Why They Cover You in a Warming Blanket

When you are under anesthesia, your brain stops regulating your body temperature normally. This causes your internal heat to drop quickly in a cold operating room. If your core temperature falls too low, it leads to hypothermia. We use special equipment to prevent this state.

The warming blanket is a disposable cover that attaches to a heater unit. This unit blows warm, filtered air into the blanket, which then gently puffs up around you. Tiny holes in the fabric release the warmth directly onto your skin. This keeps your body at a safe temperature throughout the procedure.

Keeping you warm helps your body heal faster after your surgery. When you are cold, your blood vessels constrict and your blood does not clot properly. This increases the risk of excessive bleeding and infection at your incision site. Maintaining a steady temperature helps your immune system stay strong.

Even after the surgery ends, you may still feel quite cold in the recovery room. This is a common side effect as the anesthesia wears off and your metabolism returns to normal. You can keep the warming blanket on until you feel comfortable and your temperature stabilizes. Let your nurse know if you need additional blankets or help adjusting the heat.