Tog Duvets Explained
When selecting the ideal duvet, there are many aspects to take into consideration. There are tog ratings, fillings and dimensions to consider.
A tog rating is a measure of thermal resistance. The more high the tog rating the more warm the duvet. However, the thickness of a duvet doesn't always translate to warmth, since different fillings regulate heat in different ways.
1. What is a tog?
It is essential to have a comfortable duvet to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. But, you must select the appropriate duvet depending on your personal preferences and season. A lot of duvets have an indicator label that indicates the tog rating. But what does it mean?
The tog is an overall thermal grade that provides you with a better idea of how warm or cool the duvet is. It doesn't have anything to do with the weight that is determined by the filling. A higher tog means that the duvet is warmer. 1 is very light and cooling, and 15 is the most warm.
It is important to get the tog right as too much heat can cause overheating and wake in the middle of the night, while insufficient heat can leave you feeling cold throughout the night. A warm, high-tog duvet will be perfect for summer. A low-tog light duvet is ideal for winter.
Tog ratings are generally established by the Shirley Institute in Manchester, and they operate on an ascending scale with the lowest rating of 3 and the highest rating being 15. The more high the tog rating the warmer the duvet.
A tog doesn't always indicate the thickness. Certain duvets have the same rating for tog, but are made from different materials and sizes. For example, natural-fibre 7.5 tog duvets are generally more thick than synthetic counterparts however, this doesn't mean they're more warm as breathability is much to do with the material that a duvet is filled with. Synthetic duvets are made of hollow or microfibers to hold in warmth, while natural-fibre ones are filled with softer, finer materials such as cotton and feathers.
2. What is the difference in duvets made from synthetic and natural materials?
Duvets are almost always equipped with a rating of tog - a measure of warmth instead of thickness. The greater the tog rating, the more warm the duvet. It's crucial to keep in mind that a tog rating is only one aspect to consider when selecting a duvet. If you choose to use synthetic or natural filling makes a difference.
Synthetic duvets are made from man-made materials that mimic the feel and look of natural fibres. This can be beneficial 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.
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 lightweight and fluffy. The down comes from the bird's breast area which is the region that provides the most warmth. Some down and feathers duvets are also available in vegan versions, which is ideal if you're a vegan.
The most appealing aspect of a natural duvet is that it's eco-friendly. This is due to the fact that they use recycled down that has been salvaged from old luxurious clothing (think jackets and coats) before being cleaned, sorted and transformed into the most fluffy down fill. This is a great method to reduce waste and give clothes a new life. If you're worried about your carbon footprint, you could also 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 most appropriate tog for every season?
When picking a duvet, the season you're in as well as your personal preferences are important factors. If you are likely to feel hot at night it is recommended to select a duvet that has a lower tog.
If you have a bedshare with a spouse, it's a good idea to consider their sleeping preferences as well. While you may prefer a more substantial duvet for your partner, it could be too heavy or heavy or bulky. A medium tog could be the ideal compromise and let you both enjoy the warmth that you like.
The air-flow of the duvet is another factor to be considered. The material used to fill the duvet is a significant aspect. Natural fibres are generally more air-tight than synthetic alternatives. There are duvets that have a lower tog but a higher one, which are suitable for any season. They have the perfect balance of comfort and breathability.
A 4.5 tog duvet is perfect for summer nights that are warm. It is warm without overheating. It's also a great option for those who experience hot flashes during the night.
If you're looking for something warmer and more cozy for the UK winter, a duvet with 13.5 tog is ideal. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer to sleep under a warm duvet. it can be combined with a lighter quilt or throw on colder nights.
If you're not sure which one is right for you, you can choose a dual-tog duvet which allows you to alter the warmth to your personal temperature. You'll need a big capacity washing machine to wash it correctly.
4. What is the best tog for couples?
There are many options to consider if 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 the summer months, or if one of you suffers from hot flushes.
A 2-in-1 duvet is another alternative. Every person can pick their own half-section, and personalize it to them by selecting the right filling and tog rating. The half sections are joined to create an entire duvet that can be used all year round. Silentnight's duvet Yours and Mine is a good example. One side has an duvet with an 4.5-tog rating, whereas the other side has a duvet with a 7.5-tog rating. This lets you find your ideal degree of warmth.
For those who prefer a traditional bed, you will find a broad selection of tog ratings and fillings to suit your preferences. If you're allergic to feathers and down, you could select a synthetic one that is made from hypoallergenic materials. Duvets can be upgraded with extras that improve comfort, like an opacifying fabric or a noise-cancelling feature.
The ideal tog will depend on the time of year, your sleeping habits and your personal preferences. There are so many duvets to choose from, finding the right one shouldn't be a problem especially with our helpful guide! Once you've discovered the perfect duvet for you, all that's left is to enjoy a peaceful sleep. You can also purchase a supportive mattress for your bed and a few pillowcases that are comfortable. All of these are available at very low prices.
5. What is the best tog?
Children's bodies are generally smaller and have a difficult to regulate their body temperature. Therefore, it is essential that they sleep with duvets that have low tog ratings. This is especially important for infants younger than 12 months who are more prone to overheating and should instead be provided with blankets or sleep bags to ensure their comfort. As children grow into toddlers and older they are able to regulate their body temperature. They may require an increase in their tog rating for winter.
It is best to choose a duvet made of natural fillings for children. They are breathable, soft and will ensure they are comfortable. This White Company Super Soft Duvet utilizes Smartfil microfibre that is made from recycled PET bottles. It's an excellent choice for allergy sufferers because it isn't irritant to the skin and also has antibacterial properties. duvet tog ratings explained is also machine washable making it easy to maintain its freshness and longevity.
For summer, opt for a duvet with a lower tog rating such as 4.5 to help keep your child comfortable and cool. It can be layered with a 9.0 or 13.5 tog duvet for warmth, depending on the temperature in the room of your child as well as their preferences.
In winter, a duvet that has an 10.5 tog is ideal as it provides that extra insulation while not being too heavy for the summer months. It can be combined with a 9.5 tog or 13.5 tog duvet as well to get the perfect mix of warmth and lightness.