Electric Mattress Pad – What’s The Best Electric Matress Pad For You?

It’s that time of year again, folks.  You know, winter.  When the weather outside is chilly if not downright freezing, and the weather inside can be a difficult to manage.  Not to mention expensive.  The fact of the matter is that rising energy costs coupled with the downturn in the global economy has made paying for the basics, like a warm and cozy home all winter long, something of a stretch for many people.  Because of this, many households are looking for any way possible to cut back on their energy costs while maintaining a comfortable household.  One of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to cut back on the cost of staying warm is to invest in an electric mattress pad.

While most people know about electric blankets, an electric mattress pad (while similar) is designed to be used somewhat differently.  Unlike an electric blanket which must be turned off each time you get into bed to sleep, an electric mattress pad is designed to be left on the low setting while you sleep – this maintains a steady level of warmth throughout the night.  And the vast majority of newer model electric mattress pads come complete with targeted heat technology, which means that the heat of the pad is concentrated on the area on which you are laying.

Control Your Energy Costs

Because an electric mattress pad allows you to heat each bed individually (with most models having variable temperature controls, allowing each member of your family to choose the most comfortable temperature for themselves), you have the option of lowering the ambient temperature throughout your house.  This means that you can crank down the thermostat, thereby using a fraction of the energy you would normally use, and everyone can keep warm and comfortable.

Getting Started

Before using your electric mattress pad for the first time, you will have to do a little bit of prep work.  First, strip all of the existing bedding from your bed, then put a mattress protector over the top of your mattress.  Depending on the electric mattress pad you purchase, the mattress protector may even come with it.  The electric pad will be placed on top of the mattress protector, and for safety reasons you are going to want to have the electrical cords come out at the foot of your bed as opposed to the head of the bed, where they could potentially pose a strangulation hazard.

To get the maximum comfort and energy efficiency from your electric mattress pad, just turn it on about a half an hour before bedtime, and turn your home’s thermostat down on your way to bed.  This allows you to remain warm and comfortable in bed, while being surrounded by cool and refreshing ambient air.