When the temperatures begin to drop, we need something to warm us up. Many years ago, blankets were used as a cover while we slept, but today there are other more practical options such as duvets. Given the large number of products and technologies that have emerged in the bedding industry, choosing a new duvet can be difficult.
Duvet Fillings
To facilitate your duvet shopping, we are going to give you some basic notions so that you know at all times which filling to choose.
A main thing to consider when purchasing a duvet is its insulating power, this will depend on the quality and quantity of the filling. The greater the quantity, the greater its tog value. Therefore, you must choose the adequate type and amount of filling depending on the temperature of your home and your own body. We can classify the fillings into two large groups:
1.- Natural fillings (feather or down): there are differences between the feather extracted from the abdomen of the goose and the duck and the feather extracted from other areas. Those that are made of down are the best thermal insulators since they absorb moisture and always maintain a suitable temperature. The higher the percentage of down in the filling, the more insulating capacity.
2.- Synthetic fillings: they can be made of natural fiber, hollow fiber or microfiber. Hollow fiber is a highly cool and breathable material. Its maintenance and cleaning are also very simple. They can be machine washed and are ideal for allergy sufferers. They are cheaper than feather or down.
Weighted Duvets
Weight is a fundamental aspect when choosing our duvet, which will accompany us during the winter. This is related to the heat capacity that it provides us. The higher the grammage, the higher the thermal power it will have. It is important to take into account aspects such as the temperature of our house and our room, as well as how hot we are.
These factors will determine the most suitable grammage for each case. Normally they are manufactured between 100 and 500 gr/m2.
The lightest 100 gr fillings are ideal for temperatures ranging from 18º to 24º C. The intermediate duvets, from 250 to 300 gr, are recommended for homes whose temperature ranges between 12º and 18 C °. The heavier duvets (between 400 and 500 gr / m2), should be used in houses where there is no heating. They are indicated for people that have a tendency to coldness.
Given the same weight, a synthetic filling will be heavier than a natural filling. In these, the higher the percentage of natural filling (down), the lighter the duvet will be.
Differences Between Comforter and Duvet Cover
Previously, the use of duvets was very common in all homes; however, in recent years the use of the comforter has increased due to many reasons. The comforter has a filling that cannot be removed. On the other hand, the duvet is meant to be covered, and we can choose the filling with the weight and the characteristics that we want depending on the time of year in which we are.
In addition, since they can be removed, they are more manageable when washing them and providing them with proper maintenance. On the other hand, if we buy a comforter, it will be enough to use a fitted sheet. As the bed has fewer pieces, it is easier and more comfortable to make, since the covers are lighter.
What is beneficial about duvets is that by changing the duvet cover periodically we can keep our duvet in good condition and easier to clean. Both are good alternatives, although the duvet will be tighter in our rest equipment.
Duvet Maintenance
In order for your duvet to last as long as possible, we must follow a series of guidelines for its correct maintenance:
1.- In the morning, it is advisable that we air the bedroom for a few minutes with the bed unmade.
2.- Make small shakes on the duvet and pillow to hollow them out and remove traces of moisture and/or dust.
3.- Wash your duvet in a washing machine with at least 5 kg capacity.
4.- For small stains you can use a sponge moistened with water and a little soap.
5.- Use specific products for soft and delicate garments.
6.- Wash the duvet on a delicate program with a gentle spin. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label.
7.-The drying temperature should be between 60º and 80º C. You can put a couple of tennis balls in the dryer. In this way, we ensure that the filling keeps moving during the drying process, which will make it faster.
8.- Drying should take between 3 and 5 hours. Above all, make sure that it is completely dry without traces of moisture and try not to expose it to the sun directly.
Keeping warm during a cold night is essential to sleep properly and to stay healthy during the winter. Therefore, it is important to choose a duvet that meets all of our needs, as well as take care of it properly so that it lasts for as long as possible.
