Many air mattresses aren't insulated, making for some very cold sleeping! On chilly winter nights, many people wonder if they can use electric blankets on their air mattresses. Snuggling up under a heated blanket on your air mattress sounds like heaven, but is it safe?

In this article, we'll answer your questions about using an electric blanket on an air mattress and look at some great tips to stay warm on air beds.

Can I use an electric blanket on an air mattress?

Although some people say differently, the general consensus is that using an electric blanket alongside air mattresses is not recommended. The heat from a heated electrical blanket could force the air inside to expand, which may potentially cause a lot of damage to the air mattress.

An air mattress can be permanently deformed or spring a leak and slowly deflate. This is probably the very last thing you want or need after spending so much time and effort inflating the air mattress in the first place!

Top tips to keep an air mattress warm

With the suggestions below, it's a good idea to use more than one of them simultaneously to keep you warm and snug, whether you are using an air mattress indoors or outdoors.

Sleep in a sleeping bag

A great and inexpensive way to keep warm on a cold air bed is to use a sleeping bag that helps you stay warm and comfortable. Sleeping bags come in various designs and materials, and some are warmer than others. Choose sleeping bags with the level of insulation you require to avoid disappointment and night-time shivering.

Choose a duvet with a high tog rating

If you’re sleeping indoors on an air mattress, consider using a duvet with a higher duvet tog instead of a sleeping bag. 13.5 tog duvets and 15 tog duvets are perfect in cooler months and will keep you nice and toasty. 

Place sheets between your back and the cold air mattress

Laying down sheets on an air mattress can keep your body from coming into contact with the cold air mattress on those chillier nights. If your sheets are thin, consider placing more than one over the mattress.

Consider mattress toppers

A mattress topper is also a great way to keep your head and back away from the coolness of an air mattress. A wide range of these toppers is available, including memory foam mattress toppers, which give added comfort and support the body well. You'll be so well supported that you'll likely forget that you are even sleeping on an air mattress!

Wear extra night clothes

While not an option for everyone, layering up your night clothes can make a lot of difference when it comes to maintaining body heat and staying warm on an air bed.

However, some people can find it difficult to sleep in pyjamas or other forms of night clothes because they find them confining. While the air mattress may be cool, the actual weather temperature may not warrant a full set of night clothes.

Try a hot water bottle

Although it might seem like an obvious idea, there's nothing wrong with grabbing a hot water bottle when the cold nights draw in. They are an excellent way to counteract the cold, as well as being cheap and easily portable.

4 benefits of using electric blankets

While electric blankets may not always be the best to use when sleeping on a cold air bed, heated blankets are revolutionary for their benefits.

Now, more than ever, electric blankets are created and manufactured to the highest standards, and long gone are the days when people would worry about their safety. Today's blankets are safe when used correctly, and they can give you an amazing night's sleep in the colder months.

Let's take a look at 4 of their key benefits:

1 - Cost-effective

There have been many upgrades in the electric blanket world in the last few years, and they are now more efficient than ever. This makes them a lot cheaper than various other heating methods, so you might even see a difference in your energy bills at a time when counting the pennies is so important.

Find out more about how much it costs to run an electric blanket with our guide.

2 - Allows you to stay asleep

Your body's internal clock is influenced by several factors, including whether it is light or dark outside, how much exercise you get, and the temperature.

If your temperature fluctuates throughout the night, it can be harder for you to fall asleep. Using an electric blanket can allow you to create a healthier sleeping pattern by ensuring you’re cosy as you fall asleep.

Your body moves through five different sleep stages throughout the night. Temperature changes can disrupt your sleep without causing you to wake up fully, so you might be confused as to why you feel tired the next day. After all, as far as you are concerned, you slept right through. 

But this isn't always the case. You may have tossed and turned all night without realising - and the temperature in your bed can be a major factor.

This is where an electric blanket comes in extremely handy. They allow your body temperature to stay constant, giving you the best possible chance of making it through each of the five sleep cycles without disruption.

All this could help your energy levels and productivity because you’re getting a better night's sleep than you previously were.

3 - Improve your mood

A lot of energy is required to produce enough body heat to keep you at an optimum temperature. If your body's natural reserves are being used to keep you warm and comfortable, it can begin to take its toll on your mood and overall stress levels. While you may not notice this at first, over time, this can lead to anxiety and increased bouts of stress.

Thanks to an electric blanket, your energy levels don't require as much output to compensate for your lack of body heat. Your warm body will send signals to your brain telling it that it is warm and comfortable, so you can begin to feel more relaxed and happier over time.

It's no wonder that some remedies to help alleviate some of the symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) include warm baths, lots of warm drinks, and an electric blanket during the cold months.

4 - Helps painful joints

If you have sore and aching joints, you'll be aware that applying a heat source can often be an excellent way to dull the pain. This is because the body's receptors cancel out the pain signals when it detects warmth, thus reducing the pain.

Using an electric blanket can make you feel more comfortable, reducing aches and pains.

Keep warm and cosy this winter with Sleepseeker

At Sleepseeker, we pride ourselves on ensuring our customers have the very best night's sleep, all thanks to our huge range of quality bedding. 

Our assortment of bedding includes cosy duvets, pillows, mattress protectors, and electric blankets - everything that will make your night-time routine so much more peaceful and relaxing.

And, of course, warm and cosy!

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