Can you use an electric blanket on a memory foam mattress? 7 do's and don'ts

If you’re sensitive to the cold, you likely own or have considered buying an electric blanket to keep you warm at night. But if you also own a memory foam mattress, you might be wondering if you can safely use an electric blanket on a memory foam mattress.

The best mattress for your sleep needs and budget will have excellent temperature regulation. However, they may not always provide enough warmth during colder months. That’s where electric blankets come in. But can you use them safely on a memory foam mattress?

The short answer is yes, but with caution. Excessive heat can damage the foam layers and affect the durability of memory foam, as well as impairing its ability to provide contouring support. However, that can be avoided when following these 7 dos and don’ts of using an electric blanket on your memory foam mattress (the same advice goes for your memory foam pillow, too.) Let’s get started…

Are electric blankets safe to use on memory foam mattresses?

If you’ve invested in one of the best memory foam mattresses of the year, it’s understandable that you’d want to look after it properly. It is safe to use an electric blanket on a memory foam mattress, provided that you follow the below precautions.

Memory foam mattresses are known for retaining heat. However, if you’re looking for additional warmth during the colder winter months, adding an electric blanket can help. Electric blankets are a great way of adding warmth without turning up the thermostat, which can be costly.

Additionally, the combination of a memory foam mattress and a heated blanket can be therapeutic for those who experience chronic joint pain, as heat can soothe discomfort and reduce stiffness, leading to a more peaceful night’s rest.

Will using an electric blanket damage my memory foam mattress?

While it is safe to use an electric blanket on your memory foam mattress, there are few things you should consider in order to protect the lifespan of your bed. This is because memory foam softens when in contact with heat, which is also how it contours to your body, by reacting to your core temperature.

When you place an electric blanket directly on top of your memory foam mattress, it instantly softens the sleeping surface. This means that the mattress will be responding to the blanket’s heat rather than your own core temperature, which will interfere with its ability to contour properly and provide enough support during sleep.

What’s more, an electric blanket that’s too hot may cause permanent damage to your memory foam mattress due to its heat-sensitivity. Extreme heat exposure over a prolonged period of time can end up altering its structure.

If you do opt to use an electric blanket alongside a memory foam mattress, stay attuned to the feel and support of your mattress. If you feel at any stage that your mattress is beginning to lose its support, cease using your electric blanket immediately.

7 Do's and don'ts of using an electric blanket with a memory foam mattress

An electric blanket is a cost-effective way to stay warm at night, so it’s understandable that you would want to use it alongside your memory foam mattress. By following these 7 do’s and don’ts, you can safely use one without damaging or hindering the performance of your memory foam bed:

1. Don't crank the temperature up too high

If you’re using an electric padded blanket which is supposed to lay flat on the sleeping surface, keeping it at a reasonable temperature is crucial.

Resist the urge to set it at a higher temperature for instant warmth and comfort, but as memory foam can quickly become damaged when exposed to extreme heat. The foam layers will loosen up quickly leading to sagging and overall reduced support during sleep. This can not only cause sleep disruptions, aches and pains due to an uneven sleep surface, as well as damaging your memory foam mattress.

2. Don’t place the blanket under your body

Lying directly on your electric blanket while sleeping will intensify its impact on your memory foam mattress. This is a definite no-no, as it not only exposes the mattress to the heat for longer but will also quicken up the natural softening process that memory foam undergoes when exposed to heat.

If hot enough, this can cause irreversible damage to your memory foam bed, affecting its contouring and support. If you’re someone who experiences lower back pain or shoulder aches, a sagging and unsupportive memory foam bed will exacerbate the condition and result in frequent sleep disruptions. Instead, place a sheet beneath the blanket and a sheet on top of it. That will form a barrier for both you and your mattress.

3. Don’t fold or bunch up the blanket

Leaving an electric blanket folded or bunched up on your memory foam mattress will cause uneven heat distribution. In addition to reducing the efficiency of your blanket (and also posing a potential fire hazard), it can alter the support of your sleep surface. This affects the mattress’ ability to mold to your body. Always lay out your blanket flat on your mattress and store it away properly when not in use to prevent overheating or malfunctions.

4. Don’t leave the blanket on all night

As well as protecting the longevity of your mattress, this is also a general safety precaution — never leave an electric blanket unattended once it’s plugged in and switched on. This will avoid prolonged heat exposure to your memory foam mattress, as well as avoiding a fire risk. All modern electric blankets from trust-worthy brands pass through rigorous tests to ensure the highest standard of safety before they reach potential customers, but it’s good to avoid the smallest of risks.

You should also avoid leaving it on while you sleep for the same reason. Getting a blanket with an auto-off or timer option, for example, is a better alternative.

5. Do use a memory foam topper as a buffer

More the layers, lesser the impact on your actual mattress. A memory foam topper is a great way to enjoy the warmth of your electric blanket while protecting your bed.

As we discussed, memory foam absorbs the heat so adding a topper atop your bed prevents direct exposure to your mattress, while providing extra cushioning, pressure relief and support. Since changing toppers are easier (and more cost-effective) than replacing your mattress, these will serve as an additional protective layer but will ensure that your bed lasts longer.

6. Do invest in an electric blanket with safety features

When choosing an electric blanket, safety should be your primary priority. Look for blankets with specific safety features such as automatic shut-off timers and adjustable heat settings. An auto-shut timer will ensure that the blanket is turned off at a set time, preventing overheating or any malfunction during sleep.

Additionally, a blanket with multiple heat settings will allow better temperature control so that your mattress is not exposed to excessive heat. While these measures will ensure that your memory foam mattress will remain safe, it is also always handy to check the manufacturer’s instructions first, to know if the particular electric blanket is designed to be compatible with memory foam mattresses.

7. Do opt for a heated over-blanket instead

Still worried about the damage it can do to your bed? A heated over-blanket which lays on top of you rather than your mattress is a much safer option. It ticks all the boxes since you’ll be cozy and warm, with your body and bedding being a barrier between your mattress and the blanket.

Even then, make sure to set it to a low temperature since the last thing you want during the night is to wake up feeling hot and stuffy.

5 foam-friendly alternatives to electric blankets

1. Invest in a down duvet  

The comfort and temperature regulating properties of natural down is unmatched. It is the perfect addition to your bedroom because of its plush luxury feel plus it can be used no matter the season.

This is why we picked the Brooklinen All-Season as our best comforter, thanks to its insulating down cluster fill. You also have the option to customize your comforter by picking your ideal type: lightweight for warm locales, all-season for cooler regions and ultra-warm if you’re prone to sleep extremely cool.

2. Use a warming mattress topper

The best mattress topper can transform the firmness, support, pressure relief and overall comfort of your bed. Just like mattresses, you can find that these are crafted from a range of materials.

For chilly winter nights, a woolen mattress topper will help trap heat naturally, keeping you toasty warm and comfortable. Always check the maintenance guidelines, as a washable mattress topper which you can clean and store away during summer months will be convenient.

3. Switch to flannel bedding 

Changing your bedding according to the season helps you to take better control of the temperature and reduce heating costs. Those made from lighter breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and bamboo will not retain heat, thus failing to keep you warm during winter months. Brushed cotton, polyester or flannelette bedding does the opposite, making these top picks for you when the temperature drops.

4. Layer up with a weighted blanket

Investing in one of the best weighted blankets serves more than just getting better warmth. These have been clinically proven to reduce anxiety, stress and symptoms of insomnia in adults because of the full-body deep-touch pressure therapy it offers. You can also find that certain models like the Layla Weighted Blanket come with cotton on one side and mink-like polyester fur on the other for added warmth and comfort.

5. Wear socks to bed

Wearing socks to bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Contrary to popular belief, experts say that wearing socks actually works toward lowering your core body temperature preparing you for sleep. However, if sleeping warm is your priority, opt for thicker socks made from materials like wool which traps heat and keeps your body warm for a peaceful night’s slumber.