Well, it circulates channels of water to neutralize ambient temperature from 55-115F. Parents should read manufacturing recommendations and use newer electric blankets that have better safety ratings. The Shavel Micro Flannel Electric Sherpa Blanket stood out for its range of bonus features, dual-control system, and super plush feel. A 2006 study revealed several fatal heatstroke cases involving the use of an electric blanket. This is likely because the body has a natural circadian rhythm that regulates the internal temperature, which includes having a cooler body temperature during bedtime. To learn more, please read our full disclosure page here. That's right. Try a good, old-fashioned, non-electric blanket to get snug as a bug. A 2015 study notes that people with Parkinsons disease may have difficulty with temperature regulation. Staying warm in your house while trying to keep heating bills down can be a challenge. Learn more. This nerve damage, however, can affect their ability to sense temperature changes. There is a general rule for using electricity: there is always a potential for fire. Young children, especially infants and those under 3, may not know how to properly control the product or are not physically able to adjust it themselves if they get too hot. If one is warm, then two will certainly be warmer. This does not mean that you cannot ignore the fact completely, and taking precautions is extremely important. 5. It can be used as a heating blanket or weighted blanket. Discover why you might feel hot at night when sleeping, including hormonal changes, sleep environment, and medical conditions. As you can see, there are plenty of safe options to stay warm at night without worrying about the dangers of using electric blankets. But, in reality, doing so may assist in lowering the bodys core temperature regulation, helping you achieve better sleep. In some cases though, if the problem is larger and is beyond your ability to repair, or the repair may be expensive, then you may need to dispose of it and rather get a fresh one. We sifted through the dense marketplace for the perfect electric blanket and purchased 9 of the best models to put to a head-to-head test. Sleeping difficulties can negatively impact a persons health. Our Final Opinion About the Zircon Electric Blanket Heated Throw Flannel . One of the dangers associated with these products is overheating. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, My Sunbeam Electric Blanket Won't Get Hot. Therefore, the best way out is to get a little exposure to these blankets as possible. ), 9(1), 3642. In addition, they allow you to turn down your heating system, which saves money on winter heating bills as well. So, how to fix an electric blanket? We bought and tested electric blankets from Serta, Sunbeam, Bedsure, Beautyrest, and others to help you find the best. New electric blankets include safety features, such as a rheostat control, that reduce the risk of fire and burns. Best on a budget: Sunbeam Microplush Electric Throw Blanket. Sizes: 50 x 60 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Run Time: 3 hours | Care: Machine washable. Other than keeping you toasty and protecting you from the chilling air caused due to temperature drops, these electric duvets have proven to be an effective remedy for health-related issues. We also recommend the Sunbeam - Sherpa Mink electric throw with its unique warming system that senses body temperature and room . Wash it using cool water and detergent (no bleach or fabric softeners, which could damage the fibers), and select the gentlest cycle possible to prevent excess force on the wiring inside. (2011). (2016). Pet chewing or clawing may damage the parts, resulting in functioning failure. Read on for more information on how to shop for and maintain an electric blanket. If you like sleeping with an electric blanket on your bed and dont know how old your electric blanket is, consider getting a new one because: Keep reading to learn more about the potential dangers of electric blankets and how to avoid them. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have diabetes and want to use an electric blanket, consider using it to warm up your bed before bedtime and then turn off the blanket or remove it before getting into the bed. Issues like muscle tightness, pains caused due to ailments like arthritis, cramps, injuries, etc. For years, the correlation between electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) and cancer have been debated. There are absolutely things you can do to decrease your risks of harm or injury when using these forms of electric heating to stay warm, decrease your heating bill or even to relax your muscles. How to Use Them Properly? Some electric blanket common problems that you may face are due to excessive use or improper maintenance. Never have anything placed on top that can damage the wires and crush the blanket. Use an electric heater. If it is, then turn it to the off position and then back on to see if this fixes the problem. Keep the blankets away from pets and little children who do not know how to operate the device. You also need to take your age and health into consideration. They found that an increased core temperature caused a significant decline in sleep efficiency, which refers to the total percentage of time a person is asleep while in bed. To store an electric blanket safely, a person should: Keep the power cord separate: Avoid folding the power cable in the blanket, which can cause kinks. This model has a removable, machine-washable cushion, allowing you to keep her bed free of furry buildup. This is because of the essential role the skin plays in thermoregulation, the bodys system of regulating temperature. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Learn the difference between minor burns and major burns and how to properly treat them. While dealing with electrical devices and repairing them, taking precautions is of utmost importance. Pull the plug out of the blanket attachment and look to see if any dirt or debris has gotten into the plug or on the cord that plugs into the blanket. If you wake up in the middle of the night and the electric blanket is not heating, it is probably due to an automatic shutoff feature. This may lead to cancer or malignancy, especially when exposed at a tender age. At times, fixing these blankets might seem impossible. Preheat the bed using the under blanket. Best Weighted: Double Couple Heated Weighted Blanket at Amazon. This can cause overheating, sparks, and fires. Electric blanket controller repair may not be easy. The chemicals used in dry cleaning may damage the internal parts of the blanket. If there are no instructions, choose cold water and soak your blanket for 10 minutes. This may affect your ability to feel if an electric blanket or heating pad is inappropriately hot. Hold the blanket up to the light. The Science Behind Sleeping with Socks On. [6], Do You Wear Socks in Bed? Gently roll the blanket: Folding an . Step 1 Test the outlet with a lamp to see if there's a problem with the electricity reaching the plug. If using the blanket becomes a necessity, then it should be monitored carefully and should only be used for a short duration. 5. What causes night sweats in men? Also check if the controller is properly functioning or not. Like any electrical appliance, electric blankets and heating pads emit some EMFs. It has three heat control settings and the blanket shuts off automatically after three hours. Storing your product the right way is also important for your safety. These kinds of blankets have a webbing of electric wires running through them. [7]. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are two types of EMFs: Electric blankets are a source of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields. BEST WEARABLE OPTION: Beautyrest Ultra Soft Sherpa Heated Wrap Blanket. This, A new study found that drinking one additional cup of coffee each day was linked to a 4 to 6% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Open the controller and check if there is anything loose inside the thermostat. When a person uses and stores them correctly, electric blankets are safe. Electric blanket safety. Modern electric blankets are much safer than their predecessors. However, they do highlight the need for further research. An electric blanket is, well, electric. The blanket contains glass microbeads to supply the weight and heating wires for customizable warmth. Hunter, Electric Blanket Use and Breast Cancer in the Nurses' Health Study, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 152, Issue 1, 1 July 2000, Pages 4149, Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? There are plenty of fabrics to choose from to keep warm for a great night's sleep. Electric blankets have come a long way since they were first introduced, and they're safer and more stylish . and a pig tail adapter which lets you connect the warmer to the battery. Best dual control blanket - Double Dual Control Dreamland Scandi Heated Sherpa Underblanket, 95, Habitat - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW. Avoid using an electric blanket and heating pad at the same time. Electric Blanket Benefits | Non-Toxic, Safety Features, Sustainable Electric Blanket Sizes | 50" x 60" Price of Queen Electric Blanket | $50 While many people know BeautyRest for their quality mattressesbut this company also makes blankets and throws as well. When youre not using your blanket, turn it off. Correct usage and storage should reduce the risk of overheating, burns, and fires. The Cool Luxe is a 15-pound cooling weighted blanket that helps you settle into deep sleep that won't trap your body heat. Dont use an electric blanket with an adjustable, hospital-style bed or a waterbed. View Study, [7] Abramson, A. As mentioned earlier, this may happen due to different reasons. A complication of diabetes for some people is neuropathy (nerve damage). Has a digital controller with 12 heat settings and an auto-off function with 12-hour options. Improperly folding the cords could damage them and may cause the blanket to malfunction or have hazardous hot spots. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. They include those with diabetes or circulation issues and pregnant people. If the meter shows a reading that denotes a Zero reading, it means that the wire or the cable is in good condition. Oftentimes, buying a new blanket may be cheaper than correcting the worn-out one; especially if the problem blanket is high-end then some of its parts are going to be expensive too. The primary step that can solve most of your problems is by checking if the connector is plugged into the electrical socket properly. A . The researchers believe, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. View Study, [2] Zheng, T., Holford, T. R., Mayne, S. T., Owens, P. H., Zhang, B., Boyle, P., Carter, D., Ward, B., Zhang, Y., & Zahm, S. H. (2000). [4] Children under the age of 3 may be unable to properly control the temperature settings on an electric blanket. If it is, then turn it to the off position and then back on to see if this fixes the problem. the electric blanket may cause fatal miscarriages and other complications in pregnant women including birth defects. They might not feel the increasing amount of heat in the blanket, leading to higher degree of burns. At any time, if you are still concerned, it's best to unplug the blanket. Did You Know: Even though you arent in your bed, the pockets continue to retain the warm air. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction. See additional information. Its also important to be aware of the time you have them on your body and to not sleep with them turned on. With 10 settings, a preheat feature, and automatic shut-off, this aptly named blanket is durable, functional, and safe. Double-check that the controller is turned to the On position. So in order to keep your blanket maintained and not reach that stage, here are a few things to keep in mind: Hope the above segment provided you detailed information on how to fix an electric blanket. Based in Los Angeles, she is an experienced writer and journalist who enjoys spending her free time at the beach, hiking, reading, or exploring new places around town. Heating pads designed for our use get too hot for cats, but a plug-in electric bed that uses low wattage will keep her safe and warm during the winter months. If you have. If none of the above is working, then you might consider purchasing a new cable and attach it to the blanket and see if it works properly. Sold at Sharper . Electric blankets and heaters can overheat, cause an electric shock, or spark, and cause a fire, according to Mr. da Silva. By taking a few extra seconds before use, youll be able to determine if there are any issues with the blanket that can result in injury or a house fire. Hypothetically, electromagnetic waves radiated by different electric and electronic gadgets can cause damage when exposed to long periods, which can lead to the generation of malignant cells. As a result, carers should closely monitor the use of electric blankets and heating pads to help them avoid burns. Sharper Image. The study showed that the miscarriage rate in the people in the high exposure group was twice that of those in the low exposure group. In the morning you plug the batter charger into the wall to recharge the battery. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. RUNNER-UP: Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket. While feeling warm and cozy sounds appealing, there are potential risks to consider before purchasing heated bedding. It can ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis, as well as aches and pains related to menstruation circles. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Our soft and breathable 250TC 100% cotton mattress cover comes with 2 . Tara Youngblood is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of sleepme, a company that creates award-winning technologies and apps that are changing the way the world sleeps. Do not dry clean or wash the electric blanket. A second study examined a possible link between these products and breast cancer, but they found no conclusive evidence that heated bedding devices increase a womans chance of developing breast cancer. Older adults may also wish to avoid using electric blankets. Quinn Gawronski. Castro MR. (2019). Plug your blankets cord into another circuit or remove the existing appliances connected to it. Spend more time cuddling. With its low voltage DC current and auto-shutoff feature, the SoftHeat blanket is the safest choice of the electric blankets we tested. Flannel traps heat in insulating air pockets. To help you keep your bed warm, try removing your standard sheets and replacing them with flannel sheets. (2019, June 13). When it's time to store, the new electric blanket should never be folded. Use a multimeter to check whether the cable is in proper condition. To avoid accidentally turning it on, avoid plugging it into an outlet controlled by a wall switch. According to the National Cancer Institute, electric blankets are a source for extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF-EMFs), as are power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical appliances such as hair dryers and shavers. Sometimes a warm set of pajamas is all it takes to keep cozy when it's cold out. Make sure to hang it the morning after. It's a heated throw blanket suitable to keep you warm for low to moderately-cold climates. The above can be associated with the EMF (electromagnetic fields) to which electric blanket users are exposed. There are specific demographics that are especially vulnerable when it comes to using these products. Learn More: What's the Best Temperature For Sleep? The overvoltage or a surge in the power usually takes place if there are multiple devices attached to that circuit. Contact the manufacturer to replace it if necessary. It's was warm and nice. Alternative ways to stay warm during sleep, https://www.karger.com/Article/PDF/333148, https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/product-safety/electric-blankets/, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/electromagnetic-fields-fact-sheet, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/heating-blanket-safety, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/home-safety, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-16623-8, https://oxfordmedicine.com/view/10.1093/med/9780199684243.001.0001/med-9780199684243-chapter-30, https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/radiation-electromagnetic-fields, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367193/.