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When temperatures drop, you can only pile so many blankets on your bed before you’re covered up in an excess of fluffiness. An easier option can be a heated mattress pad, which will warm your bed as well as add cushioning to the mattress. Since a heated mattress pad sits on top of a mattress pad, it can also protect a mattress from wear and spills, prolonging its lifespan.
The electrically powered heating elements inside the pad distribute warmth throughout the pad, keeping you warm when you lie on it. While there are many options, our hands-on testing revealed that the best mattress pads provide enough comfort to get a good night’s sleep, protect the mattress from body residue and fluids, and have safety features like an automatic shutoff and low-voltage heating mechanisms to prevent overheating.
A high-quality mattress pad can provide not only a more comfortable sleeping experience, but it can also alleviate sore muscles and pain. So if you’re on the hunt for the best heated mattress pad, keep reading to check out important shopping tips and recommendations. We’ve tested all the heated mattress pads on this list to find out how their features perform in real-world conditions.
- BEST OVERALL: Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad | Water-Resistant
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Biddeford Blankets Electric Heated Mattress Pad
- BEST LUXURY: Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Mattress Pad
- BEST HEATING & COOLING: ChiliSleep Cooling and Heating Mattress Pad
- BEST LOW-VOLTAGE: Perfect Fit SoftHeat Heated Electric Mattress Pad
- BEST FOR COUPLES: Degrees of Comfort Dual Control Heated Mattress Pad
- BEST WATERPROOF: Serta Waterproof Electric Mattress Pad
- BEST AUTOMATIC TIMER: Brookstone Heated Mattress Pad in White
How We Tested the Best Heated Mattress Pads
We tested the heated mattress pads according to a rubric that weighed everything from comfort and ease of use to washing and speed of heating. We took into consideration the materials, fit, heating mechanism (wire or tubes), controller design, certifications, and extra features.
We tested the pads by sleeping on each mattress pad at least one night. Most were used for more than one night in order to test features like automatic timers and preheat settings. The time it took to reach a temperature or change temperatures was observed. We used the controllers in the dark and in daylight to test the ease of use in various conditions. Each pad was washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Photo: Stacey L. Nash
Our Top Picks
The recommendations below are based on a range of categories to help you pick the best heated mattress pad for you. We’ve performed hands-on testing to assure that the mattress pads live up to the promises in the company advertising, and to find out which mattress pads perform better in different categories.
Best Overall
Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad | Water-Resistant
The Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad has the latest features, making it a popular choice. Made of 200-thread count cotton, this mattress pad has a supersoft quilted design. Its water-resistant backing protects the mattress from spills and accidents, and it’s machine washable.
Sunbeam’s ThermoFine technology delivers 10 heat settings that adjust automatically to provide the right level of warmth as sleepers move throughout the night. The digital controller allows two people to adjust the temperature for their side of the bed individually. An automatic shut-off option turns the pad off after 10 hours.
The Sunbeam performed beautifully during our hands-on testing. The biggest issue had to do with shipping and delivery. The mattress pad arrived wet, with the water soaking through the packing box and the product box. It was wet enough that water stains were on the mattress pad. After we cleaned it on a gentle cycle and dried it on low heat, it was ready to test.
As far as performance, it is toasty, offering a good number of heat settings. The auto-timer prevented accidentally leaving it on all day. The only issue, besides the shipping problem, was the placement of the controllers. There are two controllers on a single cord. The layout of the cords in relation to the available electrical outlets made it impossible to put the controllers on the correct side. Consequently, we had to reach across the bed to change the heat settings. However, as long as there is an electrical outlet on either side of the bed, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: 10
- Material: Cotton
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- 10 heat settings to meet the needs of every sleeper
- Dual-sided controller allows each person to choose their ideal temperature
- Effective 10-hour auto timer prevents accidental all-day heating
- Cleaned well in the washing machine
Cons
- Controller is on the cord, which makes it difficult to tuck the cord out of sight
Get the Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad on Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Biddeford Blankets Electric Heated Mattress Pad
The Biddeford Blankets Electric Heated Mattress Pad creates a warm bed at an affordable price. Made from 100 percent polyester, this pad comes with 10 heat settings, an analog controller, and an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the heating element after 10 hours. This pad is machine washable and comes in five sizes. The twin and full mattress pads have a single controller, and the queen and king have dual controls so both sleepers who share a bed can control the temperature.
The Biddeford has ultra-thin wires, but the wires have quite a bit of spacing between them. This model had a greater distance between wires than any of the others we tested. The material over the wires was also thinner. However, that didn’t affect performance. It heated well and offered enough heat settings to get comfortable. We did notice that the polyester pilled a little after washing and drying.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: 10
- Material: Polyester
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Great heat range with 10 heat settings
- Simple setup
- Effective 10-hour automatic timer turns off heating element
Cons
- Thin material and wires have quite a bit of space between them
- Pills after washing and drying, hinting at long-term durability issues
Get the Biddeford Blankets Electric Heated Mattress Pad at The Home Depot or on Biddeford Blankets.
Best Luxury
Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Mattress Pad
Beautyrest’s Cotton Blend Heated Mattress Pad is certainly a luxury mattress pad, with two digital controllers so two bedmates can each have their own control over five heat settings. This pad also comes with a preheating feature that can be set to come on automatically so the bed will be warm and snuggly when slipping into it. We especially liked this feature during testing. We turned it on, got ready for bed, and then laid down on the warm and cozy bed.
The pad has a 10-hour maximum automatic shut-off feature, which we greatly appreciated. For those in a rush, the auto shutoff makes sure the mattress pad isn’t left on. It is covered in a cotton-poly blend fabric that is water resistant, resists static electricity, and is machine washable. The Beautyrest washed beautifully. It came out of the dryer looking as good as it did going in. However, we did have to dry it through several cycles on the low heat setting.
The pad’s ultra-thin, flexible wires are engineered for the lowest electromagnetic radiation. Consequently, we didn’t feel any wires while sleeping on this mattress pad. All we felt was warmth (sometimes a little much) and comfort. We also liked that the two cords/controllers had separate connectors so there was no way for one side’s controller to end up in the hands of the person sleeping on the opposite side. The only issues with the controllers was that in the dark, it was hard to find the correct orange triangle to make heat adjustments.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: 5
- Material: Cotton blend
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Preheat setting works well so users don’t have to get into a cold bed
- Comfortable padding and fabric that hides the feel of wires
- Dual controls on queen and king sizes allow each person their own control over the settings
Cons
- Had to go through the dryer cycle several times to fully dry
- Difficult to use the controllers in the dark
Get the Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Mattress Pad on Amazon, Target, Wayfair, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best Heating u0026 Cooling
ChiliSleep Cube Cooling and Heating Mattress Pad
For those who alternate between being hot and cold when sleeping, or for those who want a mattress pad suitable for year-round use, consider the ChiliSleep Cube Cooling and Heating Mattress Pad. This pad uses an adjustable water-based system to regulate the mattress’s surface temperature by circulating water through silicone micro-tubes in the mattress pad.
The water can be adjusted to hot or cold temperatures in precise 1-degree increments, and there are two heating zones in larger pads so sleepers can set their ideal temperature. It’s sophisticated, pricey technology, so this is not a low-end mattress pad. This pad comes with a 10-hour automatic shut-off timer and variable temperature settings of between 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ChiliSleep mattress pad isn’t the easiest to set up, and it requires distilled water to prevent damaging the water system. We followed the fill directions precisely and still ended up winging it to get the pad properly filled. The ChiliSleep mattress pad also requires a cleaner to be flushed through the system every month. Washing this pad wasn’t the easiest, and it required air drying. Also, the cube takes up a lot of space.
In testing, it was one of our favorites, but it took some tweaking to get used to. It was very easy to accidentally set the temperature too low and then wake up cold. The mattress pad was also slow to heat up. We would definitely recommend heating up the bed before getting in. However, once the right temperature is set, it’s a gentle, permeating warmth that electric pads just don’t have. For hot sleepers and a year-round pad, this one is worth the extra money.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: Between 55 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit
- Material: Polyester blend
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Gentle cooling and heating matches sleeper’s preferred temperature year round
- Wide temperature range that’s adjustable in precise 1-degree increments
- Remote control
Cons
- Difficult to fill, even with the provided instructions
- Requires monthly maintenance with a cleaning solution
- Gets to temperature slowly
Get the ChiliSleep Cube Cooling and Heating Mattress Pad at Amazon, Best Buy, or ChiliSleep.
Best Low-Voltage
Perfect Fit SoftHeat Heated Electric Mattress Pad
The Perfect Fit SoftHeat Heated Electric Mattress Pad uses some of the lowest voltage on the market. While traditional mattress pads use 120 volts, this pad operates on just 25 volts. The low voltage will save money on the electric bill, and it emits no electromagnetic field (EMF).
The ultra-thin wires in this pad’s heating mechanism disappear in its padding, so users feel warmth, not lumpy hard wires. The polyester fabric feels like polar fleece, giving this mattress pad a soft, cushioned texture. It felt like sleeping on another blanket.
It has dual controls with 10 heat settings (for king and queen sizes) and an auto-shutoff. It comes in five sizes and two styles: micro plush top (which we tested) and waterproof, both of which are machine washable. The micro plush top washed well and didn’t pill, even though it’s a polyester fleece fabric.
The only downside we found with this model is that it takes a while to heat up, and the lower heat settings were hardly noticeable. The very low warmth on the lowest heat settings isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The lower settings might be more useful as a good option for milder climates or for people who are temperature sensitive.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: 10
- Material: Polyester
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Ultra-soft fabric feels like polar fleece
- Low heat settings barely perceptible; good for people who are temperature sensitive
- Easy to use analog controller
Cons
- Takes a long time to reach desired temperature
Get the Perfect Fit SoftHeat Heated Electric Mattress Pad on Amazon.
Best For Couples
Degrees of Comfort Dual Control Heated Mattress Pad
If one partner likes a warm bed and the other partner likes it warmer, the Degrees of Comfort Dual Control Heated Mattress Pad will let both sleep comfortably. Dual controllers allow users to choose from five heat settings on each side of the bed. The five heat settings were more than enough. In fact, the highest two settings were warmer than we would ever use. It also reached the desired temperature quickly.
The pad also has a preheat setting that we particularly liked. It’s advertised as warming up the bed in less than 30 minutes. However, we found that the bed was already comfortably warm after 10 minutes. While it has a timer, we found it difficult to set up because there’s not a specific button for the timer. It requires holding down the on/off button before turning the pad on. Overall, it felt like more of a hassle than a help.
This pad comes in six sizes. We tested the queen size and greatly appreciated that the dual controls each have their own port on the pad, making it easy to plug in each side independently. Another nice feature is that the quilted padding kept us from feeling the wires.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: 5
- Material: Cotton
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Excellent preheat feature gently and quickly warms the bed
- Easy to wash
- 2 heat controls have different access points and electrical plugs
Cons
- Difficult to set up automatic timer
Get the Degrees of Comfort Dual Control Heated Mattress Pad on Amazon or Degrees of Comfort.
Best Waterproof
Serta Waterproof Electric Mattress Pad
If spills or other water damage is a concern and there is a need to keep the bed warm, the Serta Waterproof Electric Mattress Pad can meet both needs. Its waterproof barrier and stain-repellent finish protect against spills while its wire configuration evenly distributes heat. Thin wires and a dense matrix with only 3 inches between wires meant this pad warmed up fast, with even heat distribution. Temperature changes only took a couple of minutes when making adjustments. Additionally, we couldn’t feel those wires through the plush padding either, and it was effective against liquids.
King and queen mattress pads come with a pair of analog temperature controllers that have 10 settings, while twin and full have just one control. A 1- to 12-hour automatic shut-off feature worked beautifully when tested. We really liked that we could adjust the shut-off time based on our sleep habits. The mattress pad is made of a cotton-blend fabric that’s machine washable and resistant to pilling, shrinking, and stretching. The pad washed well and dried in a single cycle.
The only issue was a somewhat shorter cord than other models, which could make it difficult to set up in some situations.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: 10
- Material: Cotton
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Excellent water resistance and stain-repellent finish
- Comfortable, ambient heat that responds quickly to adjustments
- 1- to 12-hour automatic shut-off timer
- 10 heat settings for fine-tuning the temperature
Cons
- Short cord compared to other mattress; could be difficult to set up in some situations
Get the Serta Waterproof Electric Mattress Pad at Amazon, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Overstock.
Best Automatic Timer
Brookstone Heated Mattress Pad in White
The Brookstone Heated Mattress Pad in White has a soft, cushy quilted top that hides the fact that wires run throughout the mattress pad. All of the 10 heat settings warm quickly, getting the bed toasty within 5 to 10 minutes on the lowest setting. The queen and king size models have two controllers. However, they’re on separate cords, which made it easier to plug in during testing.
The Brookstone mattress pad’s automatic timer gets top marks. Rather than having a set 10-hour timer, users can adjust the timer to one of four auto settings. The extra bit of control prevents overheating later in the night. The Brookstone was perfect for warming the bed because we could set it to warm up for 1 hour, giving us time to fall asleep. At that point, the insulation from the bedding held in the heat for the rest of the night.
However, we didn’t love the design of the controller. With the on/off button in the center, it was easy to accidentally shut it off when adjusting the temperature in the dark.
Product Specs
- Heat settings: 10
- Material: Polyester/cotton blend
- Machine washable: Yes
Pros
- Heats quickly; bed gets warm in just 5 to 10 minutes
- 4 automated timer settings; extra control prevents overheating during the night
- Independent controls for each side in queen and king sizes
Cons
- Controller design isn’t easy to use in the dark; too easy to accidentally turn off and on
Get the Brookstone Heated Mattress Pad at Bed Bath & Beyond.
A Recap of Our Recommendations
- BEST OVERALL: Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad | Water-Resistant
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Biddeford Blankets Electric Heated Mattress Pad
- BEST LUXURY: Beautyrest Cotton Blend Heated Mattress Pad
- BEST HEATING & COOLING: ChiliSleep Cooling and Heating Mattress Pad
- BEST LOW-VOLTAGE: Perfect Fit SoftHeat Heated Electric Mattress Pad
- BEST FOR COUPLES: Degrees of Comfort Dual Control Heated Mattress Pad
- BEST WATERPROOF: Serta Waterproof Electric Mattress Pad
- BEST AUTOMATIC TIMER: Brookstone Heated Mattress Pad in White
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Heated Mattress Pad
There are many qualities to consider when shopping for a heated mattress pad for a bed. Among the most important are the material, size, heating mechanism, temperature control, and safety features.
Material/Fabric
Heated mattress pads typically come in three types of material: cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. Cotton is softer and absorbent, so sleepers won’t wake up sweaty after sleeping in a heated bed. Polyester is stretchier, and while less absorbent, it is still breathable. Microfiber, a type of polyester, is another option for those who want a stretchy fabric with a plush feel. Blends can be the best of two or more materials.
When choosing a heating pad material, remember that a high-quality product will have a higher thread count, making it softer and less likely to pill.
Size and Fit
Electric mattress pads come in the standard bed sizes of twin, full, queen, and king. Some come with an elastic skirt that will keep the pad in place throughout the night, and others are made like a fitted sheet and wrap firmly around the bed. The latter tends to be a better product, as it’s less likely to move or get bunched up in the night.
Before choosing a mattress pad, measure the depth of the mattress as well as its size. Mattresses range in thickness and can be anywhere from 5 inches deep to more than 16 inches deep. The mattress pad needs to fit the depth of the mattress.
Heating Mechanism
Electric mattress pads get their heat from small wires spaced throughout the pad. Generally, the thinner the wires, the lower the voltage and the heat and the safer the pad. Some newer models of mattress pads have tubes that carry heated water instead of wires that carry voltage. These pads can be a safer alternative.
Wire spacing is another consideration, as the space between each wire affects the heat distribution. Pads with wires spaced several inches apart will distribute heat over a wider area of the pad, while pads with wires centered in one area will not.
Temperature Control
Most heated mattress pads let the user control the temperature with a knob or a digital device. Temperature control on a high-quality pad will have multiple heating levels, including the ability to heat both sides of the pad individually. Some pads even have remote controllers.
Before purchasing, consider who will be using the mattress pad. Someone with poor eyesight might need a digital device with large, visible numbers, while someone with poor motor skills might prefer a push-button instead of a dial. No matter the kind of controller, it’s helpful when the bed’s temperature is clearly displayed and easy to read.
Additional Features
Newer models come with a range of features and amenities to make a heated sleeping experience more enjoyable. Many high-quality electric mattress pads will have a timer that turns the pad off after a certain period to prevent accidents or overheating. Some pads allow for personalized heat settings, dual heating options, and multiple heat levels.
Another feature to consider is water resistance. A water-resistant pad will prevent sleepers from waking up in a pool of sweat, and it can protect the mattress and heating pad from spills.
Safety
Look for products with a UL certification, which indicates the independent consumer safety organization Underwriters Laboratories has tested it. Most pads come with an automatic shut-off timer that shuts off the pad after a set time. Some newer models have a feature that shuts off the heating element in the mattress pad when its built-in sensor detects too much heat.
Some mattress pads also come in a lower voltage, which can be a better option for children, pregnant women, and those dealing with health or circulatory system issues.
Ease of Cleaning
Like any type of mattress topper, a heated mattress pad that’s easy to clean, and one that isn’t easily damaged by cleaning, makes using it and maintaining it less time-consuming.
Before buying a mattress pad, check its cleaning instructions. Some are machine washable, but many recommend using the machine’s gentle or delicate cycle with the pad and washing it with cold water. Machine washable pads can typically be put in a clothes dryer or air-dried.
Other mattress pads can only be spot cleaned with mild soap, which requires more work.
The Advantages of Owning a Heated Mattress Pad
Besides getting a warm and cozy night’s sleep, there are other benefits to an electric mattress pad.
- Heated mattress pads are safer than a heated blanket and are better at evenly dispersing heat in the bed.
- Heated mattress pads regulate temperature, which can help users fall asleep easier and stay asleep.
- Heated mattress pads can be a cost-effective alternative to turning up the thermostat on a central heating system, thereby reducing utility bills.
- Heated mattress pads can provide pain relief for back and joint issues and ease muscle soreness.
- Heated mattress pads can warm a bed in advance, so there’s no need to ever climb into a cold bed again.
FAQs
If you still have questions about picking the best heated mattress pad, here’s more information to guide your decision. Below are answers to some of the most popular questions about heated mattress pads.
Q. What are heated mattress pads?
Heated mattress pads are electric mattress pads that use wires or water tubes to heat a bed to a warmer temperature.
Q. Can you feel the wires in a heated mattress pad?
In a high-quality mattress pad, users do not feel the wires. They are sealed in a soft, quilted cover.
Q. How long does it take for a heated mattress pad to heat up?
It depends on the model, but most take 30 minutes to reach their maximum temperature.
Q. Can I place a mattress pad over a heated mattress pad?
Yes. However, the more layers between you and the heated mattress pad, the harder it will be to feel its warmth.
Q. Can I wash my heated mattress pad?
Yes. Most heated mattress pads are machine washable. Some can only be spot cleaned. Check the pad’s label before cleaning it.
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