How to Tell if Your Duvet is Past its Best

We all love a good duvet day, but have you ever stopped to think about whether your duvet is still doing its job properly? Yes, you may keep up with washing your duvet covers regularly, but when was the last time you gave the duvet itself a proper once-over? 

If you can’t remember, it might be time to check if your trusty duvet is still doing its job. A worn-out duvet doesn’t just lose its all-important comfort factor — it could also negatively impact your sleep and even aggravate your allergies.  

Here, we explain how to tell if it’s time to wave goodbye to your old one and invest in a brand new duvet. 

Is your duvet looking a little flat? 

A good duvet should be fluffy, puffy, and full of life. If yours looks like it’s been squished under a stack of bricks, it’s unlikely that it’s keeping you as warm and comfortable as it should be.  

This is especially true of duvets with natural fillings like feathers or down. Natural fillings tend to lose their loft over time. 

Test it: Give your duvet a good shake. Does it bounce back? Or does it just kind of flop? If it’s the latter, it’s time to think about investing in a new duvet. 

Have you noticed any odd clumps? 

If your duvet feels lumpy in some spots and completely empty in others, it probably isn’t doing a great job of keeping you evenly warm. Clumps tend to form when the filling starts to break down or shift around inside your duvet’s outer shell.  

Does it smell and look okay still? 

Granted, we don’t like to think about it, but duvets absorb a fair bit of sweat and dead skin over time. Even if you keep up with duvet hygiene and wash it occasionally, there will inevitably come a point where your duvet is too far gone.  

If you spot any yellowish stains or notice any musty smells, and no amount of fresh air on the washing line is able to save it, it’s a good sign that it’s time to think about investing in a new duvet. 

Is your duvet making you sneeze? 

Old duvets can become a hotspot for dust mites, which can trigger allergies and leave you waking up with the sniffles or itchy eyes. If you’re noticing more allergy symptoms than usual, your duvet could well be the culprit.  

Top tip for allergy sufferers: Switching to a hypoallergenic duvet can make a world of difference in your sleep quality. 

How old is your existing duvet? 

Duvets don’t last forever. Most synthetic duvets have a life expectancy of around 5 years. And some duvets with natural fillings can last up to 10 years — providing you take good care of them.  

If your current duvet has been around longer than 5-10 years, chances are that you’re probably overdue for an upgrade. 

Time for a new duvet? Here’s what to look for 

If you’ve realised your current duvet is on its last legs and are considering what to look for in a new one, here’s what you’ll need to think about: 

• Tog rating: Choose a lower tog (4.5-7.5) for summer and a higher one (10.5-13.5) for winter. Or go all out and get an all-season duvet with two layers you can snap together. Learn more about duvet tog here.

• Filling: Down and feather duvets are warm and breathable, while synthetic ones are great for allergies and easier to wash. 

• Size: Want some extra comfort in bed? Try sizing up! Choosing a king-size duvet for a double bed could be the game-changer you never knew you needed. 

How often should you replace your duvet: final thoughts 

Your duvet works hard to keep you comfy every night, but it won’t last forever. If it’s flat, lumpy, smelly, or just old, it could be time to invest in a new one. Trust us, there’s nothing like snuggling into a fresh, fluffy duvet!  

Unsure? Put your duvet to the test by giving it a shake to see how it’s holding up. If your duvet seems to have seen better days, it could well be time to treat yourself to a new one.