All season duvet inners are made from a range of materials, some more breathable than others. The type you choose comes down to personal preference, budget and temperature regulation needs.
This design features two duvet inners of varying tog, which can be clipped together or used separately depending on the time of year. It’s also a great option if you or your partner suffer from allergies.
Wool
Natural, breathable wool is hypoallergenic and provides great temperature regulation. It’s chunky structure traps air really well providing a very warm and cozy duvet inner. It’s a great choice for cold sleepers or people who feel the cold and is available in our Winter, Summer and Four Seasons options.
Wool is naturally odourless and repels dust mites. It’s also moisture wicking so it draws sweat away from your body, through the duvet inner and out into the atmosphere.
However, if you’re a hot sleeper or suffer from night sweats, we recommend you opt for a microfibre duvet inner as these are better at regulating your temperature. It’s important to consider GSM (grams per square meter) when buying your all seasons duvet inner as this is an indication of the textile weight. A higher GSM will provide a warmer duvet inner and a lower GSM will be lighter and more breathable. Ideally, you want to aim for around 250 GSM or higher.
Alpaca
Alpacas are derived from wild vicuna, and the domesticated offspring of these camel-like ungulates are prized for their soft fibre. They are more durable than sheep’s wool and offer a more luxurious, smooth feel. They are 25%-30% warmer than sheep wool and contain no lanolin, chemicals & dyes.
Alpaca farms produce two breeds of these animals – Huacayas and Suris. Huacayas have dense, crimpy wool that helps them to withstand life at high altitudes, while Suris have straight fiber that hangs in silky dreadlock-like curls.
Alpacas are typically quiet and docile creatures, but they communicate with soft hums and other vocalizations. They will also use body language, such as neck posturing, ear positioning and head tilting. Females can hum to bond with their young, and males will cluck or make a warbling bird-like sound to announce their presence or challenge a rival for dominance. They rarely spit unless frightened or abused, however. They will also scream in alarm when they sense danger.
Down & Feather
Feather and down duvet inners offer luxurious warmth that is both breathable and lightweight. They feature insulating clusters that work with your body to trap warm air and create an ideal sleeping environment.
These fillings are also hypoallergenic and easy to care for. They wash at a higher temperature, helping to reduce moisture and bacteria build up. They are also a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
However, it’s important to note that down and feather can come from animals, making them a source of ethical concerns. For this reason, it’s recommended to choose products with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification. This means that they’re sourced from farms using methods that don’t cause harm to these creatures.
This all-season duvet from Emma Sleep comes with a seven tog layer for spring and autumn and a 3.5 tog layer for summer that can be joined together or taken apart depending on the season. It’s filled with microfibre which is breathable and anti-bacterial.
Microfibre
The microfibres used in duvet inners can be made to be extra soft and lofty, or to be odour and allergen-resistant. It’s also a highly breathable material.
It’s not as durable as natural fill, but it’s a good choice for people who like to wash their bedding regularly to keep mites and other allergens at bay. It also provides warmth that’s comparable to feather and down, but is much easier on the budget than a wool or natural-fibre duvet inner.
If you’re looking to reduce your impact on the planet, a bamboo and microfibre duvet inner is a great option. John Lewis’ Panda Cloud duvet contains an outer layer of eco-friendly bamboo and a filling of 50/50 microfibre and recycled hollowfibre (also known as re:down or rPET). It has a high GSM, so it’s warm enough for winter and it’s hypoallergenic and odour, dust mite and mildew resistant. It’s also Oeko-Tex 100 certified to be free from harmful toxins and chemicals.