The Best Heated Mattress Pad of 2021 – Comfort and Warmth

With winter right around the corner, you may be looking for products that will increase the coziness and comfort level during those cold days and nights. While you can throw layer upon layer of blankets on your bed, another worthwhile option is a heated mattress pad. 

With a heated mattress pad, you can stay nice and toasty all night without the incessant need of a heater – also helping to lower your electric or gas bill. 

What Is A Heated Mattress Pad? Should You Invest In One?

First off, a heated mattress pad sits right on your mattress – similar to what you’d see with mattress foam pads that most people are familiar with.  The premise of heated pads is to warm your mattress up, ensuring you won’t be cold as you sleep. Yes, you do have other options to choose from, but a mattress pad is much safer and easier to use. 

You may consider using an electric blanket to keep you warm at night, but there are two reasons why you need to consider a heated mattress pad instead.

• An electric blanket cannot be used for extended periods of time – they can short out, which may cause a fire. 
• You also can’t clean them near as good as you can a pad.

This is why it’s better to have a mattress pad; they are far different. 

If having a heated mattress pad for those cold, winter nights sounds good to you, you need to learn what to look for in a mattress. There are many things to consider in a heated mattress – safety, durability, length, etc. – which is why you need to do your homework to find the best-heated mattress pad for your bed.  

There are several heated mattress pad manufacturers and various products available, but here are a few of the better choices on the market for you to consider for your bedroom. 

The Best Heated Mattress Pads

Chillpad Cube Cooling and Heating Pad Review

The Chillpad Cube Cooling and Heating Pad is designed with a central unit that fits under your bed and connects to a cotton and polyester pad that's placed underneath your sheet. It's made up of a copious amount of silicone micro-tubes that are intended to circulate water. The device either cools or heats the water to adjust the temperature of your bed. Since the tubes are very thin, you are unlike to feel them when lying down.

The Chillpad Cube isn't just designed to heat up the bed, but also cool it down if needed (in a range of 55 to 100 degrees). Thanks to the two zones of tubes, each side of the bed can have a different temperature. You can easily change the temperature by either the main unit or a wireless remote.

The Chillpad Cube Cooling and Heating Pad has an 80-watt power rating per cube, which is significantly lower than an AC and will auto shut off after 10 hours of continuous use. This means you can sleep comfortably all night long and save money, too.

While it's considered the most expensive option available on the list, its performance and array of features justify the cost. If you're unsure if this is the right product for you, the company offers a 90-day risk-free trial.

Serta Sherpa Heated Electric Mattress Pad Review

The Serta Sherpa Heated Electric Mattress Pad can be used any time of the year thanks to its low-voltage heat that won't scald you to the point of being uncomfortable. It's a great choice for people who are concerned about overheating or already have warm blankets and want something a little extra. It comes with built-in, thin wires that are evenly spaced three-inches apart from each other to ensure even heat distribution. The wires are barely noticeable but provide warmth when you need it.

Since this electric pad doesn't generate a lot of voltage, it's given a two thumbs up for its safety. It uses the patented non-hazardous low-voltage technology, which emits no EMFs, will not harm pets, and is safe in the presence of moisture. After 10 hours, it will automatically shut off for safety and convenience.

The Serta Sherpa Heated Electric Mattress Pad has 10 heat settings to choose from, and the Zoned heating and dual controllers are offered on all pad sizes. You don't have to sacrifice your comfort or your partner's preferences any longer. Every product comes with a preheat feature that lets you warm the whole bed up before you're ready to snuggle in for the night.

It also offers a backlit display that includes an auto-dimming feature so you can make adjustments in the dark. The heated pad is made of a stretchy but thick, soft polyester cover that ensures you don't feel the wires inside. The manufacturer also added an inner layer of fiberfill and soft fabric to give a little more comfort and support to the sleeper. In fact, every wire is enveloped in a layer of fiberfill that points the heat downward towards you, so you can get an even distribution of heat without 'hot' or 'cold' spots.

One of the great things about the Serta Sherpa Heated Electric Mattress Pad is that you can wash it in the washer machine, and it comes with a three-year manufacturer's warranty.

Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad Review

The Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad is well-regarded for its soft cover. It comes with five ounces of polyester fill sewn into it, which can be thrown in both the washer and dryer for easy cleaning. The generous amount of fill creates a softness level you don't see in other electric pads. And, with the additional cushioning, you're less likely to feel the wires when you lie down on it.

Another reason this low-priced pad is so worthwhile is that it comes with a low-voltage heat system to provide safe and comforting temperature regulation. An EasySet Pro controller includes 10 heat settings, and the ThermoFine system ensures consistent, evenly distributed heat across the bed.

The Sunbeam can sense both the room temperature and body heat and make adjustments to the temperature during the night. On the King and Queen sized models, there is a dual setting that allows each person to control the heat for their side of the bed with a separate controller.

The Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad also comes with a preheat function, which allows you to warm the bed up before you go to sleep. If the pad has been on for 10 hours, it will shut off automatically, which is why it's considered so safe for use. Sunbeam also provides a five-year limited warranty to ensure total customer satisfaction.

Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Pad Review

The Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Pad is very safe - it will warm your bed while also protecting it. It's waterproof with a 233-thread count polyester/cotton shell, making for a very soft pad. The manufacturer has used a special TPU Laminate waterproof barrier as well as a Scotchguard stain repellant finish to ensure the pad is protected against all kinds of accidents and spills.

The Perfect Fit is constructed with a patented Safe & Warm low-voltage technology that's built within the pad. It comes with a small power supply box that will change the 120V AC home current into a non-hazardous low-voltage DC (something you see with batteries), which will ensure warmth, safety, and protection even if the pad becomes wet.

The heating wires of the Perfect Fit are very small – nearly undetectable. During construction, the wires were placed three inches apart from each other, which ensures an even heat distribution — no worries of cold or hot spots.

On the Queen size model, there are two separate zones, which include easy-to-understand non-slip controllers that allow each person to adjust their side's temperature. If you want a warm bed to crawl into, make use of the preheat and hold feature. Just turn it on, and the pad warms up to the setting you placed on the pre-set dial. It holds that temperature until you want to turn it down. The Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Pad has a 10-hour automatic shut-off feature and includes a built-in overheating temperature reading for your safety.

The controller has a huge backlit display that includes an auto-dimming feature, so it's convenient to use during the night without having to turn on the lights. Best of all, the pad can be washed and dried without any stretching or shrinking.

Electrowarmth Extra Long Heated Pad Review

Couples do not always share the same temperature preferences, which is why the dual-sided heated pads are so ideal. Both sides can be programmed to a different setting, ensuring that the couple gets the temperature they like. It's the ultimate compromise.

The Electrowarmth Extra Long Heated Pad comes in nine different sizes with the dual control options – Full, Queen, King, California King, Short, and XL. Individuals can also choose between different sizes, as well. However, it's the dual-control models that are ideal in saving couples money on their utilities.

This electric pad can be programmed for 10 different heat settings – mild to extremely warm. It shuts off after 10 hours for power conservation, convenience, and extra safety. When users turn the pad back on, it switches to the last setting it was set for. It's ETL approved, and a key benefit of the designation is the shut-off feature to keep the Electrowarmth from overheating.

The Electrowarmth Extra Long Heated Pad comprises of a soft, polyester cover and comes with a fitted skirt that will hold it in place on the mattress up to 13 inches thick. You can remove the pad and wash and dry it easily in conventional machines. Electrowarmth, which is made in the US, offers a 30-night trial and a one-year warranty.

Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Pad Review

The Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Pad is made of 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester blend top with a 200-thread count that ensures users feel comfortable all night long. With its fitted skirt, Beautyrest will stay in place regardless of how much you move while sleeping. It's got a medium level of firmness, which is ideal for people who love a somewhat firm, somewhat soft sleeping surface.

Beautyrest made use of the Secure Comfort technology to alleviate the fear of electromagnetism - it eliminates almost all electromagnetic field emissions. The company also added the 10-hour auto shut-off feature so the pad won't overheat and cause a fire. They made sure to use flexible wires that are soft enough that you don't feel them while sleeping. The quilted top provides you with even more of the optimal comfort you are looking for.

What sets this heated pad apart from other models is it only has five settings – rather than 10 – and it has a push-button style controller. This is great for people who have difficulties using their hands in the turning motion. However, the controller could be problematic for people who can't see well – the numbers are on the small side.

You can easily care for the Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Pad by placing it in the washer machine, but be sure to read the manufacturer's guide to ensure proper care and maintenance. Twin, Full, and Twin XL sizes come with one controller while the King, Queen, and Cal King sizes are equipped with two controllers.

Sunbeam All Season Heated Mattress Pad Review

If you desire an all-cotton pad, the Sunbeam All Season Heated Mattress Pad, with its quilted cotton top and a 250-thread count construction, is what you've been looking for. It has dual controllers that offer 10 heat settings providing 10 hours' worth of heat, which will automatically shut off after that time. With the preheat feature, no more are you going to climb into a cold bed.

The Sunbeam All Season Heated Mattress Pad is designed to fit mattresses up to 21 inches and is washable and dryable in machines. There are other aspects of this that make it a worthwhile product. It's very soft and thick, which means you don't feel the wires inside of it. Plus, it uses the ThermoFine Warming System Sensor, which adjusts the temperature to deliver consistent warmth. The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty.

Sable Electric Mattress Pad Review

People who struggle with allergies shouldn't have to suffer from the cold all night. The Sable Electric Mattress Pad is completely hypoallergenic, with a polyester soft plush cover that is highly breathable and safe for the skin. The fiberfill is lightweight and porous, and it can be put through the washer and dryer without any problems.

All this, and it also comes with the various features you would want in a heated pad:

10 heat settings and auto shut-off that can be set from one to nine hours.
Low-voltage output, which keeps your electric bill low.
Even distribution of heat due to wires that have been carefully placed inside thick and comfortable microplush hosts.

The Sable Electric Mattress Pad is held in place with corner elastics and useful for mattresses up to 18 inches deep. Sable offers fast heating - it can heat up within 10 minutes or less, which means you're not feeling cold in the meantime, waiting for it to heat up. It also comes with an extra-long cord so you can easily access the controls and make any necessary adjustments.

Due to the soft fabric, you'll feel comfortable all night long. And, if you need to make adjustments during the night, you can use the remote control with display to do so. It's one of the best products you can buy and well worth the investment in the grand scheme of things.

How To Buy A Heated Mattress Pad and Get More Bang For Your Buck 

The reality of heated mattress pads is that they are great for both individuals and couples.  Of course, you may be wondering why you should consider them over the plethora of other choices for your bed. 

Keep in mind that your considerations are unique, and what you feel is the best reason for it may not be best for someone else. When it comes to buying mattress pads, covers or sheets, it’s up to individuals to find what works for them.

A Brief Look At Heated Mattress Pads

One of the things you’ll find in most heated mattress pad reviews is their likening to electric heating appliances, as that’s what they generally are. You place these pads on top of the mattress to ensure you stay warm while sleeping. These pads are usually used in the winter and come in the standard bed sizes – king, queen, full and twin. However, the materials that come in can differ as well as their features – dual-sided temperature gauges and timers.

The Design Of The Heated Mattress Pad

It’s important to understand the mechanics of a mattress pad before you look into the different factors that make it so worthwhile. A heated mattress pad isn’t the same as a mattress cooling pad, which uses fabric and fillings to control the temperature. Instead, the heated mattress pads will use a wire heating element that coils around the pad in a winding shape. 

You also need to plug your mattress into a socket, but they do come with temperature control that can “control” the temperature – either down or up. 

Should You Consider A Heated Mattress Pad This Winter?

There are a number of reasons people will buy a heated mattress pad, including the following:

Temperature Control 

The premise behind a heated mattress pad is to create a warm bed for you to fall asleep on, and while some mattress pads will only heat up, others will offer a cooling down feature as well. The pads are placed under your sheets, which ensures the heat stays in and close to the person on the body. For some people, the heat makes them fall asleep faster and sleep better.

Many people find that with these mattress pads, they don’t wake up freezing.  By pre-heating your mattress before you go to bed, you can rest assured a warmer night. 

Save Money 

A central heating unit must warm up the entire house – even if you’re not in a room. However, one of the more notable benefits you’ll read about in heated mattress pad reviews is that they are designed to heat your bed and nothing else. There’s no reason to waste your money or energy heating up a room. 

The investment you make with a heated mattress pad is paid back in lower utility costs. And, since some mattress pads come included with a cooling option during the warmer months, you can save that extra money and give yourself some additional comfort. 

Alleviate Your Pains

People who suffer from body pain – be it joint pain, back pain or neck pain – the heat can alleviate it. Heated mattress pads can ease the pain by boosting the circulation of blood in your body and decrease muscle tension 

Lower back pain is often attributed to stress, anxiety and tension, and even though a heated mattress pad won’t absolve the culprit, it can relieve you of some of the issues you may have for a little while. 

Better Side-Sleeping Experience 

Side sleepers love the idea of getting a good night’s sleep, which is something a heating mattress pad can offer them. After all, a drawback side sleepers face is numbness in the shoulder and arms. This is something that is drastically reduced when sleeping on a heated mattress pad because the pad allows for better blood circulation while also alleviating the pain of the body’s pressure points. 

Relief from Fibromyalgia Pain 

Most people never expect to suffer from fibromyalgia, but it’s a pain that’s felt throughout the entire body and feels as if you’re bruised up all over. It’s a condition that can only be managed – using products that will alleviate pain. 

The signs of fibromyalgia include increased cold sensitivity, mood swings, muscle tension and radiating pain. You can alleviate the symptoms by keeping your body warm and not laying down in a cold room or on a cold surface. Anybody who has this condition is advised to use a mattress heating pad to warm up to ease the pain it brings on.

Better Blood Circulation

When the body is warm, the blood expands and lets the heart pump out more of it. This increase in blood circulation means an increase in oxygen supply, which can lead to a better sleeping experience. A person who suffers from low blood pressure can see a real benefit to the increased blood circulation. 

It can also help with other conditions including but not limited to:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Cramps
• Numbness
• Stroke 
• Vertigo 

Alleviates Stress 

When it comes to working a long day, the body experiences stress and tension. However, giving your body warmth means alleviating your tension and stress level. Your head and body can stay calm. With a heated mattress pad, you can set the pad at a certain temperature that will keep you warm all through the night. 

It’s also great for when you need to take a time out and want to relax or even meditate. 

Alleviate The Weight

Many people say they like cold weather because they can put on more clothes or add on more blankets, but they can’t take enough clothes off in the summer. Rather than bogging yourself down with clothing or lots of blankets, use a heated mattress pad to keep you warm. 

Protect Your Mattress

The key behind mattress pads is to protect your mattress. You extend the life of your mattress, as the stitching won’t easily fray from wear and tear. Plus, it won’t get dirty, stained or wet, which also extends its lifespan. If your mattress is too firm, the mattress pad will soften it up. 

Safe with Auto Shut-Off Feature 

Manufacturers have designed heated mattress pads with an auto shut-off feature, which means you can turn on the pad to the preferred warmth level and once it’s been reached, it will shut off to keep it from overheating. Overheating is both problematic and deadly, leading to heat strokes and burns. 

Why A Heated Mattress Pad Isn’t Always Ideal

Not Suitable For All Beds

There is limited use to a heated mattress pad – they cannot be used on waterbeds or mechanical ones. Obviously, you should never use a heated mattress pad on a waterbed since water and electricity are often deadly. If you have a bunk bed, you cannot use the heated pad on the top bunch since it can stretch the cord out and increase the fire risk. 

Fire Hazard 

The key disadvantage to a heated mattress pad is the increase in fire danger. Electrical appliances – be it a heating pad, heated mattress pad, toaster, microwave or even your cell phone – can increase the danger that comes with using electrical products. 

While a heating pad system goes through an array of professional tests to ensure safety and prevent devastating accidents, nothing is foolproof. A heated mattress pad may come equipped with an auto-shutoff feature; some manufacturers may not include this feature.

And, as the heating mattress pad is used and years pass, its wiring may become frayed/damaged, which increases the chances for a fire.

Unsuitable For Pets and Children

Do your pets or kids sleep with you? If so, then you don't need a heated mattress pad. First off, pets can damage the mattress, either by clawing or chewing on the material. When this happens, they expose the wires and damage the insulation - thus, increasing chances for accidents.

For children, their skin is sensitive, and a mattress pad that's too hot can burn them without you realizing it.

Any deep sleepers would be wise to avoid using a heated mattress pad along with the elderly.

Electromagnetic Radiation

All electrical products will emit electromagnetic radiation when in use. It's why researchers advise individuals to limit the length of time of using a heated mattress pad until further studies can be conducted. Scientists want to learn if there are any long-term problems and if they do cause cancer.

Who Would Do Best To Avoid Using A Heated Mattress Pad

The majority of people can safely use these "appliances" without any problems. However, heated mattress pad manufacturers are in agreement that the following people should avoid using them:

• Infants
• Young children
• Diabetics
• Heat-intolerant individuals
• Paraplegics

It's also advised that people who cannot read or use the controls avoid using these products. People who rely on an oxygen tank should never use a heated mattress pad. The control box could spark and cause an explosion that could lead to death.

Pregnant women should speak with their doctor before using a heated mattress pad if they are concerned. For the most part, these pads can be safely used before bed and turned off when going to bed.

What Features Can Personalize Your Heated Mattress Pad

Some people would rather have the ability to make adjustments to their heated mattress pad – some things they may want control over include:

• Heat settings
• Timers, auto shut-offs
• Preheating 
• Heating/cooling options
• Dual controls
• Auto-dimming 

Heating Settings 

One of the biggest things people want to personalize is the heat settings. Controlling the temperature of your mattress pad is a big part of your decision to like or dislike your investment. If the mattress pad you have isn’t keeping you warm all night long, then what’s the point of having it? This is why you want easy-to-understand temperature controls. 

With adjustable temperature controls, you can adjust the temperature to a tolerable level even in the dead of night. You also need to look at how many heat settings the pad is designed with. The more settings, the more customizable the heat can be to your preference.  The majority of them offer temperature settings from one to 10, but it’s not uncommon for some manufacturers to offer less while others offer more.  More settings mean more control for you. 

Dual Controls

The majority of heated mattress pads come with dual controls, usually for queen or king size pads. Basically, if two people share the bed, they can each have control of the heat on their side. This can be useful if you’re constantly bickering about being too cold or too hot. 

Heating/Cooling Options

You are not going to want to stay warm all year long, which is something some heated mattress pad manufactures considered when designing their pads. You may want to consider finding a pad that comes with a cooling feature as well as the heat feature.

Preheating

Some pads offer a “preheat the pad” function, which is where you can turn it on, and the bed will be warm when you’re ready to for bed. 

Timers/Auto Shut-Off

With a timer and auto shut-off feature, you can set the mattress pad to turn off after a period of time, or it will turn off on its own automatically after it reaches a predesignated time period.  Most manufacturers set this to happen after 10 hours. The features are great for two reasons – safety and convenience. 

Auto-Dimming

It’s always a great idea to find a product that offers an auto-dimming feature since it can let you easily make adjustments in the dark without full disruption to your circadian rhythm. 

What Aspects Are Worthwhile In Heated Mattress Pads

There are many manufacturers who produce heated mattress pads that come with various functions and features.  Of course, the right one for you will determine what it is you are after. What are some aspects that manufacturers take into consideration?

Comfort 

The number one reason people purchase a heated mattress pad is for the warmth it provides on a cold night. However, you shouldn’t give up comfort for that. Be sure you invest in a pad that will be comfortable for you.  For this to happen, you want one that offers a good balance between firmness and softness; one that will fit your body’s shape and will distribute heat evenly.  

A mattress pad with a thick fill to it will provide you with ultimate support.  You also want to make sure the wires have been hidden deep inside the pad, so you don’t feel it while sleeping and moving around. 

Durability 

The reality of heated mattress pads is that they can still be high-quality and cost less than a new mattress. Of course, it’s the kind of materials used to make the pad that determines the quality.  If you purchase a pad made of superior-quality materials, it may be years before you need to replace it.  

You also want to be sure the mattress pad’s cover is made of high-quality material and won’t easily disintegrate. Keep in mind that the higher the thread count, the better the quality.  You also want to purchase a pad that includes only thin, flexible wires so as not to feel them as you sleep.

Manufacturers who believe in their product often offer a warranty for their products. Most heated mattress pads have a five-year warranty on them should the quality not live up to what manufacturers have promised. 

Materials

There are several parts to a heated mattress pad – cover, controller and heating element. Since the pad will go under the sheets, you don’t typically make skin to pad contact. Still, the cover’s materials will have an effect on your comfort level and warmth. 

• Polyester – This is an artificial material that’s often used to produce covers. It’s both soft and stretchy but isn’t very porous. If you sweat, it doesn’t take the moisture away. One kind of polyester is microfiber that is brushed to create an extra-plush feel. 

• Cotton – This is a breathable material, which is also very soft. It’s used in many products, including heated mattress pads. The cotton’s thread count will determine how durable and soft the cover is. It’s not uncommon to see a mixture of both materials to be in bedding products.

Be sure you purchase a cover with a thick thread count so you cannot feel the wires. You also want to have a skirt to hold the mattress corners down, as it can bunch up if not “tied” down. This can increase the safety risks and lead to an uneven heat distribution. 

Size  

Your heated mattress pad must fit securely on the bed to keep it working effectively and safely. If the pad is too tight, it can pinch the cords or make it easier for you to feel the cords. Too loose and it will bunch up – another safety issue as overheating is problematic. 

When choosing what size mattress pad to get, look at your bed and mattress size. What are some of the common heated mattress pad sizes on the market?

• Twin – This padding will typically fit a 38x75 inch bed. 
• Twin XL – This padding will fit a 38x80 inch mattress. 
• Full – Mattress dimensions for this pad type is 54x75 inches.
• Queen – This mattress pad is ideal for 60x80 inch mattress. 
• King – The King size mattress pad fits mattress of 76x80 inches. 

These are just a guide to help you find the right heated mattress pad for your bed, and if you have another bed you need a mattress pad for – baby bed, camper bed, etc. – you’ll need to talk with the store’s customer service to see if they have any in stock for them.

Heating Element 

A heated mattress pad’s primary part is the heating element. It is, after all, a “heated” mattress pad. For most pads, manufacturers use minute wires and place them all around the pad. The electricity will warm the wire up. There are some specialty pads that use heated water or air rather than electric wires. 

The heating pad wires need to be extremely thin so you cannot feel them. However, you want them to be evenly distributed, so the pad is evenly warmed – no cold or hot spots. 

Controller

There are two types of controllers – analog or digital – and which one you get is up to you. An analog controller means you have a dial to make your adjustments. A digital controller means you push a button to make adjustments. Most people find a dial is easier to mess with in a dark room. 

Waterproof

Whatever mattress pad you get, it should be something that is waterproof – be it bladder problems or drinking liquids. 

Power Cord Length 

A heated mattress pad must have an electrical socket that you plug the mat’s cord into. Consider how your room is set up before you buy your cord. You should never use an extension cord for heated beddings or other heating devices, which something to bear in mind when you’re making your decision. 

Design

The biggest complaint you’ll read about in heated mattress pad reviews is the design where the power cord is at the foot of the bed – an issue tall people seem to have. If your feet tangle the bed, you certainly want to find a mattress pad that has its cord at the front. 

Low Voltage 

There are several manufacturers that produce heated mattress pads using a low voltage – 12v or 24v – that can be plugged into a home’s electrical outlet. Many people are worried about EMF exposure since it can lead to cancer development. If you do invest in a heated mattress pad, find one that offers a small power box supply that will change the 120v AC into a low voltage DC (think of a battery). 

Washable 

Can you actually throw a heated mattress pad into a washer? For some companies, this was the design.  Remember, your pad will be taking in moisture and perspiration, which means bacteria and other organisms can thrive on it. To reduce their development, you should clean your mattress pad regularly. 

In most cases, the wires will need to be removed, and the pad washed on a short cycle in cold water. Be sure you follow your bedding manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure proper washing and keep it looking and feeling like new. 

Easy To Use

If a heated mattress pad has a lot of functions to it, it becomes difficult for one to use. If you want something simple to use, go with ones that come with a digital control with built-in buttons and easy-to-understand instructions. 

You want the settings to be as clear as possible. The controller should include a large enough display so you can read it at night but not so bright as to disrupt sleep. 

Price 

The prices of these pads will differ based on many reasons noted above – size, features, materials, etc. So, if you need a King size mattress pad that is made of cotton and uses a digital control, then you’re going to pay more for it then a twin size one with the same features.  People on a budget are often concerned most about the price.  

Don’t let this be your only concern. You really need to look at the safety features and quality first before considering price. 

Safety 

A concern many people have when using heated mattress pads is the safety aspect. For the most part, the products are deemed safe, but there are features that can ease your anxiety of using them while sleeping. What are some of these features?

• UL Certification – These standards are applied to most consumer products. The UL 964 standards are designated for heated bedding. This certificate lets people know that the product was tested by an independent agency/organization.

• Automatic Shut-Off – If you’re in a rush and forget to turn the heated mattress pad off, this safety feature will eventually turn it off for you. Most pads will turn off at the 10-hour mark to ensure there will be no problems.

• Overheating – Some manufacturers have added in an overheating feature, which will detect if the pad is getting too hot and must be turned off. 

Guarantees and Return Policy 

Some heated mattress pad manufacturers offer a sleep trial/return window that allows consumers to use the pad and return it– no questions asked – if they are unhappy for any reason. If you’re unsure if you want a heated mattress pad on your bed, this is a huge benefit. 

It’s important to consider what kind of warranty a manufacturer offers – some have warranties for only a year while others offer them up to five years. Since there are electrical parts that can stop working over time, the warranty is a useful aspect of protecting your investment.  While this isn’t always the case, a short warranty timeframe may mean the manufacturer doesn’t either believe in their product or is cheaply-made. 

Care and Maintenance 

Heated mattress pads contain electrical parts, which is why you need to read the owner’s manual to understand how to properly care for and maintain the pad. Constantly inspect the wiring and controller to be sure there are no signs of damage or discoloration is taking place. If you notice any troubling issues, do not use the product at all and replace it.

Again, read the manufacturer’s manual to see how to properly care for your mattress pad. Many will have warnings about machine washing, which is why you need to be sure how to take care of the pad to ensure no damage to the wires.  Above all else, take safety precautions.  

What Features Can Personalize Your Heated Mattress Pad

Some people would rather have the ability to make adjustments to their heated mattress pad – some things they may want control over include:

• Heat settings
• Timers, auto shut-offs
• Preheating 
• Heating/cooling options
• Dual controls
• Auto-dimming 

Heating Settings 

One of the biggest things people want to personalize is the heat settings. Controlling the temperature of your mattress pad is a big part of your decision to like or dislike your investment. If the mattress pad you have isn’t keeping you warm all night long, then what’s the point of having it? This is why you want easy-to-understand temperature controls. 

With adjustable temperature controls, you can adjust the temperature to a tolerable level even in the dead of night. You also need to look at how many heat settings the pad is designed with. The more settings, the more customizable the heat can be to your preference.  The majority of them offer temperature settings from one to 10, but it’s not uncommon for some manufacturers to offer less while others offer more.  More settings mean more control for you. 

Dual Controls

The majority of heated mattress pads come with dual controls, usually for queen or king size pads. Basically, if two people share the bed, they can each have control of the heat on their side. This can be useful if you’re constantly bickering about being too cold or too hot. 

Heating/Cooling Options

You are not going to want to stay warm all year long, which is something some heated mattress pad manufactures considered when designing their pads. You may want to consider finding a pad that comes with a cooling feature as well as the heat feature.

Preheating

Some pads offer a “preheat the pad” function, which is where you can turn it on, and the bed will be warm when you’re ready to for bed. 

Timers/Auto Shut-Off

With a timer and auto shut-off feature, you can set the mattress pad to turn off after a period of time, or it will turn off on its own automatically after it reaches a predesignated time period.  Most manufacturers set this to happen after 10 hours. The features are great for two reasons – safety and convenience. 

Auto-Dimming

It’s always a great idea to find a product that offers an auto-dimming feature since it can let you easily make adjustments in the dark without full disruption to your circadian rhythm. 

9 Important Tips To Help You Safely Use Your Heated Mattress Pads

Like any electrical product you use, there are risks you must be mindful of. Any product that can be used as a heat source has the potential to become flammable, and heated mattress pads are no exception. However, they are typically safe because they are flat – they don’t bunch up, so the wiring won’t become easily frayed and overheat. This is an issue with many heating blankets on the markets. 

Most mattress pads available on the shelves today are much safer than products sold years back. That’s because technology has improved significantly, and they include an array of safety features. Be sure to look out for features that include flame-resistant or automatic shut-off where the device is overheating.  

Still, there are some safety precautions to remember when you use a heated mattress pad

• You want to ensure the mattress pad stays in good shape, so inspect your mattress pad often for any potential issues. Look for tears or rips as well as fraying wires. You don’t want the cord to get stuck between the mattress and box spring, so be mindful of this as well. 

• If you’re not going to use the pad, don’t turn it on until you do. Be sure you use the pad’s timer feature to make sure the device will turn off. And, before you leave for the day, go ahead and unplug it. 

• Buy a mattress pad that will fit your bed properly. This may mean getting out a tape measure and getting exact measurements – length and width. If a mattress pad is too big or small, it could easily become damaged. 

• Never use an extension cord to heat your bedding. Instead, connect right to your 110-120v outlet. 

• Never allow your pets or kids to play with a heated mattress pad. Don’t let them jump up and down on the bed or play with the controls. Since this is an investment, you want to make sure the pad will last a good long while – allowing more use from it.

• Never use a heated mattress bed on a bunk bed, mechanically-adjustable bed or a waterbed. If the waterbed suddenly starting leaks, it will come into contact with the pad and could be dangerous for you. A mild shock is just as bad as a serious one, as you could still be left with an injury or burn.

• If you notice any issues with your heated mattress pad, it’s best just to replace it. If the manufacturer offers a warranty on it, make sure to take advantage of it to replace yours. Or, if the warranty is no longer available, throw your pad out and buy you another one.  A damaged heated mattress pad can be dangerous for you and your household. 

• Be sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for your heated mattress pad. Also, ensure it’s completely dried before using it. If the pad is still wet when you turn it on, you could get an electric shock.

• Don’t fold the pad when it’s being used. Never take a queen or king size mattress pad and fold it over to fit a full or twin size one. Purchase a separate mattress pad for your twin or full-size bed. 

8 Reasons A Heated Mattress Pad Trumps An Electric (Heated Blanket)

They’re Safer – A heated blanket could overheat and lead to a fire whereas a heated mattress pad will not. One of the reasons there is an increase in fires from heated blankets is the bunching up of cords and wires. A mattress pad lays flat so that the wires won’t bunch up. 

They’re Durable – If you’re concerned about durability, a heated mattress pad lasts much longer than a heated blanket, which often wears out quickly because of the constant tossing and turning at night. If your heated mattress pad comes with a skirt, the skirt will keep the pad in place so you can use other blankets or comforters to stay warm with.

They Save On Electrical Bills – If you use a heated mattress pad, there’s no reason to leave a furnace on all night. Plus, most manufacturers have ensured their products to be energy-efficient and will turn off after the pad hits a certain degree or time period. This can help to lower your electric bill considerably.   

They Are Well-Insulated – Bear in mind that these are well-insulated pads that produce a heat envelope, which radiates heat toward your body instead of the ceiling. Electric blankets, on the other hand, lose some heat because it goes to the top of the blanket. 

They Are Customizable – Heated blankets don’t offer a lot of customizing abilities here for temperature settings, the mattress pad will offer you the ability to adjust temperatures based on the outside temperature. Avoid getting burned by using the pre-warm timers and automated shutoffs. There are some heated mattress pads that warm up by zones, which is ideal for people who want to keep certain parts of their body toasty – back, feet, butt, etc. 

They Can Alleviate Pain – If your body aches, using a heated device such as a heating pad can help relax your muscles. Just think about the soothing, relaxing feeling you’ll get when you use a heated mattress pad. Heat allows more blood to flow to the injury sire, which eases any pain you feel. Plus, heat helps relax your body enough to fall asleep and wake up feeling ready to face the day. You can think of it as a nightly massage.

It Stays Clean – People who sweat a lot while sleeping may be worried about their mattress pad getting dirty. However, most heated mattress pads will whisk the moisture away from the mattress, so there’s no need to use an antibacterial treatment often. This helps in two ways – improve your sleep environment and extend the pad’s life expectancy. A well-designed mattress pad will provide you with even more heat. 

You Stay Warm Without The Excess Weight Feeling – A heated mattress pad lays on your bed, not on top of you. There’s no reason to use extra blankets to keep yourself warm. If you move around in your sleep, a heating blanket can be kicked around and fall to the floor. A mattress pad stays in its place and ensures you stay warm all night long. 

Any Drawbacks?

There are drawbacks to using a heated mattress pad though, and these negative aspects could be a reason you may not want to use them.

• There’s no way to kick them off of you. If you get too hot, you can remove a heated blanket, but you can’t remove a heated mattress pad. 
• They do cost more than electric blankets.
• They’re not very portable, which makes it difficult to move from one room to another. 

6 Frequently Asked Questions People Have About Heated Mattress Pads

Is There A Fire Risk To Using Heated Mattress Pads?

The answer to this question is yes. There is a chance for a heated mattress pad to cause a fire. According to Wikipedia, there about 5,000 fires every year due to electric blankets, and 99 percent of those involved are made before 2001. 

Keep in mind that heating blankets are not the same as pads. A pad stays flat underneath you while a blanket can become bunched up and overheat. This can lead to a fire. 

Plus, most of today’s heated mattress pads have an automatic shut-off feature that will turn the pad off after so long. And, to go a step further, many of them use a low-voltage that can reduce the chance of a fire even more. 

Can You Feel The Wires?

One of the biggest complaints you’ll read about in heated mattress pad reviews is the feeling of wires when laying down. This is more problematic in older models or less expensive ones. Newer models will use thinner wires than previous ones, which means if the product comes from a great manufacturer and is high-quality, you’re unlikely to feel the wires inside. 

In some heated mattress pad reviews, some users feel them initially but don’t notice them after a short while. 

Is It Safe To Use A Heated Mattress Pad With A Memory Foam Mattress?

There is no reason why you cannot use a heated mattress pad with a memory foam one, but it’s important to note that a memory foam mattress is sensitive to temperature changes. When exposed to a warmer temperature, it softens up. When it’s cooler, the foam will harden. If you want a firm mattress, then using a heated mattress pad on the lowest heat setting is advised.

What’s The Lifespan Of A Heated Mattress Pad?

By following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly care for your heated mattress pad, the pad could last up to five years. It’s not unusual for a manufacturer to offer a five-year warranty of their product, which means you could get several years out of the “appliance” – fabric, controller and all. 

Do They Use A Lot Of Energy?

Most heated mattress pads will use anywhere from 60 to 90 watts on the highest setting. The usage is based on per side – so up to 180 watts altogether. When talking about it from a money standpoint, it’s about three cents a night for a whole night.

Can A Pregnant Woman Safely Use A Heated Mattress Pad?

Pregnant women may worry about using the heating mattress pad because they fear it may hurt their baby. After all, when a woman’s temperature rises, so does her baby’s. Too high of a temperature for a developing baby can lead to birth abnormalities.  As long as the core temperature remains steady (and doesn’t rise), there is no reason why she cannot safely use a heated mattress pad while pregnant. 

According to a 2011 study, pregnant women who used hot tubs had babies who had neural tube defects. The neural tube is the structure that forms the spinal cord and brain.  If this tube is damaged, it can lead to brain damage and other major complications. Using hot tubs regularly is very dangerous. 

If you ever feel uncomfortable because of a heating device, quit using it. 

What You Need To Remember…

A wonderful way in which to stay warm during those cold winter nights is using a heated mattress pad. They can also help alleviate muscle and joint pain that can occur when your body is cold. The great thing about these pads is that the heat comes from underneath you.

Be sure to do your homework to find the best possible heated mattress pad. You want one that will decrease your electrical or gas bill and alleviate that overwhelming need for a lot of blankets on your bed. 

You may be worried about the safety of a heated mattress pad, but today’s versions are far better than those of the yester-years.  Today’s pads are much safer to use in your home. Best of all, you can detach the wiring, clean your pad often and they will shut themselves off automatically. 

With regular cleaning and inspection, there is no reason why you can’t use the same heated mattress pad for years. While there are many heated mattress pad manufacturers and choices for you to review, the decision of which one is best for you isn’t that hard. Just remember to invest in one that fits your particular bed, as the features you want and a great warranty.