5 Best Heated Mattress Pads In 2023

What To Look For When Buying A Heated Mattress Pad?

There are a few different factors that you should look at when choosing the heated mattress pad that’s best for you or a loved one. We go into detail about each of these factors below.

Safety

Safety should be a top priority when buying any type of household electronics. Heated mattress pads, in particular, have been known to cause fires. If you think about it – the bed is the last place you want a small fire to start in your home.

Even if there is no one in the bed when it happens – the bed is full of easily-flammable material and is usually right next to things like curtains and wooden bedside tables that can be easily set ablaze.

To know whether the mattress pad you are interested in is safe or not, you need to see if it complies with UL964 standards. These standards ensure that electric bedding products are safe for use and will not cause fires.

It is also important to read the intended use on each heated mattress pad to see who that product is made for. The elderly and children have different tolerances to heat than the average adult, so a certain brand that is safe for you might not be safe for them.

Additionally, for extra security, we suggest you purchase a heated mattress pad that comes with an auto-off to ensure that it isn’t unnecessarily heating up things like bedding that may not have the same fire-resistant standards a bed does while you are away.

Ease

You are unlikely to use your heated mattress pad if it is too difficult to use. Making sure you choose one that has easy controls (as well as understandable ones) is important.

You are also going to want to ensure that the mattress pad is easy to get on and off. While a mattress pad with a fitted skirt might be the perfect fit for a restless college student who’s jumping on and off the bed all day, your elderly parent may find it too difficult to install for themselves.

Even a college student may struggle if it’s a bunk bed mattress in the top bunk. In that case, they may prefer one that simply lays flat on top of the mattress.

Many heated mattress pads come with turn-dial controls that can also be difficult to use for those with weak hand strength or arthritis. If you are worried about that, ensure that you pick a model that uses push-button controls or has an app-based control system.

Quality

There is one really easy way to tell if you are buying a quality product or not: and that is the warranty. If a company does not offer a warranty with its product, it means that they don’t believe in it. Simply put, they aren’t willing to back their claims with their money. It’s why we always recommend buying a mattress with a warranty.

You want to be sure to avoid that. However, not all warranties are created equal. A 2-year warranty is a signifier of a higher-quality product than a 1-year warranty.

You will also want to take price into consideration. If you are budget shopping, a 1-year warranty is likely appropriate. However, if you are dropping some major money on a high-end model with little to no warranty, you may want to rethink your purchase.

Features

Now, we get to the fun part. As you can see from our reviews above, mattress pads come with all different kinds of special features these days. Before you get overwhelmed, it is important to look at what features you need to have a great experience with your new product.

We suggest looking at washability. All mattress pads are going to get dirty eventually, and you may not want one that is going to need professional cleaning at a dry cleaner. While you can spot-clean with most of them, for larger messes that will be a big headache. If this is a major concern for you, make sure you are looking for a heated mattress pad that is washable.

Next, you may want your heating pad to be a cooling pad, as well. If you live in a warm climate or even if you get a fever, it could be a great feature to have on hand for when the time comes. See our guide on hot sleepers and cold sleepers.

Additionally, be sure to look at your lifestyle and how it may change over the next few years. If you’re trying to have kids or already have young children, getting a waterproof and stain-resistant pad may save you a lot of trouble moving forward. Or, if you are someone who tosses and turns as you sleep, make sure to get a pad that secures firmly to the mattress either with straps or a fitted skirt.

If you think deeply about your lifestyle and the different things that happen to your bed, you can prepare yourself for issues moving forward. Knowing you are prepared for whatever life throws at you will ensure you are getting a great night’s sleep.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Topper vs. Mattress Pads

It is important to use a heated mattress pad safely so that you do not injure yourself or start a fire. First and foremost, do not set the mattress pad to the highest setting right out of the gate. The highest setting is simply too hot for most people, particularly if there aren’t many layers of clothing and sheets between yourself and the mattress pad.

Make sure you are starting at a lower, if not the lowest, heat setting and work your way up to figure out which one works for you.

Like all electronics, it is important to keep the plug away from water and to make sure you aren’t putting undue pressure on the socket by stretching the cord too far. It can also help to get an extender with a surge protector on it, as well.

If you are planning on taking your mattress pad abroad – don’t. This will be an unsafe use. Most other countries have higher voltage outlets than we do, and even with a voltage converter, your mattress pad could fry – or worse.

If you do not have an auto-off on your heated mattress pad, please be sure to turn it off and preferably unplug it every morning.

Cleaning a heated mattress pad is entirely dependent upon the type of pad that you have purchased. It is important when you purchase your pad that you read the care instructions, paying attention to the laundry care symbols, so you can be familiar with proper cleaning.

If you haven’t already done this in your household – be sure to create a folder for warranties and manuals where you can keep this information handy. If you lose it and need to know how to clean your mattress pad, you may be able to find this information online or call a manufacturer.

While some pads are machine washable, others will need to be spot treated with a light detergent used for hand-washing, and others will need to be professionally cleaned from time to time.

SEE ALSO: How to Safely Wash an Electric Blanket

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a heated mattress pad with an electric blanket?

We recommend using either a heated mattress pad or an electric blanket separately. Pairing the two bedding items together can increase the risk of dangerous overheating. They could potentially even leave burns on the body.

Can you put a fitted sheet over a heated mattress pad?

Yes, you can slip a fitted sheet over a heated mattress pad, the same as you would with a standard mattress pad. The sheet should still allow the heat the seep through and keep you warm. Shoppers may even want to look at more breathable types of sheets such as cotton, bamboo, or linen for more effective heat dispersal.

Can a heating pad damage a mattress?

It depends on the type of mattress you have. It’s not recommended you pair a heated mattress pad with a memory foam mattress. The heat can potentially damage the mattress and void your warranty.

Who should not use a heated mattress pad?

We strongly recommend against giving younger children a heated mattress pad, as their smaller bodies are more sensitive to the heat than older teens and adults. People with neuropathy, such as diabetic patients, are also advised to be cautious with electric blankets due to the fact that they may find it too difficult to tell if the blanket is too hot. If it is allowed to grow too hot, it can cause a burn before a sleeper realizes it.

We advise people with diabetes and others with neuropathy to take similar caution for heated mattress pads.

What is the difference between a heating pad and a heated blanket?

A heated pad is essentially a mattress pad with heating coils, providing full body warmth for colder nights. Traditional electric blankets can also provide sleepers with warmth on chilly evenings, though there’s less contact with the body. An electric blanket is meant to lie flat on a bed, often on top of a thinner standard blanket.

It’s important for an electric blanket to lie flat, as bunching it up can cause heat to build up to dangerous levels. There are also heated throws—unlike an electric blanket meant for use in bed, a heated throw is designed for people who want to lounge on a couch and should be safe to wrap around the body without overheating.

Conclusion

Even the best mattress and bedding can fail to keep you warm if you live in a particularly cold climate. A heated mattress pad can make harsh winter nights feel almost pleasant, making your bed feel like a toasty little enclave as you drift off to sleep.