Is a Heated Mattress Pad Worth It?

There is something especially nice about getting into a warm bed on a cold night. When the bedroom is chilly and the sheets feel even colder, a heated mattress pad can make bedtime considerably more comfortable.

But is it actually worth buying one?

For some people, absolutely. For others, it may end up being another appliance that gets used for a few weeks in the winter and then sits in the closet. How much you get out of a heated mattress pad depends on your bedroom temperature, how you sleep and what you expect it to do.

What Is a Heated Mattress Pad?

A heated mattress pad sits on top of your mattress, underneath your fitted sheet. It contains heating elements that warm the sleeping surface when the pad is plugged in and switched on.

Most newer models have several heat settings, and many include automatic shutoff timers. Some also have separate controls for each side of the bed, which can be handy when two people have very different ideas about what constitutes a comfortable sleeping temperature.

Unlike an electric blanket, which goes over you, a heated mattress pad warms the bed from underneath.

That difference is noticeable. Instead of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, you climb into an already-warm bed.

The Biggest Benefit Is Comfort

The main reason people buy heated mattress pads is pretty simple: they get cold at night.

If your bedroom is cool, climbing into cold sheets can be unpleasant. Turning up the furnace is one solution, but heating the entire house just because you want a warmer bed may not make much sense.

A mattress pad allows you to warm the area where you actually need the heat.

It can also make getting into bed more inviting after spending an evening in a cool house. For anyone who tends to have cold feet or simply dislikes getting into a cold bed, that alone may justify the purchase.

They Can Be Useful During Canadian Winters

Here in Canada, winter temperatures can make bedrooms surprisingly cold, particularly in older homes or rooms that are naturally cooler.

A heated mattress pad can provide warmth without requiring the bedroom thermostat to be turned up significantly.

That can be useful if you prefer sleeping in a cooler room but still want a warm bed.

Rather than running the heat higher all night, you can warm the mattress before going to bed and then lower the setting or switch the pad off.

If you’re looking for other ways to stay comfortable while keeping your home’s heating needs under control, take a look at our guide to eco-friendly ways to heat your home. Simple changes such as improving insulation and sealing drafts can help reduce heat loss during the colder months.

You Do Not Necessarily Need It On All Night

One of the features worth looking for is a timer or automatic shutoff.

You may find that you only need the pad for the first part of the night. Warming the bed before you get in can be enough to take the chill out of the sheets.

Once you are comfortable, you may not want additional heat.

A timer gives you that option without having to remember to turn the pad off when you are half asleep.

What About the Cost?

The cost of operating a heated mattress pad depends on the particular model, its power consumption, how long you run it and your electricity rate.

However, the heating area is relatively small compared with heating an entire bedroom or home.

That does not automatically mean a heated mattress pad will save you money on your heating bill. Your thermostat settings, home insulation and other factors matter too.

The more realistic benefit is targeted warmth. You are heating the bed rather than trying to make the entire room warmer.

Heated Mattress Pads Are Not Just for People Who Get Extremely Cold

You do not have to be someone who is constantly bundled up to appreciate one.

Some people simply sleep better when their bed is warm.

Others like having the bedroom cool while keeping their sleeping surface comfortable. That can be a particularly appealing combination if you find a warm bedroom stuffy but do not enjoy climbing into cold sheets.

There is also a practical benefit for people who spend a lot of time sitting or resting in bed. Having a comfortable sleeping surface can make the bed feel more inviting during colder months.

There Are a Few Downsides

A heated mattress pad is not perfect.

The first is that it adds another electrical item to your bed. You need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and inspect the pad and cord regularly for signs of damage.

You also need to wash and care for it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Some heated mattress pads are machine washable, but that does not mean they should be treated exactly like an ordinary mattress pad.

Another consideration is the feel.

Depending on the design, you may notice the heating elements underneath the sheet. Some people never notice them. Others find that the pad changes the feel of the mattress.

This is one reason reviews can be useful before buying. Comfort is subjective, and a feature that one person barely notices may bother someone else.

Safety Matters

A heated mattress pad should never be treated like an ordinary blanket or mattress protector.

Read the instructions before using it, and make sure the product is designed for the type and size of bed you have.

Look for features such as automatic shutoff and multiple heat settings. Avoid using a damaged pad, and do not use it if the cord, controller or wiring shows signs of wear.

It is also important not to fold, bunch or otherwise use the pad in a way the manufacturer says is unsafe. Heat needs to be able to dissipate properly.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to sense heat, speak with your healthcare provider before using one. You may not notice if the sleeping surface becomes too hot.

What Should You Look for When Buying One?

If you decide to buy a heated mattress pad, there are a few features worth comparing.

Multiple heat settings: A few temperature choices give you more control than a simple on/off switch.

Automatic shutoff: This is useful if you only want heat while falling asleep.

Dual controls: Couples can choose different settings for their sides of the bed.

Machine washable construction: Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see exactly how the pad should be cleaned.

A suitable fit: Make sure the pad is made for your mattress size and depth.

A long enough cord: Think about where the outlet is located before buying.

A good warranty: Electrical bedding is something you want to be able to return or replace if there is a problem.

Heated Mattress Pad vs. Electric Blanket

The choice often comes down to personal preference.

An electric blanket warms you from above. A heated mattress pad warms the bed beneath you.

If you tend to move your blankets around while sleeping, a mattress pad has an advantage because it stays underneath the fitted sheet.

On the other hand, if you like wrapping yourself in warmth while reading, watching television or relaxing, an electric blanket may be more useful.

Some households may even prefer having one of each for different situations.

Are They Worth It?

For someone who regularly climbs into a cold bed and wishes the sheets were warmer, a heated mattress pad can be a worthwhile purchase.

It is particularly appealing if you like keeping the bedroom cool but want a warmer sleeping surface.

If you rarely feel cold at night, however, you may not get enough use from one to justify buying it.

The best approach is to think about how often you would actually use it rather than buying one simply because winter is coming. A heated mattress pad that gets used night after night for several months is very different from one that sounds like a good idea but ends up stored away after a week.

For me, that is really the question to ask: Will this solve a problem I actually have?

If the answer is yes, a heated mattress pad can be a simple way to make cold nights more comfortable without heating the whole house.

If you already sleep comfortably, you probably do not need another gadget on the bed.

Final Thoughts

A heated mattress pad is not a necessity, but it can be a welcome bit of comfort during colder weather. The ability to warm the bed without warming the entire bedroom is probably its biggest advantage.

Look for good safety features, a comfortable design, reliable controls and a washable cover. Most importantly, choose one that fits your mattress properly and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For cold sleepers, it may become one of those winter purchases you wonder how you lived without. For everyone else, it may simply be an unnecessary expense.