When the cold temperatures of fall and winter arrive it can be hard staying warm at night. This is especially true if you are like most people and turn down the heat at night to save money on your utilities.
So what do you do if your bedroom is the coldest or draftiest room in the house? If you don’t like flannel pajamas or adding layer upon layer of heavy blankets to your bed you might want to buy a heated mattress pad. Not only will a heated mattress pad keep you warm, but they cost a lot less to operate than turning up the heat on your furnace.
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Sunbeam Premium Quilted Heated Mattress Pad
Our favorite all-around heated mattress pad.
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Sunbeam Quilted Polyester Heated Mattress Pad
Our budget pick.
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Sunbeam Therapeutic Heated Mattress Pad
Customizable heat zones for your aches and pains.
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Sunbeam Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad
Our top choice for water-resistant heated mattress pads.
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Electrowarmth Twin Extra Long Heated Mattress Pad
Terrific choice for college students.
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Heated Mattress Pad Buying Guide
You might think that choosing a heated mattress pad would be a pretty simple thing. It is a mattress pad after all, but there are several options and features available to choose from when selecting a heated mattress pad. If you keep those things in mind you can easily find the best heated mattress pad for you.
What You Need to Know About Heated Mattress Pad Construction Before You Buy
Heating Source (or Heating Element)
The majority of the time the source of heat for heated mattress pads or heated blankets comes from electric wires that run throughout them. There are a couple of things you want to think about when it comes to these wires.
First, you want to think about how thick these wires are. The thicker the wires are the more likely you are to feel them. For many people feeling thick wires beneath you as you lie in bed can be an annoyance. So thinner wires are definitely the way to go for most people.
The second thing you want to think about is the spacing of the wires. The more evenly the wires are distributed throughout the pad the more even the warmth will be with less chance for extremely hot or cool spots.
Not all heat sources are electric wires. Some heated mattress pads use tubes that carry warm water to heat the pad. An example of this would be the ChiliPad Cube. One of the great advantages of using water-filled tubes is that they can be used to both heat and cool the bed, which means that it can help you sleep comfortably year-round.
Control System
How you control the temperature of the mattress pad is a big topic that will help determine your happiness with the product. You want the control system to be easy and convenient with the options that are important to you.
First, do you want the controller to be wired to be wireless? Most models have the control connect to with pad with a cord, but there are models with wireless controllers out there.
Second, if you share your bed with someone who has different temperature preferences than you do you will probably want or end up getting, a model with dual heat zones. If you get a heated mattress pad with dual heat zones it will most likely have two controllers.
Cover Material
Pads can be made from different materials. Each material can have its own benefits. So you want to pay attention to more than just the heating element and control system. You also want to make note of the material used to make the pad itself.
Here are the most common types of fabric you will encounter when shopping for a heated mattress pad:
- Cotton: Soft and will absorb moisture
- Polyester: Stretchier and less absorbent than cotton. It is also a more breathable fabric. (Note: If you see the material listed as microstrand know that it is a type of polyester.)
- Cotton Polyester Blend: Is a combination of both materials as they try to get the best of both worlds.
Fill
In addition to knowing the material that the cover is made out of you also should consider the fill that is in the mattress pad. Each mattress pad can have a different amount of fill.
The more fill the mattress pad has the plusher it will feel and the less likely you will be to notice the wires within the pad.
Skirt
The part of the pad that wraps around the sides and corners of the mattress is referred to as the skirt. Ideally, you want the skirt to be able to stretch and fit snugly over the mattress so the mattress pad stays in place.
Because of its ability to stretch skirts are often made from polyester.
It is also common for the skirt to be able to be made from a different material than the top of the pad.
Fit
Having the mattress pad fit properly will help to ensure that the pad and heating elements are spread out evenly over the top of the mattress, which helps to avoid hot spots and potential safety concerns. So whenever you buy a heated mattress pad you want to make sure that it is the correct size.
To make sure you get a good fit you need to keep track of two things.
First, you want to know the size of the mattress you are buying it for. Is it a twin, queen, king, or another size of mattress?
The second thing you need to know is the depth of your mattress. These days, mattresses come in different depths. If you don’t get a heated mattress pad that was designed for the depth of your mattress the skirt won’t fit properly and the mattress pad will have a hard time staying in place.
Customizable Settings (Options)
Not all heated mattress pads come with the same features or have certain customizable options standard. Here is a list of options that are commonly available.
- Heat Level: Every model will have customizable temperature settings/levels, but some models will have many more levels to choose from so you can get the temperature setting just right.
- Cooling Option: Most models will only heat your bed, but a few will also cool your bed on those hot days as well. If you want a model that can cool your bed it might be worth spending a few extra dollars to get this feature.
- Dual Heating Zones: Will you want to buy a model with dual heating zones? If you share your bed you will probably want to want a pad with dual heating zones so both you and your partner have the ability to have different settings for each side of the bed. (Note: This feature is usually only found models that are made for larger mattresses.)
- Dual Controls: Much like dual heating zones, having dual controls is a valuable feature when you share your bed. If you have a pad with dual heating zones you want both you and your sleeping partner to have convenient access to a controller so both of you can easily adjust your side during the night.
- Preheating Option: As the name of this feature indicates, this option will allow the pad to preheat itself and then hold at your desired temperature so your bed is just the way you like it when you get in it.
- Timer: Allows the pad to automatically turn on or off at a certain time. This can be a great energy saving as well as a safety feature.
- Auto Shut-Off: Allows the pad to automatically turn itself off after a set period of time (a certain specified number of hours). This can also be a nice energy-saving and safety feature.
- Overheating Protection: A pad with this feature is able to detect its temperature and shut itself off if it gets too hot.
Heated Mattress Pad Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe?
It is a common thing for people to worry about safety when thinking about using a heated mattress pad. In reality, assuming that you use them as directed, they are very safe products.
However, if you are concerned about safety, make sure that any heated mattress pad you buy has the following:
- UL Certification: One way to know that your mattress pad is safe is to see if it meets the UL 964 standard, which applies specifically to electrically heated bedding. This is important because when a product has the UL certification it means that it has been evaluated by an independent testing organization. This means that you don’t just have to take the manufacturer’s word for it when it comes to a product meeting safety standards.
- Overheating Protection Feature: A pad with this feature is able to detect its temperature and shut itself off if it gets too hot.
- Automatic Shut-Off Feature: Allows the pad to automatically turn itself off after a set period of time (a certain specified number of hours). This can also be a nice energy-saving and safety feature.
What Are the Cleaning, Care, & Maintenance Requirements?
Not every heated mattress pad has the same care instructions. So before buying check to see if it’s machine washable or if it only allows for spot-cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the mattress pad.
Can I Use a Heated Mattress Pad on an Adjustable Bed?
Know that if you have an adjustable bed that getting a heated mattress pad is not recommended by at least some mattress pad manufacturers. The reason for this is that with a mechanical or adjustable bed there is a greater risk for the heating wires to become pinched or cut. If you have an adjustable bed a better choice might be to get a heated blanket instead.
Is There a Warranty?
Warranty terms and length can vary between manufacturers, but most warranties for heated mattress pads will range between 1 and 5 years. As with all electrical equipment/products, there are many parts that need to work together for the pad to function properly. Since you can easily spend over $100 for many heated mattress pads it is good to familiarize yourself with the warranty information so you know that your purchase is protected.
A shorter warranty could sometimes indicate a lesser quality pad. So in some cases, it might be worth spending a few dollars more to get a model with a longer warranty.
Are They Easy to Use?
Ease of use is very important. This is especially true if you need to adjust the settings in the middle of the night. Luckily, most models are pretty intuitive and easy to operate.
That being said, the easiest to use models will have:
- Illuminated Digital controller, which will make it easier to control the settings and ensure that you have the pad at the temperature that you want.
- Buttons on the controller should be laid out in such a way that it is clear what each of them does.
Best Heated Mattress Pad Reviews
Sunbeam Premium Quilted Heated Mattress Pad Review
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If you are looking for a great all-around heated mattress pad this is our favorite. With its 250 thread count quilted cotton top and 9 oz. fill the Sunbeam Premium Quilted Heated Mattress Pad has a luxurious feel.
Not only does the pad feel luxurious, but with its’ 10 heat settings, dual controllers, and other top of the line features this mattress pad checks all the boxes as it gives you the comfort and convenience you are looking for.
One of the top of the line features with this mattress pad is the ThermoFine Warming System, which monitors your body temperature as well as the temperature of your bed and bedroom. This system also employs Sunbeam’s patented carbon-based polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) sensing capability to provide more uniform heat throughout the mattress pad.
It can fit up 21″ deep mattresses and has every feature that most people will be looking for. To make it even better this mattress pad easy to care for since it is machine washable and dryer safe.
| Material | Cotton |
| Dual Zones | Yes |
| Dual Controllers | Yes |
| Preheating Option | Yes |
| Automatic Shut-Off | Yes – Digital 10-Hour Auto-off Control |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Warranty Length | 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
[easyazon_link identifier=”B004BUDDTA” locale=”US” tag=”sleepinghub-20″]Learn More and Check Current Price Here[/easyazon_link]
Sunbeam Quilted Polyester Heated Mattress Pad Review
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If you are looking for a good heated mattress pad, but you need to stay on a budget this Sunbeam Quilted Polyester Heated Mattress Pad is a great choice.
There are two main differences between this model and the Sunbeam Premium Quilted Heated Mattress Pad listed above (our favorite). The first difference is that this model features a 140 thread count polyester top instead of the 250 thread count cotton top that is found on the Premium model. The second main difference is that this model has 5 oz. fill compared to the 9 oz. fill on the Premium model. That being said, most people are very happy with this model even though it isn’t quite as plush as its more expensive Premium cousin.
This dual zone model comes with the EasySet Pro Controller and also features Sunbeam’s ThermoFine technology that senses and adjusts throughout the night to provide you with consistent heat.
This pad can fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. It is also easy to care for as it is both machine washable and dryable.
| Material | Polyester |
| Dual Zones | Yes |
| Dual Controllers | Yes |
| Preheating Option | No |
| Automatic Shut-Off | Yes – 10-hour auto-off function |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Warranty Length | 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00FHW8QI4″ locale=”US” tag=”sleepinghub-20″]Learn More and Check Current Price Here[/easyazon_link]
Sunbeam Therapeutic Heated Mattress Pad Review
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If you want a heated mattress pad, but would like to have some extra heat on certain areas to help with your aches and pains the Sunbeam Therapeutic Heated Mattress Pad is a great choice for you. It is dual-sided with six heat zones. That means that each side of the bed has 3 customizable zones. So if you want your head, torso, and legs to all be at different temperatures Sunbeam Therapeutic Heated Mattress Pad is the one you are looking for. This therapeutic model also comes with Sunbeam’s ThermoFine warming system that both senses and adjusts throughout the pad to ensure that you have the consistent heat you are looking for.
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”114″ identifier=”B0088AHL1K” locale=”US” src=”https://www.sleepinghub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/41ppIyTB9yL.SL160.jpg” tag=”sleepinghub-20″ width=”160″]This mattress pad isn’t just great because you can customize the heat setting for different parts of your body, but it is also very plush and comfortable too. It comes with a 200 thread count cotton top with 7oz. of fill. It also comes with an easy to use wireless dual-side controller that has a back-lit display.
Its skirt allows it to accommodate mattresses up to 24 inches deep. Plus, like the other models on our list, it is both machine washable and machine dryable, which means that it is easy to care for.
| Material | Cotton Top with polyester fill |
| Dual Zones | Yes – 3 zones on each side |
| Dual Controllers | Yes |
| Preheating Option | Yes |
| Automatic Shut-Off | Yes – 10-hour auto-off function |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Warranty Length | 3 year |
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Sunbeam Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad Review
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If you want a heated mattress pad, but still want to protect your mattress from moisture the Sunbeam Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad is a great choice for you. It gets its water resistance from a water resistant backing on the underside of the pad.
With its 200 thread count cotton top and 6 oz fill you aren’t sacrificing comfort to get water resistance. Plus, it has a bunch of high-end options like Sunbeam’s ThermoFine technology, which provides you with consistent and uniform warmth while you sleep, that you expect in top models.
The Sunbeam Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad can fit on mattresses that are up to 19 inches deep. It is machine washable and dryer safe, which means that it is easy to take care of.
| Material | Cotton with water-resistant backing |
| Dual Zones | Yes |
| Dual Controllers | Yes |
| Preheating Option | Yes |
| Automatic Shut-Off | Yes – 10-hour auto-off function |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Warranty Length | space |
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Electrowarmth Twin Extra Long Heated Mattress Pad Review
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If you are looking for a heated mattress pad that fits the dorm room bed of that favorite college student in your life you need to make sure that heated bedding is allowed in the residence hall where your student lives. If heated mattress pads are allowed the Electrowarmth Twin Extra Long heated mattress pad is a great choice.
With its 10 heat settings and 10-hour automatic shut off and ability to accommodate mattresses up to 13 inches deep means that it has the main features a college student is looking for. Plus, it is safe to machine wash and dry.
If you are looking for another option for Twin Extra Long beds the [easyazon_link identifier=”B07YT1JJ57″ locale=”US” tag=”sleepinghub-20″]Comfort House Serta Twin XL Heated Mattress Pad[/easyazon_link] is another great choice.
| Material | Polyester |
| Dual Zones | No |
| Dual Controllers | No |
| Preheating Option | Yes |
| Automatic Shut-Off | Yes – 10-hour auto shut off |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
[easyazon_link identifier=”B005HWVX9I” locale=”US” tag=”sleepinghub-20″]Learn More and Check Current Price Here[/easyazon_link]
Here Are Some Bestselling Heated Mattress Pads on Amazon:
Last update on 2023-09-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API