Are electric blankets safe?
Yes, as long as you take care of them and roll them up when in storage. Replace your blanket if it has any of the following: bent wiring, scorch marks, frayed fabric, exposed elements, dampness, worn patches, damaged cords, or loose connections.
All blankets, even those in good condition, should be replaced every 10 years. It’s also recommended that young children not use them due to the control required. And never use them in an infant’s cot.
Regardless of how you plan to use your electric blanket, there are always precautions you should take to ensure you’re using it safely. Experts told us you should never leave an electric blanket on when you leave the room or when you’re asleep. Many electric blankets have an automatic shut-off feature so it’s not heating when you don’t need it, but it’s always wise to double-check that your blanket is off once you’re done using it.
According to Urban, the wellness effects of a heated blanket become muted over time as your body adapts to it, “and then there’s no more gain being delivered from that ongoing heat.” He added there is also the risk for individuals who have diabetes and other medical conditions for decreased sensation, which can impair their ability to know if the blanket is too hot — this can increase their risk of burns after an extended time.
“Even in the world of therapy, when we use to heat, we’re only using it for a short duration and not for hours and hours,” said Urban. He said he usually keeps the heat on patients for about 30 minutes at a time.
Rather than sleeping with an electric blanket, experts recommend using it to heat up the bed and then turning it off before you go to sleep.