How to Choose the Best Duvet for You

What Duvet Tog, Filling And Size is Best for You?

Whether you call it a duvet, a downie, a quilt, a comforter or a doona, most of us sleep under one these days. Like so many products available today there are a vast array of choices and making a decision can be daunting; which quality, size, price, natural or man made, machine washable or dry cleanable, country of origin, bespoke or mass produced, winter or summer?

Not all duvets are equal.

To simplify, ask yourself a few questions. What filling is best in a duvet? Once this is established, consider the level of warmth required, along with size and whether you have any preferences with regards to ethics and sustainability.

Fillings

Down - historically a duvet filling was made of feathers, in fact the word duvet comes from the French word for down, the soft under feathers found on a goose or chicken. Feather and down duvets have been a favourite for many decerning consumers. However, they are not without issues. Although feathers make for a good insulator, a very important factor pre central heating, they are less tolerant of moisture. The average person alone exhales half a pint of water while they sleep. This is before night sweats or other forms of moisture, potentially leading to a growth in bacteria, mold and dust mites within your bedding, which in turn can be detrimental to even mild allergy sufferers. Additionally, some feather and down duvets do not stand up well to current ethical values surrounding animal welfare demanded by the modern consumer. Ultimately the bird dies in pursuit of the feathers.

Polyester - is commonly used under a variety of names; hollowfibre, microfibre, polypropylene, etc. It can be marketed in numerous ways, antibacterial, feels like down, recycled, washable, ultimately it originates from oil and is a form of PLASTIC, with an environmental impact and will remain on this planet long after we have stopped using it. It is used in many mass produced duvets, as a cheaper alternative.

Bamboo - as a plant can be considered sustainable due to it speedy growth, strength, roots that regenerated shoots post -harvest, no waste as the whole of the plant can be used. However as a textile it is not so simple. Bamboo is often blended with other fibres, which are less environmentally sustainable. Bamboo lyocell or bamboo linen is however more eco-friendly, but also less common, and more expensive.

Wool - wool is a regenerative fibre, meaning the animal reproduces each year, after the fleece is sheared in Spring time. Wool has been used for centuries, it is spun, woven, knitted, felted, to make textiles for all purposes, whether for practical home use or high fashion, all weather, all occasions. It is a fibre for every man, Kings, heroes and everyday folk alike. Man has been working endlessly with modern technology to create a better man-made textile. Let us not forget the great qualities of wool. Wool is temperature regulating, moisture wicking, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, renewable, sustainable, compostable, perfect for bedding. Lets appreciate wool more.

What Makes an Ava Innes Duvet Unique?

Cashmere guard hair as a filling in duvets is new and unique to Ava Innes. Originating from the cashmere goat, it makes up 70% of the fibre brushed from the goat annually. At Ava Innes, we recognise the value of its temperature regulating qualities and blend it with a little Scottish wool to use in our unique duvets.

Cashmere guard hair is the outer coat of the cashmere goat, it is straight, and therefore unsuitable for spinning, knitting or weaving however, makes a wonderful filing blended with wool and used in our  in our duvets.

93% of Ava Innes duvet customer said in November 2021, they were sleeping better, as a result of the temperature regulating qualities of the duvet.

This new type of duvet has been recognised for its sustainable and innovative credentials.

Sizes

Duvet sizes vary from country to country, depending on where the duvet is made. We advise you to take note of the cover measurements and or mattress if relevant to make sure of the sizes. Too small and  you might feel the draft or end up in a duvet battle, too large and the duvet can over whelm the bed, making it feel heavy and uncomfortable to sleep under.

Tog value

Thermal Overall Grade, this is a unit of measurement to grade the insulating properties of your duvet, usually used in the UK.

We have provided an approximate tog rating to help our customers make an informed selection.

 91% of our customers tell us they are sleeping better under their Ava Innes duvet.(survey monkey Nov 2021)