Do you prefer to sleep very warm with layers and layers of blankets or with the electric blanket
turned up high? Blankets provide warmth, comfort and style to your bed. The task of selection can be quite
overwhelming when there are so many choices. Here are some things to consider. Some people are comfortable with just
a light layer covering them, even in the coldest of weather.
For year-round, light-weight warmth, choose a cotton blanket or acrylic thermal
blanket. Cotton blankets are soft, comfortable and breathable. For cooler weather or additional warmth, choose an
acrylic conventional weave blanket or a fleece blanket. Acrylic blankets
imitate the properties of wool, and are easy to care for and durable. For cold weather and maximum warmth, choose an electric
blanket or wool blanket. Wool blankets draw moisture away from the body, and keep body heat in and
cold out. Thermal blankets are perfect for lightweight warmth and are great "extra insulators" when a heavier
blanket is placed over them.
Be sure to measure your bed so that your blanket or comforter fits your bed perfectly. If you have a Queen
bed, don't get shortchanged with a "full/queen" that leaves your toes hanging out. If you have a California King bed, a "king"
comforter may not be long enough. Keep in mind that you'll want some blanket to drop down the sides of the bed, so don't buy
one that is too small. With mattresses getting deeper, you'll need to check a blanket's measurements to make sure it is large
enough to tuck in around your particular mattress.
Before you purchase a blanket, consider buying a down blanket for your bed. The most expensive down blankets
and comforters are made of pure, white, hypoallergenic goose down. If you're on a limited budget, you might find a down blanket
with a lower grade of down, with less down, or with a combination of down and feathers. While these give a very comfortable
sleep, you might feel that this is the time to stretch your budget and make a good investment. Look for special sales to get
the one you really want.
You might like to try an electric blanket that allows the sleeper to adjust the heat based
on his or her needs. They are no longer bulky and limited in heating options. Some include single or dual heating controls,
others are made with thinner wires with wireless controls, and some include heating zones, allowing feet to be warmer than
shoulders, for example. They are now generally considered safe, as long as they are used according to manufacturer's instructions.
