A professional bed warmer is a unique job that involves warming beds for clients to ensure a cozy and comfortable sleeping experience. Originating in the UK, this role has gained attention for its unconventional nature and surprising earning potential. Typically, bed warmers work in hospitality settings, such as hotels, where they roll around on freshly made beds to “break them in” and warm them up for guests. Some individuals, like Viktoria Ivachyova, have taken this concept further, offering personal bed-warming services for private clients. The job requires no formal qualifications, but it demands specific skills and a willingness to work in unusual settings.
Historical Context of Bed Warming
A bed warmer or warming pan was a common household item in countries with cold winters, especially in Europe. It consisted of a metal container, usually fitted with a handle and shaped somewhat like a modern frying pan, with a solid or finely perforated lid. The pan would be filled with embers and placed under the covers of a bed, to warm it up or dry it out before use. Besides the risk of fire, it was recognized that the fumes from the embers were noxious. A doctor advised his readers in a publication of about 1790 to avoid bed warmers, or, if needed, replace the embers with hot sand. Bed warmers were commonly used from the mid-17th to early-20th century. They fell out of fashion with the rise of other methods of warming homes and beds. Pottery filled with hot water also was used. With the advent of rubber, the hot water bottle became dominant. In the early 20th century, electric blankets began to replace the bed warmer.
Modern-Day Bed Warming: A Unique Career Path
In 2010, select Holiday Inns offered complimentary human bed warmers to get your bed nice and toasty before you hopped in. The idea for the service was based on science that proves people can fall asleep faster in a bed that’s already warm. The service, which rolled out during the winter months, was also intended as a way to help guests beat the chill. Bed warmers don a special suit and cap for the toasty role. Jane Bednall, spokesperson for Holiday Inn said: “People want to leave the cold outside and climb into a warm bed. The new Holiday Inn bed warmers service is a bit like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed. And of course they jump out before you jump in!” The bed-warmer is equipped with a thermometer to measure the bed’s required temperature of 20¡ãC (68F). Dr. Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said the idea could help people get off to sleep.
Viktoria Ivachyova: Pioneering the Personal Bed Warmer Service
Viktoria Ivachyova, believed to be the world’s first professional human bed warmer, charges ¡ê65 per night or ¡ê1,350 per month to lay in strangers’ beds for an hour to ensure they are nice and warm when they turn in. She tells clients they can be in the room while she warms their bed, but there is to be no physical contact between them. In case anyone tries to break the rules, she hits a ‘panic button’ that alerts the hotel staffers. Viktoria Ivachyova told Big Picture her inspiration was a book by Russian author Anatoly Mariengof. One character, a poet called Sergei Yesenin, paid a female typist to come to his home every morning and lie naked in his bed, under the blankets, for 15 minutes, warming it up. The whole ritual apparently helped him regain his writing inspiration. The demand is so high for her service, Viktoria is now said to be putting together a team of bed warmers to tackle the increasing number of clients.
Steps to Become a Professional Bed Warmer
- Research the Industry: Understand the hospitality and sleep-related industries. Look into hotels like Holiday Inn that have offered bed-warming services or explore opportunities with private clients. Familiarize yourself with the science behind warm beds improving sleep quality.
- Develop Necessary Skills: No formal qualifications are required, but you need good observational skills, excellent communication, and interpersonal abilities. You must be comfortable sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings and possibly with monitoring equipment for research-related roles.
- Meet Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old. Some roles may require you to fit specific criteria, such as being part of a target demographic for sleep studies or hospitality services.
- Find Job Opportunities: Check job boards like Indeed or SimplyHired, which list bed warmer positions. Networking with hospitality professionals or sleep research organizations can also uncover opportunities.
- Apply and Interview: Prepare a resume highlighting your interpersonal skills and any relevant experience in hospitality or customer service. Be ready to discuss your comfort with the job’s unique demands during interviews.
- Undergo Training: Some employers, like hotels, may provide training on bed-warming protocols, including using thermometers to ensure optimal bed temperature or wearing specific attire like fleece bodysuits.
- Build a Niche: To establish a consistent career, focus on a niche like mattress quality assessment or hotel bed warming. Building connections with specific companies can lead to regular gigs.
Salary and Job Outlook
The average hourly pay for a Bed Warmer in the United States is $24.62 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $43.75 and as low as $9.38, the majority of Bed Warmer wages currently range between $15.14 (25th percentile) to $27.40 (75th percentile) across the United States. The average pay range for a Bed Warmer varies greatly (by as much as 12), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience. Some sources report salaries as high as $200,000 per year, though these figures are likely inflated and tied to high-profile or niche roles.
Job Market Insights
Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Bed Warmer job market in both Chicago, IL, and throughout the entire state is not very active as few companies are currently hiring. However, cities like Green River, WY, San Mateo, CA, and San Francisco, CA, show higher-than-average salaries, with San Francisco beating the national average by 15.1%. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a Bed Warmer role.
Comparison of Bed Warmer Roles
$th>Typical Employer
| Role Type | Salary Range | Key Responsibilities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Bed Warmer | Hotels (e.g., Holiday Inn) | $15-$30/hour | Warming beds in fleece suits, ensuring 20¡ãC temperature, leaving before guests arrive |
| Private Bed Warmer | Individual Clients | ¡ê65/night or ¡ê1,350/month | Lying in clients’ beds for an hour, maintaining strict no-contact rules |
| Sleep Study Participant | Research Institutions | $1,000-$18,000 per study | Sleeping with monitoring equipment, providing feedback on sleep products |
Challenges and Considerations
While it may sound like a dream job for many, being a professional bed warmer also has its challenges. It often involves working irregular hours, including nights and weekends, to accommodate clients’ schedules. Engaging in repetitive tasks, such as transitioning between different beds frequently, can also become physically demanding. Additionally, since bed warming involves subjective experiences, it is crucial for professionals to maintain professionalism and adhere to strict boundaries, especially in private settings.
Best Products for Bed Warmers
To excel as a bed warmer or to enhance your own sleep experience, consider these top-rated products available on Amazon:
- Electric Blanket: A must-have for maintaining consistent warmth. The Sunbeam Heated Blanket offers multiple heat settings for personalized comfort.
- Flannel Bedsheets: Ideal for retaining heat. The Great Bay Home Flannel Sheets are soft and cozy, perfect for winter nights.
- Hot Water Bottle: A traditional tool for bed warming. The Samply Hot Water Bottle is durable and safe for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a professional bed warmer?
No formal qualifications are required. You need to be at least 18 years old, have good communication skills, and be comfortable working in unfamiliar environments. Some roles may require you to meet specific demographic criteria.
Is being a bed warmer a full-time job?
It’s typically a part-time or freelance role. Jobs can last from a few hours to a couple of months, depending on the employer. Building a niche can help secure more consistent work.
How safe is it to work as a private bed warmer?
Safety depends on the precautions taken. Professionals like Viktoria Ivachyova use panic buttons to alert security if needed. Always establish clear boundaries and work with reputable clients or agencies.
Can bed warming lead to a long-term career?
While it’s a niche role, focusing on related fields like sleep product testing or hospitality can lead to more stable opportunities. Networking and specializing in mattress quality assessment can enhance career prospects.
Where can I find bed warmer jobs?
Check job boards like Indeed or SimplyHired, or network with hospitality and sleep research organizations. Some opportunities may also arise through word-of-mouth in high-end hospitality settings.