One of the most common questions I receive is about the use of heating pads on air mattresses. People are worried that the heat will damage the air mattress.
This is a valid concern considering that air mattresses are made of a material that does not provide the same level of protection as a solid mattress does.
A heating pad is a great addition to anyone’s bed, but can you use a heating pad on top of an air mattress? Thankfully, it is possible to safely use a heating pad on an air mattress.
Most people prefer to use a heating pad for their aching backs, but some people choose to use them when they are camping on an air mattress.
It is tempting to want to just lay on that extra layer of warmth on chilly winter nights.
Before we go any further, I’d like you to see why they’re so popular and what to consider before using a heating pad on an air mattress.
Why use heating pad on air mattress
1. Keep warm
Wearing thick socks and sweaters to bed might be your go-to method of staying warm at night, but what if you could eliminate another layer and still feel just as toasty?
With a heating pad, you can.
A heating pad gets hot when plugged into a wall socket.
It’s typically made out of a thin, flexible material that keeps you warm without adding extra weight or bulk to your bedding.
The heating pad and mattress combo is a great way to keep warm throughout the cold winter months.
While many people believe it’s best to heat up the whole room, this is simply not possible in all cases.
Heating pads for your mattress are more effective, since your body’s heat will then stay trapped between you and the mattress.
2. Alleviate cramps and muscle pains
More often than not, muscle pains are experienced by many at night when they are asleep.
This is because their bodies are inactive and muscles are not being used to their full capacity.
Using the heating pad is one way to ease the muscle soreness that happens after a strenuous workout or activity.
Heat is applied to painful muscles to help relax them.
Lower back pain, for example, is often treated with heat.
Applying heat to a stiff neck or shoulder can also help to relax the muscles.
Heat helps decrease muscle spasms and increases blood flow, which brings more nutrients to the area.
3. Manage arthritis
The consumption of a heating pad is necessary, in managing arthritis at night.
Even though the need of using the heating pad is temporary, the health benefits are long lasting.
We all know that arthritis is a common health condition in seniors that causes the inflammation of the joints.
It makes it hard for the elderly to move and perform simple tasks like bathing and cooking.
A heating pad, also known as a heating cushion, is a pad typically covered with soft fabric that is warmed by an electric heating element.
It is commonly used to soothe minor aches and pains, particularly those due to arthritis.
What to consider before putting heating pad on air mattress
If you have an air mattress, you might be tempted to top it with a heating pad at night to help you sleep more comfortably.
However, there’s more to the story, and there are a few things you should know before you just go ahead and turn on that pad.
- One, you will want to use a heating pad or electric blanket that has an automatic-off or safety feature. It’s not worth risking your safety to save a few bucks on a cheap heating pad or blanket.
- Next, you want to make sure that you do not overheat the air mattress, because this can cause the air in the mattress to leak out much faster than a regular mattress. Overheating the air mattress could make it start getting destroyed along the seam as the air inside expands.
- If you are having trouble using a heating pad on a regular basis, then you should get a good mattress topper first.
- If you feel the heat generated by a heating pad can cause your air mattress to pop, make sure to get an air mattress that has a double-sealed valve.
How long to let the heating pad run on an air mattress
When I use an air mattress, I prefer it on a bed frame and under the sheets.
However, you can use an air mattress directly on the floor.
In fact, it is strictly an issue of personal preference.
The only issue is that the air mattress will take up the lower temperature of the ground.
You will need to heat up the air mattress longer to get it to the right temperature.
On average, it takes 9 minutes for the heating pad to warm up. And can reach the highs of 46 degrees celsius or 115°F.
The amount of time it takes for a heating pad to heat an air mattress will depend on the mattress size and the size of the heating pad.
The larger the pad, the longer it will take to heat the air mattress.
How big of a heating pad should you use on an air mattress
If you’re sleeping on an air mattress, you’re going to want to invest in a good heating pad.
How big of a heating pad should you use on an air mattress?
There are a few factors to consider.
How cold is your house?
Do you want to sleep with a big heating pad or a small one?
Are you sharing your bed with someone?
Heating pads come in a range of sizes.
For most people, heating pads in the 60 to 80-inch range are the most versatile.
A heating pad should be large enough to cover the majority of your body, but small enough to toss in a closet or store on a shelf.
Conclusion
For those who have never owned an air mattress, using a heating pad on an air mattress might sound like a crazy idea, but it really isn’t.
In fact, if you choose to use one, you will likely notice several benefits right away.
The use of a heating pad on an air mattress is a very common question and one that has factors to consider.
There are many mattresses out there that are not supposed to be used directly with a heating pad, especially memory foam mattresses which will get destroyed with heat.
However, there are also many types of heating pads that can be used quite safely and comfortably on an air mattress.
