heated mattress pad on a cozy warm bed with fireplace and cat curled up on blanket

This Cozy Hack Can Slash Your Winter Heating Bill

/43 Comments/in , /by Mary Hunt

Tired of waking up to a freezing bedroom while the heating bill climbs higher? A heated mattress pad might be the simple solution you didn’t know existed. These energy-efficient pads use low-voltage technology to keep your bed cozy, save money, and even accommodate different temperature preferences with dual controls. Here’s my experience, what to look for, and the best options I’ve tested.

heated mattress pad on a cozy warm bed with fireplace and cat curled up on blanket

Until about ten years ago, I didn’t even know heated mattress pads existed. I’d spent most of my life in sunny Southern California, where winter meant a light sweater at most. Moving to Colorado was a crash course in cold-weather living…and expensive heating bills. That first winter, we kept the whole house toasty 24/7. The bills? Yikes.

We tried lowering the thermostat at night and relying on a space heater in our bedroom. It helped a bit, but my husband and I have very different “internal thermostats.” He’d shiver while I was cranking the heat up another notch. Electric blankets sounded promising, but they were stiff, bulky, and, honestly, a little claustrophobic.

That’s when I heard about heated mattress pads. I was skeptical, of course. Could something so simple really keep us warm, save money, and still be safe? I did a little digging, and let me tell you, this was one of those “why didn’t I know about this sooner?” moments.

Low-Voltage Technology

Most heated mattress pads plug into a regular 110v outlet, but the smart options use low-voltage technology. They’re safe around pets, resistant to moisture, emit no EMFs, and are certified non-hazardous. In other words, you get warmth, savings, and peace of mind all at once. No compromises.

Dual Controls Solve Sleep Temperature Wars

One of my favorite features on Queen and larger beds? Dual controls. My husband and I no longer fight over blankets or thermostat settings. He can keep his side warm enough to survive, while I don’t feel like I’m roasting under the covers. Everyone wins and we sleep better for it.

Machine-Washable Pads

A heated mattress pad should make life easier, not more complicated. Ours warms the sheets so stepping into bed feels like crawling into a cozy hug. The wires are so thin you can’t feel them, and best of all, it goes straight into the washer and dryer (following the printed instructions, of course). The first time I preheated it, I worried it wasn’t working. It doesn’t feel hot at first, but once you crawl in? Bliss.

Using Your Heated Mattress Pad Safely

A heated mattress pad is a wonderful tool, but like anything electrical, you want to treat it with care. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the warranty handy. Most pads have an auto shut-off feature, so don’t assume it’s broken if it turns off. Preheat it a few hours before bed, and you’ll enjoy cozy sheets all night without any stress.

Best Inexpensive Heated Mattress Pad for Every Bed

After years of sleeping on, washing, and generally living with heated mattress pads, I’ve learned this much: the good ones all have a few things in common.

Here’s what I look for every time:

  • Reliable heating that doesn’t spike the electric bill
  • Controls at the head of the bed, where you can reach them without gymnastics
  • Full-mattress coverage that fits like a fitted sheet and stays put
  • Deep pockets to handle today’s thicker mattresses
  • Machine-washable construction (because life happens)
  • A solid warranty, not fine print and wishful thinking

Best Inexpensive: Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad

Product Image - Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad

Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad

This is the current budget-friendly option that surprised me… in a good way. The Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad does what a good heated pad should do: it warms up quickly, stays comfortable all night, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re sleeping on an appliance. It heats evenly, not aggressively, and the warmth feels steady rather than “on/off.”

One feature I especially appreciate is the dual controls, which quietly solve the age-old problem of two people sharing one bed with very different ideas of “comfortable.” Each side can be adjusted independently, and once you find your setting, it remembers it. No nightly fiddling required.

It fits securely over the mattress with deep pockets and elastic all the way around, so it doesn’t shift or bunch. It’s also machine washable, which, after years of testing, remains a non-negotiable for me.

Readers consistently mention how quickly it warms up (about five minutes), how easy it is to use, and how much better they sleep, especially those dealing with cold feet, sore joints, or nighttime leg cramps. That’s the kind of feedback I pay attention to.

It’s not fancy. It’s not flashy. It’s just a solid, comfortable, energy-conscious choice that does its job well and that’s exactly what most of us are looking for. Available in Twin, Full, Queen, and King size.

Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad, Queen Size
Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad, Queen Size
    Buy on Amazon

    Before You Buy: A Few Important Things

    Before you add anything to your cart, these are the things I’ve learned… some from experience, some from reader emails that usually start with, “I wish I’d known this first…”

    • Take a minute to check your mattress warranty. Not all mattresses play nicely with heated pads. Some memory foam and air mattresses are fine with them; others aren’t. The safest move is a fast scan of your warranty or the manufacturer’s website. It’s not exciting reading, but it beats accidentally voiding a mattress you still like.
    • Pay attention to fit and controls. Heated mattress pads aren’t one-size-fits-all. Check the pocket depth to be sure it works with your mattress, especially if you use a topper. And make sure the controls attach near the head of the bed, not down by your knees where you’ll never reach them without sitting up. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference at bedtime.
    • If it shuts off automatically, that’s a feature… not a flaw. This comes up a lot. Many heated mattress pads turn themselves off after several hours, and it can feel confusing the first time it happens. Rest assured, this is a built-in safety measure, not a malfunction. Turn it on earlier in the evening, let it preheat the bed, and enjoy the warmth without worrying all night.

    Do the quick check once, then let the rest of the winter nights take care of themselves.

     

    Question: What’s your go-to trick for staying cozy in a cold bedroom without running up your heating bill? Share in the comments below.

    EverydayCheapskate™ is reader-supported. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    More from Everyday Cheapskate

    when to open and close windows to keep house cool

    The “Open It or Close It” Rule That Lowers Your Power Bill

    frugal habits that save money

    13 Frugal Habits That Don’t Feel Frugal at All

    thermometer with blue sky 100 degrees summer kitchen odor prevention habit

    The One Cleaning Habit That Keeps Summer Smells From Taking Over

    dishwasher not cleaning properly reasons hard water temperature detergent rinse aid

    10 Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning Properly

    budget-friendly home improvements to increase sales price

    Before You List: 12 Easy Wins to Boost Your Sale Price

    give mom a day off mother and son in park at golden hour sunset

    How to Give Mom a Day Off… Without It Falling Apart by Noon

    memorial day on a budget flag in sunlight golden hour

    Memorial Day on a Budget: Simple Ways to Save Big

    borrowing from your retirement account piggy bank and wood cutout of retired couple

    Why Borrowing From 401(k)s Backfires More Than You Think

    toilet with roses coming out diy poo pourri spray

    DIY Poo-Pourri Spray That Works (For Pennies, Not Dollars)



    Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
    and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines



    Last update on 2026-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Caught yourself reading all the way 'til the end? Why not share with a friend.

    43 replies
    1. linda says:

      flannel sheets, non-electric mattress pad [no heat generates from it] , two down comforters and socks. even with my thermostat set at 58 degrees [ok, during january’s unusual sub-zero temperatures i pushed it up to just under 65 but that’s to keep the water pipes from freezing] i am usually kicking at least one more often both of the comforters off me.

      Reply
    2. Linda A. says:

      I got my husband the Bedsure queen heated mattress pad for Christmas. We LOVE it! The dual controls are perfect. This is the best thing I’ve bought in years.

      Reply
    3. Kathy says:

      I use self-heating dog crate pads. Two XXL in my Queen size bed, 1 pinned on the back of my recliner, and a smaller one on the seat. Reflects body heat back to you, non-electric, no worry about burns, and better sizing options than the human version as well as probably cheaper. Toasty warm now.

      Reply
    4. Deirdre McKervey says:

      The recommended brand is only available in twin in Canada on Amazon. Is there an alternative? How can you tell which is the money saving one vs the power hungry one?

      Reply
    5. Janie Payne says:

      Since I bought last year, Mary thanks to you I have been just cozy when I sleep. Generally turn on to warm 10 min before bed and then to Low or off for rest of evening!

      Reply
    7. Monica says:

      PerfectFit is apparently out of business. The current pads being sold by Amazon under the PerfectFit name have some very poor (1-star) reviews, and apparently are “knock-offs.” The older PerfectFit mattress pads seem to have been an excellent product.

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        Reviews can be helpful but need to be confirmed away from Amazon. The rate of fake, vicious and otherwise untrustworthy reviews is amazingly high. I have and will continue to seek other sources to confirm or deny what you have posted here. At this time I stand behind my experience and recommendation.

        Reply
    8. Gail says:

      I have a Holmes queen electric mattress pad and have been quite happy with it. This is my second year using it. Although our days our wonderful, it can go down to the 30’s at night in Phoenix in the winter.

      Reply
    9. Veronique Rorive says:

      Thank you for this recommendation! I live in SoCal and fall/winter temperatures are definitely not here yet but these heating pads have been a game changer for my parents. Both of my parents are 87 and live with me. No matter the house temperature, they get cold when our evening temperatures fall below 70 degrees. Last night was first test night–and what a difference for both of them. Thank you, thank you!

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        You should check with the manufacturer or your owner manual, but I see no reason a heated mattress pad would do any harm. It’s not a matter of sizzling heat … just lovely warmth.

        Reply
    11. Rose says:

      I use a less expensive version of the Chilli Pad, and it cools or heats just as well as the expensive version. I just set the temperature I want to use and it either heats or cools the pad to accommodate. I find that in the summer I can set my thermostat to 79 and use a light comforter and sleep through the night comfortably. I set it to 64 and it works great! I saved significantly this summer, because I formerly set my thermostat to 72 to stay comfy. I have read that each degree raised in the summer saves 3% of the cooling expense, so that added up to more than 20% savings, and my bill showed that!

      Reply
    12. Jane says:

      Getting our heated mattress pad was a game changer for us !! We like our bedroom COLD and the chill of getting into a bed with cold sheets was terrible ! Now we get into our nice warm bed and immediately we sigh with pleasure !!
      Don’t wait – go buy one before winter sets in !! ❄️☃️

      Reply
    14. Barb says:

      I got one of these based on a previous recommendation you made. I absolutely love it. I keep it on my bed year round. Sometimes I need air circulation but don’t want to be cold, so I have the mattress heat on low and a fan on. It is so cozy.

      Reply
    15. Brenda says:

      I loved ours until we bought a sleep number bed. Using a heated mattress pad negates the warrantee…So, we use flannel until we race to warmer states for the winter!

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        We have a Sleep Number bed, too. I’m wondering if there are different type as our warranty doesn’t say a thing about a heated mattress cover voiding it. In 7 years we have never had warranty issue of any kind. Sorry yours seems to restrict it.

        Reply
    16. Barbara C says:

      We loved our heated mattress pad and used it for years. But then we bought a new mattress with memory foam. No heated pads or blankets allowed. Causes issues with the foam. Love the comfort of our bed but really miss the heated pad.

      Reply
    17. jj says:

      As a cancer survivor, I am concerned about anything, such as heated mattress pads, that emits EMF’s.
      My solution? Me under the covers and my big dog atop them! Works for me! And free!

      Reply
    18. Cally says:

      We’ve used a heated mattress pad for years, it is as wonderful as everyone says. I turn it on when i get home from work and i’m changing my clothes, then turn it off and on again when i get into bed so that it warms till morning. my feet and legs are what usually get cold, i love that the bed is warm when i get in, and i can just use the sheet over my shoulders and be perfectly comfortable.

      Reply
    19. Sheri B. says:

      the link to the Queen Serta heated mattress pad went to a twin size heated mattress pad.
      I wanted to bookmark it because I will be moving to a colder place when the Good Lord see fit. His will not mine.
      But I will need to buy it then

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        These things are selling out fast … and I can anticipate for the time being, will not be restocked for awhile. I have updated the post and so that all styles and sizes are avaiable! Who knows how long that will hold?

        Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        It has been corrected and replaced with another reliable brand (I have Biddford matress pad heaters in my guest room!)

        Reply
    20. Sharon Deters says:

      Anyone know where I can buy linens for the old size king bed? Mine is 72 x 75 and the newer ones are bigger. So far I haven’t found anything that will fit my bed and it is only a few years old. Even the split king with two x-long twin mattresses now measure 80 inches long.

      Reply
      • kat says:

        I too still have an older king mattress (actually 2 twins on king frame) and yes most of the newer sheets are too big. check out second hand shops, clearance, etc. also check on sheets that are elastic ALL the way around, we have a set of those and they fit well on the older mattress.

        Reply
      • Cally Ross says:

        We bought the heated mattress pad when we changed from a water bed to a regular mattress, I loved how the heater warmed the bed and missed that when we changed to a mattress. doesn’t your waterbed have a heater already? I also loved that my jammies and undies in the drawers under the waterbed were warm too. 😉

        Reply
    22. azire says:

      Flannel sheets & a hot water bottle. I put the hot water bottle in the bed a few hours before I go to bed where my feet will go. By the time I go to bed, the sheets are warmed. When my feet are warm, I go to sleep faster (many people do). The water stays warm all night. If you want to warm up other parts of the bed, another hot water bottle or two will do it.

      Reply
    23. SHARON says:

      i have used heated mattress pads for many years. i got them for all the beds in the house. which means we have had, single, double and queen size(queen has duel controls) because small children were also in the houshold i put a good waterproof fitted pad over top of the heated one. saved a lot of laundry over the years.

      Reply
    24. Alysa says:

      I have had a heated mattress pad for years but with how much warmer our seasons have been in Florida we have lost most of our heating season, and exchanged it for more cooling. Yah!, lucky us. Anyhow there is a mattress pad that is designed for this too. The Chillipad or the Chilli Ooler. They will operate both for cooling or heating. I bought it for my spouse and he is so happy that I did. I am fine with the normal temperature the house is at. Now we can leave the thermostat at that warmer temperature than what he likes the house to be and he is sleeping comfortably and doesn’t complain that he is sweating.

      Reply
    26. Judi Merrow says:

      I also swear by mine. When it starts getting cold outside, I just turn the button a half hour before bed & it is nice & toasty when I climb in.

      Reply
    27. Ann says:

      I’ve used a heated mattress pad for years and one thing I think should be mentioned is mine, at least, turns off after 10 hours. I am guessing they all have that automatic feature.

      Reply
    28. MARIE TAPSCOTT says:

      I have used a mattress pad warmer for years. When the temperatures get low I put it on my bed, turn it on a few hours before bed, then turn it off once I get in bed and am warm. It makes for a great night’s sleep.

      Reply
    29. Gina Stevens says:

      Mary, I found fleece sheets to be the best for keeping warm in the winter. I’m not talking sweat-inducing flannel sheets. Fleece sheets wicks away sweat and makes you grateful for those LONG winter nights. Another great way to keep the thermostat down is silky Cuddl Duds to wear under clothing. I was skeptical that something silky would be warm, plus they are pricey. The silkiness allows clothes to glide comfortably over the long johns and they’re heavenly during the winter.

      Reply
    30. Barbara G. Conley says:

      Our Temp-Pedic mattress specifically says NOT to use any kind of heated mattress pad on their products. Since we had been using one on another type of foam mattress in our RV (we lived in it full time) for several years, we inquired for more information. Any heat next to the mattress between your body and the mattress prevents the warming softening of the mattress which is what makes their mattresses so wonderful! We were not happy to give up the mattress pad because we found them very satisfactory. Thanks for all your work you do……

      Reply
        • Heather says:

          The type of mattress she is referring too is memory foam. Memory foam needs your body heat to conform to your body to make it comfortable. If you use a heated mattress pad it will not conform to your body as the whole mattress is warm and not just the area of your body. Does that make sense, Ann?

    32. Brenda says:

      Our dual control heated mattress pad we purchased per your recommendation a year or so ago has been a game changer!!! We love it!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Want to join the discussion?
    Feel free to contribute!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *