Safety Tips for Heating Pads and Electric Blankets (2024)

FAQs

Safety Tips for Heating Pads and Electric Blankets? ›

Using Electric Blankets

Never use an electric blanket with a waterbed. Never use pins – they can damage the blanket's wiring. Never tuck an electric blanket under the mattress, never fold it over double, crease it, or extend it under the pillows. This can cause overheating and scorching.

Using Electric Blankets

Never use an electric blanket with a waterbed. Never use pins – they can damage the blanket's wiring. Never tuck an electric blanket under the mattress, never fold it over double, crease it, or extend it under the pillows. This can cause overheating and scorching.

To avoid overheating and a potential fire, do not allow anything on top (pets, other blankets, etc.) of a heating pad or electric blanket when in use.

Electric blankets can be fire hazards and can catch alight for many reasons. Most commonly, fires caused by blankets commonly occur overnight or due to wiring faults from age or poor care. In some rare cases, the fires are caused by a manufacturing fault causing an electrical component to malfunction.

Electric blankets should never be left unattended when turned on. But, can you leave an electric blanket on all night? We don't recommend sleeping with an electric blanket on all night and a thermostatic control or timer should be used if you choose to leave your electric blanket on.

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.

Do not use it on damaged skin or in areas where you have nerve damage and may be unable to tell if skin becomes damaged.” Heating pads provide comfort, but they are not safe for everyone.

Please note that we do not recommend sitting on or laying on your Sunbeam® heating pad. There should be room for air to circulate on the heating pad to reduce the risk of burns, electric shock, fire, and personal injury.

Dr. Behr advises against using heat treatments after activity or after an acute injury because heat can cause the swelling to worsen. Heating pads are the most common heat source, but even a hot, wet towel can bring relief.

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.

Should an electric blanket be on top or bottom? ›

An electric blanket goes on top of you and the bedding unless you want to use it under the duvet, comforter, or top blanket. Don't lie on top of an electric blanket, or you risk damaging the wires.

The cost of a new blanket is small compared to the cost of a fire or a burn injury. We want you to stay warm and safe! ✓ Don't put blankets on top of an electric blanket, and don't use an electric blanket and a heating pad at the same time. Heat can become trapped in the bedding layers and cause burns.

Never use a heating pad or electric blanket while you are sleeping. These products are designed for use while you are awake and can pose a serious fire risk if left unattended while you are sleeping.

There are 4 well-known consequences of incorrectly using heat therapy products and services: Skin rash or burn. Prolonged use of hot packs and heating pads, or application of a heat source that is overly hot without a barrier on the skin, can cause contact burns.

As the cold weather spreads across the country through the Autumn and Winter, many people will be dusting off their electric blankets ready for use. But be careful, don't risk a fire. Electric blankets account for over 5000 fires a year in the home and you can prevent these by taking some simple steps.

Using your electric blanket all night long may also make it harder to stay asleep, given that excess heat reduces both Stage 3 (slow-wave) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Additionally, if you find you're restless because you're feeling too hot, your sleep quality may be affected.

Be sure not to put anything on the blanket or sit on it either unless the blanket's design allows it. Otherwise, the blanket's electric coils can be damaged.

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.