Can You Use an Electric Blanket on an Adjustable Bed or Hospital Bed?

To cut a long story straight, yes. You can use an electric blanket with any of our adjustable beds, but it's best to use a specially designed electric blanket.

Standard wired electric blankets aren't designed to repeatedly flex with the movement of adjustable or profiling beds. Over time, blankets may bend, twist, or warp, creating a potential fire hazard or affecting the heat they provide.

To keep you warm and prevent issues when using it with your adjustable bed, we created our Flexi Adjustable Bed Electric Blanket. Unlike traditional wired blankets, ours uses graphene technology instead of wires.

Not only is graphene highly conductive, but it's also a very flexible material that we weave directly into the blanket, allowing you to enjoy even warmth without the risks associated with wired blankets. This makes it perfectly suited for adjustable and profiling care beds, as the blanket moves freely while the bed adjusts.

Here, we take a closer look at electric blankets, including their benefits and how you can make sure they're safe for use.

What is an Electric Blanket?

Electric blankets are wired blankets that plug into the wall and heat up. 

In recent years, they’ve evolved to become more accessible, affordable, and safer for users. There are many options available, ranging from blankets to duvets, each with different shapes and forms. These products feature timers and settings to help you find and control the perfect temperature for your needs. 

Some electric blankets are compatible with smart technology and can be used with smart plugs or connected to smartphones, meaning you can turn them on and control them remotely.

If you use an electric blanket in bed, you can even buy dual-control electric blankets, so you and your partner can sleep soundly without one of you getting too warm.

The benefits of using an electric blanket with an adjustable bed

Combining an electric blanket with an adjustable bed brings comfort, warmth, and well-being together in a way that supports your whole body and your peace of mind. Here are a few benefits of using the two together:

1. It encourages a deeper, more restful sleep

Warmth naturally helps the body wind down and prepare for rest. A gently heated electric blanket signals to your body that it’s time for sleep, helping you drift off more quickly and stay in deeper sleep cycles for longer.

With a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the night, you’re less likely to wake from cold spots or fluctuations, leading to a more restorative, uninterrupted sleep.

2. It may soothe aches, stiffness and joint pain

The gentle heat of an electric blanket can help relieve everyday aches, pains and tension. It’s especially beneficial for individuals living with arthritis, muscle soreness, or poor circulation, as it promotes healthy blood flow and eases stiffness, particularly when used with an adjustable bed that supports natural alignment.

3. They support your body's recovery

When your body isn’t working to keep itself warm, it can focus more energy on healing and repairing cells. Whether you're recovering from illness, surgery or simply want to improve your overall wellness, a consistent temperature can help your body rest and recover more efficiently.

4. It's an energy-efficient way to stay warm

Using an electric blanket in the evening or overnight means you can turn the central heating down or off completely, potentially saving on your energy bills. With focused warmth right where you need it, you’ll feel cosy without heating the whole house.

5. Customisable controls for shared or individual sleep

With dual controls and zoned heating (head and foot), you and your partner can choose different temperature settings to suit individual preferences. Whether you’re sleeping solo or sharing the bed, everyone stays comfortable.

Dr Tim Mercer, GP Partner and GP Trainer with Opera Beds, highlights the importance of your electric blanket's timer:

"Be considerate of the timing of your electric blanket - it’s best to have the heating off before falling asleep. Your core body temperature continues to decrease overnight, and your major sleep event – rapid eye movement (REM) – occurs at your lowest core body temperature. 

Too warm a sleeping environment has been shown to delay sleep onset, increase wakefulness during the night and decrease deep sleep, particularly REM sleep.”

How to check your electric blanket's safe for use

After a long summer, pulling out your electric blanket again can really feel like the start of winter. However, before you get on top of or underneath your electric blanket for the first time, it's important you check that it's working properly.

1. Inspect the blanket for any signs of damage

Lay the blanket out flat on your bed or a smooth surface and look for:

• Fraying fabric or loose stitching

• Exposed wires or worn areas

• Signs of scorching or discolouration

If anything looks out of the ordinary, don’t plug it in; it’s better to be safe and consult the instructions or replace the blanket.

2. Check the power cord and plug

The lead and plug should be in good condition with:

• No kinks, frays or cracks

• A secure connection to the blanket

• No signs of overheating around the plug or controls

Always make sure the cord hasn’t been tightly wrapped during storage, as this can damage internal wiring.

3. Test the controls

Once you're happy everything looks ok, plug in your blanket and briefly turn it on to check the:

• Power light or display screen works

• Heat settings respond correctly

• Blanket begins to warm up evenly after a few minutes

If your blanket has dual controls or app connectivity (like the Opera Electric Blanket), test each function to make sure they’re responsive.

4. Give it a sniff

After the blanket has been turned on for a few minutes, smell it to see if you notice any burning. Even a faint whiff is a warning sign. Turn the blanket off immediately if you notice anything unusual.

5. Don't use it if it's creased, damp or folded

Check your blanket's instructions, but if you don't have them, a general rule of thumb is not to turn on an electric blanket while it’s still:

• Folded or bunched

• Damp or recently washed

• Creased from being packed away

Always allow the blanket to lie flat and dry fully before use.

6. Are you using the blanket on a memory foam mattress?

Before you use your blanket, make sure it won't damage the furniture you'll be resting on. Memory foam is heat-sensitive and may soften depending on the temperature of your blanket. Additionally, the blanket may also affect how the mattress conforms to your body.

To ensure complete comfort and preserve the quality of your mattress, our Lead Product Advisor, Chelsea Brown, says:

"Consider using a mattress topper under the electric blanket or keeping it on low heat to prevent damage to your mattress... Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for safe usage.”

Get an electric blanket designed especially for adjustable beds from Opera

If you use an adjustable bed, you'll know how beneficial they can be, so why try and sacrifice this with an electric blanket that doesn't complement its features?

The Opera Flexi Electric Blanket has been designed to maximise the usefulness of adjustable and hospital beds, while keeping you warm and comfortable.

The blanket comes with all of the key features of a typical electric blanket, too, like smart connectivity, dual temperature control, and head and foot zones, so you and your partner can sleep soundly. And, to maximise the functions of your adjustable bed, it's made from graphene, a flexible and thin material that's renowned for its ability to conduct heat.

Take a closer look at our Flexi Adjustable Bed Electric Blanket or explore our full range of compatible adjustable bed accessories and bedding.

Have more questions about electric blankets and adjustable beds?

Our dedicated team of advisors have over 15 years of experience and are happy to take your call on 0333 222 8584.