Category Archives: Heated Products

Find Your Perfect Sleeping Room Temperature

sleep problems temperatureIf asked to cite factors that contribute to a good night’s sleep, most people would probably list things like a supportive mattress, comfortable pillow, darkened room, and quiet environment. They might even go so far as to include on the list various lifestyle choices such as refraining from alcohol and caffeine consumption in the few hours before bedtime and banishing screens (smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions) from the sleeping room.

But while all of those variables are indeed important to getting restful sleep, the most crucial part of the equation is ambient temperature. That’s because the ambient temperature in the sleeping room has a direct influence on body temperature, which in turn plays a major role in the sleep cycle. Your body temperature fluctuates throughout the day and begins to drop to a lower set point when your circadian rhythm indicates that it’s time to sleep. If the sleeping environment is too warm your body temperature will also remain elevated, thus making comfortable sleep more difficult to achieve.

So how can you find your perfect sleeping room temperature? Sleep experts advise settling on a “thermally neutral” ambient temperature (one in which your body neither shivers nor sweats) that is comfortable for you. For most people this typically falls between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Since that’s a fairly wide range, the best way to determine your personal number is to test different temperatures and record the results.

Furthermore, if you live in an area where temperatures vary significantly with the seasons, then you’ll likely need the help of specialized products to regulate room temperature, including some or all of the following:

  • SL-Cool-Pad_BThermostat adjustable heating and cooling units, such as central heat/air conditioning, window AC units, and ceiling fans
  • ChiliPad heating and cooling mattress pad that warms or cools your body based on custom temperature settings
  • Heated mattress pad, electric blanket, or heated foot-of-the-bed warmer for wintertime use
  • Cool Pad breathable cooling body pad for spring and summer use
  • Temperature regulating pillow that either heats or cools in response to the skin’s microclimate

If you’re having trouble getting restful sleep night after night, your bedroom temperature might be to blame. Try controlling the ambient temperature using one of the methods suggested above until you succeed in creating the perfect sleep environment for your tastes.

How To Store Winter Bedding

woolApril is usually the month where overnight temperatures are mild enough that you can begin to put away your heavy-duty winter bedding. But if you want your electric blankets, thick wool blankets, and down comforters to stay fresh and clean for the next six months, you shouldn’t just stuff them in a closet and forget about them. Here’s how to store winter bedding the right way.

Preparation

Before storing your winter bedding prepare each piece by reading the care label or instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some general tips include:

  • Remove all cords and controllers from electric blankets and heated mattress pads and store them separately.
  • Hang down comforters on a clothesline in sunlight for several hours to thoroughly air and dry.
  • Launder any washable items, including electric blankets, duvet covers, and woolen blankets, prior to storage in order to remove odors, sweat, and body oils and inhibit mildew growth or permanent staining.

Assessment of available storage space

Once your winter bedding has been laundered or aired and is ready to be put away, take some time to assess the amount and kind of storage space available. Be sure the storage area is:

  • Cool, dry, and impervious to mold
  • Large enough to accommodate the kind of containers you wish to use
  • Relatively easy to access

Packing and storing

Now that you’ve washed your winter bedding and readied your storage space, you can finally pack away your blankets and comforters. We recommend:

  • Using vacuum storage bags to reduce the overall size and bulk of down comforters and keep out dust, allergens, and pests
  • Placing smaller items in plastic storage bins that fit neatly under the bed or on a closet shelf
  • Storing delicate or handmade items in a cedar chest or decorative trunk at the foot of the bed so you can easily air them out once every four to six weeks during the offseason

Taking the extra time required to store winter bedding properly will help ensure that each piece is in great condition when you need it next as well as extend the lifespan of every item in your collection. So follow these guidelines as you change over to your spring linen in the coming days or weeks.

How to Store Heated Clothing Batteries Until Next Winter

battery powerAll of the heated clothing products we sell at CozyWinters, including battery heated socks, jackets, vests, and gloves, are manufactured from quality materials that are designed to last for several seasons—so long as they are properly used and cared for. This applies not only to the garment itself, but also to the lithium ion batteries that power each piece.

Lithium ion batteries have very specific storage guidelines that, if not followed precisely, will result in damage, poor performance, and/or significantly reduced lifespan. In order to preserve your battery during periods of low or non-use, you must take the steps listed here.

  • Discharge (or recharge) the battery to 40%.
  • Disconnect the battery from the garment it is paired with.
  • Store your lithium ion battery in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight. Long-term exposure to heat and high temperatures is guaranteed to have a negative effect on your battery and prevent it from working the next time you need it.
  • Do not allow lithium ion batteries or associated wires and chargers to come into contact with water or liquids of any kind.
  • If storing a lithium ion battery for more than 90 days, be sure to turn it on, run it for a while, and recharge it back up to 40% before returning to storage.

Storing your battery heated clothing for spring and summer involves more than simply folding the garment up and putting it on the top shelf in your closet. You must take special care with the lithium ion batteries that come with the apparel, especially with regard to charge level, heat and moisture exposure, and length of storage. Following the guidelines above is the best way to ensure your battery heated clothing will work as intended when you pull it out next winter.

Heated Throws vs. Heated Blankets: What’s the Difference?

heated blanket vs throw

Heated electric throws and heated electric blankets are two of the bestselling products on the CozyWinters website. Customers who own these items love having the ability to enjoy targeted warmth without having to run the furnace, fireplace, or space heater for hours on end. The result is total comfort and lower energy bills all winter long, which everyone can agree is a winning combination.

If you’re in the market for a heated throw or a heated blanket, you might be wondering what’s the difference between the two. While many people use the terms interchangeably, there are a couple of important distinctions with regard to purpose and size

Purpose

Heated throws are frequently kept in the living room, media room, home office, or vehicle, and may serve a decorative as well as functional purpose. They are often folded over the top of a sofa or armchair when not in use, so it’s advisable to select your throw in a color that complements your furniture. Throws are meant to cover a single average-size person during activities such as watching television, reading a book, or taking a nap.

Heated blankets are primarily used as bedding. Depending on overnight winter temperatures in your home, you can use your heated blanket alone or topped by a duvet or comforter.

Size

Since electric blankets are used on beds, they are available in Twin, Full, Queen, and King to coordinate with standard mattress sizes. Heated throws, on the other hand, do not follow any sizing guidelines, so you’ll have to check the specific dimensions for the product you intend to purchase. A common size for throws sold on the CozyWinters website is 60” x 45”, though smaller travel sizes are also available.

Now that you know the key differences between heated throws and heated blankets, you’ll be able to browse all of the available options at CozyWinters and purchase the best product for your needs.

How to Recognize and Prevent Frostbite

All too often, frostbite is portrayed as something that happens only in very extreme conditions, such as when a person is stranded in an inoperable vehicle for a couple of days in the midst of a blizzard.

But while that kind of dire situation certainly increases the chances of becoming frostbitten, the fact of the matter is that frostbite can begin to occur in a matter of minutes given the right temperature (below 20 degrees) and wind speed (more than 20 mph). In other words, exposed skin may be susceptible to frostbite even if you’re just shoveling the snow in your driveway or walking to the store to stock up on supplies.

To protect yourself from frostbite, it’s important to learn how to recognize and prevent this dangerous wintertime threat. Here are the basics:

Feb 4 recognize and prevent frostbite 2Common symptoms of frostbite

  • Redness or soreness of exposed skin
  • Pale yellow, white, or grayish skin appearance
  • Numbness, prickling, or tingling in the affected area
  • Hardened, waxy looking skin
  • Blister formation
  • Complete loss of feeling in the affected area
  • Darkening or blackening of skin in the affected area

Frostbite prevention tips

  • Dress in several loose layers of clothing, including a moisture-wicking base layer, a wool or fleece insulating layer, and a wind and water-resistant outer layer.
  • Wear mittens instead of gloves to keep hands and fingers warmer. If engaging in an activity where manual dexterity is required, use battery heated gloves for consistent, long lasting warmth.
  • battery heated socksProtect feet and toes with insulated waterproof boots and wool socks. You may also consider wearing battery heated socks that provide up to 14 hours of warming power on a single charge.
  • Cover your head with a knit or wool cap, beanie, or hood to help retain body heat.
  • Since dehydration can speed the onset of frostbite, be sure to drink a glass of water if you plan to be outside for longer than 45 minutes.
  • Take frequent breaks in a sheltered area away from the wind and snow or end your outdoor activity if the weather degrades into dangerous territory.

Frostbite isn’t something that only happens to isolated individuals in remote locations. Anyone can become a victim if the conditions are right, so take the above precautions and be on the lookout for early signs of frostbite whenever you go out in bad weather.

How to Have a Cozy Valentine’s Date at Home

cozy valentine dateTraditional Valentine’s Day celebrations usually involve going out: to dinner, to the theater, to the cinema, on a carriage ride through the city, for a night of dancing, or any number of other activities. But spending the evening at home for some quiet one-on-one time with your love can be every bit as fun and romantic as going out, especially if you put some effort into the planning. To help get the creative juices flowing, here are some ideas for having a cozy Valentine’s Day night at home.

Food and drinks

No matter what other activities are on your agenda, you’ll require sustenance at some point. Stock the fridge with snacks and finger food and prepare a home-cooked meal to share. Even if you barely know your way around the kitchen, you can pick a simple recipe from an online cooking site and do your best. Your date will appreciate the effort—and you can always order takeout if things turn out badly.

Acceptable beverages can run the gamut from a nice bottle of wine or champagne if you want to feel fancy to beer or cocktails if you’re keeping things simple. Depending on your tastes, nonalcoholic options such as coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and soft drinks may also be considered.

Ambiance

Creating a romantic ambiance is critical for getting into a proper Valentine’s Day mood. Dim lighting, candles, and soft music are a must, while heart-shaped decorations or red and pink embellishments can add to the effect. Other ways to create the right ambiance include decorating around a particular theme, such as “A Night in Paris”, or setting up a picnic blanket in front of a roaring fire. No fireplace? No problem; just lay out an Under Area Rug Radiant Floor Heater from CozyWinters under the picnic blanket for a similarly cozy effect.

Activities

Having some activities planned for after dinner can help make the evening more fun and memorable. Playing board games or video games, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, exchanging gifts, or simply talking without the distraction of phones or other electronic devices are popular choices, as is snuggling together under a heated electric throw and binging your favorite TV series on Netflix.

Whether you’re staying in for Valentine’s Day because you couldn’t get reservations at your favorite restaurant, want to save some money, or merely wish to enjoy each other’s company in private, these ideas can help make your at-home celebration more special.

5 Reasons to Go Outside This Winter

family in snowIf winter isn’t your favorite season, then you probably need lots of coaxing to even consider venturing outdoors. After all, what possible benefit could there be to leaving the soft, luxurious warmth of your heated electric throw or the soothing coziness of your heated mattress pad only to endure the freezing temperatures, biting wind, and gloomy skies that are all too common in February?

Well, as it turns out, there are actually numerous benefits associated with making an effort to spend more time outside this winter. Here are five of the most important ones:

  • Getting out of your home or office can alleviate feelings of cabin fever and help reduce stress.
  • Taking a short walk and breathing in some fresh air has been shown to clear the mind, improve focus, and increase both creativity and cognitive ability.
  • Exercising outdoors in winter is more challenging than exercising indoors, which can result in better workouts, a higher calorie burn, and greater energy levels throughout the day. Just be sure to dress appropriately for your activity and wear battery heated gloves or other heated apparel to retain body heat.
  • Going outdoors on sunny days not only stimulates vitamin D production, which is essential for strong bones, but also helps combat the “winter blues” (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder).
  • Spending quality outdoor time with your kids will create memories that last a lifetime. They won’t remember that PS4 game they received for Christmas and played for two weeks, but they will always remember the snowmen you build, the snowball fights you have, and the wild rides that you take together down the local sledding hill.

Sitting in front of a crackling fire with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate while the winds swirl and the snow falls is a perfectly acceptable and altogether appealing winter pastime—as long as you don’t let it become your only winter activity. Be sure to go outside for a short time every day (or at least several times a week) so you can enjoy all the invigorating benefits listed here.

Electric Blanket Safety Tips

macromink-heated-electric blanketFor the most part, electric blankets are a very safe and cost-effective way of providing warmth and comfort in winter. This is particularly true if the blankets have an automatic shut-off feature or run on low voltage like the models offered at CozyWinters.

But just as with any other electric appliance that plugs into a wall outlet, electric blankets must be used with care in order to avoid potential short-circuiting, overheating, burning, and similar problems. Toward that end, here are some common electric blanket safety tips to keep in mind when using your warming product this winter:

  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all recommendations regarding usage and care.
  • When plugged in and turned on, try to keep the blanket as flat as possible and avoid folding, creasing, or pinching the wires.
  • Do not use if the fabric is frayed or worn through or if the wires or heating elements are exposed.
  • Do not run the power cord or control cords under the mattress or under any rugs. Doing so could cause the protective coating to deteriorate, which would then leave the wires exposed.
  • Turn off the electric blanket when unattended.
  • Do not use electric blankets with infants, small children, or anyone insensitive to heat or unable to operate the controls on their own.
  • Do not use electric blankets on waterbeds or mechanically adjustable beds.
  • Be extra cautious when using electric blankets around pets, as the wires and cords may present chewing temptations.
  • Frequently inspect your electric blanket throughout the season to ensure that it hasn’t incurred any damage and is still capable of operating safely.

Now that below-freezing overnight temperatures are a regular occurrence, you’re likely turning to your electric blanket to help keep you warm while you sleep. As long as you use the product as intended and follow the above safety tips, you should be able to enjoy the coziness and comfort of your blanket without incident for many years to come.

2015 CozyWinters Holiday Gift Guide

dec 1 gift guide 2015 Are you having trouble finding Christmas gifts that will be both used and appreciated by your loved ones? Then let our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide come to the rescue. We’ve taken the guesswork out of gift-giving by rounding up our most popular heating and warming products in a single list for your one-stop shopping convenience. Check them out right here:

For the workplace

  • Radiant heating panel: Wall or desk mountable, this heating panel provides safe, cost-effective warmth for legs and feet, perfect for a work space at the office.
  • Heated footrest: This footrest is angle-adjustable for comfort and emits gentle, radiant heat at a fraction of the cost of a regular space heater.
  • Ice cleats: Available in a variety of easy-on, easy-off styles, our ice cleats give the wearer extra traction while walking across parking lots, loading docks, and other outdoor areas.

For the outdoors

  • Battery heated puffy jacket: With three temperature settings and zip-off sleeves that offer two styles in one garment, this puffy jacket is perfect for extra warmth on blustery days.
  • Battery heated hand warmer: Ideal for keeping hands warm without gloves or mittens, this battery heated hand warmer has four heat settings, an adjustable buckle waist strap, and front pocket for keys and coins.
  • Battery heated socks: Prevent cold feet and toes with the help of battery heated socks. They are made of thin, moisture-wicking fabric to keep feet warm and dry without added bulk and can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge.

For the home

  • Heated towel warmer: What could be more luxurious than stepping out of the shower and into a fresh, warm towel? Nothing, so order this heated towel warmer and bring a 5-star hotel perk right to your recipient’s home.
  • Heated electric blankets and throws: Staying cozy without turning up the thermostat is a piece of cake when there are electric blankets on every bed and electric throws on every couch and armchair.
  • Heated pet beds: Do you have animal lovers on your list this year? Earn their sincere gratitude by remembering their pets with gifts like heated dog beds and heated cat beds for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Heated shoe and boot dryer: Extend the life of shoes and boots by using this dryer to gently dry footwear, kill odor-causing bacteria, and prevent mold and mildew.

All of these gifts, along with gift cards and much more, are available on the CozyWinters site, so shop now and order early to ensure on time delivery for the holidays!

 

Help Prevent Cold Feet This Winter

battery heated socksCold feet are a common occurrence in winter. People of all ages may experience this condition from time to time, and the issue is usually solved by covering up with socks or slippers.

But sometimes cold feet are a symptom of a more serious problem such as poor circulation, hypothyroidism, chronic smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption. In these cases, ordinary socks and slippers might not be enough to warm you up, so we suggest using the following products to help prevent cold feet:

  • Heated socks: Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with bulky battery packs, our battery heated socks feature a slim fitting, rechargeable battery that snaps in at the top cuff of the socks. They also now come with the new Lenz Heat App, so you can regulate the heat and keep track of your battery charge with your smart phone!
  • Natural foot warmers: Made from alpaca wool, these inserts fit into any slipper, shoe, or boot to provide extra warmth without batteries or heat packs.
  • Heated indoor/outdoor slippers: If inserts aren’t enough for you, check out a pair of our heated slippers. They are suitable for indoor or outdoor use, operate via remote control, and can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge.
  • Electric foot-of-the-bed warmer: The right amount of overnight warmth is often difficult to come by, especially if you just want to focus on your feet. An electric foot-of-the-bed warmer solves this problem nicely by providing targeted warmth that won’t affect the rest of your body (or your partner).
  • Heated floor mats: Warming your feet and toes at work where you have no control over the thermostat is a challenge that can be overcome with the help of a heated floor mat. Available in several styles including carpeted or waterproof rubber, these mats give off radiant heat in a cost-efficient manner. Our Toasty Toes ergonomic heated footrest is great for under your desk and even adjusts into three positions for maximum comfort while you keep your feet cozy.

While it’s perfectly normal to get cold feet in winter, that doesn’t mean you have to accept the condition and suffer unnecessarily. Instead, visit the CozyWinters online store today to order one of the warming solutions listed above so you can live, work, and sleep in comfort.