How to Choose a Cool-Weather Doona
With so many doonas out there, from low-loft to high-wicking, synthetic and hypo-allergenic, this guide can help you find the right one
Deirdre Avenell
6 July 2016
Houzz editorial team. DIY/decorating nut, photographer and jewellery designer.
Now that winter is on its way, we will soon have the unparalleled pleasure of cuddling up inside a warm, blanket-laden bed for a sound and satisfying night’s sleep (and sleep-in, whenever we get the chance). With that in mind, it’s time to pull out the fleecy sheets, woolly blankets, cosy throws and cool-weather doonas to layer your bed for some quality snooze and snuggle time.
If you’re in the market for a new doona, though, the multitude of options currently available can get a little bit overwhelming. How do you choose what’s right for you, right for your home, and right for your family? That’s where this straightforward guide can help! Read on to find out what type of doona is the best choice for you, to help you get your hibernation on this winter.
If you’re in the market for a new doona, though, the multitude of options currently available can get a little bit overwhelming. How do you choose what’s right for you, right for your home, and right for your family? That’s where this straightforward guide can help! Read on to find out what type of doona is the best choice for you, to help you get your hibernation on this winter.
TYPES OF FILLINGS
It used to be simple. Doonas were filled with feathers, job done. But today, there are far more choices available, and far more things to consider. Do you live in a warm climate or a cool one? Does your home have excellent insulation, or is it a bit average? Do you have carpet or floorboards in your bedroom? Are you prone to allergies from specific materials, and do you get cold easily, or are you a bit more warm-blooded?
The answers to these questions will help you decide what kind of doona is right for you, so have a think about your home and your individual needs, then read on for the lowdown on what’s what.
It used to be simple. Doonas were filled with feathers, job done. But today, there are far more choices available, and far more things to consider. Do you live in a warm climate or a cool one? Does your home have excellent insulation, or is it a bit average? Do you have carpet or floorboards in your bedroom? Are you prone to allergies from specific materials, and do you get cold easily, or are you a bit more warm-blooded?
The answers to these questions will help you decide what kind of doona is right for you, so have a think about your home and your individual needs, then read on for the lowdown on what’s what.
Down and feather
Down, the fluffiness that covers ducks and geese underneath their feathers to keep them warm, is a long-lasting, incredibly cosy and comfortable natural material traditionally used in doonas. Feather doonas, with the filling also sourced from geese and ducks, are generally flatter than down ones, not quite as warm, and are also cheaper. Alternatively, you can get a mixture of the two materials in one doona, with the ratio of down to feather depending on the quality (more down = more dollars).
PROS: Down and/or feather are the warmest options for doonas, they have a high loft (which means they are very fluffy!) without being especially heavy, and are made of natural fibre.
Down, the fluffiness that covers ducks and geese underneath their feathers to keep them warm, is a long-lasting, incredibly cosy and comfortable natural material traditionally used in doonas. Feather doonas, with the filling also sourced from geese and ducks, are generally flatter than down ones, not quite as warm, and are also cheaper. Alternatively, you can get a mixture of the two materials in one doona, with the ratio of down to feather depending on the quality (more down = more dollars).
PROS: Down and/or feather are the warmest options for doonas, they have a high loft (which means they are very fluffy!) without being especially heavy, and are made of natural fibre.
CONS: Down and feather doonas can’t be machine washed (only dry cleaned), and are not hypo-allergenic, so they can trigger dust allergies, eczema and asthma. They also need to be aired and beaten regularly to prevent the growth of dust mites and bacteria, and the feathers inside can clump, making the doona lumpy. Plus, if you have a high quantity of feathers in your doona, the quill ends can get a bit pokey.
BEST FOR: Those in very cool climates, homes without great insulation, and who tend to get cold easily will do well with a feather- and/or down-filled doona. They’re also good for the eco-conscious, as they have the lowest carbon footprint of all options listed.
BEST FOR: Those in very cool climates, homes without great insulation, and who tend to get cold easily will do well with a feather- and/or down-filled doona. They’re also good for the eco-conscious, as they have the lowest carbon footprint of all options listed.
Wool
Wool is a natural insulator (have you ever seen a cold sheep?) which traps air between closely-woven fibres and retains warmth very well. It also helps you to retain an even temperature in all areas of your bed, as it doesn’t clump or bunch as feathers do.
PROS: This is a natural fibre, and a very effective insulator. Wool is good for allergy sufferers (unless you’re allergic to wool!), machine washable (or dry-cleanable), fire-retardant, and won’t clump.
13 creative DIY bedheads
Wool is a natural insulator (have you ever seen a cold sheep?) which traps air between closely-woven fibres and retains warmth very well. It also helps you to retain an even temperature in all areas of your bed, as it doesn’t clump or bunch as feathers do.
PROS: This is a natural fibre, and a very effective insulator. Wool is good for allergy sufferers (unless you’re allergic to wool!), machine washable (or dry-cleanable), fire-retardant, and won’t clump.
13 creative DIY bedheads
CONS: Wool doonas tend to be heavier and flatter than any of the other options available, so they’re not as soft or cuddly.
BEST FOR: As this style of doona is generally flatter than a feather one, they look neater on the bed, so they’re good for those who like an ordered space as well as a warm bed.
BEST FOR: As this style of doona is generally flatter than a feather one, they look neater on the bed, so they’re good for those who like an ordered space as well as a warm bed.
Microfibre
Microfibre is a blanket term (pun intended) for synthetic or man-made fibres. Most synthetic fillings used in doonas will be antibacterial, hypo-allergenic and very warm.
PROS: Man-made doonas are designed to be hypo-allergenic. They’re also washable, recyclable (sustainable), won’t clump, retain heat almost as well as down/feather doonas, but are less friendly homes for bacteria and other bugs.
Microfibre is a blanket term (pun intended) for synthetic or man-made fibres. Most synthetic fillings used in doonas will be antibacterial, hypo-allergenic and very warm.
PROS: Man-made doonas are designed to be hypo-allergenic. They’re also washable, recyclable (sustainable), won’t clump, retain heat almost as well as down/feather doonas, but are less friendly homes for bacteria and other bugs.
CONS: Cheaper synthetic-fibre doonas tend to be lighter and not quite as warm as feathers or wool, so while they’re good for warmer climates, you may need to layer two together to make this a viable option for snowy homes.
BEST FOR: Allergy sufferers (and germaphobes).
BEST FOR: Allergy sufferers (and germaphobes).
Cotton
If you’re after a lighter doona which will give you the comfort and cosiness without the weight or excess warmth of other doonas, cotton might be the right choice for you. This natural filling is fluffy, but not overly so, meaning you can snuggle under it without feeling smothered or getting especially sweaty.
PROS: Good for cooler nights in warmer climes, so if you live in WA, NT or Queensland, this could be a good option. Cotton is also 100 per cent natural and as such, can absorb moisture and wick it away from the body for greater comfort and a sounder sleep.
Browse more beautiful bedlinen
If you’re after a lighter doona which will give you the comfort and cosiness without the weight or excess warmth of other doonas, cotton might be the right choice for you. This natural filling is fluffy, but not overly so, meaning you can snuggle under it without feeling smothered or getting especially sweaty.
PROS: Good for cooler nights in warmer climes, so if you live in WA, NT or Queensland, this could be a good option. Cotton is also 100 per cent natural and as such, can absorb moisture and wick it away from the body for greater comfort and a sounder sleep.
Browse more beautiful bedlinen
CONS: Cotton doonas tend to be much lighter than other options, and are not especially effective at insulating.
BEST FOR: Anyone who wants the comfort of a doona without the excessive warmth or weight. These are a particularly good choice for children, as they’re easy to keep clean, tend to be less prone to triggering allergies, and are lighter, so more comfortable for little bodies.
BEST FOR: Anyone who wants the comfort of a doona without the excessive warmth or weight. These are a particularly good choice for children, as they’re easy to keep clean, tend to be less prone to triggering allergies, and are lighter, so more comfortable for little bodies.
TYPES OF COVERS
While the filling is one of the most important parts of any doona (it’s what’s inside that counts), what that filling is wrapped in is also something you should consider. There are options here as well, so it’s important to know what’s what, so you can better decide what right for you.
While the filling is one of the most important parts of any doona (it’s what’s inside that counts), what that filling is wrapped in is also something you should consider. There are options here as well, so it’s important to know what’s what, so you can better decide what right for you.
Natural fibre
Natural-fibre coverings for doonas (as in the stuff that’s stuffed with feathers and whatnot, not the patterned, pretty covers that match your pillowcases) include cotton, bamboo and tencel, which is made from paper pulp. Soft, smooth, and absorbent, natural covers are a good choice for comfort, as they wick moisture away from the body and are breathable, retaining warmth without letting your skin become clammy.
Discover designs that embrace natural elements
Natural-fibre coverings for doonas (as in the stuff that’s stuffed with feathers and whatnot, not the patterned, pretty covers that match your pillowcases) include cotton, bamboo and tencel, which is made from paper pulp. Soft, smooth, and absorbent, natural covers are a good choice for comfort, as they wick moisture away from the body and are breathable, retaining warmth without letting your skin become clammy.
Discover designs that embrace natural elements
Japara cotton, a particular style of natural-fibre covering, is a finely woven cotton fabric, previously used in the making of sailcloth. it’s now often used as a covering for mattresses and doonas, as its tight weave is smooth and silky, and also helps to keep fillings such as feathers and wool from coming into contact with the skin and possibly triggering allergic reactions.
Man-made fibre
For a cheaper, but still perfectly viable option, synthetic coverings on doonas are most often fire-retardant these days, as well as being specifically designed to be hypo-allergenic, breathable and soft to the touch. However, they are also a less eco-friendly option than natural-fibre coverings, so consider your priorities before settling on synthetics.
For a cheaper, but still perfectly viable option, synthetic coverings on doonas are most often fire-retardant these days, as well as being specifically designed to be hypo-allergenic, breathable and soft to the touch. However, they are also a less eco-friendly option than natural-fibre coverings, so consider your priorities before settling on synthetics.
TELL US
Which kind of doona do you prefer and what do you love about it? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
The Pros and Cons of Making Your Bed Every Day
Forever Furniture: A Buyer’s Guide to ‘The Bed’
How to Hibernate: Hot Tips for a Warm as Toast Winter
Which kind of doona do you prefer and what do you love about it? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
The Pros and Cons of Making Your Bed Every Day
Forever Furniture: A Buyer’s Guide to ‘The Bed’
How to Hibernate: Hot Tips for a Warm as Toast Winter
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want to inform all people that have duck down doonas that the geese are plucked alive and when the feathers grow again they go the same agonising process again until they eventually die!!
Hi @Greg.Writer, email bounced back from the admistrator of the company '1st-silk@163.com