Getting into a freshly made bed with soft pillows and a snug duvet is one of life’s many pleasures. Choosing the right bedding is essential to making sure you are comfortable and cosy for a good night’s sleep! If you don’t know your hollowfibre from your microfibre or your tog from your down, this little guide should help you decide which bedding to purchase for your home.
The tog rating refers to the thermal efficiency of the duvet – how well it retains heat. A thick duvet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be warmer. Tog ratings vary from around 2.5 to 15; the lower the rating, the less warm the duvet keeps you. As a general rule, anything between 2.5 - 7 is great for summer, a 10.5 is ideal for all seasons, and a 13.5 or over is a snug winter duvet.
Natural fillers
These are a more luxurious and expensive option, made from bird feathers and soft down. Natural fillers are cosy, and their natural movement allows your skin to breathe, preventing you from becoming sticky or sweaty. Feathers weigh much more than down, so often, a blend of the two is used. Down-only duvets are also popular, as they are lightweight yet retain plenty of heat, but down is more expensive. Natural fillers tend to settle at one end of the duvet, so we suggest a duvet with compartments stitched into it, so the filling stays equally distributed.
Synthetic Fillers
Hollowfibre and microfibre are the most common synthetic options, providing lightweight, affordable duvets that are warm and comfortable without being bulky or heavy. In a hollowfibre duvet, each fibre is hollow, allowing it to trap more heat. With more space within the duvet, it becomes more breathable and lighter whilst still cosy. Microfibre duvets are made from very finely woven fibres that mimic the feeling of soft down. Both are great for those with allergies, as they are hypoallergenic, don’t harbour dust mites and are machine washable.
Some people opt for a bigger duvet than their bed for extra coverage. This is a good idea when sharing with a restless sleeper or a duvet hoarder!
To extend the lifespan of your duvet so you can enjoy the comfort it brings for longer, make sure you follow these simple guidelines on caring for it:
Natural
Natural pillows contain a mixture of feathers and down, providing a sumptuously soft yet supportive pillow. Feathers are heavy and help the pillow keep its shape, whilst the lightweight down allows for unbeatable softness. Being a more luxurious option, they often come with a slightly higher price tag.
Synthetic
Synthetic pillows are soft and breathable, often containing a hollowfibre filling. They are lightweight, more affordable and provide support to the neck for a comfortable night’s sleep. Memory foam pillows are a great option if you suffer from neck or shoulder pain. The temperature-sensitive material moulds itself to your neck and head, allowing a completely tension-free sleep.
Choosing the right pillow for your sleep style is key to preventing neck and shoulder pain. Depending on how you sleep, these are the firmness levels you should go for.
Back Sleeper
Your pillow should be softer to allow for the natural alignment of your neck and spine.
Front Sleeper
A medium soft pillow will provide support and lift the neck, whilst also keeping your spine and neck aligned.
Side Sleeper
Your pillow should be firmer to provide support and prevent the neck from slouching. If you like a soft pillow, place a firm pillow underneath with a soft cushioning on top.
Pillows should last you roughly 3-5 years, depending on how well you look after them. They can quickly lose their shape and become very unhygienic, so keeping them fresh is key to a long-lasting pillow.
Here at The Range, we know everyone will have different needs and wants when finding a snug sleeping solution. Find your perfect bedding in our inviting collection, and make sure you look through our super stylish duvet covers to complete your bed!
