When it comes to bedding, it’s essential to understand the fibres used to make the material that you sleep with every night. What’s going to keep you warm? What’s going to let your body breathe? What’s going to make you sneeze?
A really good quality quilt will keep you warm without making you sweat, soft to the touch, and comfy to snuggle with, hypoallergenic so that you don’t sneeze your way through sleep, and made of high-quality material that’s designed to last.
With so many types of quilts to choose from, it can be hard to find the best one for you. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about synthetic versus natural quilts. Make sure to read on before you checkout that new quilt!
Synthetic Quilts
Synthetic fibre quilts are usually made using polyester, microfibre, or dacron. When it comes to cost, this is the cheap option, so while they might be kind to your wallet, they might not be so kind to your sleep – or the planet.
Synthetic fillings like polyester are made from petroleum and consume high levels of energy during production. The average lifespan of a synthetic quilt is just five years, as it’s not strong enough to handle the wear and tear of continual use. Synthetic quilts can also be bulky and hard to store.
If you suffer from allergies, synthetic quilts are a practical option as they’re not filled with feathers, like more luxury, natural alternatives. The material is easy to wash and care for as you can simply stick the quilt in the washing machine without running to the dry cleaner.
Polyester fibres are also known for not holding odour, which is a plus if you have pets who like to cuddle with you. On the downside, polyester quilts do attract dust mites and other allergens, so you might want to dry clean more often. They’re also tricky to dispose of responsibly.
Microfibre is a synthetic material that keeps you warm because the fibres are tightly woven. Because of this, microfibre quilts may feel silky and soft, but it’s not silk! Think of it more like a designer knockoff.
Natural Quilts
Natural fibre quilts are made using feather/down, wool, cotton, or silk. Natural fillings are soft, light, and breathable. They’re not bulky, so cuddling with this type of quilt won’t bury you. Because natural quilts are made with high-quality material, they’re going to be more expensive than their synthetic cousin. But of course, this also means it will last longer. A top-quality natural quilt can last up to 20 years.
Feather and down quilts have a bunch of junk in the trunk (for lack of a better term). These quilts are filled with feathers from geese or ducks that are not always plucked in the most humane way. It’s super lightweight and acts as an insulator by reflecting your own body heat back to you.
Goose down is known to be warmer than duck down. It isn’t easy to care for down and feather quilts as the material needs to be aired out regularly. Remember that feather and down quilts are an allergy sufferer’s worst nightmare. You can guarantee those feathers are not hypoallergenic. Add to that the fact that they’re prone to overheating.
Then you have natural wool quilts that warm you up instantly. Wool absorbs moisture, and (#funfact) it’s water repellant. Because of this, wool quilts stay clean longer, and the material easily adjusts to your body temperature to have a better night’s sleep. The downside to these kinds of quilts is that they’re tough to care for, as wool should be aired out regularly and dry cleaned only.
Cotton is your basic natural fibre option. It’s durable, machine washable, and non-allergenic. A cotton quilt is a good option for those who live in warm climates year-round as it will provide light warmth.
Cotton quality varies across the board; for instance, the species, production location, and yarning technique make a difference in the outcome of the material for bedding. A higher thread count cotton quilt is usually of better quality.
All Cool with Wool
The best quilt is one that can provide excellent temperature regulation, moisture-wicking action, and maximum comfort. If you’re looking for a contender in those departments, look no further than wool.
While it might not totally give silk a close competition when it comes to the title of being the perfect quilt, wool is a good option. This fabric can draw away moisture from sleepers ensuring a dry sleep without making them feel too toasty under the sheets.
Compared with polyester, wool is more natural and offers less risk of contracting health problems, thanks to the absence of chemicals. Plus, they’re biodegradable, putting you in Mother Earth’s good graces!
Another thing going for wool against polyester is its breathability. While polyester quilts are comfortable, they sometimes fail to distinguish between warm and warmest. You won’t have the same problem with wool; whether you’re a hot or cold sleeper, wool’s got you covered.
However, wool isn’t the king of quilts since…
It’s All About Silk
Silk, silk, silk. It’s just as soft to say as it is to touch. And yes, you can have silk as a quilted material. It’s basically the Beyoncé of quilts.
Most quilts and duvets are filled with microfibre or hollowfibre synthetic materials that are hypoallergenic and lower in cost than natural materials. But when it comes to your bedding, it should be about quality, not quantity, as your bed is a sacred spot where you get to relax and rest for seven to eight hours a night.
Traditional synthetic duvets trap air around your body, whereas a silk quilt gently contours to your silhouette to give you enough room to snuggle without feeling bulky. Silk quilts are hypoallergenic, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Plus, it’s good for your skin! Silk material prevents bacteria and mould from building up under the sheets, which may cause odour and skin problems.
This is a huge deal when you spend hours under the covers each night! Sure, silk has a hefty price tag on it, but that’s what you get when you invest in a luxurious and rare item.
Silk quilts are pretty rare in Australia, but lucky for you, Ecosa’s silk quilt was designed for all seasons. Ecosa’s quilts are made using high-quality, all-natural silk filling in a soft cotton cover, which doesn’t contribute to the production of fossil fuels or release any toxins to you or the environment.
Contrary to popular belief, silk is actually easy to care for as it doesn’t require an expensive trip to the dry cleaner. If you protect Ecosa’s quilt with a bamboo quilt cover, a simple bi-monthly air-out will help keep it fresh and healthy.
Choosing the right quilt should be treated as an investment. A quality quilt is a self-care item that helps you relax and get comfortable as you enter deep, restorative sleep. Ahh, is it time for bed yet?
Check out: Ecosa’s Bamboo Quilt Cover
