Electric blankets- tell me what you think

[undeterred]

I know someone whose electric blanket went up in smoke, but fortunately he was not injured.

I know many people who think that it is just dangerous to use one, like all that electromagnetic current can't be good.

But I am cold at night so I just broke down and bought a new one.

Safe or Unsafe?

[huskerlaw]

1. I always used one as a kid...

and I think I'm all right

[Fuzz]

2. I have one of those electric warming things that go over the mattress.

Great in the winter. Keep the window open when it's not too cold and the bed is nice and snuggly. Great sleeping, and that extra testicle I've grown is a great conversation starter! (kidding, no problems)

[Kali]

5. I bought one of those last year for the "guest trailer" but

haven't tried it yet.

[sarge43]

12. We have one of those, too.

Much better than a blanket. Fire it up about an hour before hitting the rack; turn it off along with the lights and the bed is nice and comfy.

[Deja Q]

3. They're a cheap substitute for fireplaces...

And more likely to cause a fire due to electrical short-circuit...

A fireplace is more romantic... but two can wrap up inside an electric blankey too... :D

[calico1]

4. I used one when I lived with a roommate who had

an old house that was very cold and drafty and she was cheap with the heat. In fact I still have it somewhere. You just need to make sure the blanket doesn't get frayed or anything since it has a heating element in it. But I used mine for a few years and never had any issues.

[hedgehog]

6. My favorite is a wool blanket with flannel sheets.

Or as my husband prefers, several wool blankets! Some of us have thinner blood than others!

[u4ic]

7. Do you keep it on all night?

I'd be leery of leaving it on all night, but I've no experience with them.

I've never used one - even when I lived in a city where every night during the winter it went down to forty below.

However, I also can't sleep if it's too warm in the room. I layer - have a thermal blanket, perhaps 2, and a comforter - and can peel one off if I start to feel too warm.

[undeterred]

8. I am always cold when I go to bed

especially my feet. The EB helps me to get comfortable faster. The problem is I often wake up hot in the middle of the night and turn it off. I had one that was advertised as "the blanket with a brain" which was supposed to adjust to room temp, but it wasn't very smart.

[Nicole]

9. I use a heated mattress pad instead

I use it to warm the bed, I turn it off before I go to bed though.

[catmandu57]

10. We have one with dual control

My wife keeps her side cranked all the way up as soon as the night time temps fall into the forties and still complains about being cold.
I turn my side on low when it drops into single digits, and still wake up sweating.

[lizziegrace]

20. My parents got the controls switched once

my father's always freezing and my mother's had one continuous hot flash for the last 30 years. It was funny to hear them tell the story.

;)

[ThoughtCriminal]

22. My parents did the same thing

Dueling blanket controls.

[YDogg]

11. We use quilts. Flannel sheets also rock.

But we live in FL, and don't have the chance to use flannel sheets too often.

[Haole Girl]

13. I never had any problems with them...

Though, I prefer a warm water bed (I know, I'm weird).

Just don't use an electric blanket after it gets old, and you should be ok.
Get in the habit of unplugging it, too, when it's not in use. Stay warm!

[wildhorses]

14. LOVE MINE--just be sensible with it. Unplug it when not in use.

[hippywife]

15. I prefer to

wear flannel jammies with flannel sheets and a comforter on the bed. Very warm and feels like sleeping in a cloud.

[Shine]

16. I say to each their own.

if it's brand new, it's undoubtedly safe. I've used them in the past and they can be quite cozy on a chilly winter night.

That said, however, I would not consider using one nowadays b/c I just don't like the electromagnetic current aspect and it's potential effect on my body. I think it can mess with one's system, esp if used a lot.

That's just me, though. :D

:hi:

[GOPisEvil]

17. I work in insurance. If you get one, don't cheap out.

Make sure it's UL-listed and for goodness' sake follow the recommended usage. I've seen too many houses reduced to ashes because of old or mis-used electric blankets.

[elocs]

18. I love them. They're great in my cold bedroom.

In fact, I just put my electric lanket and my electric mattress warmer on my bed tonight. The room can be cool, but I am snug as a bug.

[riderinthestorm]

19. Chicago area here. I swear by them!

I use them in our old farmhouse where it never gets above 60 degrees in the house on a winter's night/day and can get a lot colder if there's wind (draft).

My kids use them too. I'm not sure we could ever get warm without them. We use flannel sheets and down comforters go over the whole lot.

[lizziegrace]

21. I've got one

You can't put blankets or quilts on top of it, but I do put a sheet to keep the cat hair off it. The cats love it. :)

My room is the largest on the second floor and the heating vent is 3" x 10" and is in the dormer area. So no heat gets into my room. :(

[radwriter0555]

23. A real decent quality down comforter would be a far better investment than

an electric blanket.

Ikea has them well priced. I suggest the medium weight, not the heaviest one.

I can't survive without my down comforter...

[donheld]

24. I wouldn't be without mine

I love it. There's a fire danger with many things, doesn't mean we get rid of them all.