What's Really Inside Your Duvet?

The truth about synthetic and down bedding

At Devon Duvets, we often talk about the incredible benefits of wool – and for good reason. But today, I want to take a moment to explore what lies beneath the surface of other types of bedding – particularly synthetic and down duvets.

We’re all familiar with the cosy appeal of a fluffy duvet, but have you ever stopped to wonder what’s actually inside? The material filling your duvet plays a significant role in not only your comfort but also your health and the environment.

Synthetic duvets: Convenience with a hidden cost

Synthetic duvets have grown in popularity thanks to their affordability and easy care. They often seem like a practical option – light, durable, and easy to wash. But while the price tag might be appealing, the long-term environmental cost is something worth considering.

Most synthetic duvets are made from petroleum-based fibres such as polyester. Every wash releases microplastics into waterways, which eventually find their way into our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Unlike wool, which breaks down naturally, synthetic fibres can linger in landfills for centuries.

And while synthetic duvets might feel warm, they lack the breathability that natural materials offer. This can lead to overheating, causing restless nights and disrupted sleep.

So, if you’ve ever woken up feeling clammy, there’s a good chance your synthetic duvet could be to blame.

The down-feather duvet debate

Down duvets are often marketed as luxurious – lightweight, soft, and warm. And while they certainly offer warmth, down isn’t without its cons.

Down and feather fillings can retain moisture, creating the perfect environment for dust mites and allergens. Over time, down duvets can flatten, losing their insulating properties and leading to cold spots. The down and feather filling is also loose inside the casing and, despite the box stitching used in an attempt to keep it in place, the filling moves around inside the quilting so the duvet requires regular ‘shaking’ to redistribute the filling.

Another factor worth considering is the sourcing of down. Ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of birds in the down industry have prompted many consumers to seek alternatives.

Why wool is different

Wool stands apart from both synthetic and down fillings in several key ways:

• Wool is breathable and temperature regulating: It naturally wicks away moisture, helping you stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Wool is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant: Unlike down, wool creates an inhospitable environment for dust mites.
• Wool is sustainable and biodegradable: It decomposes naturally, leaving no trace of microplastics behind. If the wool has undergone chemical-free processing  then it also leaves no pollutants behind. When the time eventually comes to replace your wool duvet, you can recycle the wool in a number of environmentally-friendly ways.
• Wool is long-lasting and more resilient: Wool duvets retain their loft and structure over time, meaning no more clumpy or flattened bedding. If the wool filling is made in layers (as it is at Devon Duvets), and stitched into the casing, the wool cannot move and so no ‘shaking’ is required. We also use 100% cotton casings, which works with the wool filling, ensuring its breathability is not hampered.

At Devon Duvets, we handcraft each of our wool duvets using the finest British wool, carefully selected for its quality and performance. British sheep farmers also have to adhere to extremely high standards of animal welfare, with practices such as mulesing being banned. Our wool comes from farmers we know love their flocks and take pride in the quality of their wool – which is certified as fully traceable by British Wool. Our duvets are 100% natural and are free from synthetic fillers or chemical treatments.

The environmental impact

Choosing wool isn’t just better for your sleep – it’s better for the planet. By opting for natural, biodegradable materials, you’re reducing your contribution to landfill waste and protecting our oceans from microplastic pollution.

At Devon Duvets, we're committed to sourcing all our wool from British farmers, supporting local communities and helping sustain the rich tradition of sheep farming in the UK.

Every wool duvet purchased is a step towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly future – and that’s something worth sleeping on.

Making the switch

So, what’s the next step? If you’re currently using a synthetic or down duvet, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Investing in a wool duvet means investing in your health, comfort, and the environment.

Explore our collection of handcrafted wool duvets at devonduvets.com – and if you’re curious to learn more, have a listen to our latest podcast, What’s Really Inside Your Duvet? The Hidden Dangers of Synthetic and Down Bedding.

Better sleep starts with better choices. Let’s make them together!

Q&A: What’s Really Inside Your Duvet? The Hidden Truth About Synthetic and Down Bedding

Choosing the right duvet is about more than just comfort – it’s about health, sustainability, and long-term value. If you’re curious about the differences between synthetic, down, and wool duvets, this Q&A will help answer the most commonly searched questions, providing insights into the best choices for your home and the planet.

1. What are synthetic duvets made of - and are they bad for the environment?

Synthetic duvets are typically filled with polyester or other man-made fibres derived from petroleum-based products. These fibres are designed to mimic the softness and warmth of natural fillings, but the environmental impact of synthetic duvets is significant.

The production of polyester and similar materials is energy-intensive, contributing to carbon emissions. More concerning is what happens during the synthetic duvet’s lifespan, Each time you wash synthetic bedding, tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, are released into the water system. These microplastics eventually make their way into oceans and waterways, harming marine life and contributing to long-term pollution.

Additionally, synthetic duvets do not biodegrade. Once discarded, they can sit in landfills for hundreds of years, contributing to the growing issue of plastic waste.

If sustainability is important to you, consider opting for natural materials like wool, which are renewable, biodegradable, and free from harmful microplastics.

2. Are down duvets better than synthetic duvets?

Down duvets are often considered more luxurious than synthetic options because of their softness, warmth, and lightweight feel. However, whilst down can provide excellent insulation, it does have some drawbacks that are worth considering.

• Moisture retention: Down tends to absorb and retain moisture, which can lead to clumping and uneven distribution of warmth over time. This moisture retention can also create the ideal environment for dust mites, which may trigger allergies.
• Breathability: Down duvets can feel stifling for hot sleepers, as they are not as breathable as wool. This can lead to overheating during warmer months.
• Durability: Over time, down can flatten and lose its loft, resulting in a less effective and less comfortable duvet.
• Ethical concerns: There are also ethical considerations regarding how down is sourced, with concerns about animal welfare playing a role in consumer choices.

If you are looking for a duvet that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and sustainable, wool duvets are a natural alternative that provide year-round comfort without the ethical dilemmas associated with down.

3. What makes wool duvets a better choice for sustainable bedding?

Wool duvets stand out as one of the most sustainable bedding options available. Here’s why:

• Renewable and biodegradable: Wool is a natural fibre sourced from sheep, making it renewable each year. Unlike synthetic materials, wool decomposes naturally, enriching the soil rather than polluting it.
• Temperature regulation: Wool is uniquely breathable and temperature-regulating, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer by wicking away moisture and allowing air to circulate. This quality helps prevent overheating, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
• Hypoallergenic: Wool’s natural properties make it resistant to dust mites, mould, and mildew, which is beneficial for those with allergies or sensitivities.
• Durability: Wool duvets retain their loft and structure for longer than both down and synthetic alternatives, meaning you won’t need to replace them as frequently.
• Local and sustainable: At Devon Duvets, our wool is sourced from British farms, becasue we believe in supporting local sheep farmers and in reducing the carbon footprint associated with imported materials. The sheep are shorn in the Spring and Summer to relieve them of their heavy winter fleeces and this regrows in time to keep them warm when it gets cold again. Find out more about the wool we use in our bedding.

By choosing wool, you’re not only improving your sleep quality but also making a positive contribution to environmental sustainability.

4. Do wool duvets require special care?

Wool duvets are naturally low-maintenance - but they do require slightly different care compared to synthetic or down options. The good news is that wool’s natural properties help it stay fresh and odour-free for longer.

• Air it out: As wool is naturally resistant to dust mites and micro bacteria, wool is more hygienic than other duvets. Simply airing your wool duvet outside every few months can help refresh it by allowing moisture to evaporate naturally.
• Spot clean: For small stains, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and wool-specific detergent is recommended.
• Low temperature washing: Use a 30 degrees wool wash, with a detergent created especially for wool.
• Avoid tumble drying: Wool should not be tumble dried, as high heat can damage the fibres. Instead, air-dry your duvet naturally.
• No dry cleaning: Dry cleaning can introduce chemicals that aren’t necessary for wool products and may reduce their lifespan.

Proper care helps maintain the integrity of wool, ensuring your duvet lasts for many years. This long lifespan also contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

5. How do wool duvets compare to synthetic and down duvets in terms of price and longevity?

While wool duvets can be more expensive upfront compared to synthetic alternatives, their longevity and durability make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

• Synthetic duvets: Typically the least expensive option but prone to flattening and wear, meaning they often need replacing every few years.
• Down/Down-feather duvets: Mid-to-high price range but may lose loft over time, requiring replacement or re-fluffing.
• Wool duvets: Higher initial investment but with a lifespan that far exceeds synthetic and down alternatives. Wool duvets retain their structure and insulating properties, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

When you factor in the environmental benefits and the enhanced sleep quality, wool duvets offer exceptional value over their lifetime.

6. Are wool duvets suitable for all seasons?

Yes! One of the greatest benefits of wool duvets is their adaptability across seasons. Wool’s natural temperature-regulating properties mean that a wool duvet can keep you warm in the winter while preventing overheating in the summer.

At Devon Duvets, we offer a range of duvet weights to suit different preferences, from light summer options to thicker, warmer duvets perfect for colder months. For more information about wool duvet togs and which one might work best for you, read this blog.