Are Electric Mattress Pads Safe?

Burns

• According to Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic, people with diabetes can suffer nerve damage that can leave the person unable to feel if the skin is getting too hot. If a person has diabetes and/or nerve damage, an electric mattress pad could cause burns if the temperature is set to high or if the person sleeps in one position all night, which could cause the skin to become hot and possibly burn to some degree.

Liquids

• Spilling water on an electric mattress pad can cause the mattress pad to short circuit, which can lead to electrocution, fire, burns or death. People who take liquids to bed should avoid drinking while in bed or not use an electric mattress pad to be safe. Any child or adult who has an uncontrollable bladder and has bedtime urination accidents should not use an electric mattress pad.

Wire Damage

• Pets should not be allowed on the bed when the mattress pad is on or off. Sharp claws can puncture the mattress pad and may damage the wires inside. When the mattress pad is turned on, it can short out or could cause an electrical shock. Pads must lay flat and not bunch up. If the wires inside are broken or bent, it could cause the pad to malfunction, causing burns, shock or fire.

Low Voltage

• Some newer electric mattress pads have a power supply that changes the regular 120 volt alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), similar to what a battery current is, for protection. This means that if something were to damage the wires, the shock would be that of what a low-voltage battery would give you, according to Cozy Winters. However, not all electric mattress pads have this feature. Standard or older electric mattress pads still operate at 120 volts AC and can cause electrical shock.