apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

we got a heated mattress pad recently, and i put it on, laid on it, took it back off, and it's going back to the store tonight. I didn't like the feel of it at all. Made my nice plush bed feel stiff and I could feel the wires in it.

the down alternative comforter we have works pretty good, just chilly at the start.

Hey - can anyone tell me how to properly (and safely) launder or otherwise clean a dusty, musty electric blanket? I had one that I used two years ago and it was wonderful. Then I forgot about it in the back of the linen closet and now, at the coldest part of winter while my landlord won't raise the heat, I dug it out... only to find that it's incredibly dusty. I have allergies so I can't put it on my bed until I clean it. But I can't exactly throw an electric blanket into the washing machine.

Anyone have suggestions?

We have a house in rural western Massachusetts; we visit every other weekend or so during the winter months. Once during a particularly cold spell - minus 10 degrees - we arrived very late and went straight to bed fully dressed, parkas and all. Through the night the frozen mattress, walls, floors and furniture sapped the heat from our bodies. Our dogs squeezed closer and closer to us. After that we bought an electric blanket, our first (and only). Although we'd prefer not to have one, there are times when one is glad for the immediate warmth.

Our late dachshund had an electric blanket during the final years of his life, and he'd definitely agree that these blankets have their virtues.

I got an electric blanket this winter as I did not need to heat my entire apartment when I was only going to be sleeping and then leaving for work in the morning. It was nice when I used it a few times.. but even after I turned it off, it made me sweat. Its made of some crappy synthetic fabric.. and it was still $50 (the cheapest one target had).

I dont use it anymore.. but Im keeping it on hand in case we get another cold spell, or in case my grandmother ever visits.

I also have no idea how to clean it.

The wires in our electric blanket can be annoying, but when it dropped to 48 degrees inside (yes, inside) our house last weekend, I didn't mind them at all.

I definitely use the electric blanket. My kitty likes it a lot too. Ours has washing instructions on it - you can throw it in the washing machine believe it or not.

i used an electric blanket 3 winters ago and i LOVED it. but i just can't see myself using one now. somehow i have gotten into a weird habit of only being able to sleep if it's freezing in the apartment (62 at the highest) and i can't sleep if it's warm. so my blanket only got one season of use, but i know that there will be a time when i need it (like if our furnace ever goes out during the day) so i hold onto it.

We have an electric heating pad that we love - each side of the bed has it's own heating zone, which is nice too. I love a pre-warmed bed, but I turn it off when I get in, because it's usually too hot.

My mom instilled in me the idea that heated blankets are a fire hazard so I use this alternative:

I heat up water and put it in a Hot Water Bottle and put it at the foot of my bed before I go to bed so then my feet are warm when I get in! If I put boiling water in it I put the hot water bottle in a few hours before I go to bed and my bed becomes nice and toasty!!

i've been using an electric mattress pad for years and i love it. they are pricey but worth it if you live somewhere cold orw ith insufficient insulation. electric blankets never made sense to me since, you know, heat rises - why not put the heat source underneath you where it can do the most good? @jmorey - i've never had the problem you describe but you might be able to find one a bit plusher if you're willing to splurge and spend a bit more. they are expensive but there are nights when they are also lifesavers!

Just like my clothes I layer my bed.

soft cotton blanket down alternative comforter coverlet

The layering keeps me warm at night, but isn't too heavy. Also, it doesn't make me sweat or feel uncomfortable because of wires. A friend bought me an electric blanket, but he has used it more than I have. Plus, the outlets in my bedroom are strangely located so I don't think I could plug it in anyway.

I bought my heated mattress pad last winter; it's one of the greatest things I own. It has dual controls, preheats, and has ten different heat settings. It is also comfortable and waterproof and it went through the washing machine just fine on the gentle cycle.

2nd the hot water bottle. Mine is in a flannel pillowcase and it's toasty and warm. Although I live in CA now, I spent many happy and warm nights with it while living in Chicago. I prefer not being exposed to all of the EMFs while sleeping.

third the hot water bottle!

my Nalgene (filled with boiling water, wrapped in sock/pillowcase/handtowel) has taken me through many a cold winter night both camping and at home.

I used to live in an old drafty trailer and could not live with out an electric blanket then. Since moving to the city I only use it when it it is really cold, but I love to pre-heat my bed.
There is nothing better than getting into a toasty bed. I like to turn it down when I get in; otherwise I would wake up sweaty.
I have an ancient sunbeam brand and it is machine washable. The instructions just say to make sure it is completely dry before turning it on.

i love my electric heating pad! A heating pad is MUCH better than a heating blanket. Much more durable, and it comes with a cover (kind of like a pillow case) that can be laundered.

i thought that electric blankets were a health hazard because sleeping with an electrical field that close to your body was dangerous. i sleep on a feather bed on top of my mattress and under a down comforter, this creates great warmth from my body heat.

An electric mattress pad, good flannel sheets, and a goose down duvet are what make winter bearable for me.

I have an electrical throw that I use sometimes when it's really cold and I'm sitting around (at night, our house is set to 55). If I feel cold while going to bed, I put the throw under the covers, just while I'm getting ready for bed, then I remove it. It's yummy.

I'm lucky to have a kitty who snuggles under the comforter with me as soon as it gets cold enough...

also a user of the hot water bottle method. I've also used "magic bags" for this.