Sunbeam Unveils 'Blanket with Brain'

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Boca Raton, Fla. —

Sunbeam begins shipping its new group of cold-weather warming products this month.

The new Sunbeam Heated Comforter was available online at the beginning of September. The 233-thread count cotton cover has seven ounces of 100% polyester fill to maximize light-weight warmth, and is being positioned as a year-round item. The blanket includes a technology that adjusts to deliver consistent warmth across the fabric: the SelectTouch Digital Control provides 10 warming settings with ambient temperature sensing, preheat functionality and ten-hour auto-off.

"We call it a blanket with a brain," said Jessica Bennett, senior production manager.

Sunbeam's new Cuddler Reversible Warming Throw features fleece on one side and microplush on the other, intended as a modern spin on the heated blanket. It's also available as a blanket with "brain technology" and three warming settings.

Sunbeam's new Foot Warming Pad fits at the end of a bed (under fitted sheets) for targeted warmth to cold toes. It also has dual control settings so two people can adjust to their personal preferences.

Throughout the line, Sunbeam is offering a broader range of colors and new types of fabrics, such as twill, for a more contemporary consumer. "One of our focuses is getting new consumers to try to product — bringing down the age to include 25- to 35-year-olds," said Bennett.