Tog Duvets Explained
When choosing the perfect duvet, there are many things to take into account. Tog ratings, fillings and the size are all crucial aspects to take into consideration.
A tog rating is a measure of thermal resistance. The greater the tog, warmer the duvet. However, the thickness of a duvet doesn't always equate to warmth, as different fillings regulate heat in different ways.
1. What is a tog?
A comfortable duvet is vital for a good night's sleep However, it is essential to select the right duvet tog to suit your season and personal preference. Most duvets are equipped with an indication of the tog rating. But what does it mean?
The tog is an overall thermal grade that provides you with a better idea of how cool or warm the duvet is. It does not have anything to do with the weight which is determined by the filling. A higher tog is an insulated duvet one that is light and cool, and 15 being the most warming.
It is essential to choose the right tog since too much heat can cause overheating and wake in the middle of the night. Likewise, too little heat will leave you feeling cold throughout the night. A cosy, high tog duvet is great for summer, while a light, low tog duvet is perfect for winter.
The Shirley Institute in Manchester usually determines the tog ratings. They work on an ascending scale that have the lowest rating at 3 and the highest at 15. The higher the rating, the warmer it is.
However, a tog doesn't necessarily mean thickness since some duvets could have a similar tog rating but with different sizes and materials. For instance natural-fibre 7.5 tog duvets are usually more thick than synthetic counterparts, but this doesn't always mean they're more warm since breathability is an important role to play in the material that a duvet is stuffed with. Synthetic duvets are made up of hollow or microfibers for warmth, whereas natural-fibres are filled with soft materials such as cotton and feathers.
2. What is the difference in duvets made of synthetic and natural materials?
Duvets are generally rated by their tog rating which is an indicator of warmth and not thickness. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. It's crucial to keep in mind that the tog rating is only one factor when choosing a duvet. The choice of synthetic or natural filling makes a difference.
Synthetic duvets are made of synthetic materials that mimic the feel and look of natural fibres. This is a good option for those who are allergic to feathers and down or who get too hot at night. They are generally less expensive however, don't let your skin to breathe as well.
Natural duvets on the other hand, are usually made from either goose or duck down. This kind of duvet offers excellent thermal insulation and is extremely light and fluffy. The down is sourced from the bird's breast area which is the region which provides the greatest heat. Certain feathers and down duvets are also available in animal-free versions, which are ideal if you're a vegan.
The greatest benefit of a natural down duvet is its green credentials. This is because they use recycled down that's been salvaged from pre-loved luxurious clothing (think coats and jackets) before being sorted, cleaned and turned into the fluffiest down fill. This is a great method to reduce waste and give clothes new life. If you're concerned about your carbon footprint, you could choose a 100% organic wool duvet, which is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. Tog rating meaning is particularly helpful for people with allergies or are sensitive to chemicals.
3. What is the best t-shirt every season?
When selecting a duvet the season you're in as well as your personal preferences are important factors. If you're more likely to feel hot at night you might want to select a duvet that has less of a tog.
If you share a mattress with a spouse, it's important to take into consideration their preferences. While you may like the feel of a thicker duvet, they can feel too heavy or heavy for your partner. A medium-sized tog might be the ideal compromise and let you both enjoy the warmth that you like.
Another aspect to think about is the air-flow of your duvet. The material used to fill the duvet is a significant factor. Natural fibres are usually more breathable than synthetic alternatives. As a result, you'll find a lot of lower tog duvets with a higher tog rating that are suitable for all seasons since they strike the right balance between breathability and warmth.
A 4.5 tog duvet is perfect for hot summer nights. It is warm without overheating. It's also a great option for those who experience hot flashes in the evening.
If you're looking for something a little more cosy for the UK winter, the duvet that has 13.5 tog is ideal. It's perfect for those who like to sleep under a warm duvet. You can pair it with a lighter blanket or throw on colder nights.
If you're not sure which tog will suit you best, you could opt for a duvet with dual-togs that allow you to alter the heat to suit your personal temperature. You'll need a large capacity washing machine to wash it correctly.
4. What is the most effective tog?
If you and your partner have distinct sleeping preferences There are a variety of options to help you both enjoy a good night's sleep. 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 if you both 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 is suitable for them. The half sections can then be joined together to make a large, all-year-round duvet. Silentnight's duvet, Yours and Mine, is a good example. One side is an duvet with a 4.5-tog rating, while the other side has a 7.5-tog rating. This allows you to determine the ideal level of warmth.
For those who prefer a traditional duvet you will find a broad range of tog ratings and fillings to suit your preferences. If you're allergic to feathers and down, you can also choose a synthetic duvet that is made of hypoallergenic materials. Duvets can be upgraded with extras that improve the comfort of sleep, such as the use of a light-blocking fabric or noise-cancelling feature.
Choosing the right duvet for you will depend on your personal preference as well as the time of year and your sleep habits. There are so many duvets available to choose from, picking the right one shouldn't be a problem with our easy guide! Once you've found the ideal duvet, it's only an issue of getting peaceful sleep. You can also add an additional mattress that is supportive to your bed and purchase the most comfortable pillowcases, all of which are on offer at very low prices.
5. What is the best tog?
Children's bodies are smaller and they tend to have trouble controlling their temperature, which is why it's essential for them to sleep with duvets that offer low tog ratings. This is especially important for infants under 12 months who are susceptible to overheating and should instead be provided with blankets or sleeping bags for their comfort. As children grow into toddlers and older they are able to regulate body temperature. They may require a higher temperature for winter.
It's best to choose a duvet with natural fillings for your children. They are soft, breathable and will keep them comfortable. This White Company Super Soft Duvet is made from Smartfil microfibres made from PET bottles that are recycled. This makes it an ideal choice for allergy sufferers as it doesn't irritate skin and has anti-bacterial properties. It can also be washed by a machine making it easy to keep its freshness and longevity.
For summer, choose one with a lower tog rating such as 4.5 to keep your child cool and comfortable. It can be layered with a 9.0 or 13.5 tog duvet for warmth, based on the temperature of the room of your child and their preference.
A duvet of 10.5 tog is perfect for winter as it provides an extra layer of insulation, but not too heavy. It can be layered with a 9.5 or 13.5 tog to achieve the perfect balance between warmth and lightweight.