Choosing the best duvet doesn’t have to be complicated. The key features you need to look for are: tog rating, the duvet filling, weight and size.
You might also consider the anti-allergy properties of your new duvet, its environmental impact and the care instructions.
Here we break down all the key information you need to know to make an informed purchasing decision when it comes to duvets.
#1 Tog Rating
The key thing to remember about a duvet’s tog rating is: the higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet.
The tog basically tells you how good the duvet is at trapping air and keeping you warm. The rating goes from a cool 1.5 tog to a toasty 15 tog.
Top tip:
You will most likely want to change your duvet tog throughout the year. For example:
● 2.5 - 4.5 tog duvets are for summer as they offer less insulation (they are also good all year for hot sleepers)
● 4.5 - 9 tog is for spring and autumn (or for well-insulated homes)
● 10.5 - 13.5 tog for winter (especially for poorly-insulated homes)
● 15 tog is only suitable for those who get really cold at night (and certainly not for well-insulated homes)
Remember that 18°c (or 65°f) is the ideal room temperature for peaceful and restorative sleep.
What about all-season duvets?
All-season duvets are great if storage space is short as they replace the need for multiple duvets. Many all-season duvets are actually two duvets which can be combined for winter and used separately in the summer.
#2 Duvet Filling
The key decision when it comes to duvet filling is between natural or synthetic filling.
Natural Duvet Filling: soft, warm, breathable
Natural fillings tend to be softer, warmer and more breathable than the synthetic varieties. Most are machine washable and biodegradable.
Down or feather:
Down or feather make light duvets that are still well insulated. They often come as a mix as the down gives great insulation and the feather adds weight.
(If you opt for down or feather, check that it was ethically sourced - look for The Responsible Down Standard label.)
Wool:
Wool is naturally hypoallergenic, recyclable and offers good temperature regulation and warmth. Wool is also great at wicking away moisture and makes a comfortingly heavy duvet.
Synthetic Duvet Filling: hypoallergenic, cheaper, durable
Synthetic options can be washed regularly at high temperatures, making them good for allergies.
They are less breathable than natural fibres, so are not recommended for hot sleepers. They are also not recyclable or biodegradable as they are made from plastic.
Microfibre or hollowfibre:
Microfibre is a fine synthetic fibre made from polyester - it is the synthetic equivalent to natural down. It’s often cheaper and good versions are soft and silky.
Hollowfibre is similar to microfibre, but each strand has a hole that traps air, making it warmer. It’s also cheap, lightweight, firm and durable.
Recycled:
Recycled duvet fillings are made from waste plastic bottles that are spun into polyester fibres. This uses less energy than regular polyester.
Anti-allergy:
The best anti-allergy duvets meet the Nomite anti-allergen standard. (It’s possible to get feather and down bedding for dust allergies too.)
#3 Weight
A duvet’s weight is measured in gsm (which means the weight of the filling per square metre).
The key point about duvet weight is: the higher the weight, the heavier the duvet. (A medium weight double duvet is often around 600gsm, with lighter versions at 300gsm.)
The weight also impacts the softness or firmness of the duvet, which is a matter of preference.
But the tog rating is more important than the weight for figuring out how warm the duvet will be - a heavy duvet is not necessarily the best insulated one.
#4 Size
Getting the right size duvet is essential for the comfort and appearance of your bed.
The standard UK sizes are:
● Single duvet: 135 x 200cm (mattress: 90 x 190cm)
● Double duvet: 200 x 200cm (mattress: 135 x 190cm)
● King duvet: 225 x 220cm (mattress: 150 x 200cm)
● Super King duvet: 260 x 220cm (mattress: 180 x 200cm)
Getting a duvet 30 cm longer than your height will help you avoid cold feet!
If you share your bed with a quilt stealer, or if you want your duvet to drape nicely at each side, go a size up - especially if you have an electric adjustable bed, such as FlexiSpot’s adjustable bed range.
FAQs
How can I prevent dust mites?
Make sure to air your bedding every morning by leaving the duvet pulled back.
Wash your bedding regularly according to the care label.
Buy anti-allergy bedding and mattress and pillow protectors - look for the Nomite standard.
What is the most eco-friendly duvet option?
Natural duvet fillings are more eco-friendly than synthetic options which contain microplastics.
Make sure your new natural duvet meets ethical standards, such as The Responsible Down Standard for down and feather duvets. The Oeko-Tex 100 symbols verifies that harmful toxins and chemicals have not been used.
How often should I wash my duvet?
Wash your duvet every 6 -12 months with a non-bio detergent (use only around ⅓ of the usual amount).
Always follow the washing instructions on your duvet’s care label as different materials require different care.
How do I dispose of an old duvet?
Buy a high quality duvet to ensure it lasts.
Natural fillings like down, feather and wool are biodegradable - why not use the natural filling from your old duvet for nesting birds?
Synthetic duvets often end up in the landfill - but consider donating your old synthetic duvet to an animal shelter.
