If a warmer blanket is important to you, this makes the Sunbeam Microplush a good choice. I found there’s a learning curve when you try out any heated blanket. Each controller has different buttons for adjusting the heat level and timer. After reading the instructions, and in some cases watching instructional videos several times, I evaluated how easy it was to turn the blankets on and adjust the heat levels in daylight and in the dark. I also took note of the length of the cords, which ran from the bottom of the bed to the plugs behind my bedside tables, since a longer cord will give you more leeway for how far your bed can be from an outlet.
The system also employs patented carbon-based polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient sensing capability to provide more uniform heat. Well made, nice settings, great fabric, and flexible wiring compliment one another well in this blanket. It falls in the mid-price range, but it performs like a much more expensive model.
The higher settings are either too hot or heat unevenly, which could be because the blanket readjusts the temperature when it gets too warm. Those who like a fluffy blanket with a good amount of body might not love the Sunbeam. It is on the thinner side, and I can definitely feel the thick wires through the outer shell. Those who want something cozier should perhaps consider a heated throw.
According to Deerwester, these safety features should be certified and tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory . “NRTLs test and certify electrical equipment and other products to ensure that they meet current safety standards and are safe with proper use,” she said. To help you determine whether an electric heated blanket is right for you, we spoke to experts about the benefits of electric blankets, how to shop for them and how to use them safely. It’s been over a year since I hopped on the electric blanket train, and I am as obsessed with my Sunbeam as ever. I use it when I’m trying to fall asleep as a topper, or when I’m cuddling and watching movies on the couch all day. I fold it up like a Tootsie Roll and use it as a heating pad for my back and stomach when I have period pains, and it has retained its plushiness after a year of machine washing with zero issues.
Another feature is a 3-hour automatic timer that turns off the blanket. When selecting blankets to test, I extensively studied online ratings and reviews. I considered heated blankets at a variety of price points and only chose products with an auto shut-off feature and warranty. I focused on blankets that were certified by one of the 21 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories like UL Solutions or Intertek. I further established specific criteria to determine which blankets are best. For heated blankets intended for use on a bed, I evaluated each blanket before, during and after an approximately 8-hour sleep.
Then we double-checked with the infrared thermometer, again testing all four corners and the center to make sure the heat was distributed evenly. You should not dispose of the blanket immediately, as you may need to take additional photos of the blanket to receive the refund. Once the company has issued the refund, blankets should be disposed of according to local electronic recycling guidelines. The sensation of heat on the skin sends positive feedback to your brain that can distract from stiffness or pain, or from the fact that you need to get out of bed and start the day. It certainly did that for me. “Your brain gets overloaded with this nice comfortable sensation, and that can be very comforting,” she says.
Mattress pads are also easier to use safely because they lie flat and don’t bunch or fold , which could cause overheating. But blankets are better if you already have a specific mattress topper that you love or you don’t want to add extra padding to your mattress. If you use heated bedding only sunbeam heated throw occasionally, it’s also easier to swap in an electric blanket than it is to change the mattress pad. Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief electric throw blanket features a reversible design — anti-pill micromink on one side and sherpa on the other — with super-soft, luxe comfort on both sides.