Are Electric Blankets Allowed in Hospitals?

Electric blankets feel cozy and warm, especially on cold nights, but are they safe for hospital use? 

Hospitals must protect patients from burns, fires, and other risks, so not all blankets are allowed. 

In this article, we explore why standard electric blankets are banned in medical settings and what safe alternatives hospitals rely on.

• Hospitals Ban Standard Electric Blankets: Consumer blankets pose fire and burn risks and don’t meet medical safety standards.
  
  

• Use Medical-Grade Warming Devices: Hospitals rely on forced-air blankets, warming cabinets, or hyper/hypothermia units for safe patient heating.
  
  

• Protect Vulnerable Patients: Elderly, infants, people with diabetes, and those with reduced sensation are at higher risk of burns.
  
  

• Follow Safety Guidelines at Home: Check blankets regularly, replace old models, and use UL-certified products to reduce hazards.
  
  

• EMF Exposure Is Low: Electric blankets emit EMF, but levels are far below thresholds linked to health risks when used properly.

Electric blankets are generally not allowed in hospitals due to significant safety concerns. Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology notes that the simple answer is “No”, these devices should never be used in patient care areas. 

The NFPA 99 standard mandates that all electrical appliances near patients meet strict grounding and insulation requirements, which most consumer electric blankets fail to satisfy. 

Hospitals avoid them because patients, especially the elderly, infants, or those with reduced sensation, are at greater risk of burns, while damaged or improperly used blankets can pose fire hazards. 

Although specific hospital statistics are limited, general data indicate that electric blankets cause hundreds of fires each year in homes, with risks magnified in medical settings. 

Regulatory authorities, including the FDA and NHS, prohibit standard electric blankets and recommend safer medical-grade alternatives such as forced-air warming blankets, blanket warming cabinets, or hyper/hypothermia units. 

These devices control temperature precisely, reduce fire risk, and meet hospital cleaning standards, helping protect vulnerable patients from burns, infections, and electrical accidents.

The use of electric blankets in hospitals is strictly controlled due to safety concerns. International standards, such as IEC 60601-2-35:2020 + AMD1:2023, establish detailed requirements for heating devices in medical settings, ensuring they meet essential safety and performance criteria. 

Even so, conventional electric blankets are usually discouraged or banned in healthcare facilities because of fire hazards and the risk of thermal injuries. 

In place of these, hospitals use blanket warmers, which are operated following manufacturer guidelines and maintained at safe temperatures, generally below 130°F (54.44°C), to protect patients. 

Hospital infection control guidance highlights the importance of cleaning and storing reusable textiles, including blankets and linens, to prevent contamination and cross-infection. 

For patients under transmission-based precautions, stricter cleaning methods and appropriate PPE are required. 

While traditional electric blankets rarely meet hospital safety requirements, specialized medical warming devices undergo rigorous testing and certification to ensure safe use and minimize risks. 

Clear procedures and compliance with standards are crucial to maintain both patient safety and comfort in medical environments.

Electric blankets are a comforting way to stay warm during winter, but they can pose serious safety risks if they are old or faulty. 

Safety reports indicate that around 43 home fires each year are linked to defective electric blankets, underlining the potential danger they carry. 

Heaters also contribute to three fires daily, and in England alone, an average of 3,800 chimney fires occur annually, showing that winter months can be particularly hazardous. 

Experts recommend that electric blankets older than 10 years, especially those without overheat protection, should no longer be used. 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) notes that more than 400,000 electric blankets have been recalled since 2010 due to risks of fire or electrocution. 

Some of the notable recalls include ALDI’s Lumina, BIG W’s Abode and Living Essentials, Sunbeam’s Heritage & Regency, and Kmart’s Homemaker blankets. 

Regularly checking your blanket, following the manufacturer’s safety instructions, and replacing outdated models are essential steps to enjoy warmth safely throughout the winter.

Electric blankets can be cozy, but they also carry important skin and burn risks. Hospital records show that skin burns from prolonged use or related fires made up 667 of 758 reported cases, or 88%. 

Extended exposure to heat can also dry out the skin, cause dehydration, and trigger heat rashes, as warmth blocks sweat ducts and strips natural moisture. 

People with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema may see symptoms worsen, while those with reduced sensation, such as many elderly individuals, face an even higher risk of burns. 

Research highlighted in BMC Geriatrics shows that elderly burns often happen at home and are linked to delayed treatment, underlying health issues, and inadequate emergency care. 

These findings underline the need for careful use: monitor heat levels, avoid prolonged exposure, and take extra precautions for high-risk groups to reduce the chance of serious skin injuries.

Research highlighted on PubMed shows that electric blankets can noticeably influence body temperature during sleep. 

The study revealed that using an electric blanket raised rectal and skin temperatures, especially in the thighs, legs, and feet, while slightly reducing light sleep and REM stages. 

This indicates that electric blankets can help maintain warmth and support sleep in cold environments. 

However, long-term use may carry risks, particularly for people with circulation issues, diabetes, or heart conditions. 

Those with poor circulation may not always sense when the blanket becomes too hot, increasing the potential for burns or overheating. 

Extended exposure could also affect vascular health and interfere with sleep quality. For vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or individuals with neuropathy, PubMed research suggests consulting a healthcare professional before using electric blankets to ensure safe and comfortable warmth without compromising circulation.

Electric blankets, like many everyday appliances, emit electromagnetic fields (EMF). The Wisconsin Department of Health Services explains that functioning electrical appliances, power lines, and even the earth itself naturally generate EMF, meaning everyone is exposed to some degree. 

Among common household devices, electric blankets, microwave ovens, and hair dryers tend to produce higher levels of EMF. Despite this, safety guidelines provide reassurance. 

As highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), multiple national and international organizations, including the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), have established limits for residential and occupational EMF exposure. 

These guidelines are based on comprehensive reviews of scientific research, covering both thermal and non-thermal effects, and focus on exposure levels that may pose health risks. 

Current evidence indicates that EMF from electric blankets, when used according to recommended standards, remains far below thresholds linked to known health issues. 

In summary, electric blankets are generally considered safe for regular use, even though they do emit EMF.

• Elderly Patients: Older adults may have weaker immune systems and other health issues that increase their vulnerability to infections and complications.
  
  

• Patients with Chronic Illnesses: Individuals with ongoing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues are at higher risk due to their body's weakened ability to fight illness.
  
  

• Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems, either from medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy, are more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
  
  

• Pregnant Individuals: Pregnancy can alter the immune system, making pregnant people more vulnerable to certain diseases and complications.
  
  

• Children and Infants: Young children and infants have developing immune systems, making them more prone to severe infections and health risks.
  
  

• Patients with Obesity: Obesity can strain the body's organs and immune system, increasing the risk of serious health issues and complications.
  
  

• Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Populations: Individuals with limited access to healthcare, proper nutrition, or sanitation are at a higher risk for developing severe health issues.

Yes, electric blankets can pose serious risks for hospital patients, particularly those who are elderly, immobile, diabetic, or have fragile skin. Reports show that overheating from electric blankets and surgical warming devices has led to burns ranging from minor injuries to fatal full-thickness burns. For instance, a 72-year-old woman tragically died from a 30% burn during surgery due to a malfunctioning heating blanket, and children have experienced severe thermal injuries during operations. Derek E. Bell, MD, assistant professor, notes that people with diabetes are especially at risk because they may not feel excessive heat. He also points out that electric blankets are unsafe for infants, young children, or anyone unable to operate them safely. Hospitals typically avoid personal electric blankets, choosing safer alternatives such as forced-air warming systems, heated blanket cabinets, or temperature-controlled pads. If used at home, blankets should follow strict manufacturer guidelines, including pre-warming the bed, regular inspections, and selecting UL-certified products to reduce the risk of burns or electrical hazards.

Hospital-grade electric blankets are quite different from consumer versions in both durability and temperature control. Designed for daily use and frequent washing, medical blankets remain soft and retain their shape even after hundreds of cycles, while thinner consumer blankets wear out quickly. Hospitals use precise, clinically managed warming systems rather than standard electric blankets. Forced-air or conductive warming blankets allow staff to adjust a patient’s temperature in small increments, sometimes as fine as 0.5°C, with continuous monitoring, multiple safety sensors, and alarms to prevent overheating. In contrast, consumer blankets have simple heat settings and basic safety features, which can sometimes create hot spots or fire risks. Experts note that electric blankets are generally not allowed in hospitals due to potential burns, electrical faults, and fire hazards. Safer alternatives like warming cabinets, forced-air blankets, and hyper/hypothermia units provide consistent, controlled warmth without compromising patient safety.

Electric blankets can interfere with implanted medical devices like pacemakers and defibrillators by emitting electromagnetic fields (EMFs), potentially causing malfunctions. Individuals with these devices should consult their doctor, keep blankets away from the implant site, and monitor for irregularities in device function.