What are electric sheets and how to choose them?

Electric sheets - double and single - are causing conflicting reviews from users. They allow you not to freeze in cold weather, become a real salvation during periods when the heating is not yet turned on, but they are much more expensive than usual ones. A detailed story about how to choose the best warm electric sheet for a summer residence, the popularity rating of heated textiles will help you figure it out.

The electric sheet is a modern alternative to classic heaters and other appliances. Instead of a regular textile with a single-layer structure, the customer receives a version with built-in heating elements in a sheath of silicone and glass threads. The electric sheet is controlled by a temperature control panel, a timer that controls the operation of the equipment.

The electric sheet works by analogy with other heating devices - from the network or from an autonomous power source. The power consumption of the "device" is minimal, but when using it, you have to follow certain rules. The principle of operation of electric sheets is as simple as possible. When connected to the network, its heating elements begin to generate heat. The heating level is determined by a thermostat, when the desired temperature is reached, it stops the current.

In addition to electric sheets, there are also heated blankets on sale. In fact, the difference between these devices is minimal. They both assume the presence of an external power source, inside they contain special elements that supply heat. The direction of heating depends on their number and location. In the sheets, the heat is directed from the bottom up, in the blanket - on the human body, there is also a difference in the size and thickness of the bedding.

The size range of electric infrared or classic electric sheets is similar to classic bedding. They are presented in the following formats.

1. Children's. It is designed for a child over 3 years old. The optimal dimensional characteristics are 90 x 140 cm.
2. Single / one-and-a-half. Its dimensions vary in the range 120x160 or 120x150 cm.
3. Double. The best option would be sheets measuring 150x185 cm or 170x200 cm.

When using electric sheets both at home and in the country, the dimensions can be adapted to the operating conditions. For example, you can tuck a single bed across a double bed to provide the necessary heating at no additional cost. The main heat distribution should be on the lower body - from the lower back to the heels.

Among the manufacturers presenting electric sheets on the market today, you can find Chinese, Turkish, German companies, as well as companies from Russia. They are presented in different price categories and offer a wide range of product sizes. Brands that have already won the trust of consumers deserve special attention - they are worth talking about in more detail.

The electric sheets of this brand produced in Germany can be called high-tech products that meet the most stringent safety requirements. The assortment includes models with a timer and 3 thermoregulation modes with a power from 40 to 60 W. In addition to energy-efficient consumption, the company also offers:

• the function of local heating of individual zones;
• the patented BSS security system;
• high speed of reaching the desired temperature;
• high quality textile cover.

The Beurer company is considered one of the pioneers in the production of electro sheets. Among the popular models are the budget TS19 and the more modern UB90 with a timer for dividing heating into zones. The case is made with silver ions. The company can be confidently called the market leader.

The company from Spain is the deserved owner of the second place in the ranking, one of the leaders in the production of heated bedding in the EU. Among the advantages of its products are:

• wide range of models;
• availability of double and single models;
• the use of natural materials;
• affordable cost of production.

Among the Pekatherm models, you can find quite budgetary product options. For example, The heated sheet UP105 is suitable for single and queen-size beds, allows you to choose 1 of 2 modes of operation. The U210DF version is already more advanced: it has zone heating, climate control, and the product is also suitable for delicate machine washing.

The German company, which is ranked 3 in the rating, specializes in the manufacture of household goods and medical devices. The range of this European brand includes high quality products with covers made of soft and hygienic fleece. Other advantages include:

• overheating protection;
• 10 operating modes;
• precise adjustment by parameters;
• built-in timer;
• economical energy consumption.

Among the company's models, the Belberg BL-1 is distinguished, which is convenient for use at home and in the country. The built-in display and reliable electrical insulation, reaching the optimum temperature in less than 30 minutes, make it a good choice.

The Russian-made heated sheet is a rare commodity on the market.EcoSapiens manufactures its products under the Warm-up brand. This model is available in one and a half and double versions, only in white. Included:

• auto-off function;
• voltage surge fuse;
• 2 heating zones;
• 9 modes of temperature control;
• remote control.

The company is part of the Beurer group, therefore its sheets fully meet the highest quality standards. The company's fleece and cotton products are equipped with the same features as the main brand.

The brand belongs to the direct selling company Studio Moderna Group, which has a European registration. However, the goods here are mostly Chinese. The cost of products is often overpriced, while the products themselves do not always meet expectations.

We can also mention such brands as AEG, Inkor, offering high quality goods at reasonable prices. Their products are in line with expectations, consistently receiving positive reviews.

It is possible to make the right choice of a sheet with infrared or electric heating only if all the nuances are taken into account. Since the product is not too familiar for the Russian market, it is quite easy to get confused about the characteristics. It is worth considering that the main factor of choice is the material from which the cover is made. The optimal solution is considered to be 100% cotton, which does not emit static electricity, is hygienic and hypoallergenic. For heated sheets, synthetic fabrics are suitable for fleece or polycotton.

Also, before buying, you will have to pay attention to the following factors.

1. Workmanship. All elements of the wiring must be well insulated and not have any visible damage. The best are electric sheets with a spiral or zigzag arrangement of heaters. The cover must be airtight with straight lines.
2. The number of operating modes. The thermostat must be designed for 3 heating stages - fast, basic and for long-term continuous operation. A timer option will be useful, which allows you to regulate the operation of the device automatically.
3. Compliance with dimensional parameters. Make sure the heated sheet will fit your bed. Not necessarily a centimeter-accurate match, but this factor still affects usability.
4. Ease of care. It is good if during use the product can be washed if necessary. Here, polycotton or fleece sheets will be more attractive. They are easier to keep in order.
5. Convenience of transportation. This is important if you plan to use the product both at home and in the country. It is good if the manufacturer provides a cover for transportation and storage.
6. Mains voltage. It should show 12 or 24 V. Models with alternating current at 110 or 220 V are no longer available, since their safety is noticeably lower. However, such options are still on sale.
7. Additional options. Among the most useful functions can be noted a backlit LCD display, the presence of a bed drying mode, useful for rooms that are not constantly heated. Among the innovative developments, one can single out a separate heating mode, which is convenient when carrying out physiotherapy procedures or to eliminate the problem of heels that freeze at night.

When using electrically heated sheets for sleeping in the country or in a country house, in a city apartment, be sure to read the instructions for use. It contains helpful tips to avoid basic mistakes.

1. Correct selection of heated sheets. One-and-a-half models are suitable for beds with a width of 80 to 130 cm. If the bed is large, it is better to buy a different size.
2. Laying according to the rules. Heated sheets are not tucked under the pillow. They should be below its level, in a straightened form, with the indicated side up.
3. Using an extra sheet. It is placed on top of heated bedding.
4. Early inclusion. First, the product is turned on on medium mode for 30 minutes. Only then can you sleep in bed. Only the minimum heating level can be left overnight.
5. Shutdown. It is performed immediately after the person leaves the bed.

It is not recommended to expose the electric sheet in contact with water. If it is heavily soiled, it can still be washed by hand or on a gentle cycle in a typewriter. If the manufacturer specifies the inadmissibility of contact with water, the product is indicated for dry cleaning only.

When buying an electric sheet, you have to take into account other recommendations. They are connected with the fact that the heating device belongs to power sources, if used incorrectly, it can lead to burns and other injuries. It is important to remember the following precautions.

1. Do not allow the sheet to be plugged into the network when it is wrinkled or folded.
2. Eliminate the use of electric sheets by people who are not able to correctly determine the temperature. These include small children, the elderly, and bedridden patients.
3. Check the condition of the wires before connecting to the network. There should be no kinks, traces of damage, cracks on them.
4. Avoid using electrical appliances while standing on a powered sheet. You shouldn't browse the news on your phone or take your laptop to bed. Equipment may fail. The rule also applies to your own remote control of a fashion accessory.
5. Exclude contacts of the included electrical device with any liquids.
6. Use only natural fabrics for sheets and mattress covers. Static electricity can interfere with the operation of the device and damage it.
7. Observe the recommended duration of continuous operation. Do not keep the device on the network at maximum power for too long.
8. Watch for indicator alerts. Any changes in them are a reason for troubleshooting, eliminating it.

Heated sheets are not suitable for all people. Like other types of electrical appliances, close contact can have undesirable effects on the body. Such devices are not recommended for people:

• with diagnosed diabetes mellitus;
• with an increase in body temperature;
• with varicose veins;
• in the presence of oncological diseases;
• for any pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
• under the age of 3;
• while wearing a pacemaker.

According to users who have already tried electric sheets in practice, this type of bedding really has a great future. Almost all the reviews are positive, the safety and quality of the products are not satisfactory. Buyers note the convenience of the models with fastening straps, as well as the presence of relays that automatically turn off the operation of the device after 8 hours. Even machine-washable electric sheets are on sale today, which greatly facilitates their care.

Buyers note that even with short-term use, incomplete bed coverage, the effect exceeds expectations. In just 10 minutes, a cold bed turns into a comfortable one - this property can be used in the country or in a city apartment before the start of the heating season. It is mentioned that for constant sleep, you need to select the minimum heating mode, otherwise it will be too hot.

There are also complaints. They relate to a small selection of sizes - it is not always possible to find the optimal parameters. The number of machine washes is also limited - no more than 5. It is noted that many products have a too short service life, while it is almost impossible to restore the functionality of such an electrical appliance.

For an overview of the best electric heated sheets, see the following video.