Which Side of Electric Blanket Goes Up: Official Setup Guide

As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, many of us start the annual ritual of preparing our homes for colder weather. Part of this ritual involves pulling out the trusty electric blanket, a beloved companion through the frosty nights.

However, setting it up often brings up a puzzling question: Which side of an electric blanket goes up? It’s a simple query, but getting it right is key to cozy, worry-free nights.

Which Side of an Electric Blanket Goes Up

Determining which side of an electric blanket goes up is essential for achieving the maximum comfort and efficiency the blanket can offer. Here’s what you need to know:

Heating Element Orientation: The design of electric blankets typically has the heating elements placed in such a way that they should be facing upwards when the blanket is laid out on the bed. This orientation is crucial because it directs the heat towards your body, which is the whole point of using an electric blanket.
Fabric Texture and Comfort: Often, the upward-facing side of an electric blanket is made from a softer, more comfortable material that is pleasant against the skin. This side may also feature a more plush or fleece-like texture, enhancing the comfort factor. Conversely, the other side—which faces the mattress—might be made from a sturdier, less luxurious fabric designed to interact better with the bed’s surface.
Visual Cues: Some blankets are designed with patterns or colors that are more decorative on the side that should face up. This is not only for aesthetic purposes but also serves as an intuitive cue for users to easily determine how the blanket should be placed.

By ensuring the correct side of the electric blanket is facing up, you maximize the heat’s effectiveness and your overall comfort during use.

Which Side Faces Down on an Electric Blanket

Identifying the side of an electric blanket that should face down is equally important to ensure the safety and longevity of the blanket. Here are detailed pointers to help you get it right:

Check for Tags or Labels: As previously mentioned, manufacturers typically include tags or labels that provide essential information on how to correctly position the blanket. These might explicitly state which side should face down or offer other orientation cues.
Control and Connection Mechanism: The side that contains the control panel or where the electric cord is attached is usually meant to face the mattress. This setup is intentional to protect the wiring and electronic components from exposure to high levels of heat or potential damage from getting caught between the sleeper and the blanket.
Textural Differences: The underside of the blanket may also be designed to be less insulated than the top side. This is because the underside is in direct contact with the mattress, which doesn’t require as much heat transfer. Additionally, the bottom side might have a rougher texture to help grip the bed and prevent the blanket from slipping off during the night.

Can You Use an Electric Blanket Upside Down?

Using an electric blanket upside down is generally not recommended. Here’s a detailed look at why proper orientation is crucial:

Heat Distribution: The heating elements in electric blankets are designed to direct heat upwards towards the body. If the blanket is placed upside down, these elements are closer to the mattress rather than the body, which can lead to inefficient heating. You might find that the blanket doesn’t warm you effectively, which defeats the purpose of using it.
Safety Risks: Electric blankets are equipped with various safety features designed to function correctly only when the blanket is used as intended. For instance, sensors that detect overheating are often positioned to monitor the heat flow expected in the correct orientation. If the blanket is upside down, these sensors may not work as effectively, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire hazard.
Comfort and Texture: The side designed to be in contact with the user is typically softer and made from more comfortable materials. Using the blanket upside down means the rougher, less comfortable side is in contact with your skin, which could detract from your comfort throughout the night.
Wear and Tear: Incorrectly using the blanket can also lead to faster wear and tear of the heating elements and the fabric. The side designed to face down might not be equipped to handle the friction or body weight, leading to quicker degradation of the material or damage to the wiring.

The synergy between the plush comfort of a Puffy Lux Mattress and the gentle warmth of your electric blanket creates a sleep environment that’s hard to leave in the morning.

How to Properly Place an Electric Blanket

Placing an electric blanket correctly on your bed ensures maximum efficiency, safety, and comfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Unfold and Spread Out: Start by fully unfolding your electric blanket and spreading it out over your bed. Ensure that there are no folds or wrinkles, as these can create hot spots where heat accumulates, potentially causing burns or damaging the blanket.
Orient Correctly: Identify which side of the blanket should face up. This is usually the softer, more textured side. Ensure the controls and any labels or tags are positioned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically facing the mattress to protect the wiring and mechanisms.
Align With Your Bed: Align the edges of the blanket with the edges of your mattress. This helps in even distribution of heat and ensures the blanket covers the desired area without hanging too much over the sides, which could cause it to slip off during the night.
Secure Attachments: If your electric blanket comes with ties or straps, securely attach these to your mattress. This keeps the blanket in place even if you move around in your sleep. Proper securing also helps maintain the blanket’s position, ensuring the heating elements are where they need to be to provide you with warmth.
Plug In and Test: Once your blanket is properly positioned and secured, plug it into a power outlet and test the settings. Check for any immediate issues with heat distribution or control functionality. Adjust the settings to your preference, ensuring the heat is comfortable and not overly hot.

My own winter nights transformed when I figured out the right way to use our electric blanket. Positioned perfectly atop our supportive Puffy Lux Mattress, it feels like we’ve created our own little warm haven.

As the wind howls outside, inside, it’s just pure, blissful warmth. It’s not just about staying warm; it’s about making those long winter nights something to look forward to.

Additional Tips for Electric Blanket Care

Keeping your electric blanket in top shape isn’t just about safety; it’s about preserving that ‘new’ feeling:

Look Over It Regularly: A quick check for wear or damage can prevent problems.
Follow Washing Instructions: Keeping it clean is easy if you stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Store Properly: When it’s time to say goodbye for the season, store your blanket flat or gently rolled up in a cool, dry place.

One million Americans are sleeping better with Puffy. Compare our award-winning mattress collection against other brands to learn why: Puffy vs Purple, Puffy vs Nectar, Puffy vs Casper, Puffy vs Leesa, Puffy vs Saatva, Puffy vs Dreamcloud, and Puffy vs Tuft & Needle.

Conclusion

Getting the setup right with your electric blanket isn’t just a minor detail—it’s essential for making the most of its warmth and ensuring safety. Armed with this knowledge, you can rest easy, knowing each chilly evening will be met with dependable, delightful warmth.