Is sleeping with a heated blanket bad for health?
While there have been several reports over the years of heat stroke deaths caused by elevated core body temperatures due sleeping with an electric blanket, these are exceedingly rare. Less dramatic but still important is the potential for heated blankets to affect sleep.
Is a heated blanket bad for You?
Heated blankets can provide warmth and comfort during cold and wintery months. However, heated blankets pose a high risk of burn injuries and fires when the recommended precautions are not followed. Electric blankets pose a risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. A small study in 2007 also linked heated blankets to an increased risk of heatstroke.
What are the best heating blankets?
- Best Overall: Sunbeam Heated Blanket
- Best on Amazon: Bedsure Heated Blanket
- Best Weighted: Hammacher Schlemmer The Heated Weighted Blanket
- Best for Beds: Degrees Of Comfort Dual-Control Electric Blanket
- Best for the Couch: Beautyrest Plush Electric Throw Blanket
- Best Reversible: Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket
- Best for Camping: Cozee Heated Blanket
Why are electric blankets bad for You?
– The number one reason why electric blankets are considered dangerous is that they present significant fire risks. Fires associated with electric blankets occur primarily due to the overheating and/or malfunction of the heating components inside of electric blankets, all of which are bundled in fabric that could potentially combust.
Are heated blankets safe to sleep with?
Summary. Electric blankets are designed to create a warm and cozy bed, but are not recommended for overnight use. They are safe for short term use, and although unlikely, they have the potential to overheat if used incorrectly or for a prolonged period.
Do heated blankets give off radiation?
Electric blankets may not be safe to use during pregnancy because they generate non-ionizing radiation. Some research shows that exposure to non-ionizing radiation may increase the chance of pregnancy loss.
How often do heated blankets catch fire?
Due to the nature of the product, electrical fires, smoldering, and full flame combustion are possible, and the chances of these incidents occurring increases greatly when the product becomes worn or damaged. Experts estimate that an average of 5,000 house fires are caused by electric blankets every year.
Who should not use a heated blanket?
Even though newer electric blankets come with safety measures and protection, those who don't have control over temperatures and power supply of the blanket shouldn't use it. That includes infants, toddlers under 3, and pets.
Why are electric blankets not good for you?
New electric blankets are a minimal safety risk, but old, damaged, or improperly used electric blankets can pose a risk for fire or burns. Electric blankets can be a factor in overheating for pregnant women, and many health organizations recommend discontinuing use during pregnancy.
Can electric blankets cause leukemia?
Our best estimates of exposure indicate that electric blanket use increases overall exposure to electric fields by less than 50% and magnetic fields by less than 100%. We conclude that there is no major leukemogenic risk associated with electric blanket use in Los Angeles County.
Is it OK to leave electric blanket on all night?
While a modern, well-maintained electric blanket is unlikely to cause problems with proper use, it is not recommended to keep electric blankets on all night. Instead, it's helpful to use electric blankets to warm up your bed before you get in and turn them off before you fall asleep.
What are the disadvantages of electric blanket?
Although newer models have higher safety standards, there's always a remote possibility that an electric blanket could cause burns, especially if used improperly. Don't use an electric blanket if you sleep with a pet. Clawing and chewing can damage the wires and cause an accident.
How many deaths are caused by electric blankets?
Each year there are about 1000 fires caused by faulty electric blankets. Around 20 people are killed and 250 injured in these fires. Elderly people are particularly vulnerable. Recent checks have found that 40% of blankets being used by the public are unsafe.
Are electric blankets toxic?
They may pose a risk for fires and burns. They may also be more dangerous for infants, elderly people, diabetics, pregnant women and those who have nerve disorders.
Does electric blanket affect blood pressure?
6, 2019 — Applying a heating pad overnight may help people with supine hypertension, a condition that causes their blood pressure to increase when they lie down including during sleep, according to preliminary results presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions.
Can an electric blanket dehydrate you?
Using an electric blanket can lead to dehydration. Your body can overheat as you sleep so you can lose increased body fluid through sweat as well as by the simple act of breathing. If you suffer from night sweats, an electric blanket can make this worse.
Are electric blankets toxic?
They may pose a risk for fires and burns. They may also be more dangerous for infants, elderly people, diabetics, pregnant women and those who have nerve disorders.
Do electric blankets produce EMF?
Just like any other electrical device, electric blankets emit an electromagnetic field (EMF) when turned on. Some people believe long-term exposure to it can damage the body and cause cancer, specifically brain tumors and breast cancer.
What are the side effects of electric blanket?
It can also result in numbness. Any of these symptoms can have the net effect of interfering with an individual's sensitivity to heat, particularly while sleeping. This makes it possible to become overheated while sleeping with an electric blanket, or even suffer burns in areas of direct contact with the appliance.
Is it OK to leave electric blanket on all night?
While a modern, well-maintained electric blanket is unlikely to cause problems with proper use, it is not recommended to keep electric blankets on all night. Instead, it's helpful to use electric blankets to warm up your bed before you get in and turn them off before you fall asleep.
Do heating blankets cause cancer?
Using an electric blanket all night and for many years was not linked to increased breast cancer risk, according to a study in the American Journal...
Are electric blankets bad for you?
No electric blankets are not bad for everyone. However, it would be best if you were careful while using all electrical equipment. Although electri...
Are electric blankets safe for dogs?
Electric blankets are safe for dogs. However, it’s best not to cover your dog with the same blanket since our bodies differ in temperature. Dog bed...
Are electric blankets safe for cats?
It is dangerous to use a heated blanket around cats. By kneeling or jumping up and around on the bed, their claws can easily penetrate the wiring....
What are the effects of electric blankets on our sleep?
These blankets may interfere with your sleep if you are trying to stay warm during freezing nights. It was examined in a study in 1999 whether people’s core temperatures could be affected by using heated blankets at night. Researchers found that increased core temperatures resulted in a major decrease in sleep efficiency.
Electric blanket side effects
Overheating, burns and fire risks are some of the side effects of electric blankets.
Do heating blankets cause cancer?
Using an electric blanket all night and for many years was not linked to increased breast cancer risk, according to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Are electric blankets bad for you?
No electric blankets are not bad for everyone. However, it would be best if you were careful while using all electrical equipment.
Are electric blankets safe for dogs?
Electric blankets are safe for dogs. However, it’s best not to cover your dog with the same blanket since our bodies differ in temperature. Dog beds that are heated with low voltage work safely for dogs and heat up as needed.
Are electric blankets safe for cats?
It is dangerous to use a heated blanket around cats. By kneeling or jumping up and around on the bed, their claws can easily penetrate the wiring. Moreover, wrinkling the blanket on itself makes it more appealing to a cat for kneading.
Where did heated blankets get their bad reputation?
From the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, a number of house fires were caused by electric blankets, which rightfully led to people being skeptical about using electric heated blankets for some time. Most of the house fires occurred in the UK. Some of the house fires were so severe that they caused deaths.
Safety tips for using heated blankets
Always check the product label, and make sure that is has been certified by a national testing laboratory (e.g., UL). If you want you can also check the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see if there is an active recall on your heated blanket
How to minimize risk with using heated blankets
Get rid of old blankets: most blanket caused fires are caused by products older than 10 years, whose internal wiring/heating elements have degraded or been damaged. Newer blanket models have better wiring, and have auto shut-offs, and thermostats.
Safely store a heated blanket
Storing the cords: make sure to unplug the controls and cords. Place the controls and cord in a small bag.
Summary
Heated blankets got their bad reputation for the degrading heating elements on heated blankets over 10 years old, and people not using or storing their heated blankets in the correct manner.
Electric blankets have a reputation for being unsafe. But is it earned?
Electric blankets offer a convenient way to stay cozy and warm. But there’s also something about combining cloth blankets with electrical wiring that can seem at least a little dangerous.
Are Electric Blankets a Fire Hazard?
The most obvious safety risk presented by electric blankets is starting a fire in your home. But while there are certainly examples of this, those cases represent a tiny fraction of home fires.
Are Electric Blankets Bad for Your Health?
In most situations, electric blankets don’t pose a significant health risk. Over the years there’s been speculation that devices that create electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), like heated blankets and hair dryers, could cause cancer. Those theories have been thoroughly debunked by the National Cancer Institute.
How to Safely Store an Electric Blanket
Proper storage is essential to keeping your electric blanket in good condition.
How to prevent a heated blanket from being dangerous?
There are steps you can take to reduce risks from a potentially dangerous heated blanket, including: Look for a tag indicating that the blanket has been tested and approved by a nationally recognized independent testing agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Don’t buy a secondhand electric blanket.
What are the safety features of electric blankets?
New electric blankets include safety features, such as a rheostat control, that reduce the risk of fire and burns. According to Columbia University, 99 percent of all electric blanket fires are caused by those that are 10 years old or older. Older blankets may not have internal temperature controls to turn them off before they get too hot.
What are electric blankets?
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.
How to avoid accidentally switching on a blanket?
To avoid accidental switching on, don’t plug your blanket into an electrical outlet that’s controlled by a light switch. Don’t wash an electric blanket. Don’t dry-clean an electric blanket. If your blanket doesn’t have a timer, turn it off before you go to sleep. Don’t lie or sit on top of an electric blanket.
Can you use an electric blanket with a wire?
Avoid blankets that show signs of excessive wear, such as tears, discolorations, scorch marks, frayed electrical cord, or damaged temperature control. Don’t use an electric blanket that has wires and attachments that don’t fit tightly and properly. Hold the blanket up to the light.
Can you use an electric blanket and a heating pad at the same time?
Don’t use more than one electric blanket at a time. Don’t use an electric blanket and a heating pad at the same time.
Can pregnant women use heating blankets?
To avoid any possible risk of complications, the World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source. recommends that pregnant women discontinue heating blanket use while pregnant. Along with electric blankets, pregnant women avoid overheating in saunas and hot tubs.
How to minimize danger of electric blanket?
One way to minimize your risk of danger is to avoid putting anything on top of your electric blanket. You need to think of it as any other device in your home that uses electricity and heat, regardless of whether or not it’s turned on.
Why is it important to store a blanket?
You should put the item in a place where it won’t collect dust and lint. This is because when you put the blanket back in use, dust and lint can be a fire hazard.
How many fires do electric blankets cause?
According to the The Electrical Safety Foundation International ( ESFI ), heating pads and electric blankets cause nearly 500 fires per year, with the majority involving blankets that are over 10 years old.
When was the electric blanket invented?
The modern electric blanket was developed in the early 1900s by George C. Crowley, and throughout the last century has continued to advance and evolve with the help of emerging technology.
Does a blanket affect sleep?
A 1999 study examined how raising a person’s core temperature at night with a heated blanket might affect sleep. 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.
Can you put a pet in a heated blanket?
Much like infants and young children, pets have no control over the product, leaving them in danger of getting too hot. Covering a pet in a heated blanket could prove just as deadly as leaving them in a hot car, so you’re better off giving them a regular blanket during cold nights that they can easily remove if needed.
Is it bad to have heated bedding while pregnant?
Pregnant Women. As previously mentioned, heated bedding can increase a person’s core body temperature, and this can be particularly dangerous for women who are pregnant, especially those who are in their first trimester. The extra heat may cause harm to the unborn baby and could lead to an increased risk of miscarriage.
What are the disadvantages of a heated blanket?
The disadvantages of heated blanket include that they. Can heat up to high temperatures and cause damage to internal body organs, vessels and body cells. Are a fire and burn risk if they are outdated models. Are easily damaged by pets or improper care. May burn if not handled properly, especially the newer models.
What is a heated blanket?
Heated blankets are regular blankets that contain wires within that heat them up. They may pose a risk for fires and burns. They may also be more dangerous for infants, elderly people, diabetics, pregnant women and those who have nerve disorders. Heated blankets can provide warmth and comfort during cold and wintery months.
How much power does a blanket use?
The average blanket uses about 200 to 400 watts of power. The wires, which are the heating elements, are evenly distributed between the layers of fabric. They heat up when the blanket is turned on. The fabric material may vary with different blankets. The most common fabrics used are.
Can you use a heated blanket for a miscarriage?
However, heated blankets pose a high risk of burn injuries and fires when the recommended precautions are not followed. Electric blankets pose a risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. A small study in 2007 also linked heated blankets to an increased risk of heatstroke.
Can you wash electric blankets?
Do not wash electric heating blankets that aren’t approved for machine wash or hand wash. Replace blankets that contain displaced or damaged installed heating wires. You can do so by holding the blanket up to the light. Avoid folding the blanket when it is turned on.
Can you lay on top of a heating blanket?
Never attempt to lie on top of the blanket. Doing so can cause damage to the electrical wires and cause injury or a fire hazard. Refrain from dry cleaning a heating blanket. The chemicals used in the dry cleaning process can damage heating insulation and increase fire risk.
Can a heated blanket cause burns?
Heated blankets may get too hot or might cause burns if kept on one area of the body for too long. Heated blankets can be dangerous in case of. Infants. Elderly.
What makes a heated blanket comfortable?
Very Comfortable Heated Blanket. What makes this model of heated blanket very comfortable are its thin wires and the fabric. Namely, the cords that are hidden in the blanket are not even noticeable. The blanket is made out of very soft microfleece fabric.
Why are electric blankets not safe for pets?
Some of the reasons the electric blanket might not be safe for them is a possibility of overheating, burns, high voltage, lack of auto-off options, etc.
How long does it take for an electric blanket to stop heating?
Also, controllers have a feature because of which the blanket will stop the heat after 10 hours of use. Controllers For This Model. Depending on the size of the electric blanket, you will get two or one controller (s).
What is an electric heated blanket made of?
The electric heated blanket is made out of incredibly soft and comfortable micro-fleece fabric. That fabric of the heated blanket is also 100% polyester. What makes the fabric ideal for the heated blanket is that the material enables equal distribution of the heat.
How many volts does a blanket use?
According to the Perfect Fit’s official page, their heated blankets need much less voltage than other blankets. That is, their heated blankets use less than 25 volt s. That is excessively reduced in comparison to other blankets that use 120v. Sleeping With A Blanket.
What does it mean when a blanket is higher?
In many cases, a higher price of the blanket means better quality and better products overall. Electric blanket prices will vary depending on who made them and where are you buying them. Size and specific model also might affect the price.
What is the fabric of an electric blanket?
The fabric of the heated blanket is fleece. The electric blanket model is also 100% polyester and very cozy and soft. You will use the blanket even when there is no need to heat it. Special material also ensures it will be heated evenly.
What is an electric blanket?
An electric blanket is really structured more like a quilt than a blanket. Two blankets or pieces of fabric are sewn together like a quilt with heat coils running in-between. Over time, they have been installed with better temperature controls and shut off devices, making heated blankets much less of a fire hazard.
When was the electric blanket invented?
By the late 1800’s the hot water bottle was in use, made from rubber and covered with cloth. The electric blanket was invented in the early 1900’s, circa 1912. It was originally designed to be used as a bottom layer, verses on top as it is now.
What was heated in the fire?
During medieval times, stones were heated in the fire and placed at the bottom of beds. The Renaissance and Victorian eras saw the use of more developed and ornate bed warmers: a metal covered pan on a long handle was filled with coals from the fire and placed in the bed.
Can you use a blanket on a bed?
Use it on an Average Bed: Since these blankets need to stay flat and un-crinkled, they are best used on a typical bed. Avoid use on waterbeds or adjustable bed frames that increase the likelihood of damage to the blanket. Make it the Top Layer: Do not place additional blankets or quilts on top of an electric blanket, ...
Is it safe to sleep with an electromagnetic blanket on?
If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t leave your blanket on all night, you can enjoy a safe and warm addition to a good night’s sleep.
Can pets scratch a blanket?
Keep Pets Off: Pets can scratch, roll, wiggle, and inadvertently damage the blanket or the coils. Keep pets off beds with heated blankets. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Your blanket will likely come with safety warnings and manufacturer’s instructions including how to wash and care for your blanket.
Is electric blanket a fire hazard?
Electric Blankets are still seen as a fire hazard by insurance agencies. Companies like State Farm have safety tips on their websites, and advocate for no overnight usage. There are other concerns as well.
1. Saves Energy
One of the benefits of having a heated blanket is that they are energy-efficient. They can provide you warmth without having to turn up the thermostat, especially during the winter.
2. Improves Your Mood
Sleeping with a heated blanket can boost your mood because warmth naturally calms your body and mind.
3. Relieves Pain
A known remedy for aches and pains is to apply heat. The heat produced from a heated blanket can help lower tightness in the muscles and reduce cramps.
4. Provide Better Sleep
Another reason why you should have a heated blanket is that they can create a better quality of sleep. Changes in temperature can interrupt your sleep, make you sick, and cause you to toss and turn all night.
1. Fire Risk
Just like any electrical appliance, heated blankets can be a fire hazard. Leaving them on for an extended time can increase the chances of something happening.
2. Not Washable
People sleep in their beds for about six to eight hours every night. The bedding will need to get washed once every one to two weeks.
3. Not Always Pet-Friendly
Many pets will love to snuggle up with the warmth of a heated blanket and using one can actually help relax agitated or excited animals, but you should be aware that heated blankets do pose some risk to your furry friends if they decide to claw, scratch, or chew on the blanket while it’s on.
