Electric Mattress Pads

Warmth Alternatives

Electric blankets heat from above the body; electric mattress pads are the alternative that heat from beneath the body. Some electric mattress pads are safe to use all night, while others simply warm the bed prior to bedtime. When electric mattress pads first hit the market, wires were thick, and people complained that they were uncomfortable. Wiring is now considerably smaller, and near impossible to detect. Electric mattress pads consume a small amount of electricity, often operating on 25 volts of power or less. Automatic switches and programming turn the heat off after a designated time. Home thermostats can be lowered and electric mattress pads used to heat the cold nights and reduce energy bills.

The Best of Both Worlds

As with electric blankets, users of electric mattress pads can enjoy the feature of dual controls that keep two people sleeping in the same bed at their individual preferred temperature setting throughout the night. Electric mattress pads are recognized for their ability to soothing age, work, exercise, or stress-related strains, aches, and pains, and for temporarily reducing the pain of arthritis and bursitis. Electric mattress pads are available in standard mattress sizes, and they are constructed like fitted sheets to stay in place between the mattress and bottom sheet.

A Few Precautions

Never use an electric blanket and an electric mattress pad at the same time, as injuries could occur. Those using electric mattress pads should be capable of using the controls. Electric mattress pads should never be used on babies or pets. Although the risks of shocks or electrocution are slight, those who suffer from urinary incontinence and children who still wet the bed should not use electric blankets or electric mattress pads. Electric mattress pads are priced from about $50-$150 and offer cushiony comfort and all night warmth at settings that remain constant.