Sleeping With an Electric Blanket
An electric blanket uses insulated wire within the fabric to heat the bed when it is plugged in. Electric blankets allow users to adjust the settings for maximum comfort. Some people also use them for health reasons: to increase blood flow, for example, or to reduce muscle aches. Some people have expressed safety concerns about them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Use
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When using an electric blanket, place the heating component at the foot of the bed, close enough to an outlet to keep you from tripping on the cord or obstructing any passage. Place the blanket above the top sheet and under the comforter, in order to keep it clean and retain warmth. Depending upon the type of electric blanket, you may want to use it to pre-warm the bed, then unplug it before you go to sleep. If the blanket can be used all night, then you may keep it on while you sleep.
Safety
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Always turn off an electric blanket when it is not in use. It eliminates the chance of an electrical short and saves power in the bargain. Similarly, balling up the blanket while it is turned on can constitute a fire hazard. Pay careful attention to signs of damage and throw away any blanket which shows excessive wear and tear, especially with the electrical cord. Replace any electric blanket which is 10 years old or older; it stands a great risk of starting a fire. Never use more than one electric blanket at a time; one should be more than enough to provide all the heat you need.
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Maintenance
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Unless specifically stated by the blanket's manufacturer, you should not wash an electric blanket, since the water can damage the components. If the manufacturer states that you can wash them, use a mild detergent and line dry it rather than tumble drying it (a tumble dryer can twist the wiring and make it fray). Similarly, you should never dry clean an electric blanket, since the chemicals involved can damage the components. Always remove the blanket's external cords before cleaning, and examine them for signs of damage each time.
Warnings
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Children should not use electric blankets; nor should anyone who has difficulty moving, who cannot detect heat or who does not understand how to operate the blanket's controls. Diabetics, in particular, should not use electric blankets, since many diabetics lose feeling in their extremities and thus cannot sense any inordinate rise in heat. While some elderly users may not have problems using electric blankets, those with mobility problems or who cannot safely operate the blanket should use other means to heat their bed.
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