I got this for a couch throw. As a cold natured person, my family likes to keep the house colder than i prefer. So i decided to try a heated throw and this one is super soft. It looks nice when folded up on back of couch and the kids even like it. I prefer to start with the highest setting and let it get nice and warm and then cut it back to medium for the remainder of the time I’m using it. I like the auto shut off after 2 hours because even cold natured I’m sweating if i use it much more. I did try to start at a low setting and even medium and i didn’t notice it heating much at first until i started with high first. It gets warm and stays warm for awhile even after shut off time. The cord is long and removable so it’s not in the way. I’m extremely happy with this super soft throw blanket.