Green and greener alternative to electric blanket

[fergy]

As the temperatures drop across the country and our setback thermostats kick in some folks may use electric blankets. A greener alternative to an electric blanket is an electric mattress cover. These use quite a bit less electricity than the electric blanket. An even greener alternative is a set of fleece type sheets. We picked up a couple of fleece sheet sets two years ago on clearance and they are soft, warm and marvelous on a cold winter night! No more climbing in to a cold feeling bed! The sheet sets come with fleece pillow covers too. :)

[greenmoon]

I find that the "greenest" alternative is simply to use a more effective material for your blanket. I have never liked anything more than a good quality down duvet. While they do start off cold and need some of your body heat to warm up, unlike an actively heated electric blanket, I think it's a small price to pay for the self-contained nature of the item - no need for external power and no chance of the heating properties malfunctioning.

They are very lightweight for the amount of insulation they provide, and are sold relatively inexpensively even at Ikea. If you do get one at Ikea it's worth spending a little extra and get their most expensive version - with the highest % of down.

[sjparker]

+1 for the duvet. When I stayed in Sweden the room was freezing. We jumped under the covers and in less than an hour we were sweating under the duvet, it was that thick. Europe knows how to deal with high energy costs the natural way.

I've seen the silk duvets at Costco and was wondering how they compare to down. Anyone tried them?

[Diskdoctor]

Definitely fleece sheets and a down duvet are great.

If you don't like getting in to a cold bed try a hot water bottle or magic bag to take the edge off.

[CSK'sMom]

Add another vote for a good duvet. Every bed (4) in this house has one on it as well as an extra for company. We have a really high quality goose down one as I am always cold but also like to sleep with the window open year round. Within 10 minutes under the duvet, my world is perfect, LOL!