Silk duvets vs. down duvets

What's the thermal difference?

Silk retains body heat in cooler temperatures and releases excess heat on warmer nights. This allows the body to regulate temperature. Silk duvets are also particularly suitable for couples with different body temperatures.

Down comforters are renowned for their ability to retain heat. In summer, however, they are notorious for being too hot.

What about comfort?

Silk is by far the most pleasant textile fiber to the touch. Silk is soft, supple and, unlike synthetic fibers, anti-static. Silk duvets are enveloping, unlike down duvets, which are less supple. Down duvets allow air to circulate around the body. Moreover, the filling of down duvets is not uniform, which creates thermal bridges. To avoid this phenomenon, you have to shake the duvet every morning to put the filling back in place, which can become tiresome.

Which is the least sweaty?

Silk is an extremely absorbent natural fiber that has the particularity of remaining dry on the surface. In fact, it absorbs moisture at the heart of the fiber. This property is particularly interesting, as it reduces the level of humidity under the duvet, which in turn reduces perspiration. This is not the case with down comforters, which are much less absorbent than silk and tend to store heat without releasing excess heat.

And what about health?

Silk contains sericin, a protein that naturally repels dust mites and bacteria. It therefore naturally protects against skin and respiratory allergies.

Down comes from the plumage of ducks or geese, and can cause allergies in people allergic to animal hair or plumage. What's more, down is made up of a multitude of fairly volatile filaments that can cause asthma in allergy sufferers.

Which is the easiest to care for?

Silk duvets are easy to care for. Two or three airings a year will restore its plumpness. Silk doesn't need to be cared for, as it's naturally anti-bacterial and repels dust mites.

Down duvets are generally washable in water, but mildew can develop if they are left to dry too long. 

Conclusion

Originally, down duvets were the only duvet on the mid-range, high-end natural duvet market. Silk is gradually gaining ground, thanks to its unique properties and ease of use. What's more, a silk duvet is ultimately very inexpensive after deducting the savings made on care. Maison de la soie offers quality duvets at the best prices, cutting out the middleman.

To find out more :

Our 8 tips before buying a silk duvet

Choose the right weight for your silk duvet

How silk duvets are made