Electric Blanket & Pad Ratings > Electric Mattress Pad Pros and Cons
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Mattress Pads → Based on Data From Over 650 Actual Owners
Page last updated September 23, 2011
The information below is based on our electric mattress pad research.
Advantages of Electric Mattress Pads
1. Likely somewhat better reliability than electric blankets
Owner data shows that while electric mattress pads overall have some reliability / longevity problems, they generally have somewhat fewer problems than electric blankets.
2. Potential to alleviate pain
At least 5% of owners say that their pad and the heat it generates reduce pain they may have, especially arthritis. Electric blanket owners did not report such a benefit.
3. Better warmth
Perhaps because heat rises, owners say that they experience good warmth from their pad. Owners who have owned both electric blankets and electric pads usually say a pad is superior in this regard.
4. Eliminate getting into cold bed
Owners like how an electric mattress pad can eliminate having to get into a cold bed. In fact, according to our data, this is a main reason why people buy the product.
5. Can reduce need to heat home at night
Electric mattress pad owners are often pleasantly surprised when they realized that the product can reduce or eliminate the need to have their home's heat on at night. This, of course, can save substantial money.
Disadvantages of Electric Mattress Pads
1. Can break / be frustrating to use
A substantial percentage of owners included in our research report that their pad developed a defect which usually caused it to not work properly or at all. In addition, safety features can sometimes make operating the product difficult.
2. Heating wires
A small but significant percentage of owners say that heating wires in the pad could clearly be felt when lying on them. This can make the pad at least somewhat uncomfortable.
3. Won't stay in place
About 2% of owners say that their electric pad does not fit their mattress perfectly, resulting in some moving and sliding of the pad.