From the Research
Risks Associated with Electric Heating Pads and Electric Blankets
- There have been reported cases of heat stroke deaths caused by electric blankets, highlighting the potential risks of using these devices 1.
- A study found that using an electric blanket can increase rectal temperature and decrease cold stress, which may support sleep stability and thermoregulation during sleep 2.
- However, another study suggested that increased nocturnal core temperature alone may disrupt sleep, and that the circadian regulation of the sleep/wake cycle may be mediated via core temperature 3.
Safety Considerations
- A study on the effects of electric blanket use on thyroid cancer risk found no association between the two, suggesting that electric blankets may not pose a significant health hazard in this regard 4.
- A comparison of electric resistive heating pads and forced-air warming for pre-hospital warming of non-shivering hypothermic subjects found that the electric heat pad system provided similar rewarming performance to a forced-air warming system, but with lower power requirements 5.
Precautions for Use
- While electric heating pads and electric blankets can be useful for warming, it is essential to use them safely and follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid overheating and other potential risks.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications should exercise caution when using these devices, as they may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.