November 16th, 2020 by Sarah Miles

You may have heard many things about electric blankets, some of them quite alarming, but how many of them are true? We have compiled some of the most common myths that we have come across and given you the facts!

Electric blankets can't be used with a memory foam mattress

This is half true. It's generally not recommended to use an electric blanket on your memory foam mattress, but not for the reason you might think. The heat from a blanket won't cause any damage to your mattress and it isn't unsafe to use the two together at all. However, if you plan on using a fully fitted electric blanket or heated mattress topper, you might find the thick fabric and the wires inside the blanket might stop the memory foam from shaping to your body as snugly as it normally does. If you've spent a lot on your mattress, you'll want to make the most of it. However, you can use a heated throw or an electric overblanket on top of your duvet to avoid this problem!

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You can’t use electric blankets under your duvet

The majority of electric blankets are fitted with thermostats and overheat protection systems, so they are safe to use under a duvet or under bedsheets. In fact, fitted electric blankets and heated mattress toppers are designed to be used in conjunction with your regular bedding. The exception is where something is described as a heated throw, rather than a blanket. This is not designed to be used under your duvet but can be used instead of one.

You shouldn’t use electric blankets in pregnancy

Electric blankets can be used through most of your pregnancy, though they should be avoided in the third trimester as a precaution against your waters breaking. (You will most likely find that the last thing you want at 38 weeks pregnant is an electric blanket on!). It can be potentially dangerous to raise your body temperature above 39° in pregnancy, so be mindful of that, but because electric blankets are so controllable, you can very easily make sure that doesn’t happen.

You shouldn’t use electric blankets if you have arthritis

Not only is this a myth; the opposite is in fact true: an electric blanket can be a very effective way of relieving pain and soothing aching joints and muscles. Heat has always been used as a natural remedy for pain because it increases circulation and the flow of oxygen. Therefore, electric blankets can really help people with conditions like arthritis get a good night’s sleep, without the need for medication.

Electric blankets can’t be washed

Most electric blankets can not only be washed; they can be washed in a regular washing machine. In fact, they should be washed periodically for hygiene purposes and for general good maintenance. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and roll them up gently inside the machine. Obviously, you need to remove the controller and lead before washing. You can dry them on a line or over an airer but don’t put them in the tumble dryer.

Electric blankets can catch on fire or explode

Electric blankets are very safe to use and have several fail-safes built-in, including overheat protection. However, as with any electrical device, they do rely on proper use and maintenance to remain safe. This includes things like checking them over for wires protruding through the fabric, feeling for broken wires inside the blanket, and ensuring it is fully dry before using again after washing. Always use according to manufacturer’s instructions and store properly when not in use. If you follow all these things, electric blankets are perfectly safe and will not set on fire or explode.

Electric blankets are expensive to run

This is really not the case as many electric blankets cost in the region of just a penny per night to run! Unlike an electric heater, an electric blanket doesn’t need to generate enough heat to warm up a whole room. In fact, as your blanket will sit in direct contact with your body, it doesn’t need to generate much heat at all for you to feel the benefit of it!