Electric Blanket

Responsible Use of an Electric Blanket

An electric blanket requires responsible use, as careless handling can pose risks. However, there are many situations where this source of warmth can be highly beneficial:

Heating Blanket for Menstrual Pain
During menstruation, many women experience painful cramps. In such cases, a heat source like an electric blanket can provide relief. By warming the abdominal area, blood circulation is stimulated, which helps relax the muscles. Many women report reduced cramping and discomfort when using an electric under- or over-blanket during their period.

Rheumatism and Joint Pain
People with rheumatic conditions and joint pain often suffer more during the colder months. An electric blanket can help improve blood circulation in the affected areas and reduce pain. Heat relaxes stiff muscles and joints, and may even help reduce inflammation leading to improved mobility.

Muscle Pain and Stiffness, Improved Circulation
After exercise or intense physical activity, muscle soreness and stiffness can set in. A heat source like an electric blanket, used while lying down, can reduce tension and soreness by improving circulation to the heated area. Better circulation enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste products.

In such cases, an electric blanket can support muscle relaxation and pain relief particularly with strained muscles or mild muscle tension.

Disturbed Sleep Due to Cold? Try an Electric Underblanket

Even with a good duvet, some people struggle to fall asleep when they feel cold. This discomfort can lead to poor sleep quality. In such cases, an electric blanket can be helpful in warming up the bed beforehand, creating a cosy and comfortable environment that makes it easier to fall asleep.
Note: It is not recommended to leave the electric blanket on throughout the night.

Does Sleeping with an Electric Blanket Affect Your Health?

While an electric blanket can provide great comfort, it is often not used responsibly in practice, which may carry potential risks. It is essential to use heated blankets with care to avoid health and safety issues. So, where exactly do the risks lie?

Heat Build-up and Restless Nights
Prolonged use of an electric underblanket or overblanket during the night may raise your body temperature and lead to a restless sleep.

The body has to work harder to regulate temperature when an external heat source is in use, placing strain on both the body and heart something that can negatively impact sleep quality.
That’s why it’s better to preheat your bed before going to sleep and then switch off the electric blanket once you get in. This allows your body to relax and rest without being overstimulated.

Electromagnetic Fields

When using an electric blanket, electromagnetic fields are generated, which in some cases may influence the signals within your body. Although the frequency is low and there is no proven effect on the body's electrical signals, it is still wise to exercise caution.

Safety Risks (Fire Hazard)
Modern electric blankets must comply with strict safety regulations to be sold on the Dutch market. However, risks such as fire hazards or short circuits can still occur. Always follow the safety instructions and regularly inspect the blanket for any signs of damage or malfunction.

General Tips
Start with the purchase of a quality electric blanket. “Electric blankets must comply with specific European standards, so always check whether the product you're considering meets these requirements. Another important tip is to carefully read the user manual every blanket is different.”

How to Prevent Fire Hazards?
There are several important safety measures to take when using an electric blanket. “Never fold an electric blanket. The blanket contains electrical circuits that can break if bent, increasing the risk of a short circuit. Instead, roll the blanket up carefully when storing it.”

“Just like many other electrical appliances, always unplug the electric blanket when not in use. Also, avoid using it for too long an hour is the recommended maximum.”

“Keep in mind that electric blankets have a limited lifespan. After about seven years, it’s time to replace the blanket. So pay attention to how long you've had yours and make sure to replace it in time.”

What if Something Goes Wrong?
Prevention is better than cure, but accidents can still happen. “The most important tip is to install enough smoke detectors in your home. They alert you quickly when something is wrong and can help prevent both minor and major fires.”

How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Use?
The power consumption of an electric blanket depends on its size. On average, the wattage ranges between 60 and 150 watts. This equates to a consumption of 0.06 kWh to 0.15 kWh per hour.

If you use a heated blanket for about 3 hours, the consumption would be around 0.18 kWh to 0.45 kWh. Based on an electricity price of approximately 0.28 per kWh (as of November 2024), the cost would be about 0.06 to 0.12 per day.

Tips to Save Energy When Using an Electric Blanket:

• Set the blanket to a low heat setting
• Use it only in special situations, such as for muscle pain, rheumatism, or menstrual cramps
• Always check that the blanket isn’t left on for too long

The Disadvantages of an Electric Blanket
An electric underblanket easily heats the entire bed, ensuring you always slip into a wonderfully pre-warmed bed at night. It keeps you nice and cosy during cold nights. The temperature can be adjusted to various levels and the blanket switches off automatically. Sounds perfect? Not quite.

This is actually one of the main downsides of using an electric underblanket. Once it switches off, your body cools down quickly, which can cause restless sleep or even wake you up. Another significant drawback is that it’s the blanket not your body that’s doing the warming. This can make your body "lazy," meaning you may become increasingly dependent on the electric blanket to stay warm. A third disadvantage is energy consumption, or more importantly, surrounding yourself with electricity in the very space where you should be relaxing. It's now widely known that the presence of electrical devices near the bed can negatively affect sleep quality.

Our Advice
If you're ill, undergoing medical treatment, or naturally very sensitive to the cold, an electric blanket can be a helpful solution. However, if your body is still capable of warming the bed itself, we recommend choosing a blanket made with a natural filling such as wool or bamboo. We guarantee that with a wool or bamboo underblanket, you'll sleep just as warmly and comfortably. The only downside compared to an electric blanket is that you’ll need to warm the bed yourself first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much electricity do electric blankets use?
Tests comparing different electric blankets have shown that they are among the most cost-efficient heating options. In a simulated test where the blanket was used for four hours, electricity consumption amounted to approximately €0.034 per hour adding up to around €30 per winter (six months of use, four hours per day). The power usage ranges from 60 to 150 watts, equivalent to 0.06 to 0.15 kilowatt-hours per hour.
Another advantage is that electric blankets don’t need to run continuously. Once the desired temperature is reached, they retain warmth for a while, making them suitable for preheating your bed or sofa before switching them off.

How dangerous are electric blankets?
Modern electric blankets are typically equipped with overheating protection that automatically switches the device off if it gets too hot. Older models often lack this safety feature and are therefore best avoided.
When purchasing an electric blanket, ensure it has a CE marking and a TÜV or GS certification. To prolong the lifespan of your blanket, avoid folding it tightly, as this can damage the heating wires and lead to heat build-up.

What do good electric blankets cost and which models are recommended?
Generally, the price of a quality electric blanket falls between €50 and €80, although there are more expensive models with additional features. Recommended models are shared in the following section, where we highlight some popular products.