Buying guide for best heated mattress pads
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At over 75 years old, my house is more than a little drafty. In cold winter weather, we need to crank up the heat to keep it comfortable. But that can definitely get pricey, so at night, we always try to turn it down a bit and snuggle in bed under some extra blankets to stay warm. Last winter was particularly brutal, though, and even a mound of fleece blankets couldn't keep me warm—which is why I added a heated mattress pad to my bed.
If you don’t want to run your house heat at full strength all night either, a heated mattress pad can help you stay toasty without the cost. It can also provide warming relief from back or shoulder pain as you sleep. Today’s heated mattress pads are safe for most kinds of mattresses and can even be washed — look for low-voltage, certified models and make sure to follow all the manufacturers’ directions for its care and usage.
At BestReviews, we've researched and evaluated dozens of heated mattress pads to help find the best models. Our top pick, the Sunbeam Electric Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad, features dual-zone control, so you can maintain different heat levels on each side of the bed. It also offers 12 heat settings and a 12-hour timer that automatically turns off the heat according to your sleep schedule.
Sunbeam Electric Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad
Editors’ Favorite
Fabric Type: Satin | Sizes: Twin to king | Number of Settings: 12 | Auto-shutoff: Yes | Number of controllers: 2 controllers
The Sunbeam Electric Water-Resistant Heated Mattress Pad stood out to BestReviews editors for its thoughtful design. Available in sizes from twin to king, the heated mattress pad features 12 heat settings and dual-zone control, meaning each side of the bed can be customized independently. This is perfect for couples with different sleep temperature preferences.
The controller is also easy to spot in the dark, thanks to its backlit blue display, and it includes an auto-shutoff from one to 12 hours for added peace of mind. We really love how the quilted 100% cotton top adds softness while the water-resistant fabric adds practicality. It’s also machine-washable, so maintenance is easy.
Customers rave about its consistent warmth, making it especially ideal during cold months. Overall, the Sunbeam mattress pad is our favorite pick for comfort, durability and customizable warmth. Backed by a five-year warranty, it’s a smart investment for the winter months.
Biddeford Blankets Polyester Electric Heated Mattress Pad
Great Value
Fabric Type: Polyester | Sizes: Twin-California King | Number of Settings: 10 heat settings | Auto-shutoff: Yes | Number of controllers: 1-2 controllers
If you’re looking for cozy, customizable warmth without the high price tag, the Biddeford Blankets Polyester Electric Heated Mattress Pad is a great pick. The 100% polyester mattress pad features ultra-thin heating wires, so it’s comfortable to use.
With 10 heat settings and an auto shut-off timer, you can find your perfect temperature and rest easy knowing it won’t ever overheat. We also love that each mattress pad from this brand is tested and approved by a third party (UL or ETK Intertek) to comply with industry safety standards.
Customers love how toasty this mattress pad keeps them all night. Backed by a five-year warranty, it includes a single controller for twin and full mattresses and dual controllers for queen and king mattresses.
Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Mattress Pad
Best Features
Fabric Type: 60% Cotton/ 40% Polyester | Sizes: Twin-California King | Number of Settings: 5 settings | Auto-shutoff: Yes | Number of controllers: 2 controllers
The Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Mattress Pad stands out from other heated mattress pads for its luxurious feel and smart-home capability. Made from a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend, it offers a soft, breathable surface with flexible, low-EMF heating wires.
It includes dual controllers on queen and king sizes so each sleeper can adjust their side independently, and it has a 10-hour auto-shutoff feature as well as five heat settings. In addition, it is UL certified for safety.
Customers highlight its soft quilted texture and love that it’s easy to clean in the washing machine. Made by a trusted name in mattresses, it’s backed by a five-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing your pad is protected.
How we analyzed
To find the absolute best heated mattress pads, our editors researched dozens of models and read through hundreds of customer reviews to understand how each pad performs in durability, comfort and safety. We focused on features that matter most to sleepers, including auto-shutoff timers, multiple heat settings, dual controllers and machine-washable designs.
Why buy a heated mattress pad?
You have blankets and central heating, so why should you buy a heated mattress pad? Let's take a look at some of the benefits:
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Heated mattress pads warm you up without making you feel weighed down. If you dread the thought of lying beneath a mountain of blankets, this is a definite plus.
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Users often find that their heating bills diminish after buying a heated mattress pad, as there's no need to heat your room during the night.
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People who suffer poor sleep due to muscle soreness or other body pain often find heated mattress pads therapeutic.
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You can adjust the heat level depending on the temperature outside.
- If you get too hot or cold in the night, it's easy to turn your heated mattress pad up or down.
Heated mattress pad vs. electric blanket
Most people know what an electric blanket is, but not everyone has heard of a heated mattress pad. In fact, electric blankets have been helping sleepers stay warm and cozy since the first part of the 20th century.
So why would you want a heated mattress pad instead of an electric blanket?
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If an electric blanket balls up, it could catch fire. But because a heated mattress pad lies flat, you’re less likely to encounter this problem.
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You’re unlikely to kick a heated mattress pad off the bed in the middle of the night.
- Heat rises. And because you lie on top of a heated mattress pad, the heat rises toward your body. With an electric blanket, the heat rises away from your body and toward the ceiling.
Key features to consider
Size
The size you need depends on the size of your bed. Most pads come in at least four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. Some products provide even more options, such as California king and twin XL.
Heat settings
A mattress pad’s heat settings allow you to program how warm you want your bed to be.
As you peruse products, keep in mind that there are no “standardized” heat levels, and some models may get hotter than others.
Dual controls
Most heated mattress pads offer “dual controls” on sizes from queen upwards. This means that if two people are sharing a bed, each can control the heat on his or her side.
If you’re interested in avoiding quarrels about who’s too hot and who’s too cold, this could be a good option for you.
Material
The majority of heated mattress pads have an outer layer made of a synthetic material like polyester. However, some may be made from a natural fiber like cotton. If you seek the latter, you might have to shop around a bit to find it.
In most cases, it matters little what the outside of the pad feels like, as you can stretch a regular bed sheet over it. That said, there are some heated mattress pads out there that, for safety reasons, should never be covered with a sheet. As such, it’s wise to check the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Automatic shut-off
Automatic shut-off is a feature that works exactly as it sounds.
A heated mattress pad with automatic shut-off turns itself off automatically after a set amount of time.
For example, you might buy a mattress pad from a reputable company like Biddeford that switches itself off after 10 hours.
Price
While there are some price differences between various makes and models — with higher-quality pads generally costing a bit more — the main factor that influences price is size.
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Twin: A twin-sized heated mattress pad will cost you roughly $50 to $80.
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Full: If you're looking for a full-sized pad, you're looking at somewhere between $55 and $90.
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Queen: Expect to pay about $70 to $100 for a queen-sized heated mattress pad.
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King: A king-sized pad should cost in the region of $80 to $130.
Anything larger than a king (or non-standard) is likely to cost more, as odd sizes tend to be manufactured in smaller batches and therefore cost more to produce.
Tips
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Don't expect your heated mattress pad to stay on nonstop. The majority of heated mattress pads automatically shut off after 10 hours. This should be long enough for all but the most devoted of sleepers.
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To avoid fires, never fold the pad over while it's in use. For instance, you shouldn’t fold a queen-sized mattress pad smaller in order to fit a twin bed.
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Never allow a person who is unable to operate the controls (or understand if they're overheating) to use a heated mattress pad. This includes children and some injured and disabled people.
- Always make sure your heated mattress pad is completely dry before you use it. Switching the pad on when it’s wet could give you a serious electric shock.
FAQ
Q. Are there any safety concerns surrounding heated mattress pads?
A. For the most part, heated mattress pads are very safe. However, you must always exercise caution and common sense when using an electrical appliance.
There is a slight risk of overheating or malfunction, so we wouldn't recommend letting kids use heated mattress pads. The same goes for anyone with limited mobility who wouldn't be able to get out of bed if something went wrong with the pad.
Q. How do I wash my heated mattress pad?
A. Good news — most heated mattress pads are machine washable. Of course, you should make sure that your model is machine washable before throwing it in the laundry!
Remember to remove the controller and any wires before washing. In addition, you should check the manufacturer's instructions in regards to heat settings and drying.
Q. Can a heated mattress pad be used with any kind of mattress?
A. Some experts advise against using heated pads with memory foam mattresses, as the heat could affect the ability of the mattress to mold to your shape. That said, many people use their pads with memory foam mattresses with no issues to report.
