Heating blankets were first used in the early 1900s to warm patients with tuberculosis whose treatment required them to sleep outdoors. The blankets soon became available to the general public, and have evolved in design and sophistication throughout the years. To save on costs, many people opt to use an heating blanket while they sleep rather than relying on central heat

Heating blankets are fabric panels with coated and insulated warming coils embedded in them, typically fusing two pieces of fabric that sandwich the heating elements. The wires snake up and down the length and width of the blanket and are connected to a thermostat that measures the temperature of the blanket and keeps it in check with the temperature you have dialed into the thermostatic controller. One end of the thermostat connects to the warming element and the other to an electrical outlet.

Factors to consider while buying:

Quality heating blankets have easy-to-use controls that can be seen in the dark if they need to be adjusted, can be safely laundered and are made of durable materials. Dual controls are also a helpful option on larger blankets, usually king and queen sizes, so that each side of the bed will be uniquely comfortable to the sleeper.

Precautions to be taken:

Make sure you know whether or not the blanket you are buying is meant to be used as a bed warmer (turned on to warm the bed before you get in and then turned off) versus an Heating Blanket meant to be kept on throughout sleep. If you have an older Heating Blanket, inspect it very carefully for any tears or nicks. If you have any doubt about its condition, have it tested by an electrician or purchase a new one. Heating Blanket accidents are not common but do occur, so be careful.