Mattresses - best mattress brands: Choosing a bed Duvets and pillows
Duvet tog ratings tell you how well a duvet traps warm air
Once you’ve got your bed and mattress sorted, turn your attentions to getting the best duvet and pillows. Here’s our step-by-step guide to getting your bedding right.
1. Duvet tog ratings
When you’re shopping for a duvet, look for its ‘tog rating’. This refers to how good the duvet is at trapping air and therefore keeping you warm. The higher the rating, the warmer it is.
Togs range from as low as 3.0 for a light summer duvet through to 13.5 or more for a heavy duty winter duvet. A 10.5 tog rated duvet is a popular option for the UK climate.
2. Get your duvet size right
It may seem obvious, but make sure your duvet size matches up with the size of your bed and mattress. Duvets are designed to be slightly larger than their corresponding bed.
| Typical UK duvet sizes | |
|---|---|
| Bed size | Duvet Dimensions |
| Single | 135cm x 200cm (4ft 5" x 6ft 7") |
| Double | 200cm x 200cm (6ft 7" x 6ft 7") |
| King-size | 230cm x 220cm (7ft 7" x 7ft 3") |
| Super king-size | 260cm x 220cm (8ft 6" x 7ft 3") |
3. Duvet fillings
The filling you choose will affect the weight, appearance and warmth of your duvet.
Natural duvets
Duvets filled with natural feathers or down tend to be lightweight and long-lasting – according to John Lewis, a good-quality natural duvet could last up to 30 years. But you’ll need to have it professionally cleaned rather than putting it in your washing machine, and you might find that the filling flattens over time.
Choose between goose or duck feather or down duvets. Natural duvet fillings tend to be more expensive than man-made materials.
Synthetic duvets
If you’re allergic to feathers or looking for a duvet you can stick in your washing machine regularly (but make sure you have a washing machine with a large enough capacity), then a synthetic duvet could be a good option.
These are usually made from polyester and tend to feel a little less luxurious than natural fillings. They will probably need to be replaced more regularly, but they’re usually cheaper.
4. Duvets for children
Duvets suitable for child-sized beds are also available – a low-tog, lightweight duvet is a good option for kids.
Quilts, duvets and pillows should not be used for babies under one year old. See our page on baby bedding for more information.
5. Pick your pillows
Next up, select your pillows. Like duvets, these come in natural or synthetic varieties.
Pillows are also rated on their hardness. According to the UK Sleep Council, certain types of pillows are better suited to different sleeping positions.
A thicker pillow (or two thinner pillows) best supports people who sleep on their sides, while a thinner pillow suits those who usually sleep on their back. Your pillows should tuck into your neck and shoulders to properly support your head.
6. Where to buy
High-street stores, bedding specialists and catalogue shops such as Argos all stock a selection of duvets and pillows. Larger department shops usually have several out on display so that you can compare weight and feel.
