While i have to admit i have never used a heated anything before - mattress pad or blanket - so have no point of comparison, I LOVE this. I crank it up to 9 about a 1/2 hour before bed and then down to 1 once in. Our house is a converted summer house and our bedroom is not heated. Why did we wait 6 years before getting this magical item?? Have not washed it yet, so don't know if it will fall apart, but so far it's great. No buzzing, no bulky boxes, no bumpy coils. Just great. If there's a problem with washing, i will re-post.