For many couples, bedtime can quietly become a battleground.
Snoring. Cold feet. Duvet hogging. Overheating.
Almost one in seven Brits have even slept in separate rooms to escape a partner’s sleep habits.
But what if the real problem isn’t your partner?
What if it’s your duvet?
Heat, Moisture & The Sleep Struggle
Scientific testing carried out by the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University, commissioned by British Wool in partnership with the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) and funded by the Welsh Government, revealed something remarkable:
Many common duvet fillings create a sleep environment that is far from ideal.
The study compared full-sized single duvets (10–10.5 tog) across:
Wool
Synthetic (polyester)
Feather & down blends
100% down
Researchers tested two critical sleep factors:
Thermal insulation
Moisture movement
The results were clear.
Wool Outperformed Every Other Filling
Superior Thermal Insulation
Wool duvets had the lowest thermal conductivity, meaning they retained warmth more effectively than:
25% better than synthetics
30% better than feather & down
17% better than pure down
Even though wool duvets appear thinner and less lofty, they provide consistent, stable warmth throughout the night.
Exceptional Moisture Management
Wool fibres can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture without feeling damp.
Testing showed wool transmitted moisture:
120% faster than synthetics
153% faster than feather & down
This allows evaporative cooling to work naturally, preventing clamminess and overheating.
Professor Graham Ormanroyd from Bangor University explains:
“When you sleep, your body is constantly trying to keep itself at the right temperature. If heat and moisture build up under the duvet, the body struggles to cool down.”
In simple terms:
If your duvet can’t manage heat or sweat, your sleep suffers.
Understanding Tog Ratings – How to Choose the Right Wool Duvet
A tog rating measures thermal insulation — in simple terms, how warm a duvet feels.
But unlike synthetic duvets, wool behaves differently.
Because wool regulates temperature naturally, it feels comfortable across a wider temperature range than man-made fillings.
As a general guide:
4.5 Tog – Ideal for summer or warm bedrooms
7.5 Tog – Perfect for spring and autumn
10–10.5 Tog – A comfortable all-season option for most UK homes
13.5 Tog and above – Best for colder homes or winter use
However, with wool, many customers find they can use a slightly lower tog than they would with synthetic fillings — because wool prevents overheating while still retaining warmth.
If you tend to:
Sleep hot → choose a lighter tog
Feel cold easily → opt for a higher tog
Share a bed with a partner who runs warm → wool helps balance both body temperatures naturally
Explore our full range of British Wool Duvets here:
👉 https://romneymarshwools.co.uk/collections/wool-duvets
And discover our breathable, adjustable Wool Pillows here:
👉 https://romneymarshwools.co.uk/collections/wool-pillows
Why Wool Pillows Matter Too
Your head releases significant heat during sleep.
Wool pillows:
Regulate temperature around the head and neck
Reduce overheating
Provide mouldable, adjustable support
Resist dust mites naturally
Unlike synthetic pillows that trap warmth, wool allows airflow while cushioning gently.
Why This Matters for Couples
The research found many Brits try everything to improve sleep:
Earplugs
Bigger beds
Sleep supplements
Separate duvets
Yet almost no one thinks to change their duvet.
Switching to wool isn’t just a comfort upgrade — it’s a long-term sleep solution.
A Natural Choice That Supports British Farming
Choosing wool bedding:
Supports UK sheep farmers
Reduces reliance on plastic-based bedding
Avoids microplastic shedding
Uses a renewable, biodegradable fibre
Better sleep. Lower environmental impact. Stronger rural economies.
So… Is It Time to Change the Duvet?
If your nights are disrupted by:
Overheating
Cold spots
Dampness
Restless turning
The solution may not be changing the partner.
It may be changing the duvet.