These decisions can be based on 4 key areas:
• Allergies
• Washability
• Breathability
• Durability
One of the first and foremost things to consider is whether to buy a duvet with a natural filling or a synthetic filling. Natural filled duvets have the benefit of being both durable and naturally breathable. The lightest of all natural fillings is down which has a unique ability to trap air making it extremely light and thermally efficient. Feather and down filled duvets give warmth, breathability and extra weight for a more 'tucked in' feeling. Some leading department stores offer a number of choices ranging from exceptional value duck feather and down to the finest Siberian and Hungarian goose down.
Synthetic duvets are non-allergenic and more easily washable, a practical alternative if you are sensitive to natural filling because the advances in fibre mean that synthetic duvets have become lighter and more breathable. There are often 4 synthetic duvets to choose from: the Perfect Balance, a luxuriously soft down-like duvet, the Cotton Embrace, a lighter duvet with a high quality microfibre blend filling, the Spundown, one of the only duvets that you can wash at home, and the So Soft, an incredibly soft duvet at exceptional value for money.
Another important factor is the Tog rating of your duvet. Tog is a measure of warmth, the higher the Tog rating the warmer the duvet will be. If you are looking for a lightweight summer duvet, a 3.0 - 4.5 tog duvet would be suitable, for slightly more warmth a 9.0 tog is more appropriate or 10.5 tog for those who prefer more warmth, and for colder seasons a 13.5 tog is generally the highest you'll find.
A good option is to buy a Four Seasons set, which gives 3 warmth options from 2 duvets: 4.5 tog for summer, 9.0 tog for spring / autumn and joining them together to make a 13.5 tog for winter.
Pillows are also and important consideration because best pillow is one that will give you the perfect combination of comfort and support and to really help determine which pillow is best for you, the level of support must be considered. A firm pillow will support the neck, a softer pillow like the Siberian or Hungarian goose down will provide cushioning and comfort and a medium-firm pillow such as the Spundown will provide a good mix of comfort and support. Pillows are available with similar natural or synthetic fillings to the duvets.
Approximately one-third of your life is spent sleeping, the length and durability of which directly affects your performance so it is important to have the quality bedding you need to ensure you are living up to your full potential.
