Are you looking for a comprehensive duvet and pillow buying guide that features everything you need to know to choose the best bedding for your home? In this article, we will explore how to choose a duvet and duvet tog, how to choose a new pillow and so much more. We’re here to help you pick duvets and pillows that will provide lasting, luxurious comfort.
Once you’ve found the perfect options, browse our bedding collection online at Fishpools and transform your bedrooms with exceptional quality bedding.
Guide to buying a duvet: What does tog mean?
One of the most important considerations to make when choosing a duvet is whether or not it will keep you warm – especially during the cold British winters! The tog rating of a duvet refers to the level of warmth or thermal resistance that it offers.
Simply put, the tog is how effectively a duvet traps the heat to keep you insulated and cosy at night. The higher the tog, the warmer the duvet.
What duvet tog rating should I choose?
Wondering how to choose a duvet tog? Ideally, you should choose your duvets and tog ratings based on the current season. Togs start from 4.5 for summer and go all the way up to 13.5 for the coldest winters.
Most people find that a 4.5 tog duvet is ideal for summer. During winter, however, you may wish to opt for a tog of 13.5 to keep you consistently warm.
If you’d rather not purchase different duvets for multiple seasons, the best compromise is an all-season duvet which works by clipping together a summer weight duvet (4.5 tog) and an autumn weight duvet (9.5 tog to 10.5 tog) to create a winter duvet (13.5 tog). This will prevent you from overheating in the summer and ensure cosiness and comfort in the winter.
What duvet filling is best for me?
There are two main choices of duvet fillings: natural fillings, such as cotton or duck or goose feathers, and synthetic fillings, such as microfibre.
Feather or down
Duck and goose feather duvets offer luxurious warmth and durability. You’ll find these duvets in either feather or down, or a combination of both. Feathers are heavier and make the duvet weightier and plumper, while down is airy and light and makes the duvet lighter. Down also has superior insulation properties as it traps heat better than feathers.
Duvets with natural fillings tend to cost a bit more than synthetic-filled duvets, but many consider this to be a worthy investment considering the quality on offer. You’ll find that Fishpools has a range of high-quality products at different price points, so you can find the perfect match for your bedroom and your budget.
Synthetic
Duvets filled with synthetic fibres have their advantages too. These duvets tend to be a more cost-effective option, while still providing excellent warmth and comfort. They are easy to wash, maintain and store, and are ideal for those with allergies who cannot tolerate natural fillings like feathers and down.
Fishpools offers a wide range of duvets with both natural and synthetic fillings to meet your needs.
What duvet size should I choose?
When learning how to choose a duvet cover size, the easiest way to pick the correct size is to choose one that corresponds to the size of your bed. Duvets come in a variety of sizes ranging from single and double to king and super king. So, if you have a double bed, you can ensure a perfect fit by opting for a double-size duvet to match.
Some people prefer their duvets to be larger than their bed sizes. This offers more comfort and space, particularly for couples who may find themselves competing over the duvet at night. Choosing a king or super king-size duvet for your double bed will ensure that you both have enough duvet available for a restful night’s sleep.
Choosing your ideal pillow
Our pillow buying guide is designed to help you find the perfect pillow for consistent head, neck, and lumbar support. Choosing the right pillow for your needs is essential to support your neck and back during the night, ensuring that you wake up comfortable and well-rested instead of stiff.
Fishpools’ pillows come in soft, firm, and extra firm and the support that will best suit you will largely depend on your personal preferences. However, your sleeping position can also dictate the ideal pillow for your needs to a degree.
If you sleep on your side, the best pillow will be one that does not leave a gap between your head and neck, assisting you in keeping your spine straight. Side sleepers tend to prefer firm or extra-firm pillows for additional neck support.
Those who sleep on their backs will appreciate medium profile and medium to firm pillows. These pillows provide upper spine support and keep your spine aligned at the same level as their necks and heads. If you sleep on your stomach, you will find ultimate comfort with a flatter, soft pillow that keeps your head, neck, and spine level.
What pillow filling is best for me?
You also need to consider fillings when choosing the best pillow for you. The options available in Fishpools’ collection include:
- Natural. Feathers and down provide softness, a luxurious feel, and great support. Depending on the percentage of down used in the filling, the price points may vary. Additionally, people who are prone to allergies or have a known allergy to down feathers will need to opt for a different pillow filling.
A wool pillow is an excellent alternative as its anti-allergenic and resistant to dust mites. Wool that’s not bleached or chemically treated is also breathable and keeps your body temperature well-regulated all night long.
- Synthetic. Synthetic fillings like microfibre and polyester are widely used, durable, affordable, and simple to care for. They also provide resistance against mould and mites, making them ideal for people with allergies. These pillows come in a range of firmness levels depending on how much filling they contain.
- Memory foam. Choosing a pillow filled with memory foam will ensure that it contours to the shape of your head and body, offering personalised support. Gel memory foam is an excellent option too as it promotes a good night’s sleep and offers excellent neck support.
- Latex. Latex is a highly durable pillow filling material that is resistant to mites and mould and is available in a variety of densities. It can also be adjustable so you can mould it to a shape that offers the best support and maximum comfort. This is one of the best pillow materials on the market today, but it does tend to carry a higher price tag.
Frequently asked questions
What duvet tog is the best option for all year round?
The best duvet tog for year-round comfort will depend on your preferences and sleeping arrangements. However, most people will choose a tog of between 7.5 and 10.5 for comfort throughout all seasons.
What duvet and pillows are best for allergies?
Duvets and pillows with synthetic fibre fillings are ideal for those with allergies, as they are mould and dust mite resistant and easy to wash and care for.
How many pillows should you sleep with?
Most experts recommend sleeping with one to two pillows per night, and if you are a side sleeper, two pillows may be ideal for you. You can also invest in additional pillows to support your arms, legs, back and knees throughout the night.
Can I wash my duvet and pillows?
Yes! Duvets and pillows should be washed regularly to keep them clean, especially if you are prone to allergies. All Fishpools bedding is fully machine washable and easy to maintain for your convenience. Refer to the washing and care instructions for your chosen duvet and pillows for instructions specific to the product.
How often should I replace my duvet and pillows?
According to the Sleep Foundation, you should aim to replace your pillows every one to three years. A good quality duvet should last between 15 and 25 years before you need to replace it.