The 4 duvet myths sabotaging your rest
From allergies and overheating to thread count confusion, Nils Stene, third generation CEO of the world’s finest down duvet makers explains why the wrong duvet may be disrupting your sleep every single night.
We spend more time in bed than in our cars, yet many of us will invest in a mattress and then compromise on the one element that regulates temperature all night long: the duvet. According to Norvegr, the luxury Norwegian bedding house known for its tailor-made down duvets, most sleep disruption comes down to breathability and balance.
Myth 1: Down triggers allergies
“Allergy to down is, in fact, rare. The real issue for asthma sufferers is dust mites, and they thrive in moist, unbreathable environments such as synthetic fillings.”
Medical studies show that synthetic pillows can contain up to eight times more mite allergens than down and feather alternatives. Down’s natural breathability allows moisture to escape, creating a dry environment that is far less hospitable to mites. At Norvegr we use extensively cleaned, hypoallergenic down to remove any trace of allergens.
Myth 2: A heavier duvet is warmer
“A thicker, heavier duvet is not better, nor is it warmer. Down insulates by trapping air, not by weight.”
Fill power measures the volume a fixed quantity of down occupies and is a key indicator of quality. The higher the fill power, the loftier and airier the down, meaning better temperature regulation without heaviness. A fill power of 600 plus signals quality, while Norvegr’s entry Classic Collection begins at 755. Fill weight determines how light or heavy the duvet feels, and TOG simply measures warmth.
Myth 3: If you wake up cold, you need a warmer duvet
“Curiously, many people wake up cold because their duvet is too warm.”
When a duvet traps excess heat, the body perspires. As perspiration cools on the skin, it creates a clammy chill. Waking up hot and damp suggests overheating, while waking up cold and dry indicates insufficient warmth. A well-made duvet maintains a stable temperature throughout the night, preventing both extremes.
Myth 4: Higher thread count means better bedding
“We have been taught that the higher the thread count, the better the sheet. In reality, excessively high thread counts can restrict airflow.”
Breathability is critical, particularly in warmer months. Air circulation helps regulate temperature and discourages mould and mites. Norvegr recommends natural fibres with a lower, more breathable thread count and a percale weave for a crisp, smooth finish that allows air to move freely. A non-breathable duvet cover can undo the performance of even the highest-quality down filling.