Although there have been many studies regarding the relationship between the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) generated by electric blankets and cancer, no proof of a cause and effect has been found. Rather than folding, gently roll the blanket for storage. If you see smoke coming out of the blanket cord or the external power outlet, switch off and remove the plug of the blanket without delay. Shes also an avid traveler who has a personal goal of being able to successfully sleep on an airplane someday. Energy Safe Victoria recommends checking your electric blanket annually to ensure it's in safe working order. This nerve damage, however, can affect their ability to sense temperature changes. Skin temperature and sleep-onset latency: changes with age and insomnia. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Never use a heated mattress along with a heating blanket as this may result in excessive heating causing burns and even catch fire. Beautyrest 100% Cotton Heated Mattress Pad, Dual Temperature Control Electric Bed Warmer with 18" Deep Pocket, 20. [6] Raymann, R. J., Swaab, D. F., & Van Someren, E. J. To avoid these electric blanket common problems, keep reading on. Transparency Disclosure We may receive a referral fee (at no additional cost to the buyer) for products purchased through the links on our site or other applicable pages. Keep your heater away from your air mattress to prevent any damage and make sure you do not keep it turned on all night. While scientists disagree on how harmful they can be, there's one thing that can't be argued: if a product emits EMFs, the last thing you want is for it to be on top of your body, especially for extended periods of time. Well, mostly true and if youre on this page, you may be asking yourself, Is my electric blanket safe to use?. This is for several reasons, the first being that electric blankets can and do cause fires. This can also occur due to friction with cloth etc. Dont use more than one electric blanket at a time. A complication of diabetes for some people is neuropathy (nerve damage). Like any electrical appliance, electric blankets and heating pads emit some EMFs. If your blanket doesnt have a timer, turn it off before you go to sleep. As strange as it seems, there are benefits to sleeping with socks. and a pig tail adapter which lets you connect the warmer to the battery. 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. To maintain an electric blanket in optimal conditions, a person must store it correctly when not in use. Also check if the controller is properly functioning or not You need to unplug the cord (the blanket, actually) and see that all the parts of the plug are intact and tightly fitted. This can cause overheating, sparks, and fires. This does not mean that you cannot ignore the fact completely, and taking precautions is extremely important. Although modern electric blankets are specifically made to produce less electromagnetic fields or EMFs there has been speculation and research into whether or not these products are cancer causing. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. That is, if you have the heating blanket spread on the mattress. 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. Check your blanket regularly for wear and tear, like fraying fabric, damp patches or loose connections. Heated Blanket Electric Throw Faux Fur 50" x 60" Size Low Voltage, Heating Blanket for Couch & Bed with 4 Heat Levels & 2-4-8-10H Auto Off, Luxury Embossed, Soft Warm, Machine Washable (Navy Blue) Navy Blue 4.2 (419) $4299 FREE delivery Sat, Apr 1 Or fastest delivery Thu, Mar 30 Options: 2 sizes A . Open the controller and check if there is anything loose inside the thermostat. In most cases, when used appropriately and to manufacture guidelines, electric blankets do not pose any significant health or safety risks. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Never iron or dry-clean these blankets. If one is warm, then two will certainly be warmer. (2016). Another tip for safely handling your product is to always lay it flat on your bed. Modern electric blankets are much safer than their predecessors. There are specific demographics that are especially vulnerable when it comes to using these products. Talking about folding, you should avoid these types of bedspreads on folding furniture. The impact of sharp penetrating objects may cause damage to the internal wire set up or other parts. Its especially important to not fold cords on top of one another in the on mode but also when the product is switched off. Just like any other heat therapy like sauna, hot belt, etc. Electric blanket controller repair may not be easy. Lakeland Arctic Ice Faux Fur Throw, 99.99 from Lakeland - buy here. Read more. Video of the Day Step 2 Press the blanket cord into the plastic connector piece at the foot of the bed until it no longer wiggles. We avoid using tertiary references. Electric blankets are still seen as a fire hazard by insurance agencies. the electric blanket may cause fatal miscarriages and other complications in pregnant women including birth defects. To minimize the risk of unsafe outcomes, a person should follow these safety guidelines: To use an electric blanket safely, a person should take the below precautions: If a person has any concerns about the safety of an electric blanket, they should avoid using it. 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). 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. Companies like State Farm have safety tips on their websites, and advocate for no overnight usage. (2007). Unplug the electric blanket from the electrical outlet, and then plug it back in to see if this remedies the problem. Although todays electric blanket technology has improved in safety over the years, it still remains important to take precautions to ensure that the experience is as safe as possible. Read this article to learn about the causes and treatment options available. 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. There are several weighted blanket benefits, including reducing anxiety, increasing serotonin, reducing restlessness at night and more. Heating and cooling blankets can help sleepers maintain a comfortable temperature, potentially improving sleep quality. The skin on older adults, when touched with heat, may be undetectable due to altered temperature receptors, leading to possible burning. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage anxiety, including medication, lifestyle changes. Preheat the bed using the under blanket. As helpful as these blankets may be, theyve also seen their fair share of controversy over the years, and its these controversies that have consumers questioning if electric blankets are safe. Correct usage and storage should reduce the risk of overheating, burns, and fires. Best for lounging: Sunbeam Reversible Heated Throw. In general, you shouldn't leave your electric blanket underneath the sheets when it is not in use. But electric blankets seem to radiate very little amount of heat. The following people should avoid using electric blankets. A plush throw blanket that's sure to keep you warm during the coldest winter months. There are other concerns as well. Sunbeam Microplush King Size Heated Blanket. 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, 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. Learn More: What's the Best Temperature For Sleep? [4] Are Electric Blankets Safe? She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness. (2019). Best on a budget: Sunbeam Microplush Electric Throw Blanket. Perfect Fit SoftHeat | Luxury Micro-Fleece Heated Electric Warming Blanket with Safe & Warm Low-Voltage Technology, (Queen, Slate Blue), SoftHeat Smart Heated Electric Mattress Pad with Safe & Warm Low Voltage Technology, Dobby Stripe, Twin, White, Soft Heat by Perfect Fit | Ultra Soft Plush Electric Heated Warming Blanket with Safe & Warm, Queen, Beige. While some blankets are washable, you have to remember to detach the controller or the micro-processing device before throwing them in the washing machine. Our soft and breathable 250TC 100% cotton mattress cover comes with 2 . Now, in the midst of all these conveniences that these easy-to-use warming bedspreads offer, people often tend to forget that they are electrical appliances at the end of the day. If too much tripping has damaged the outlet, then repair and change it. Yes, electric blankets are completely safe as long as they are used and stored correctly. Regularly examine your blanket for signs of damage. However, they do not have links with cancer. Did You Know: Concerned about EMFs? The Sunbeam Velvet Plush Heated Throw is a 50-by-60-inch heated throw-size electric blanket. Leave the hot water bottle underneath your blanket for approximately 5-10 minutes before you plan to enter the bed. Electric blankets radiate very few EMF waves that have extremely low risks. Blanket Safety Tip: Its important that anyone with reduced sensation, inability to communicate, or diminished capacity not use electric blankets. should be wary [5] as well since you dont want to raise their body temperature to more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or it could be harmful to the baby. However, they are not recommended for overnight use. An electric blanket is, well, electric. 1. Our Final Opinion About the Zircon Electric Blanket Heated Throw Flannel . There are specific first aid steps to follow for burns. Despite that, it is recommended to use these blankets moderately to rule out any kind of myth or fact. Users can reduce EMF when enabling "Airplane Mode" with the Dock Pro Sleep System, a cooling pad for the bed, and let the sleep system run quietly in the background. Don't use the blanket while it is wet or damp and don't . Don't. The 9 Best Electric Blankets of 2023, According to Our Tests. You can try wearing warm socks, comfy slippers, and flannel pajamaseven sleeping on flannel sheets and adding weighted blanketsbut, ultimately, the best option is the classic heated blanket. It's machine-washable, dryer-safe, and comes in 5 traditional bedroom decor colors. For those who live in colder climates, a heated blanket can be a welcome reprieve from frigid winter nights and the influx of shivers that come with them. These risks can also go up if you have children or animals in the house. If, after reading, you do have concerns about being able to use them safely, there are alternatives included below. The overvoltage or a surge in the power usually takes place if there are multiple devices attached to that circuit. Suggestions for proper use include: If you have any concerns about an electric blanket, unplug it. Heres how to make one. We'll tell, Electric shocks can range from mild to severe. Best underblanket - Slumberdown Electric Underblanket, 65, Argos - TELL ME MORE or BUY IT NOW. When using an electric blanket, follow the below precautions: When not using an electric blanket, it's crucial to store it properly to help preserve the lifespan and keep it in its optimal condition. Whether you're in the market for a family member, a lucky friend, or yourself, read on for upgrades that are not only . We love this Serta Brand Soft Luxe Plush Electric Blanket for a few reasons. If used improperly, however, electric blankets can be unsafe and even dangerous. The tiny wires that heat the blanket need careful handling, and it is easy for them to crimp. Tighten them up and close the controlling box properly. With that said, if your blanket is new and is malfunctioning, check the warranty terms and conditions. Although there is much debate, there is no conclusive evidence of a link between cancer and the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields that electric blankets generate. Serta Brand Soft Luxe Plush Electric Warming Blanket - $117. Below we will discuss if electric blankets are safe, the potential risks of electric blanket dangers, how they may be bad for you, and safety tips if you continue to use your blanket. Step 1 Test the outlet with a lamp to see if there's a problem with the electricity reaching the plug. A fter more than 50 hours of testing, we concluded that the SoftHeat - Ultra Micro-Plush is the best electric blanket. Electromagnetic fields and cancer. Electric blankets may not be safe to use during pregnancy because they generate non-ionizing radiation. Below, well talk about whether electric blankets are safe. Electric blankets can be a factor in overheating for pregnant women, and many health organizations recommend discontinuing use during pregnancy. If the blanket still does not come on after ensuring that it's plugged in, try a different electrical outlet to make sure that the problem isn't with the outlet itself. An alternative approach is to use the electric blanket to heat the bed before the person gets in, then turn off or remove the blanket at bedtime. It can be used as a heating blanket or weighted blanket. This makes them more vulnerable to overheating and burning because they may not be able to feel the blanket becoming too hot. The blanket often stops heating due to the auto-off feature that these blankets have in order to prevent fire accidents or excessive heating. The cords and wires can become frayed or pinched. To determine if an electric blanket is safe, you need to check out all the prominent safety features such as the auto-off, temperature setting zones, quality of the blanket, etc. Learn more. 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. We realize that there are times when warmth is needed, relaxing and you may fall asleep while using them. Best Luxury Heated Blanket. Learn What Can Cause Electric Blanket Fires, Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Use of Electric Blankets, Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), California Privacy Rights and Notice at Collection, An on-and-off switch or temperature control improperly functioning. It's easy to wash in the machine (just be sure to wash on cold and tumble dry on low heat). American journal of epidemiology, 151(11), 11031111. Let the machine agitate for 2-3 minutes, then skip to the rinse cycle and remove the blanket immediately after the cycle finishes. 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