Choosing the ideal duvet can be challenging, but when you find the perfect one, it can do wonders for the quality of your sleep. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to figure out which duvet is the right one for you when shopping around for a new mattress in convenient locations.
With that in mind, here are the following factors you need to consider when shopping for a duvet.
Filling
A standard duvet is usually made with one out of two filling types, including natural (down, wool, bamboo, or silk) and synthetic, where most companies use microgel. Down consists of fine feathers attached near the roots of bigger and sturdier feathers of birds, and it comes in different colors, varying in quality. However, generally, most duvets use duck down or goose down. Duck down is lighter, making it cooler, while the goose variation is heavier and more insulating.
Meanwhile, if you have someone in the family or have allergies or generally sensitive skin, naturally-filled duvets like silk or bamboo-filled duvet are the best choices as they’re 100% hypoallergenic, making them safe for you and your family. Using natural fibers is a great way to insulate the duvet and excel at preventing moisture, keeping the duvet cool and dry, making them an excellent choice for those who like to sleep in warmer surroundings. The wool filling is also a great option as it wicks up a third of its weight in moisture, maintaining a fresh and dry sleep environment.
Finally, when it comes to synthetic fills, microgel is the best choice to emulate down duvets perfectly. This synthetic filling is made from 100% polyester, making them easy to care for and hypoallergenic. Plus, microgel-filled duvets are more affordable.
Warmth and Weight
The fill type and power determine the overall weight and warmth of a duvet. The “fill power” pertains to the volume of the duvet’s filling. For non-down duvets, fill power equals how much filling is used, determining the duvet’s weight. So, the higher the filling, the warmer the duvet. Meanwhile, fill power for down duvets refers to the loft it creates, so with a better quality down duvet, you can achieve a higher fill power but with less filling.
For instance, an ounce of luxurious down duvet fills up more space than one ounce of a lower-quality version of it, trapping more air within the duvet and creating more warmth without adding more filling.
Ticking and Shell
Ticking refers to the outer shell or casing of duvets. Usually, ticking gets judged by how high their thread count is, and generally, anything beyond 220 is classified as down-proof or now down can escape. Remember that the higher the thread count is, it doesn’t mean the fabric will have more down-proof. However, the higher its thread count, the softer and lighter the outer fabric will be, providing more ample loft from the down filling and smoother hand-feel.
Additionally, ticking can be made from alternative fibers, such as the more eco-friendly bamboo.
Construction
When it comes to constructing duvets, there are several methods that various manufacturers use. However, one of the best construction methods used is the “baffle box,” involving stitching a grid of boxes within one duvet. These provide ample space for the down to loft and stay evenly distributed, offering all-around warmth and leaving no cold spots.
Another popular method is the stitched box, where manufacturers stitch the boxes through both layers of ticking. The only downside of this one is that cold spots can still occur along the sew lines where down is compressed and scarce, but it will provide your duvet with a more sculpted look.
Layers
When buying a duvet, don’t forget to consider the other fabric layers you include on your bed. Whether you prefer flat sheets, coverlets, or thicker jacquard duvet covers, these layers of fabric can increase the warmth and weight of your entire bedding. For instance, if you like sleeping in a warmer environment, going with a “year-round warmth duvet” should be enough since adding more cover can be too hot. Meanwhile, if you want to have a jacquard look but not the warmth that comes with it, opt for a light warmth duvet.
In contrast, if you like sleeping in colder environments, combining year-round warmth duvet and jacquard duvet covers is the best choice.
Knowing what duvet can help you have the best quality of sleep possible isn’t always straightforward. So, when looking for the perfect match for your bed, remember to look for the factors mentioned to help you drift away soundly and enjoy your sleep one night after the other.
