Alternative to duvet for summer months

[InitialConditions]

Does anyone not use a duvet in hotter weather? If so, what do you use instead?

I can't seem to find any clear alternatives. A flat sheet? Some sort of blanket?

I don't really want to get a summer duvet as we're short on space.

 

[Eleanor]

I use a duvet cover with no duvet in it!

 

[jnmaciuch]

I just use the flat sheet. Cotton fiber is the best for cooling, any polyester mix will trap heat. If it’s really hot sometimes I’ll stick the flat sheet in the fridge before bed.

 

[InitialConditions]

I use a duvet cover with no duvet in it!

I did think about this.

I just use the flat sheet. Cotton fiber is the best for cooling, any polyester mix will trap heat. If it’s really hot sometimes I’ll stick the flat sheet in the fridge before bed.

I think this is similar to what hotels do in warmer countries. Just a flat sheet to sleep under.

 

[Braganca]

I use a cotton bedspread (or called quilt / eiderdown) with a flat sheet and a light blanket. It’s lightweight cotton filled quilting, so gives more weight than a sheet but is much lighter than a duvet.

 

[Mij]

A linen top flat sheet is ideal for me, it allows the air to flow and if you sweat it doesn't stick to you. Bamboo top sheet is good too but I prefer the linen. I sleep with a linen flat top sheet and a 100% cotton blanket on top because I need some weight to fall asleep.

 

[NelliePledge]

Yes flat sheet, cotton or the M& s cool ones which I think are probably bamboo. I’ve got various layers I deploy at different times of year. Cotton throw if it’s still too cool for just the sheet. Also pyjama layers tshirt/sweatshirt, sometimes t shirt/bathrobe. My feet are warm ish at night so often I uncover them or if it’s warm throw the sheet off altogether
If it isn’t too hot the sweatshirt or bathrobe keeps my back and shoulders from getting too cool which can make aching worse.

 

[Yann04]

I use a cotton bedspread (or called quilt / eiderdown) with a flat sheet and a light blanket. It’s lightweight cotton filled quilting, so gives more weight than a sheet but is much lighter than a duvet.

That sounds like the ideal. For some reason I can’t sleep under those thin sheets I need some weight. But my duvet when it’s 27 degrees is a recipe for not sleeping well…

 

[ukxmrv]

I have found a linen or linen cotton duvet cover is just the right mixture of light, breathable but heavy for me. It's heavier than just a sheet but weight does vary for different brands of linen I have found.

Linen Blend Striped Bedding Set | M&S Collection | M&S

This timeless bedding set is crafted from linen-blend, cotton-rich fabric for a soft and breathable feel against the skin. It has a striped print that lends a nautical-inspired look. A buttoned edge along the duvet cover adds a practical finish.

www.marksandspencer.com

My other summer weight cover is a light silk one but it's been years since I have found one at the right price. Most are too expensive and too heavy as well for me.

Chenevard Chalk & Graphite Quilts & Pillowcases | Designers Guild

Add warmth and comfort to your home with Designers Guild's luxurious silk Chenevard Chalk & Graphite Quilts & Pillowcases.

www.designersguild.com

I've tried a 4 tog silk duvet but it was too heavy. If I can ever afford to I might try a 2.5

Silk Filled Silk Cased Duvets

Silk has many properties which enhance it's appeal - hypo allergenic, highly breathable it is a healthy companion to enjoy all night long. Please be aware it is spot clean only due to the delicate nature of the silk filling and outer casing.

theduvetstore.co.uk

 

[Utsikt]

I use a cotton duvet cover. But this thread makes me want to look into silk sheets.

 

[JemPD]

I use a duvet cover with no duvet in it!

yes i do that if i can, a cotton one, as i too like weight, but on hotter nights i use a flat cotton sheet, and if it really hot I use a muslin cot sheet, small enogh to carry to the bathroom with me & wet it down then carry it wet to the bed to cool me.

 

[NelliePledge]

Silk duvets come in different weights. Mine is too heavy for hot weather, but my sister who lives in the Middle East (Saudi) sleeps with a light weight silk duvet, it's just the right weight and very easy to store b/c it doesn't take up much space.

I’ve got a lightweight one as one of my layers. It’s only when it gets to our warmest few weeks that I don’t use it.

 

[CorAnd]

I need to have many pillows to support my body and a duvet all the time, otherwise I feel like I am ”falling”. I use a light, very soft cotton duvet that has a little filling.

 

[Mij]

I don't really want to get a summer duvet as we're short on space.

You can find very thin silk duvets that take up very little space to store. My sister has one and she lives in Saudi, she has no problem with overheating. It's no thicker than a light cotton blanket and weighs a lot less and doesn't collect allergens or dust mites!

 

[NelliePledge]

Just checked the M&S sheets ones are Lyocell

 

[JemPD]

Cotton throw if it’s still too cool for just the sheet.

I use a cotton duvet cover. But this thread makes me want to look into silk sheets.

yes its interesting, it's make me wonder too.... i use a silk duvet (I think a 4 tog) even in winter, as i get terrible night sweats since the ME started, but its too hot for summer. I have a M&S 'cool comfort' cover for it because it's one of those 'wicks away moisture' fabrics, and it's as smooth as silk.
I hadnt thought of silk sheets. might be one to explore.

Lol i sleep alone in a double bed and the empty side is just full of stuff, then there is also a long space between bed & wall with a low table with all my 6 different pillows, loads of different sheets & throws & goodness knows what, for all the different variables.

When I was well I used to be a "have gun will travel" type person, but since getting sick if i ever go to sleep anywhere else its like packing for a yr long expedition to the arctic & the tropics simultaneously its ridiculous

But to be honest i never found silk clothing particularly cooler than cotton.

 

[JemPD]

Cotton throw if it’s still too cool for just the sheet

If possible could you share more about this please - which one/brand etc?

i ask becuase i been looking for one for a while, just as a thing to pul up over myself on a cool morning, but i not been able to find a good one.

They all seem very rough to the touch - i have to have really smooth soft clothing & sheets, cant toerate anything rough. They also all seem quite heavy - (for me i mean) i struggle to lift them when in PEM. So I gave up & been using a thin fleece one, but it's too hot after a while & with it being acrylic not breatheable.
I just want something small, light, thin & breatheable... but also soft

 

[InitialConditions]

If possible could you share more about this please - which one/brand etc?

i ask becuase i been looking for one for a while, just as a thing to pul up over myself on a cool morning, but i not been able to find a good one.

They all seem very rough to the touch - i have to have really smooth soft clothing & sheets, cant toerate anything rough. They also all seem quite heavy - (for me i mean) i struggle to lift them when in PEM. So I gave up & been using a thin fleece one, but it's too hot after a while & with it being acrylic not breatheable.
I just want something small, light, thin & breatheable... but also soft

Yep, this is why I've not looked for a throw/blanket, because they're often heavy, woven. Looking for something light and thin too.

 

[NelliePledge]

Oh gosh it’s one I’ve had for years I got from a small shop. It probably would be a bit rough from what you say it is waffle texture. It is only a small one just covers me rather than a bedspread size. so not heavy from the volume of fabric. I would suggest maybe looking at heavier sarongs not the thin translucent beach types. That could be about the right weight and possibly soft enough maybe viscose. Or lightweight Indian cotton although that tends to be more muslin texture.