All About Heated Mattress Pads

Heated mattress pads add the benefit of efficiently warming the bed without raising the room temperature. Getting into a preheated bed prevents initial loss of body heat, which promotes relaxation and may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Soothing heat rises from the bottom of the sleep surface to provide even heating through the night despite sleep movement.  Electric mattress pads offer the advantages of cozy warmth without the weight of adding extra blankets.

Heated mattress pad construction

As with sheets, the cover fabric content for the heated mattress pad can vary from 100% cotton, through cotton polyester blends, to 100% polyester.  Higher thread count fabrics typically result in better wear. The fine wiring of the heating elements embedded in the padding material maintains a flexible, comfortable sleeping surface.  Some heated mattress pads offer denser heating near the foot of the bed to ensure warm legs and feet. Methods for securing the mattress pad to the mattress range from pads with a full elastic border to elastic straps at the four corners.  Be sure to compare mattress depth with individual product capacity.

Heated mattress pad features

Combined with lower overnight thermostat settings, heated mattress pads offer energy efficiency, focusing energy resources on the occupied bed rather than the open spaces of entire rooms within your home. Control boxes allow you to select and vary the pad temperature. Control boxes may be digital or analog, with lighted display for easy use in darkness.  Many models offer dual controls for individual comfort in a shared bed. Automatic shutoffs and automatic temperature adjustments are available on some models.  Preheating before bedtime may vary between 15 and 30 minutes. Most heated mattress pads are machine wash and dry.

Care and safety

Follow all safety and care instructions:

Low voltage pads minimize the risk of electrical shock while in use.   
Generally heated mattress pads are not suitable for bunk beds, adjustable beds, or mechanical beds.
Be sure heated mattress pad is specifically rated for use with waterbeds.
Heated mattress pads are not suitable for infants, diabetics, or others with heat sensitivity. 
Regularly inspect the power cords for breakage or fraying: do not use with damaged cords.
Select a heated mattress pads with an adequate length power cord for your setting: do not use with extension cords. 
Be sure to remove power cords before washing the cover.  Do not reattach power cords until the mattress pad has dried completely.
Some pads may require stretching after washing to retain shape and size.
If a heated mattress pad fails to heat, unplug it from outlet for a few minutes to reset, the plug it in again.  If still not heating properly, do not use until it has been repaired.

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