Duvet FAQs

What duvet tog is best?

Tog ratings on duvets are an important factor to consider. In short: the lower the tog rating, the less warm it is, making low togs great for summer months and high togs best for winter months. “Depending on whether you sleep hot or cold, it’s important to not only choose a duvet for the season, but also depending on the kind of sleeper you are too,” explains Chris.

What is the best all year tog duvet?

All-season duvets, which are two separate tog duvets, can be clipped together with handy poppers to create your ideal thickness depending on the season. “While the duvet tog you select ultimately comes down to a matter of preference, I would suggest that a tog rate of between 7 to 10.5 would be ideal, as it’s suitable for all seasons”, explains Fabio.

What is the best duvet tog for winter?

As a guide, you want a tog rating of between 11 to 13 for the cooler months. If your bedroom gets particularly cold during the winter months, we’d suggest finding a duvet that has a tog of at least 15. This duvet from Dunelm comes in at just £16, has a tog rating of 15 and has garnered plenty of 5 star reviews so it’s a good one if you’re looking for something extra cosy.

What is the best duvet tog for summer?

For summer months, a tog rating of between 2 and 8 for spring and summer is ideal. “Often, a 4.5 tog duvet strikes the perfect balance and allows you to use the same duvet from early spring through to the end of winter.” says Fabio.

What is the best type of duvet to buy?

Naturally, this will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Generally, down duvets are considered the best for winter thanks to their superior warmth and lightweight feel. They are filled with the soft under feathers of ducks or geese, so thereby provide excellent insulation. For those with allergies, synthetic duvets made from hypoallergenic materials are a great alternative.

Natural materials, including cotton, silk, bamboo, wool, feather and down are generally cited as some of the best materials for summer duvets – or if you’re a hot sleeper. When compared to synthetic-fill and cased duvets, natural models are often better performers in terms of temperature regulating, breathability and boosting air circulation.

Down duvets are best-known for being warm and cosy because of their insulation power, but with down, less material is required to meet the tog rating. “This means that your duvet will be lighter with more airflow and, therefore, offers better breathability compared to a more compact synthetic duvet,” says Fabio Perrotta, director of buying at Dreams.

Synthetic duvets are designed to replicate down without using feathers, and are often cheaper and hypoallergenic. “Microfibre duvets are a good choice for a synthetic summer duvet as microfibre filling is designed to mimic the feel of cotton and feathers, so is much more lightweight,” adds Fabio.

Wool duvets boast temperature regulating properties that keep you cool when it�’s hot – and warm when it’s cold. “Heat regulation is crucial to great sleep and being too hot is often the number one disruptor of a great night’s sleep,” says Chris Tattersall, Sleep Expert and MD of Woolroom.

Of course, there’s always the more ‘mainland Europe’ choice of using a lone bed sheet for a cool summer duvet alternative; however, for those who prefer the comfort that only a snuggle in a filled duvet can provide, we’ve gone so far as to seek out all the right duvets to withstand the heat of the sweatiest summer nights to find the best summer duvets.

What duvets do hotels use?

Ever stayed at a hotel and wondered, “What duvets do hotels use”? You’re not alone. Many hotels — especially luxury ones — use duvets filled with goose down. Goose down is known for being incredibly light, soft, and giving that signature fluffy, cloud-like comfort. The quality of goose down can vary, but five-star hotels often go for high fill power options. That means better insulation, less weight, and an even fluffier feel – basically, sleep heaven. Dreamy.

How often should I replace my duvet?

It’s recommended that you should replace your duvet every 2-5 years, but this will vary depending on which duvet you have. Over time, the filling inside a duvet can lose its loft and insulation, reducing its warmth and effectiveness. Regular use also leads to the buildup of dust mites and allergens, even with proper care. Replacing your duvet within this timeframe will help maintain its effectiveness and help keep your sleep environment clean. We’d recommend assessing your duvets condition regularly for any wear and tear for signs that your duvet needs an upgrade.

How to clean your duvet

Fortunately, most duvets are now machine washable and safe for tumble dryers. However, it’s crucial to follow the specific care instructions on each duvet to ensure proper cleaning and to extend its lifespan. Summer duvets, with their lower tog ratings, usually fit comfortably in most washing machine drums. In contrast, winter duvets with higher tog ratings or larger sizes, like king or emperor, might require a trip to a launderette or dry cleaners.

For optimal maintenance, it’s recommended to wash bedding at 60°C to effectively eliminate dust mites and bacteria. While 40°C is adequate for general cleaning, 60°C provides a more thorough disinfection. As for how often to wash your duvet, every four months is a good guideline, though this can vary by brand. Some duvets may only need to be aired out rather than washed, so consider this when selecting a duvet, especially if it’s not machine washable.