We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you
buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Medical News Today chooses mattress pads that fit the following criteria:
Company reputation. We checked the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) warning letter database and did our best to confirm the products haven’t faced recalls or lawsuits.
Trustworthiness. We avoided products if the company advertised unproven medical claims.
Consumer reviews. We read through hundreds of consumer reviews on independent review websites like Trustpilot to flag any quality control concerns.
A heated mattress pad uses electrically heated wires or heated water to increase the pad’s temperature. A person can sleep on the mattress pad placed on top of their mattress.
Wires (electric) or water tubes (hydronic) inside the mattress pad heat it to different temperature settings.
A heated mattress pad can benefit a person in several ways. It will help them stay warm and comfortable overnight, and the heat can also help relax muscles and ease pain. A 2022 study states that heat therapy can help reduce muscle and back pain.
Using a heated mattress pad also means that a person is only heating one particular area of their room. This way, they may not need to heat their bedroom or whole house overnight, which can reduce heating costs.
Materials
Mattress pads come in a variety of materials. These include polyester, cotton, synthetic “sherpa” fleece material, or suede.
Mattress pads come in a range of sizes to fit different mattresses. Companies can make them for one or two people with single or double heating zones.
Power source
Most heated mattress pads run on electricity, including all the versions this article discusses. A person plugs a mattress pad into a power outlet.
People with arthritis may benefit from using heat on painful or stiff joints. Indeed, according to the Arthritis Foundation, heat can help ease the symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain.
A heated mattress pad applies heat to the whole body, so people with multiple affected joints may benefit.
Also, the Sleep Hygiene Index indicates being too cold as an environmental factor for poor sleep quality. So, using a heated mattress pad may improve sleep quality by keeping a person at a comfortable temperature through the night.
The temperature of a bedroom is an important factor in how well a person sleeps and that people tend to sleep worse during the summer months when it’s warmer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest keeping the bedroom around 65-68º F.
While heated mattress pads may benefit those who live in cooler climates, it is also important not to get too hot during sleep. Some people may prefer to use a heated mattress pad when they first get into bed and try to warm up.
Choose a heated mattress pad with an automatic shut-off feature that does not go over 100°F.
Although heated mattress pads are generally safe, a person should replace an old or damaged heated mattress pad to ensure that the wires are not damaged. This can help reduce the risk of fire.
A person should look for a mattress pad that a recognized agency, such as the Underwriters Laboratories, has tested.
People with certain health conditions may wish to avoid using heated mattress pads. Parents and caregivers should also not put them in the beds of children and infants, as they may be unable to change the settings or get out of bed easily.
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that people with diabetes sometimes develop. People with diabetic neuropathy may not be able to feel how hot the mattress pad is, resulting in them sustaining accidental burns.
However, if a person with diabetic neuropathy wants to use a heated mattress pad, they can heat it before sleeping and switch it off overnight.
Also, heated mattress pads may not be suitable during pregnancy. Overheating during pregnancy can cause complications in the heart and neural tubes of the developing fetus.
Additionally, if a pregnant person’s waters break overnight, there may be safety risks if the fluid comes into contact with the electrical wiring.
A person should always check the condition of their heated mattress pad and replace it if it becomes damaged. Also, avoid buying a secondhand heated mattress pad because it may already have sustained damage.
Heated mattress pads are unsuitable for water beds and may not be suitable for foam mattresses.
Using a hot water bottle is an accessible, affordable, and simple way to heat a bed before going to sleep or heat specific body areas, such as the feet or back.
Electric blankets are another alternative to heated mattress pads, but they come with the same or more safety risks as mattress pads.
Choosing a duvet or comforter made from warm materials can help keep a person warm overnight. Natural fillings, such as down or wool, are good insulators and can help regulate a person’s body temperature.
Using blankets and top sheets can help create layers of insulation that trap body heat in the bed. Layers are also easily adaptable if the person gets too hot.
Below, we answer the top questions about heated mattress pads.
Are heated mattress pads safe?
Heated mattress pads are safe if a person follows the manufacturer’s guidelines. Read these closely and always remove the control panel before washing the pad.
People should ensure they cannot feel any electrical wires when laying on the mattress pad, which could increase the risk of an electric shock.
Can you use a heated mattress pad on a memory foam mattress?
Yes. However, using any mattress pad on a memory foam mattress can impede any heat-wicking or body-molding effects of memory foam mattresses. Always check with the mattress manufacturer about compatibility with heated mattress pads.
How do you wash a heated mattress pad?
Each mattress pad may have different cleaning protocols, so always read the manual that comes with your product. Many are safe to put in the washing machine after disconnection from the control panel. It is usually best to air dry them, not machine dry.
Are heated mattress pads worth it?
Heated mattress pads can be worth it for people who feel cold during sleep. A person should check to ensure the product suits their needs. Factors to consider include the temperature range, material, and safety features. It may also help to read customer reviews before committing to a purchase.
Most king and queen mattress pads come with two controllers so people can adjust the temperature separately on either side. However, be aware that these features may lead to uneven heat distribution.
Do you put a fitted sheet over a heated mattress pad?
Yes, people can put a fitted sheet over a heated mattress pad.
How long does a heated mattress pad last?
The lifetime of a heated mattress pad depends on how well a person looks after it. People should always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
What is the difference between a heated blanket and a heated mattress pad?
The main difference between a heated mattress pad and a heated blanket, is that mattress pads stay in one place. A person places the pad on top of the mattress and can cover it with a sheet, whereas blankets go on top of a person and move around.
Therefore, heated blankets may suit those who want to travel around with it or move it from one room to another. A heated mattress pad may be best for individuals who want to purchase a heated item simply for their bed.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
