During winter, we know you might be tempted to turn up the heat with an electric blanket. Before you do, remember that high temperatures from your electric blanket could cause compression and sagging in your Sealy mattress, and could affect the fibres and comfort fillings.

Alternative ways to sleep cozy

Nobody likes climbing between icy sheets after a long and tiring day, and we’re happy to tell you there are ways to create a warmer sleeping environment without using an electric blanket. For good quality sleep, your bedroom should be between 15 and 20°C. On really cold nights, think about heating your bedroom with the door shut, rather than trying to heat the whole house.

Create layers of top sheets and blankets, and invest in winter bed sheets. The layers between the blankets will create layers of insulation. For blankets, the warmest materials are wool and cotton fleece.

Continuing with the layering theme, remember to dress yourself in layers with warm pyjamas.

You can also warm up your bed by going old-school with a simple hot water bottle. Fill it up with hot water and pop it under your blankets before you get into bed (make sure the lid is closed securely).

Safety tips for your electric blanket

Although it is possible to warm your bed with layers of blankets, for some people it might not be enough and an electric blanket is the only answer. New electric blankets come with minimal risk of fires or burns because they include safety features, like an automatic shut-off. However, any time electricity is present, there’s a chance of fire. If your blanket is 10 years or older, they might not have internal temperature controls that will turn them off if they get too hot.

• If you don’t know how old your electric blanket is, rather stop using it
• If you must use one, remember to keep it at a low to moderate heat
• The elderly, children, pregnant women and people with diabetes or circulation issues should not use electric blankets
• Only use one electric blanket at a time
• Use the blanket to warm up your bed (at a low to moderate heat, to protect your Sealy mattress), and turn it off before going to sleep
• Store your blanket according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Before using your blanket after a period of storage, hold it up to the light and inspect it for tears, discoloration, burn marks, or crimps in the cords. If you see any of these, don’t use it
• Don’t buy second hand electric blankets
• Avoid using a hot water bottle and an electric blanket at the same time
• Don’t use electric blankets with waterbeds or automatic beds