Electric blankets are a great, cost-effective way to keep your bed warm and toasty in the winter months. Another staple of bedtime comfort is memory foam, but can the two be used together?

Yes, you can use an electric blanket on a memory foam mattress as long as the mattress is protected. 

Follow this guide for the best ways to pair two of the cosiest pieces of homeware ever invented.

Contents

• Is it safe to use an electric blanket with a memory foam mattress?
• Will an electric blanket damage memory foam?
• Can memory foam pillows be used with heated blankets?
• Can a heated blanket be used with a memory foam mattress topper?
• How to use an electric blanket with a memory foam mattress safely
• Types of electric blanket & comfort combinations

Is it safe to use an electric blanket with a memory foam mattress?

Yes. Using an electric blanket on a memory foam mattress is safe, because most heated blankets come with safety systems designed to stop the blanket from overheating. 

While memory foam is considered a flammable substance, modern electric blankets will not get hot enough to risk causing a fire. 

Of course, there are risks of the user becoming too hot while using an electric blanket in bed. But if you’re using the blanket responsibly and within your own personal comfort zone, this is unlikely to happen. 

The question is not so much about personal safety, but the effect electric blankets can have on your mattress. 

Will an electric blanket damage memory foam?

If a heated electric blanket is placed directly on top of a memory foam mattress, the surface of the mattress will soften. Memory foam is designed to mould to your shape by reacting to your body temperature. 

Therefore, if a warm surface is placed directly onto a memory foam mattress, the sleeping surface will no longer be able to shape itself to match your body.

There is also a risk of causing permanent damage to your memory foam if the blanket becomes too hot. Because memory foam is heat sensitive, extensive heat for a long time may permanently warp the foam.

If you’re using an electric heat pad or an underblanket (designed to go directly onto your mattress) consider either using a mattress topper or keeping the heat to a relatively low level. The active safety function on Dreamland products checks the temperature at every use.

Can memory foam pillows be used with heated blankets?

Because the heated blanket is unlikely to come into direct contact with your pillows in the same way as with your mattress, it is less likely to cause damage. You can feel free to use your electric blanket and memory foam pillows together. 

However, we recommend following the same advice as with a memory foam mattress to avoid causing lasting damage to your pillows. 

Can a heated blanket be used with a memory foam mattress topper?

Due to its composition, a memory foam mattress topper will react in the same way to an electric blanket as a full mattress. However, because a mattress topper is generally thinner, the possible warping of the material will not be as severe as with a memory foam mattress. 

Mattress toppers add an extra layer of comfort to your bed, and will also absorb excess heat from your heated blanket. This means your mattress will have an extra layer of protection from the heat. 

Alternatively, you can get the best of both worlds with a heated mattress protector. Enjoy the toasty feeling of a heated blanket while protecting your mattress from heat.

How to use an electric blanket with a memory foam mattress safely

We recommend following these guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your heated blanket and your memory foam.

Keep the temperature at a reasonable level

No matter the type of heated blanket you’re using, avoiding turning the heat up too much is essential for comfort. Maintaining a reasonable level of heat will avoid damaging your mattress, and will also keep your body at its optimum temperature. 

This is extra-important if you’re using a heat pad, that could cause warping of your memory foam due to direct contact. Dreamland’s products are designed to reach a reasonable temperature level, for your safety and for the mattress.

Turn the blanket off before you go to sleep

Most modern electric blankets will turn off automatically after a point, meaning it’s very unlikely you’ll fall asleep and overheat. 

But it’s always best to avoid even the slightest risk, so always turn off your blanket before falling asleep, as a general safety and comfort guideline. 

Consider using a heated overblanket

Heated overblankets are designed to provide heat through a throw blanket. This will avoid any heat passing into your mattress as it will lay over you, or even over your duvet.

You still take the same precautions when using a heated overblanket to ensure the temperature stays at a healthy level, and to avoid damaging any memory foam.

Consider using a memory foam mattress topper

In order to prevent any potential heat warping of your memory foam, consider using a mattress topper. This helps to not only protect your mattress from heat, it helps you enjoy the comfort of memory foam and an electric blanket. 

A high-quality mattress topper will benefit your overall comfort and sleep quality. They are also designed to act as a buffer between your mattress and you, helping your mattress last longer.

Follow this guide on how to use an electric blanket to learn more.

Types of electric blanket and comfort combinations

Heat pad

Placed directly on top of a mattress. Memory foam will react and mould to the heat pad rather than your body, which may remove the benefit of having a memory foam mattress. Consider these combinations to avoid the potential warping of your memory foam. 

Top layer	Memory foam mattress topper	Mattress topper
Middle layer	Heat pad	Heat pad (Low heat)
Bottom layer	Non-memory foam mattress	Memory foam mattress

 

Heated underblankets & mattress protectors

Also placed directly on top of a mattress, but with less of a direct heating in a condensed area as with a heat pad. Underblankets and mattress protectors are less likely to damage your memory foam. Consider these combinations to create the best comfort combination for you.

Top layer	Top sheet	Top sheet	Memory foam mattress topper
Middle layer	Heated underblanket (medium heat)	Heated mattress topper	Heated underblanket (medium heat)
Bottom layer	Memory foam mattress	Non-memory foam mattress	Non-memory foam mattress

Heated overblankets & throws

Electric heated overblankets will not affect the shaping of your memory foam. They are designed to be used both in bed and at home in general. Feel free to use them with any combination of mattress layers. Try these for maximum toastiness:

Top layer	Heated overblanket	Heated overblanket
Fourth later	Duvet	-
Third layer	Top sheet	Top sheet
Second layer	Underblanket, heat pad or mattress protector (Low heat)	Underblanket, heat pad or mattress protector (Low heat)
First layer	Mattress	Mattress

Stay cosy this winter with Dreamland 

Here at Dreamland we specialise in all things cosy. From electric blankets and heat pads to mattress protectors and fan heaters, we know how to keep our customers toasty when the weather gets cold.  Explore our range today to find the perfect comfort combo for you!

FAQs

Can heat damage memory foam?

Memory foam is a heat-reactive material, reacting to body heat is how it shapes so well to your body. This means that any object emitting significant heat will shape memory foam. Prolonged exposure to heat may damage your memory foam to the point where it can no longer adapt to your body heat.

How cost-effective are electric blankets?

Electric blankets are fairly cost-effective, and can help reduce your overall heating bill. Take a look at this guide on how much electric blankets cost to run to learn the specifics.