Elec blankets or mattress warmers?

[sandykayak]

Last year I bought a twin electric blanket (as a gift, so I haven't tried it) at Wally's for ab. $35.   I was looking to buy one for myself this year, but all I saw (this is South Florida, remember) was electric mattress warmers for about $75.  

I'm assuming that having both, as well as a ceramic heater would overload the fuse box (I've done that, using 3 small electric fan heaters!).

Could I have comments on the pros and cons of both, please.

It seems that because of the bunk's exposure to the elements, a mattress warmer would be good and then use a down duvet on top. (and roll over frequently!!!)

[chasd60]

Last year I bought a twin electric blanket (as a gift, so I haven't tried it) at Wally's for ab. $35. I was looking to buy one for myself this year, but all I saw (this is South Florida, remember) was electric mattress warmers for about $75.
 
 I'm assuming that having both, as well as a ceramic heater would overload the fuse box (I've done that, using 3 small electric fan heaters!).
 
  Could I have comments on the pros and cons of both, please.
 
 It seems that because of the bunk's exposure to the elements, a mattress warmer would be good and then use a down duvet on top. (and roll over frequently!!!)

Both?? Where do you camp? Artic Circle?:frosty:
 I have the heated mattress pad on my bed at home. They work better than an electric blanket because the heat is below you and the blanket you cover with traps it in. We don't heat our bedroom at night because we like it real cool and the pad keeps us warm. We bought ours at WalMart and it is a king size with two controllers. The queen size also had two controllers.
 
 As you can see by my sig line, I live in an area that gets a little chilly in winter and we have never turned the heaters up all the way, it would be too hot.

[Miss-Teri]

I had two clearanced electric blankets at the Wal-Mart register last year, and the cashier told me her daughter won't use anything but mattress pads.  I went over and exchanged them for the mattress pads.  While I was exchanging them, they clearanced them even more, so I ended up grabbing three!  

We used them when we camped in Yellowstone last spring and they were wonderful.

[Kelly]

I found an electric blanket on clearance a couple years ago ~ $8.34 for a double.  When we camp later in the season here (almost as cold as it gets in Maine   ) I take that along and use it like a heated mattress pad.  I put a fitted sheet on the mattress, then put the electric blanket out, then put the kids sleeping bags on top of that.  Works like a charm and I don't have to spend any money!!  I use the same electric blanket on my bed all winter long.

Before bed I crank the temp on the blanket and once they crawl into bed I turn it way down low.  

This is for night time lows in the 30s ... does it ever get that chilly in FL?   [/FONT]

[sandykayak]

thanks, kelly, that was my next question:

Since the blankets are cheaper than the mattress pads, can you put the blanket under you?  I guess you do need some extra padding so the wires don't bother you.

OR...I get a large blanket and use it for under and over!!!

I live in Florida, but last thankgiving we camped at Silver River State Park in N/Central Fla (or thereabouts) and there was frost on our kayaks!!  We ran to wally world the next day and bought ceramic heaters.

I also bought two really cheap ($5) blankets and clipped to the inside of the canvas in my "bedroom" to provide some insulation.

[Campaholics]

Last Christmas we got an electric matress pad as a gift.  Some one was kind enough to post a link to Penny's catalog.  We have had a few chilly camping nights (mid 30's-low 40's).  About five minutes before bed, turn the heat on, about a quarter of the way up, and it's toasty.  I agree, heat from bottom, trap from the top with a couple of blankets.  You don't have to keep turning like a rotisserie, the heat is quite even.

They might be a bit pricey, but doing double duty in the house during the winter goes a long way to justifying it.

Bob

[sandykayak]

I've just been googling and have decided (apart from the difference in costs) that a blanket would be better for me than the pad - mostly because of the fitted feature.

The PU bunks are full-size and my regular bed is a queen - (and what's the point of heating the other side of a queen if it's empty anyway?!:)

Also, it's another PITA to fit pads and then a sheet on the bunk, plus I'm already doing some squeezing with the egg crate pad that I leave in place.

I might go for a full-size blanket that I can have over and under.

thanks for helping me decide.

[Dee4j]

before  using the blankets as a mattress pad you might check with the manufacturer, I was looking at doing the same thing a few years back and reading something to the effect of not to lay on top of them...but mybe they've change.  DH on the other hand is comepletely paranoid and is worrined about them getting wet if the buckend leaks.

[Miss-Teri]

thanks, kelly, that was my next question:

Since the blankets are cheaper than the mattress pads, can you put the blanket under you?  I guess you do need some extra padding so the wires don't bother you.

From my understanding, the blanket's wires aren't made for lying on top of - they aren't as sturdy or something - and they'll break easier so it won't last as long.  I can't remember where I heard that, though...

[Kelly]

From my understanding, the blanket's wires aren't made for lying on top of - they aren't as sturdy or something - and they'll break easier so it won't last as long.  I can't remember where I heard that, though...

That does make sense.  It's a wash for me ... paid less than $9.00 for it several years ago.  More than got my money back if it wears out sooner.  I also put it under my girls ... combined weight of about 125 lbs spread out across the whole king-size bed.  Can't see them causing too much damage.  

I am gonna read the label when I get it out for the winter, though.