Duvets - what fillings are worth a try, and which brands and retail are good (eg for being able to send back)

[Creekside]

My sister offered me a duvet recently, but I turned it down. I find sleeping easier when I can move layers off when too warm, and back on when too cool. Maybe that's not an issue for people who don't wake during the night, but I wake every 90 minutes, so I do notice temperature. My room temperature also changes during the night (-15C to 10C). Her reply was that the duvet has been sitting in a box for the same reason: she prefers layers that can be adjusted. Of course, personal preference and habit play a role too.

 

[Mij]

Silk sounds light and breathable, but can you wash it? The only one I saw was very expensive.

I air mine outside on my clothes dryer. If you use a protective cover then I don't feel it's necessary to wash. I've had mine for over 10 years.

 

[JemPD]

Sorry i not been able to read the whole thread so apols if this redundant, but i use silk duvet.

I have huge issues with night sweats & also cant tolerate anything heavy. It's been a delight, would never go back to any of the other fillings now.

I hvae a cotton cover on it & then the coolmax duvet cover from M&S & it feels just fantastic, has never needed washing (I use a doubled up thich bath sheet towel over me to eat -so nothing gets spilled on the divet)
I've never washed it but have had it aired on a clothes line on a sunny day - UV light is a good disinfectant i think

But it can be washed i believe, i cant remember

bought mine from silkbeddingdirect they have a 14day no quibble guarantee for returns (provided they in same condition delivered it, so if you put a cover on it you can at least lay under it for a bit to see if you like it.

Also just FYI

QVC do a 100% money back guarantee - either 30 or 60 days, you can use it and still return after a month if it turns out not to be what you hoped it would. I have tested this on dozens of items over the yrs, to the point where if they sell something, i wont buy it elsewhere just because i know i can return it even after using it for a while - I've sent back used pillows, half empty skin care products used for 3wks, a coat i wore a few times but decided it was really too small. They are such a good firm in that regard

 

[Mij]

Sun curing your silk duvet:

Take advantage of the sun when caring for your cherished silk duvet. Sun bathing the bedding helps dry out any moisture acquired by the silk fiber and even sanitizes the fills naturally. Bedding hung outside also smells divine. Here are the key steps to sun-cure the duvet:

• Sun-cure during warm, dry conditions. When sun-curing, leave the comforter under partial sun for a maximum of 1 hour and then flip side. You may repeat the process whenever the duvet feels heavy with moisture.

• Avoid direct sunlight. While sun-cure is the most effective way to clean your silk duvet, you have to ensure that it’s not exposed under the direct sun for too long, as the harmful UV rays may fade and damage the delicate silk fibers. We recommend leaving the silk duvet under partial sun instead.

 

[Creekside]

Bedding hung outside also smells divine.

Mine smells like maple syrup. It doesn't matter what detergent I use. Maybe my residual body odors convert to maple. No complaint about that, but it does make me crave maple-glazed donuts.

 

[NelliePledge]

I’m another who has a silk duvet. It’s very light but very warm. I have a flat sheet duvet then a cotton matelasse type bedspread on top in the winter. Im also personally well padded and tend more hot than cold at night so I need layers to be able to adapt.