To be honest, I am not really a fan of winter, I get cold quite quickly and find it difficult to get warm once my hands and feet are cold. My only saving grace must be my electric blanket – and although it is a very effective way to get warm instantly – it is not always the most economical. There are various economical ways to ensure that you (and your family) stay warm and cosy this winter and I decided to explore a few options.
Electric blanket
Although it is not the most economical option, it is certainly the most popular. The electric blanket goes underneath the bottom fitted sheet. It is fitted with an integrated heating device and comes with a heat control unit, allowing you to control the amount of heat the blanket produces. Blankets for beds bigger than single size often comes with two separate controls and allows both individuals sleeping on the bed to control their own bed temperature. Modern electric blankets have carbon fibre wires. These blankets usually work on 24 volts instead of the 110/240 volts. Therefore, they are advertised as being a safer, more efficient and more comfortable alternative.
What is available?
Russell Hobbs fitted electric blanket
This luxury fleecy blanket is put around your mattress like a fitted sheet, so it does not move around like regular electric blankets. It is suitable for hand wash and has detachable controls. It also has a pre-heat function and all-night settings.
Salton fitted electric blanket
This luxury fleecy blanket is put around your mattress like a fitted sheet, so it does not move around like regular electric blankets. It comes with 3 heat settings, dual controls and Braille indicators on the controls for night-time use.
Did you know: The first crude electric blanket was invented in the early 1900’s. The heated bed coverings bore little resemblance to the electric blankets we are familiar with today and were bulky and very uncomfortable.
Hot-water bag
This item is also a trusted favourite that has been around for a very long time. It is basically a sealed bag (usually made of rubber) that is filled with hot water and used for warming a bed or parts of the body. The basic idea of a hot-water bag comes from the ancient use of heat to relief aches and pain. Over the years these rubber bottles have evolved from basic rubber bottles that you had to cover with a towel not to get burned, to modern rubber bottles (in various sizes and colours) with interesting coverings such as stuffed animals, funky bag coverings etc. These bags also retain heat for quite a long time. The only disadvantage of this product is that it often leaks after continuous use.
Microwave bed warmers
For bed warmers with a difference replace your hot water bottles with hot wheat / corn bottles. These safer, stylish and more energy efficient alternative to your hot water bottles help you sleep better by keeping you comfortable in bed.
These bed warmers take traditional hot water bottles to another level. The wheat and flax seed / corn filled bags heat fast in the microwave and continue giving off heat to keep your bed warmer for hours, night after night.
Advantages:
- No fear of bursting or leaking as with traditional hot water bottles.
- Easily moulds to soothe any area of your body.
Clicks have various styles and options available – ranging from bed warmers, to heated pads for pain relief.
Other microwave warmers
Cosy Sox from Homemark
Ensure that your cold, tired feet are treated in a cosy manner this winter with these microwavable bed socks. All you have to do is pop them in the microwave for a minute or two to ensure that your feet are warm and comfortable for an evening in front of the TV or even in bed.
Beddy-Bear™
is the ideal way to keep your little boy or girl warm this winter. This fluffy teddy bear is fully microwavable and scented with lavender to ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep. It can also be used to keep your child cool in summer by placing it in the fridge.
Hot Bottle™
is a great design that looks just like a traditional 'hot water bottle'. The difference is that it is manufactured from luxuriously soft micro-safe fabrics instead of rubber and manufactured using the very highest quality materials to provide soothing warmth and comfort. This Hot Bottle™ completely removes the risk of scalding and is much safer and easier to use then a traditional water filled bottle, particularly for the young or elderly.
Hot Slippers™
are manufactured from the very highest quality materials and are available in two colours and one free size (approx 3–7). Simply warm the pair in a microwave for two minutes for instant warmth and comfort. Sheer Bliss!
Hot Boots™
are very similar to Hot Slippers™ but the design has been modified and improved to provide even more soothing comfort for tired and aching feet. They can be worn either long or short around the ankles and benefit from an innovative grip sole.
Taking care of your pets
With technology advancing the way that it has, it is now also available to keep your animals warm, cosy and happy this winter. Although these products are not available in South Africa yet, it can be ordered online
Outdoor Heated Kitty Pad
An essential source of warmth for any cat that spends time out doors. An internal thermostat keeps the temperature constant. Constructed from rugged ABS waterproof plastic with a steel-wrapped cord.
- Ideal for cats that spend time in garages, barns, sheds or outdoor porches and patios.
- Veterinarians recommend this pad for therapeutic post-surgery convalescence and to comfort older and arthritic cats.
Thermal-Bowl
The thermostatically controlled K&H Thermal-Bowl is a perfect way to keep your pet’s water from freezing during the winter. It comes in various sizes. Just plug it in and your pet’s water will remain unfrozen all winter. The cord is steel wrapped to prevent chewing and abrasion and to make your pet safe. Each bowl comes with a long cord and also a one year guarantee.
Thermo-Kitty Bed
The K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed has a dual thermostat 4 watt heating unit buried deep within its thick, super soft, orthopaedic foam base. The washable cover comes in two colours and is attractive in any room in the house.
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