the imposed risks safely.
Further Reading: Are Heating Blankets Bad for Diabetics?
Heated Blanket for Blood Circulation Issues
Electric Heated blankets, while providing comforting warmth, may pose substantial risks for individuals with nerve damage or poor blood circulation. These conditions reduce sensitivity to temperature changes, making it hard to notice if the blanket gets too hot, raising the risk of burns. For those with compromised circulation, excess heat can't be efficiently dissipated, further increasing the danger. Despite these risks, heated blankets can be beneficial for those without such concerns, improving blood circulation and providing relief from muscle tension, joint stiffness, and cold discomfort.
Heated Blanket for People Who Have Pets
Most people tend to keep their pets warm and cozy by snugging them in their own heated blankets, but, are heated blankets safe for dogs and cats?
The answer is Yes, but you need to keep an eye on them while they are in a blanket. Cats and dogs may inadvertently chew on cords, leading to electric shock hazards, or they could become tangled in the cords, risking burns from excessive heat. To ensure the safety of our beloved companions, it's better not to use electric blanket to warm the beds of your pets without proper supervision.
Further Reading: Are Heated Blankets Bad for Pets?
Who is Suitable for Using an Electric Blanket?
Heated Blanket for Arthritis
Arthritis is often accompanied by morning stiffness which can be relieved by heat therapy of electric heat blankets. They alleviate muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and improve the flexibility of movement. Moreover, they give your joint a boost for effectively accomplishing routine tasks.
Heated Blanket for Chronic Pain
Heat has been known for being natural pain reliever for so long. People have been relying on heat therapy to cure several health issues, with pain relieves at the top. The same concept applies to electric heat blankets. These are proven effective in reducing aches and pain in muscles and joints. They also contribute to a peaceful sleep, refreshing you for the day ahead.
Electric Blanket Health Risks
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Overheating: Prolonged use of electric blankets, especially at high temperatures, can lead to overheating. This may cause discomfort, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, heat-related health issues.
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Burns: If an electric blanket malfunctions or is damaged, it can pose a risk of burns. This risk is higher with older or worn-out blankets that may have exposed wires.
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Fire Hazard: While modern electric blankets have safety features to prevent fires, there is still a risk, especially with older or damaged blankets. Always follow safety guidelines and avoid using blankets with visible signs of wear.
Heated Blanket Safety Tips - How to Use a Heated Blanket Properly?
Let's now have a look at important electric blanket safety tips:
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Ensure your blanket comes with overheating protection and ETL Certification.
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Always consider your bed type. These blankets are inappropriate for use on adjustable beds, water beds, recliners, etc.
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Ensure your blanket remains flat. Any tucked end or bunched area will heat up too much, risking burns.
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Do not use a heated mattress pad with an electric blanket to avoid heating.
- Keep your blanket in good condition. Check regularly for worn areas, loose plugs or other damage like cracks in the wiring, plugs or connectors.
- Store your blanket in a proper way, gently fold the blanket, avoiding sharp bends.
The right way of using an electric blanket is to spread it over the mattress covered with a sheet. When the mattress gets warm enough, turn the heating system OFF and put aside the blanket carefully. Grab and spread your routine blanket immediately over the mattress and re-spread the electric blanket over it.
Turn it ON for a while; this way, your routine blanket will trap heat to keep you warm overnight. You can skip the heating routine blanket and fall asleep within the heating one with the cord detached.
When You Need to Replace Electric Blankets?
According to general instructions, you should replace electric blankets before ten years of usage. Moreover, some scenarios might need replacement earlier. For instance, if you have a machine washed, non-washable electric blankets, or your pets have torn their wiring and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric blankets can be a comfortable and energy-saving solution for staying warm during chilly nights. However, ensuring their safe use is crucial to avoid potential health risks. Following proper safety guidelines, such as unplugging the blanket before sleeping and using it cautiously, can help mitigate these risks.
Certain individuals, such as infants, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with specific health conditions, need to exercise caution when using electric blankets. Understanding the potential risks and benefits for different groups can help make informed decisions about their usage.
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