Down Alternatives

Whether eighteen or eighty years of age, and male or female, anyone who does not have the luxury of living in sub tropical temperatures needs to keep warm whilst in bed on winter nights. There are several alternatives to down comforters available and the most popular of these are detailed below.

The Electric Blanket

When the nights start to draw in, and the central heating or warm air conditioning gets turned up to the maximum, we know its time to get the electric blanket out from its summer storage place.

The blanket usually comes in single or double sizes, although you can buy a single strip of blanket specifically for warming your feet. The blanket either lies on top of your mattress, underneath the bottom fitted sheet and is secured at each corner by loose ties or is placed between your top sheet and the next cover. Make sure you put it on in such a way that the electrical connections are close to a wall socket without having to step over the chord each time you move around the bedroom.

Along the electrical chord of the blanket there is a switch. This is to regulate the heat generated from the blanket. There are usually three settings for you to choose from; low, medium or high. A small light will glow to indicate that the blanket is connected to the mains and turned on. Some blankets have dual controls to meet the requirements of the individual when sharing a bed with another person.

Approximately half an hour before you intend to retire for the night, switch the blanket on and you will be as warm as toast the minute you get into bed. Some electric blankets need to be turned off before you get into bed whilst others can be left on during the night. Each spring time when you pack away the blanket for another year, you should have it checked over to make sure it is electrically sound ready for its next use. The blanket should be stored flat to avoid creasing.

The Hot Water Bottle

If the thought of sleeping on something electrical makes you unsettled, then the best choice as an alternative to a down comforter for you would be a hot water bottle. This is a bottle made of thick rubber-like plastic. You fill the bottle with hot, but not boiling water, secure the lid and pop it into your bed just before you get in. You can use the bottle on its own or place it in a fluffy cover. This makes sure that the heat generated from the bottle is effective yet does not mark your skin.

Of course, it always helps if the room you are sleeping in is heated to a reasonable temperature by central heating, warm air conditioning or some other form of heater. You should always wear warm clothes in bed, and if you do not have a down comforter, then layering several blankets will keep you nice and snug. Make sure you are warm when you go to bed. A warm bath and a cup of your favourite warm milky drink should set you up for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Bookmarks
Bookmark This |