Many of us love to get into a warm bed and since many seniors run cold, having an electric blanket is something many enjoy. However, it can be very dangerous for those with diabetes, paralysis from stroke, Parkinson's disease or a dementia.
The dangers of electric blankets
Damaged electric blankets can cause more than 5,000 house fires every year and the most at risk people are those over 65 years old, who experience six times the national average of fatal injuries because of electric blankets.
Many of the best electric blankets and heated throws boast running costs of about 1p to 3p an hour, so it's hard to ignore their potential energy- and money-saving benefits. While electric blankets are ideal for using on your mattress, heated throws are better for snuggling on the sofa.
Heated blankets may get too hot or might cause burns if kept on one area of the body for too long. Heated blankets are regular blankets that contain wires within that heat them up. They may pose a risk for fires and burns.
Myth: Electric Blankets Can't Be Used All Night
This allows them to detect when the temperature of the blanket is rising too much and shut down if necessary. As long as you're using it appropriately, most new electric blankets are perfectly safe for all-night use.
Electric blankets account for thousands of fires a year in homes and you can prevent these by taking some simple steps. Read more on the Electrical Safety First website.
Electric Blankets should be replaced every 10 years and tested every 2 years by a qualified electrician. Always check your blanket for scorch marks, water damage, mould or exposed wires. If you see any of these on your blanket do not use it, replace it.
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.
The recalled Bedsure electric blankets and pads were sold on BedsureHome.com and Amazon.com from August 2022 until December 2022 at a price between $25 and $110. The recalled blankets and pads were manufactured in China and imported by Bedshe International Company Limited in Walnut, California.
We would not recommend you to sit on top of the heated throw as this may damage the heating elements. This can be placed over the top of you when you are seated for additional warmth.
The difference between a heated blanket and throw
While the multi-purpose heated throws are designed to complement and room as a decorative throw with a cosy purpose, heated blankets fulfil a different role. Heated blankets are specifically designed for a comfy night's sleep and sit underneath your sheets and bedding.
Materials are key in making these cozy items. High-quality fibers like cashmere, alpaca, and merino wool increase the cost. These materials come from far away and need careful processing. The skill and care put into making each blanket also affect the price, especially for handmade ones.
Are heated throws and blankets energy efficient? Yes they are, but there are factors that will affect how energy-efficient they are. The better insulated your house is, the lower the setting you'll need to use on your heated blanket or throw to stay warm.
Dressing in layers
Encourage the person to dress in layers rather than one heavy layer of clothing, as multiple layers are more effective for keeping warm. Start with basic thermals such as a vest, followed by a long-sleeved shirt and then a jumper.
Older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses and death. Factors that put older adults at greater risk may include: Health problems such as cardiovascular, lung, or kidney disease. Changes in skin caused by normal aging.
Can you fall sleep with a heated blanket? Thanks to the automatic turn off timers, you can safely doze off with your electric throw over you. Depending on the setting, your blanket will switch off after a set period of time and you can doze on. All our heated throws also have built-in overheating protection.
✓ 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. ✓ Turn off and unplug an electric blanket when it isn't being used.
However, you should always ensure that cords are tucked away from rambunctious pets who may be tempted to chew or play with them. Electric blankets are not suitable for elderly relatives if they have any cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimers.
Erythema ab igne, or toasted skin syndrome, is a condition that can occur when your skin is chronically exposed to low-level, infrared heat sources. In addition to electric blankets and space heaters, these can also include heated car seats and heating pads.
Skin Dryness and Irritation: Prolonged exposure to dry heat from electric blankets can lead to skin dehydration, making the skin dry and itchy. In sensitive individuals, this can also lead to rashes or exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema.
When the skin lacks moisture, it becomes dry and flaky, leading to itchiness. Dry skin can be exacerbated by factors such as cold weather, low humidity, and frequent hot showers. Allergic reactions and irritants: Allergic reactions to certain substances or exposure to irritants can trigger itchiness on the lower legs.
Burning Smell: This is practically always a cause for concern with electrical systems, and should not be ignored. Singe Marks: If your electric blanket has blackened areas on the heating pad, do not use it.
You can machine-wash your electric blanket as long as the care tag indicates that it is safe. Washing an electric blanket may require a gentle, short cycle on a low-speed spin with minimum agitation and specific water temperature that differs from a normal wash.
Many people perceive pure wool blankets to be warmest, as they are thick, fluffy and feel substantial. If you're looking for a blanket you can really snuggle up in, a pure wool blanket would be a good choice.