subject: Perfect Bedding for Spring and Summer [print this page] Perfect Bedding for Spring and Summer
Most of us are all too familiar with wrapping up to keep warm in the cold British winter weather and this often extends to our bedding too. From extra-thick duvets to electric blankets, there is no shortage of products that can make the cold weather more bearable. But what about summertime, when temperatures and humidity can rise significantly, especially in southerly regions of the country? Staying cool and comfortable during the summer heat also requires careful bedding selection if you want to avoid the unpleasant sensation of lying awake on an unbearably hot night.
The most important thing to take into account when choosing the right bedding for spring and summer is your duvet. A duvet's capability to retain heat is measured in terms of thermal resistance, often known as its tog value. Tog value is determined both by the thickness of a duvet and the material it is made out of. Winter duvets are usually heavy, at around 12 togs but can go as high as 15 togs for those who prefer extra warmth.
Spring duvets can also double up for autumn, as conditions and temperature are often similar. When choosing bedding for spring, it is important to strike the right balance between being warm and accounting for unseasonal variations in temperature, both warm and cold. 8-10 togs is usually plenty and provides the right amount of comfort and warmth on cold nights without getting too hot and stuffy if it is a little warmer than usual.
In summer you will generally need a much lower tog value. While your choice is very much down to personal taste, a 4.5 tog duvet is one of the most popular options and will prevent you from getting too hot while also preserving enough insulation to stop you becoming unbearably cold if the temperature drops. Some people prefer duvets with a tog rating as low as 3, although these may not be suitable even in summer in more northerly parts of the UK.
While the tog value of a duvet is important, the material it is made of is another major consideration. Different bedding materials have different properties, which can greatly affect the feel of your duvet. Cheaper synthetic materials tend to be less porous, meaning that less air can pass through them because of the tightly knit artificial fibres. This can mean a less 'breathable' duvet, creating a feeling of being hot and sticky.
Those made from natural materials like duck or goose feathers and down tend to be more porous, allowing more air to pass through and stopping you from feeling clammy. Goose down is particularly good at this. However, these materials can be expensive and advances in synthetic fabrics in recent years have greatly improved the quality of artificial bedding materials. A hollowfibre duvet can be an excellent compromise between cost and comfort.
As a general rule, spring and summer duvets should be of a lower tog value than those designed for winter. 3-6 is the most suitable range for summer, which 4.5 being the most common choice while 8-10 is the most popular choice for spring. Remember that in the end, the right choice in bedding is that one that makes you feel most comfortable, regardless of the tog value or materials that make up your duvet.
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