Tog Rating

Buying a duvet can seem like a daunting task, with so many options out there in terms of filling, tog rating, price point and more. One thing we want to help you understand is what is tog rating, and why does it matter? Let’s dive in…

What is tog rating?

Tog stands for ‘thermal overall grade’, and it refers to the unit of measurement for the thermal insulation of a duvet – how well the product can maintain and trap heat to keep you warm at night. Generally the higher the tog rating, the warmer you’ll be when using that particular duvet!

But why does it matter? Comfort is key when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, and one factor in creating your perfect sleep set-up is temperature. If you’re a naturally hot sleeper, you’ll want to consider a lower tog in order to stay comfortable. And vice versa: cooler sleepers will gravitate towards a higher tog to stay cosy.

Understanding tog ratings

As mentioned, temperature has a significant effect on our sleep – the optimum temperature for a good night’s rest is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, so it’s important to choose a duvet that feels right for you. Being too hot will cause you to feel uncomfortable, and feeling cold at night makes it hard to relax, which isn’t conducive to drifting off.

So, what are the different tog ratings out there? The scale runs from 1, being the lowest, right up to 15. A 1 tog duvet is the most lightweight duvet you can get, designed for people who live in super hot climates or who really struggle to stay cool at night. At the opposite end of the scale is a 15 tog duvet, perfect for really cold nights when you need something extra to help you stay warm and snuggly.

When it comes to our range of bamboo duvets, we offer two different tog ratings. The Panda Cloud Bamboo Duvet, filled with a 50:50 blend of Bamboo Microfibre and our innovative super lightweight Nano-Microfibre™, comes in a 10.5 tog option. With natural thermoregulation, our duvet keeps you wrapped up in cloud-like comfort all year round. The same version of this award-winning technology comes in a 4.5 tog, the Bamboo Summer Duvet. With the same fluffy cosiness of the higher tog, it’s light-as-air, with moisture-wicking properties designed to keep you cool, yet cocooned in the warmer months. Our Panda Kids™ Cloud Duvet also comes in a lightweight 4.5 tog, which is suitable to keep them cosy for all seasons.

How to choose the right tog for you

First things first, are you naturally a hot or cold sleeper? Hot sleepers should look for a lower tog, while colder sleepers should opt for something higher. Think about the season, too; you might want to invest in a summer duvet for those warmer months, which will typically be a lower tog, and have a higher tog duvet ready for winter. Bamboo duvets are great year-round, however, thanks to the thermoregulating properties of bamboo as well as how breathable the fabric is.

When purchasing a duvet and deciding on your tog rating, think about the temperature of your bedroom too. If your room is typically quite warm, then a lower tog might work best; if you find that your room is usually cold at night, a higher tog will be perfect.

What tog duvet is right for a child or toddler?

When it comes to little ones, it’s important to choose the perfect tog rating for their duvet. The Panda Kids™ Cloud Bamboo Duvet is a 4.5 tog, which is the suitable rating for a bedroom between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius – the recommended temperature for a child’s room at night. This will ensure they’re sleeping safely, and help keep them comfortable all night long to minimise those middle of the night wake ups…

Do babies need a duvet?

Babies do not need a duvet – in fact, they are a risk for babies and children under the age of one. A lot of guidance actually suggests waiting until between 2 and 4 before introducing a duvet to your little one. This is so they have the ability to move the duvet if it falls across their face during the night, ensuring safety as they get the sleep they need to grow.