Tog Duvets Explained
There is a lot to consider when choosing the ideal duvet. There are tog ratings, fillings and size to take into account.
A tog rating is a measure of thermal resistance. The higher the tog, the more warm the duvet. The thickness of a duvet doesn't necessarily correspond to warmth. Different fillings regulate the heat in different ways.
1. What is a tog?
It is essential to have a comfortable bed for an enjoyable night's sleep. However, you should select the appropriate duvet in accordance with your personal preferences and the season. Many duvets come with an indicator label that indicates the tog rating. But what does it mean?
The tog is an overall thermal grade that allows you to understand how warm or cold the duvet will be and is not related to the weight (which is determined by the filling). A higher tog means that the duvet is warmer. 1 is the most light and cool, while 15 is the most warm.
It is important to choose the right tog as too much heat can cause overheating and wake in the middle of the night, while insufficient heat can make you feel cold through the night. A warm, high-tog duvet is ideal for summer while a light low-tog duvet is great for winter.
Tog ratings are generally set by the Shirley Institute in Manchester, and they work in an ascending order, with the lowest rating of 3 and the highest tog rating being 15. The higher the rating for tog the more warm the duvet.
However, a tog doesn't necessarily mean thickness since certain duvets might have the same tog rating, however, they may have different sizes and types of material. For instance, natural-fibre 7.5 tog duvets are typically heavier than synthetic ones however this doesn't necessarily mean that they're more or less warm, as the breathability of a duvet has much to do with the material a duvet has been filled with. Synthetic duvets are made up of hollow or microfibers to keep warm and natural-fibres are stuffed with softer materials like feathers and cotton.
2. What is the difference between natural and synthetic duvets?
Duvets are almost always evaluated by their tog rating which is an indicator of warmth and not thickness. The higher the rating, the more comfortable it is. It's important to keep in mind that a duvet's temperature is only one aspect. The choice of natural or synthetic fillings is also vital.
Synthetic duvets are constructed from man-made materials that mimic the feel and look of natural fibres. This is a great choice for people who are allergic or overheated at night. They're also generally less expensive than their natural counterparts, however, they do not breathe as well, which means that your skin won't be able to release heat as easily.
what is the best tog duvet for all year round on the other hand, are typically made of either goose or duck down. This type of duvet is extremely soft and fluffy, and offers excellent thermal insulation. The down is sourced from the breast area of the bird which is the area that provides the most heat. Certain feather and down duvets are also cruelty-free which is an enormous benefit when you're vegan.
The most appealing aspect of a natural duvet is that it's environmentally friendly. This is because they use recycled feathers which have been reclaimed and cleaned from previously loved luxury clothes (think coats and jackets). This is a great way to help reduce waste and give new life to clothing that would otherwise be thrown away. If you're worried about your carbon footprint, you can opt for a 100% organic wool duvet that's both eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. This is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or who are sensitive to chemicals.
3. What is the ideal tog for every season?
When picking a duvet, the season you're in and your personal preferences are both crucial factors. For example, if you tend to feel hot at night A duvet with a lower weight may be more suitable for you.
If you share a mattress with a friend, it's important to take into consideration their preferences. While you might like the feeling of a thicker duvet, they can feel too heavy or heavy for your partner. A medium tog could be the perfect compromise and let you both enjoy the warmth that you both prefer.
The breathability of the duvet is a further aspect to take into consideration. This has a lot to do with the material it's stuffed with natural fibres, which are generally being more breathable than synthetic ones. Duvets have a lower tog but a higher one, that are suitable for all season. They have the perfect balance of warmth and breatheability.
For hot summer nights for summer nights, an 4.5 tog duvet provides enough warmth without overheating. It's also a great choice for those who experience hot flashes at night.
If you're looking for something more cozy for the UK winter, an duvet with 13.5 tog is ideal. It's an excellent choice for those who like to sleep under a warm duvet. it can be paired with an easier quilt or throw on colder nights.
If you're not sure which tog is best for you, you could always opt for a dual-tog duvet which allows you to adjust the heat to your personal temperature. Just remember that you'll need to have a huge capacity washing machine to ensure it is cleaned properly.
4. What is the best tog for couples?
There are many options to consider when you and your partner have different needs for sleeping. One option is a temperature-regulating duvet, which helps to keep you at your optimum sleeping temperature and will release heat when needed. This is ideal for summer, or when you suffer from hot flashes.
Another alternative is a duvet with a two-in-one design. This allows each user to pick their own half section, adjusting it to the filling and tog that they prefer. The half sections can be joined to create a full-sized, all-year duvet. Silentnight's Yours and Mine duvet is a great example of this, with one side featuring an 4.5 tog duvet, and the other one a 7.5 tog duvet, ensuring that you can find your perfect level of warmth.
If you prefer a traditional style duvet, there's a wide range of tog ratings and fillings to meet your requirements. If you're allergic to feathers or down, you can opt for a synthetic duvet made with hypoallergenic materials. Duvets can be enriched with additional features that enhance comfort, like an opacifying fabric or a noise-cancelling feature.
Choosing the right duvet for you will depend on your personal preferences as well as the time of year and your sleeping habits. With numerous duvets to pick from, finding the right one shouldn't be too difficult especially with our helpful guide! Once you have chosen the right duvet you then all you have to do is to get some restful sleep. You could also add an additional mattress that is supportive to your bed and buy some relaxing pillowcases that are all on offer at very low prices.
5. What is the best tog?
Children's bodies are generally smaller and have a tougher in regulating their body temperature. It is therefore important that they sleep with duvets that have low ratings for temperature. This is especially true for infants under 12 months who are prone to overheating. They should instead be provided with blankets or sleeping bags to help them sleep comfortably. As they grow into toddlers and children can regulate their body temperature more effectively and might require a slightly higher duvet rating in winter, however it's best to avoid going too high as they can still be overheated.
It's best to choose a duvet made of natural fillings for children. They are soft, breathable and will keep them comfortable. This White Company Super Soft Duvet is made of Smartfil microfibre from PET bottles that are recycled. This makes it a fantastic option for those suffering from allergies as it isn't irritating to skin and has anti-bacterial properties. It is machine washable, which helps to maintain its freshness.
In summer, select a duvet with a lower rating (such as 4.5) to ensure your child is comfortable and cool. It can be layered with a 9.0 or 13.5 tog duvet to provide warmth, depending on the temperature in the room of your child and their preferences.
A duvet of 10.5 tog will be ideal for winter as it provides additional insulation but is not too heavy. It can be placed over a 9.5 tog or 13.5 tog duvet as well for the perfect combination of warmth and lightness.