Choosing a truly safe, beautiful and comfortable blanket is not an easy task. Here it is important to simultaneously take into account a number of nuances, which is especially difficult in the variety of their varieties that exist today. To ensure that the choice does not disappoint later, when making a purchase, it is necessary to be guided not so much by subjective preferences, cost or design of the product, but, first of all, by its qualitative characteristics in conjunction with the purposes of the intended application.
The blanket must meet basic sanitary and hygienic requirements, namely:
- Hygroscopic;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Does not interfere with natural ventilation;
- Ensuring proper thermal conductivity;
- Does not cause irritation upon contact with skin.
The most common mistake that many buyers make is purchasing a blanket of dubious quality due to an attractively low price. The consequences of such unreasonable savings are obvious and, at best, the purchase will simply quickly become unusable or lose its marketable appearance. To find out which blanket is better, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
An important detail that determines the durability and practicality of using the blanket.
- Cassette assembly type- the most practical option. It is a canvas that consists of separate sections (cassettes) filled with filler. This method of sewing prevents deformation of the blanket and its premature deterioration. This technology is usually used for duvets. The size of the sections can be 10x10 or 15x15 centimeters;
- Quilted blanket - on special machines the product is stitched in one direction. This is the most inconvenient and impractical option, since the blanket will inevitably lose its shape due to insufficient fixation of the filler and its redistribution;
- Karostep - the essence of this method is to decorate the product with a patterned stitch. Such blankets look very attractive, but quickly lose their appearance.
Size
By size, blankets are divided into two main categories - one-and-a-half and double.
One and a half:
- 140x205 cm;
- 145x205 cm;
- 150x210 cm;
- 155x215 cm;
- 160x220 cm..
- The standard for the CIS countries is 140x205 cm and 145x205 cm.
- European standard - 155x215 cm.
Double:
- 172x205 cm;
- 175x205 cm;
- 180 x 210 cm;
- 200 x 220 cm;
- 240 x 220 cm.
- The standard for the CIS countries is 172x205 cm.
- European standard - 200x220 cm.
There is also a “king size” size - 240x220 cm. It is designed for large beds or folding sofas.
Before you buy a blanket of a non-standard size, ask if you can choose bedding to match it.
Warmth degree
Manufacturers must indicate this indicator with dots on the packaging. The number of points is from one to five. The more dots, the warmer the blanket. Three dots are usually placed on all-season products. But, unfortunately, not all manufacturers indicate this data. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake with your choice, you should pay attention to the filler. For those who freeze in both winter and summer, preference should be given to woolen blankets. If you are cold only in winter - down. But if you belong to the category of people who feel hot all the time, opt for silk or plant fillers. For people with allergic diseases, synthetic products are more suitable.
Blankets also come in:
Double-sided is when there is wool on one side and cotton on the other.
4 seasons is when the blanket consists of two halves that are connected using buttons. One half is wool, the other is made of natural cotton. They can be used both together and separately.
To understand the range of blankets available for sale and choose the ideal option, you need to know exactly the properties and disadvantages of fillers. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to strive to choose a blanket made from natural materials, since modern synthetic fillers are in no way inferior, and in some respects even surpass traditional ones.
Types of fillers:
Wool
The classic and most popular blankets are made from camel, sheep or goat wool, as well as merino and alpaca wool.
Advantages:
- The main advantage of the filler is the undeniable healing properties and environmental friendliness of the raw materials;
- They absorb and evaporate liquid well, remaining dry to the touch;
- Warm enough to keep you warm in the winter while still being lightweight and breathable;
- Blankets made from camel hair which not only do not accumulate dust, but also, with proper care, retain their original appearance for 10 years;
- Blankets made of goat wool have a massage effect without causing discomfort with thorniness during sleep;
- The uniqueness of merino wool blankets lies in the fact that the fibers contain a special waxy substance called lanolin, which has a beneficial effect on the skin;
- In turn, alpaca wool, the only one of all, does not pill and is more durable with all the above-described advantages.
Cons:
- Cannot be washed, dry clean only;
- Contraindicated for allergy sufferers.
When storing wool blankets, do not forget to use moth repellents.
Pooh
Types of down used in blankets: goose, duck, swan, loon, goat (undercoat).
Advantages:
- It is light and airy;
- Down has the ability to warm even in the coldest winters;
- Provides sufficient air circulation. Down creates a cozy microclimate for a restful sleep;
- Down filling has an antistatic effect;
- Down blankets are very durable and can last up to 30 years.
Cons:
- Down is contraindicated for allergic and asthmatic diseases;
- Not recommended for children;
- They are quite voluminous and take up a lot of space, so it is worth using vacuum bags for storage;
- Down blankets are very difficult to care for.
When choosing a duvet, pay attention to the percentage of down and feathers. The composition of the feather in the filler should be no more than 40%.
Quilts
Advantages:
- They are rightfully considered one of the warmest, as they perfectly maintain the temperature. Even if the thermometer in the room where the sleeper is located drops to 0ºC, it is impossible to freeze under such a blanket;
- The filler does not cause allergies;
- Absorbs moisture well;
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Absorbs foreign odors;
- Quite heavy;
- Over time, the cotton wool becomes lumpy;
- Do not wash - the only possible way to remove dirt is to knock out the dust or professional steam cleaning.
An alternative to cotton filling is padding polyester, which weighs much less with the same heat retention properties.
Flannelette blankets
Flannelette blankets are considered universal for any season due to the fact that they vary in density. Thus, thin and weightless products made from natural cotton are ideal for hot summer nights, while thicker ones will provide comfort and coziness in the off-season.
Advantages:
- They can be easily washed in a regular machine at a temperature of 40ºC, which greatly simplifies care and allows you to save on professional cleaning services;
- Can be used even for newborns, due to their hypoallergenicity and environmental friendliness;
- Can simultaneously serve as a bedding for outdoor trips, an elegant bedspread or a cozy blanket for relaxation;
- Its undeniable advantage is softness and compactness. When folded, it takes up minimal space;
- Manufacturers often transform such blankets into works of art, paying attention to colors and decorative patterns;
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- If washed incorrectly, it becomes hard and unpleasant to the touch.
Patchwork quilts
Advantages:
- They look incredibly stylish and vintage;
- Designed to perform a largely decorative function and are excellent for use as a bedspread.
Cons:
- Not recommended for intended use;
- Being handcrafted works of art, they are quite expensive;
- Very demanding of care.
The main quality characteristics depend entirely on what material is used as the basis for sewing, and may vary.
Bamboo
Advantages:
- They are especially popular due to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the filler;
- They do not harbor dust mites and do not accumulate dust well, so they are an ideal option for healthy sleep for allergy sufferers;
- The cleaning and maintenance process is simple and does not require the use of complex or expensive products;
- Absorbs moisture well and allows air to pass through;
- They combine lightness up to weightlessness and high thermal conductivity, which makes them an ideal solution for use at any time of the year.
Cons:
- Fairly high cost;
- Difficulty in purchasing quality products. Many dishonest sellers, under the guise of bamboo filling, offer blankets with a combined composition (bamboo and padding polyester, bamboo and feather).
Blankets with silk filling
Luxury blankets filled with resin-free protein produced by the silkworm caterpillar.
Cons:
- High cost;
- Requirement for care.
To ensure the long life of silk blankets, only professional dry cleaning is required.
Cashmere
Gentle to the touch, light and warm, cashmere blankets can certainly decorate any home and provide comfort and warmth while you sleep.
Advantages:
- Much warmer than regular wool blankets;
- Resistance to damage;
- Cashmere wool is hypoallergenic;
- They look very expensive and impressive, but caring for them is not easy.
Cons:
- High cost.
Synthetic blankets
Modern synthetic fillers include polyester fiber, polyester and acrylic fibers.
Advantages:
- No risk of allergies;
- Possibility of simple washing in an automatic machine;
- They are relatively inexpensive and in terms of quality characteristics are not inferior to more expensive analogues made from natural materials;
- Durable.
Cons:
- Insufficient breathability;
- Low ability to absorb moisture.
Holofiber blankets
Today, the most optimal in terms of price and quality ratio are holofiber blankets, which combine all the advantages of natural and artificial fillers.
Advantages:
- Retains heat well;
- Absorbs excess moisture;
- It does not cause any difficulties with care, as it is quite resistant to machine washing;
- The antibacterial properties of the material and its hypoallergenic properties make it possible to recommend the use of such blankets even for small children.
Cons:
- It gets compressed and loses its original fluffiness.
On the modern home textile market, you can buy a blanket for every taste and budget: from simple synthetic to luxury cashmere.
Types of blankets
Classification by type of filling for a blanket:
- Downy ones. Filling: waterfowl down: goose, duck or loon.
- Woolen. Filling: cashmere, sheep and camel wool.
- Cotton. Cotton products are made from natural plant materials.
- Bamboo. Such models are made from bamboo fiber.
- Silk. Made from silkworm threads.
- Synthetic. Artificial materials are used as fillers for such products: synthetic winterizer, swan down substitute, silicone and holofiber.
- Exotic fillers (vegetable). Seaweed, eucalyptus and others are used to produce exotic fillers.
Classification of blankets by size:
- One and a half– 145 by 205 cm. Blankets measuring 150 by 220 are also in great demand on the Russian market.
- Double– 175 by 205 cm.
- Euro– 200 by 220 cm.
Classification by degree of heat:
On product packaging, the warming properties of blankets are displayed as dots. The number of points depends on the degree of warmth of the item, the maximum is 5.
- Very warm – 5 points.
- Warm – 4 points.
- Normal (all-season) – 3 points.
- Lung – 2 points.
- Summer lung – 1 point.
When choosing a product, keep in mind that the degree of warmth is compared among similar fillers.
- Cassette blanket. The products are sewn from solid fabric and then quilted in sectors (cassettes), which are small separate fabric bags.
The filler is held tightly in the cassettes, does not form into lumps, and its shape is not lost. The blanket is washable.
- Karostep. Stitching in the form of a pattern or design, with the help of which the filler is held inside the product.
Behind the elegant appearance of the blanket lies a significant drawback: over time, the filler will be visible through the holes stitched with a needle, and the appearance of the bedding accessory will deteriorate.
- Quilts. The least practical sewing method. The stitching is done in stripes, and there is a significant distance between the lines. Disadvantages: the filling clumps into clumps after short-term use and the weight of the blanket is noticeable.
Properties of blankets
- The filler is made from natural raw materials: eiderdown, goose and duck down. The first one is considered the most valuable.
- Light weight.
- Ideal for winter.
- They absorb moisture well.
- Keeps you warm.
- Can cause allergies.
- The service life is from 15 to 20 years.
- The filling is made from natural wool.
- They are produced in two types: woven wool blankets and blankets with wool filling.
- An accessory made from sheep and camel wool is heavier than models made from cashmere wool.
- A product with filling is recommended for use in the winter, and a blanket is suitable for all seasons.
- High ability to absorb moisture.
- Conduct air.
- Massage effect that has a beneficial effect on joints.
- Can cause an allergic reaction.
- The service life reaches 10-15 years.
- The filling is made from natural cotton fiber.
- Light weight.
- Used in summer.
- Absorbs moisture.
- Conduct air.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Natural bamboo fiber is used as filler.
- Light in weight.
- Suitable for summer.
- Absorbs moisture.
- Keeps you warm.
- Conduct air.
- Antibacterial effect.
- Repels dust.
- Neutralizes static electricity.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Long service life.
- Artificial material is used as filler.
- Light weight.
- Recommended for use in winter.
- Low hygroscopicity.
- They do not accumulate static electricity.
- Keep warm.
- The filler does not harbor dust mites.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Can be machine washed.
- Service life: up to 10 years.
Pros of blankets
Downy
- Retains warmth regardless of the time of year.
- High hygroscopicity.
- Air circulation.
- Light and airy, pleasant and comfortable for the body.
- With proper use and care, the item can last up to 20 years.
Woolen
- Natural wool is an environmentally friendly product, which has a positive effect on human health.
- Promotes air circulation, gives the body the opportunity to breathe, and prevents the formation of the greenhouse effect.
- Products made from natural materials are wear-resistant and durable.
- The body temperature is kept relatively constant under a woolen product, which allows it to be used at any time of the year.
- Healing effect: blood circulation and metabolism improves.
Cotton
- Pleasant to the touch: light and delicate.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Promotes air circulation and moisture absorption.
- Wear resistance and easy care (can be washed in a washing machine).
- Dust does not accumulate in the fibers.
- They are not electrified.
- Cotton fibers do not clump or pill.
- Affordable price.
Bamboo
- Light weight.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Hygroscopic.
- Good air circulation.
- Does not irritate the skin and respiratory tract.
- Unpleasant odors are not absorbed.
- Affordable price.
Silk
- Suitable for any season (temperature adjustable).
- Absorb and quickly evaporate moisture, providing a comfortable microclimate.
- They prevent the proliferation of dust mites and microorganisms due to the content of sericin (a protein produced by silkworm caterpillars).
- They are not electrified.
- Air circulation.
- Wear-resistant and durable.
Synthetic
- Hypoallergenic.
- They do not absorb foreign odors.
- Keeps you warm.
- The original shape and volume are easily restored.
- Microorganisms and fungi do not appear in the filler.
Cons of blankets
Downy
- Wadded cotton blankets are very heavy.
- During use, cotton wool clumps into clumps.
Bamboo
- The difficulty lies in purchasing a product that meets the requirements of acceptable quality. Under the guise of bamboo fiber filling, you can often find synthetics or a mixture of feathers and plant fibers in a bamboo pillowcase.
Silk
- Delicate care is required: they should not be washed or dry cleaned.
- Silk fabric requires special treatment during use. Do not roll the product tightly, place heavy things on it and keep it in a cool place, otherwise the fabric will lose its softness.
- The price is very high.
Synthetic
- Lack of heat retention ability.
- Weak hygroscopic properties: moisture is poorly absorbed and does not evaporate.
How to choose a blanket
To choose a high quality blanket, pay attention to the relevant parameters. Specific criteria are presented for each product.
- Smell. The presence of an unpleasant odor may indicate that the fluff has not been washed properly, or that it contains foreign impurities. During operation, this smell intensifies, and it is impossible to eliminate it.
- Ease. High quality down products are distinguished by their lightness.
- Form. Duvets can quickly regain their shape. When choosing a product, squeeze the bedding and pay attention to how quickly it returns to its original state.
If the product does not return to normal within 20 seconds, then you have a low-quality product.
- Softness. The product should not prick. When purchasing, be sure to feel the blanket. In a product filled with down and feathers, large and sharp feathers should not be felt.
- The cover should be dense so that fluff and feathers do not escape from it.
- Wool quality. Having combed hair, as cut hair can cause irritation and itching.
- Filler. The density of the filler determines how warm the item will retain. The denser the wool is laid, the better.
- . The cover should have neatly stitched stitches without protruding threads or pieces of wool. It is recommended to choose a wool model with a cover made of natural fabrics.
- Appearance. The seams are neatly stitched, there are no threads or fibers sticking out. There is always sewn-in bias tape along the edges, which indicates the strength of the shape.
- Tag. The product must be attached with a tag with information about the filler and the composition of the cover.
- The blanket cover is made of natural linen or other fabrics of natural origin.
- Firmware. The fabric should be densely stitched. The filling is not crumpled and each cassette is fluffy.
- The cover must have a zipper sewn into it. The clasp will allow you to examine the product by touch and make sure of its quality and naturalness.
- Fibers. Natural silk is characterized by straight and long fibers, unlike artificial curly ones. If you set fire to silk fiber, it will smell like burnt wool.
- Quilting. A silk blanket is under no circumstances quilted. Layers of silk are placed on top of each other.
- Form. When crushed and shaken, the item quickly restores its original shape.
- Color. Natural silk blanket is white with a yellowish tint, with small black splashes. Silk threads - natural natural shine.
- Read the label information carefully. If the product can be washed at home, then it meets quality standards.
- A cotton blanket is light and airy unless it is padded.
- Be sure to pay attention to the cover, which should be thick enough. The seams are strong and neat, the stitching is without protruding fibers.
- . When choosing a cover, it is recommended to pay attention to the density of the fabric and its composition; it is desirable that it be made from natural fibers.
- Smell. A synthetic product that is safe for health should not have any odors.
- Tailoring quality. Pay attention to the neatness of the tailoring. Sticking threads and escaping filler are not allowed.
- Package. The set with a synthetic product must include a package and information about the product on the label, which coincides with the description of the product on the label.
To choose the perfect blanket, you need to take into account the main criteria when purchasing it: size, weight, sewing method, material, ability to cause allergic reactions, season of use.
Here you need to take into account the person’s sleep pattern and size:
- if a sleeping person often turns over during sleep, then Euro-size will be a suitable option for him;
- for a married couple, a Euro-size or double blanket is suitable;
- For a person who sleeps peacefully, a one-and-a-half-length blanket is enough.
Blanket weight
Heavy fillers: cotton wool, sheep and camel wool.
Light fillings: goose and eider down, synthetic fibers.
Cassette is the best option. The product is stitched in such a way that the filler does not bunch up into clumps during use and does not come out through the seams
Blanket cover
The blanket cover must be well ventilated, be dense enough to hold the filling in the blanket, and also be soft, environmentally friendly and wear-resistant.
Materials that are considered most suitable for making a cover: linen, calico, teak and satin.
The label must contain the following information:
- name of the manufacturer of the product;
- symbols for care and cleaning of the product;
- composition of the fabric of the cover and filler.
For people prone to allergic reactions to wool (sheep or camel) and down, products made from synthetic modern materials, cashmere, bamboo and silk, are suitable.
Winter blankets
The winter blanket should be thick enough to retain heat well. Down is an ideal winter option. It is distinguished by lightness, softness, excellent warming properties, air circulation and hygroscopicity.
A wool blanket, like a down one, is perfect for the cold season. A woven wool blanket is a winter option, while a product with synthetic filling is suitable for any season.
Summer blankets
Cotton, bamboo and silk blankets have these properties.
Silk is considered the best option, as it has a smooth, cool surface.
Operation
- You only need to wash the item on a delicate cycle; it is best to do this at the end of summer. In autumn and winter, down absorbs much less sweat.
- To prevent fluff from matting, it is recommended to place several tennis balls in the drum along with the product.
- It is advisable to disable automatic spin.
- The item should be dried away from direct sunlight and in a horizontal position. When drying the blanket, do not forget to shake it.
- Having the item dry-cleaned is the best option.
- To avoid the formation of lumps, whisk and shake the product regularly.
- To prevent the occurrence of fungi and bacteria, regularly treat the product with steam.
- It is recommended to shake out and air the item at least once a week.
- Do not wash in hot water.
- Do not use bleach or chlorine-containing detergents for cleaning (this will disrupt the structure of the coat and wash out the color).
- During washing, do not rub the product vigorously.
- Rinsing is carried out with water at the same temperature in which the item was washed.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar or the juice of a few slices of lemon to the rinse water, this will brighten the blanket.
- Dry the product only when it is spread out, placing a sheet under it and avoiding direct sunlight.
- Store the item rolled up in a loose case, ensuring oxygen access.
- When storing a blanket, it is worth adding a moth repellent to it.
- Ventilate the item and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
- It is not recommended to keep the product rolled up to avoid deformation of the filler.
- Wash bamboo products in the washing machine on a delicate cycle.
- Observe the temperature regime! Washing is allowed at a water temperature not exceeding 30 °C.
- A small amount of washing powder should be used. Bamboo fibers promote foam formation.
- Press at low rpm.
- The product should be dried on a horizontal surface. It is recommended to place clean sheets underneath to quickly absorb moisture and speed up drying.
- Hang the dried item and leave it to dry, but at the same time beat the product with your hands.
- It is recommended to wash this item at least once a year.
- Silk blankets should not be machine washed.
- If the item becomes heavy and not as warm, dry it.
- You need to dry the product in a duvet cover under the sun's rays. The silk heats up and the accumulated moisture evaporates. The item will again acquire lightness and elasticity.
- Silk products should be stored in a ventilated and dry place.
- Whip the product periodically, this will give it its initial airiness.
- It is better to use a duvet cover made of silk fabric, as it will prevent human skin secretions from getting on the product.
- It is better to iron silk products with steam.
- It is recommended to regularly (preferably daily) ventilate a product made of synthetic fabric.
- Shake the item periodically so that the filler is evenly distributed over the surface.
- It is recommended to wash on a delicate cycle.
- The amount of powder used is one third of the usual amount.
- Wash the product at least once a year to prevent the appearance of dust mites.
- After washing, the item tends to clump into clumps. In this case, while the filler is wet, break up the lumps and straighten the product.
- It is recommended to dry the item in a tumble dryer or hang it on a clothesline.
Blanket Manufacturers
Manufacturer of brand sleep textiles CLEO The company is LLC TD CLEO. The products of this company meet international quality standards and have all the necessary certificates and SEZ (sanitary and epidemiological certificate).
The product range is updated monthly with new products.
Bed linen series ComfortLine made from high-quality and natural imported fabrics with a 100% cotton base. Prices for mid-range products.
The brand produces European-level home textiles. The company's products are environmentally friendly and have original product design.
Silk blanket manufacturer LLC "Southern Way" is the official representative of the Chinese factory in the Russian Federation. The company has all quality certificates.
Company products Verossa produced at affordable prices. Environmentally friendly materials are used in production.
There is a range of blankets made from bamboo fiber, seaweed, camel hair, artificial swan down and fabric treated with the biological component AloeVera.
It cannot be said that some blanket filling is better and some is worse. It all depends on the tastes and wishes of a particular person, his financial capabilities, the presence or absence of allergies to down and wool, requirements for warmth and lightness, as well as many other indicators. The best filling for a duvet is the filling that suits your specific needs.
What are the best blankets made from today? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different options? Let's figure it out.
Duvet fillers
The best filling for a blanket, suitable for the most heat-loving fans of the classics, is the down of waterfowl. The most commonly used are white and gray goose down. It makes blankets very warm, soft, light, and durable.It is a little more difficult to find on the market models made from rare and very expensive eider down, which warms better than all other options, even hot ones, and is therefore valuable. Duck down blankets are the cheapest, but they are not as warm and will not last as long.
The main advantages of down as a filler for blankets are the ability to provide excellent warmth in the most extreme cold and absorb moisture, breathability, lightness and durability (15-20 years). Disadvantages: the need for special care (ventilation and dry cleaning) and allergenicity.
Many consider wool to be the best filling for a blanket. Most often, warm bedding is made from sheep, camel or goat wool.
Blankets made from sheep wool attract with their comfort, environmental friendliness, softness (models made from Australian merino wool can boast of being especially soft) and their warming ability. They are wear-resistant and durable, perfectly relax muscles due to the beneficial lanolin content. Sheep wool is the best duvet filling for those who like to feel the weight and warming “hug” of a duvet.
Camel wool blankets are light, cozy and warm. They breathe well, absorb a large amount of moisture (up to a third of their weight), remaining dry, and ventilate quickly. Due to the maximum lanolin content, blankets made from camel wool help in healing muscles and joints.
Lyubov Ivanova
Reading time: 6 minutes
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In this article we will talk about the rules for choosing a good blanket. Guided by the instructions, everyone will know which blanket is better to choose - from natural or synthetic filler.
An adult spends about a third of his life sleeping. High-quality and comfortable sleep is impossible without a blanket and pillow.
Bedding must correspond to the size of the bed, temperature conditions, and physiological characteristics of the person.
- The main function of the blanket is to maintain a constant body temperature. The filler is responsible for maintaining the temperature - wool, synthetics, cotton, down, silk. When choosing, consider the composition, size, and ability to retain heat.
- Choose the right size. Manufacturers offer different sizes and even make to order.
- A high-quality blanket has good warming properties. This indicator is written on the packaging.
If you feel cold even on a summer night, buy a camel or cashmere blanket. To keep warm in winter, pay attention to a product made from down. If it is hot even in severe frosts, purchase a synthetic or silk option.
Video tips
Rules for choosing a down blanket
Some duvets are much more expensive than others. How to choose so as not to overpay? To do this, you need to take a closer look at the options offered.
Cheap materials are used in the production of low quality duvets. Be sure to pay attention to the quality of the fabric.
The cassette type blanket is considered the most durable. It takes more time to produce such a product. True, the result is worth it, because it differs in some features:
- the internal seam prevents fluff from escaping;
- thanks to the cassette type of cut, the fluff does not mix inside;
- due to the internal membranes it is more airy.
The filler should consist of high-quality fluff, without an unpleasant odor. In most cases, goose down is used, the quality of which is elasticity. When choosing, consider the temperature in the apartment. If the bedroom is cool, buy a warmer product.
A duvet will last a long time if you care for it properly. Down is a natural product, so it requires access to air and periodic ventilation.
Storing down in a damp state is strictly prohibited. When drying, do not beat it out.
Choosing a bamboo blanket
Bamboo fiber is a viscose-type material that resembles cotton wool.
- Choose the size of the bamboo product that is 50 cm larger than the bed. This way the edges will go down along the edges of the bed.
- The filling of a bamboo blanket should be distributed as evenly as possible.
- Look at the firmware. If the firmware is thick, the filler will remain fluffy and will not crumple.
In some cases, bamboo blankets are made using the duvet cover principle. With the onset of cold weather, such a product plays the role of a duvet cover, and in warmer times - an independent blanket.
Benefits of bamboo blankets
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- They do not cause allergic irritation and prevent the growth of bacteria.
- They allow air to pass through and do not absorb unpleasant odors.
- They do not require special care. It is enough to occasionally take it out into clean air and not expose it to prolonged exposure to moisture.
- Washable in a washing machine. After washing, it is not recommended to keep it rolled up for a long time; the filling and coating may become deformed.
- Quite affordable price.
Pros and cons of sheep wool blankets
When a person buys new clothes, he is primarily guided by the season. The choice of blanket is similar. In summer, a silk or bamboo product is considered indispensable; in winter, it is better to use down or wool.
Advantages
A product filled with sheep wool has many advantages:
- Has a healing effect.
- Keeps you warm.
- It lasts a long time.
- Lung.
- Absorbs moisture.
Flaws
- If the sheep's wool has not been cut or combed, sleeping under such a product is uncomfortable.
- In some cases it causes an allergic reaction.
- There may be moths.
Expert opinion
Rules for choosing a warm blanket
A summer blanket with silk, viscose or bamboo filling will not help in winter, unless the apartment is very hot.
Let's talk about blankets that will protect you from the cold in winter and ensure a comfortable sleep.
- The pinnacle of leadership belongs to down comforters, despite their low weight and softness. You can use 5-point products placed in a cassette-type case. They are very warm and reliable.
- In second place are models made of wool. The most expensive camel wool is distinguished by its elasticity, strength and elasticity.
- Hypoallergenic winter blankets for sale. Such products are easy to clean and are not afraid of machine washing. Widely used in Germany and Austria.
- Cotton blankets also deserve attention. The material washes well, absorbs moisture, and does not bunch up.
Types of synthetic fillers
When you visit any store that sells bedding, you will come across a wide variety of models of synthetic products, differing in filler. Such fillers do not cause allergies; they do not harbor bedbugs, mites or fungi.
- Lyocell. First appeared in Britain. Made from cellulose. Durable, absorbs moisture well, pleasant to the touch. It is not difficult to care for and can be washed in a washing machine.
- Polyester fiber . Made from polyester. The fibers are carefully intertwined, resulting in an elastic structure. The finished product quickly restores its shape, evaporates moisture, retains heat and has ventilating properties.
- Thinsulate. The characteristics resemble fluff. Features a long service life.
- Silicone. It does not accumulate dust or odor, and mites do not live in it. It boasts enviable thermoregulating properties.
Synthetic blankets are soft and lightweight, highly practical and have a long service life. Their cost is much lower than products made from down or wool.
How to choose a blanket for the summer
Many people use winter blankets, sheets or blankets in the summer, but it must be appropriate for the season.
- Size. The summer version is no different in size from the winter version. If the size of the existing option suits you, feel free to purchase the same one. Otherwise, buy a product that is 40 cm larger than your height. The dimensions of a standard summer blanket for two people with a height of 180 cm are 205 by 220 cm.
- Price. Some believe that the cost of the summer model is lower than the winter one. This is not true, since the price depends on the material and quality. The most expensive blankets are wool, followed by cotton, and the cheapest are synthetic.
- Tactile sensations . Make sure the product is tactilely pleasant.
Materials
The choice of materials is huge.
- Cotton. Excellent for the warm season. Can be used without a duvet cover.
- Wool. Breathes perfectly, retains heat, helps with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and is hypoallergenic.
- Silk. Only natural silk is suitable. A model made from low-quality silk can cause the development of skin diseases.
Blankets for newborns and children from three years old
Choosing the right blanket for a newborn
Parents are sensitive to things related to their newborn baby. They buy quality clothes, safe toys, a comfortable crib and a good bedding set.
Children's doctors recommend not using pillows for baby's sleep. At the initial stage of life, the baby's body does not have protection from the influence of the outside world. If the child felt comfortable in the mother’s tummy, after birth the parents should provide him with such conditions. What should a baby blanket be like?
- Only from natural material. Choose environmentally friendly raw materials without impurities. Synthetic ones should not be used or brought into the room where the child sleeps.
- The best option is with a cotton cover. The filler needs to be light and high quality. Dyes are stable.
- If the product is heavy and dense, the baby will only have to dream about comfort. The product must allow air to pass freely, otherwise the child will begin to sweat, which will cause colds, diaper rash and other troubles.
- Consider the color scheme, strength, size and type of cut. These factors do not affect the baby’s health, but will affect the parents’ wallet.
- Find the middle ground between quality and price.
- When purchasing, be sure to ask the seller about the availability of a license and quality certificate.
- One blanket is not enough for a child. You will have to choose and buy several options. One product is suitable for walking, the second for sleeping, and the third for a child crawling on the floor.
There is no room for haste when choosing a blanket for a child. How correct your choice turns out to be depends on the health and well-being of the baby.
Choosing a blanket for a child
Children sleep a lot, so for comfort you need to make the right choice of bedding. We are talking about pillows, linen and blankets.
When choosing a baby blanket, various indicators are taken into account - the health of the baby, the microclimate of the room, the time of year, and the financial capabilities of the parents.
- Blanket made of padding polyester . Warm, light, washable, easy to care for. It does not allow air to pass through well and can accumulate an electrical charge.
- Cotton. It has good breathability, retains heat and absorbs moisture. It's not easy to care for. It is difficult to wash, takes a long time to dry, easily absorbs odors, clumps and slides.
- Woolen. The basis is natural fiber. It can be used if the child does not have allergies. Good breathability, warmth and moisture absorption. Can't be washed. You have to spend money on dry cleaning.
- Down. It is distinguished by its low weight, good heat conservation, good air permeability and moisture absorption. The fluff often contains the remains of mites, which can result in an allergy in the baby.
- Silk. Almost ideal option. Meets modern quality standards, does not accumulate electrical charge, absorbs moisture and conducts air. It is warm and does not cause any difficulties with care. The only drawback is the high cost.
If you read the article to the end, you learned how to choose the right blanket and what filling options stores offer. Having decided on your tastes and needs, you can easily choose a wonderful bedding accessory that will warm you in the cold winter and bring you a comfortable sleep in the hot summer.
Wool, down, cotton, and even soybean and eucalyptus - they are used to make blankets. It is very important to understand this issue before purchasing bedding: your comfort during sleep, regulation of body temperature and humidity, and even the likelihood of allergic reactions depend on the filling. The most effective way to make the right choice is to contact an expert consultant, which is what we have done for you.
Lyudmila Ushakova, leading store manager, helps us madam-posteli.ru.
All blanket fillings are divided into natural and synthetic, but today we will only talk about the first category as it is more environmentally friendly.
Pooh
Waterfowl down is a classic among duvet fillers. This option is suitable for those who like blankets that are voluminous, soft and light, but at the same time warm. This is an environmentally friendly option, but in rare cases, fluff can cause allergies. To prevent the blanket from bunching up, it is important to pay attention to the sewing technology: cassette duvets have separate compartments for down, ensuring uniform filling. Quilts hold down fluff less well, so they are only suitable for a small amount of it, for the summer version.
Many people think that duvets should have the lowest price on the market. This is wrong. The price depends on the country of origin, the quality of the raw materials, the quality and type of down-holding fabric, sewing technology, the degree of warmth - as a result, a good blanket will be expensive. If you want to save money, you can choose a blanket made in Russia or Eastern Europe and with gray (rather than white) goose down: all other things being equal, such a blanket is always cheaper.
Some duvets are washable. True, it is difficult to do this at home: a bulky blanket is too cramped in the washing machine, and it will not rinse well. Therefore, it is better to take it to the dry cleaner.
Wool
Wool retains heat well, regulates moisture, and is famous for its ability to relieve stress and normalize blood pressure. This is an environmentally friendly material, but difficult to care for, and it is not the best for allergy sufferers. For care, wool blankets are dry cleaned, but some camel and cashmere blankets from Denmark and Germany can be machine washed. Of course, they cost more than average - precisely because of this feature.
Wool blankets are produced both woven and quilted with filling. The most popular materials are sheep and camel wool; blankets made from yak or alpaca wool are less common (there are simply fewer of them in nature). An exclusive item in this category is cashmere blankets. It's nice that a good quality wool blanket will cost less than a duvet of the same quality.
Fleece
A sheepskin blanket is the most inexpensive option for a wool blanket. When purchasing, pay attention to the fabric of the cover: it should be cotton (satin, percale or teak) without synthetic threads. The filler should not have inclusions such as litter and thorns and no strong odor (maximum - a slight odor of natural wool).
Camel hair and camel down
Camel wool blankets are my absolute favorite. They are light and durable. Camels in the desert can withstand sudden temperature changes - up to 40 degrees, but the structure of their coat helps maintain a constant skin temperature. Therefore, it is impossible to freeze under such a blanket in winter, and in summer it will not be hot under a lightweight camel wool blanket.
Camel hair really has good energy, relaxes, helps with joint pain, and improves overall well-being. If you want to show maximum care for your loved ones or pamper yourself, choose blankets made in Mongolia from camel down (up to 80-85% down) from young camels, they are called “tailak”. We have a series of blankets with the same name.
Cashmere
This is truly exquisite material. Very pleasant to the touch, warm and light, it does not prick, does not roll or fall off. But its main advantage is hypoallergenicity. It makes sense to buy such blankets woven for tactile pleasure. Blankets from some European manufacturers can even be washed at home.
Plant fiber
Cotton, linen, silk, bamboo, eucalyptus and soy are fillers for summer and mid-season blankets. They are not as warm as down and wool, but in summer they can even bring the desired coolness thanks to excellent thermoregulation and masterfully maintain moisture balance. These are the most environmentally friendly materials.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus filler is a viscose type fiber obtained from eucalyptus wood. The common name for this fiber is Lyocell, but the best brand is Tencel. It is pleasant to the touch, silky, perfectly absorbs moisture (much better than cotton), does not cause allergies, and has antibacterial properties. Dust mites and fungus do not multiply in it. Eucalyptus blankets can be not only summer, but also all-season, but the more filler and the warmer the blanket, the heavier it is. Interestingly, eucalyptus fiber is obtained chemically, but it is not synthetic.
Bamboo and soy
The story with bamboo is the same as with eucalyptus - it is a viscose fiber, natural and artificial at the same time, but not synthetic. Bamboo fiber has excellent air exchange and even has a cooling effect in summer. If you don't get cold in winter, a bamboo blanket can be an all-season blanket, but if you want something warmer and lighter in weight, soy is a better choice. Blankets made from bamboo and soy are easy to machine wash and dry quickly. Big advantages are hypoallergenicity and affordable price.
Silk
Silk is a hypoallergenic and antibacterial filler, intended for both summer nights and not too cold winters (it all depends on the amount of filler). Natural silk has pronounced therapeutic and prophylactic properties, protects against colds and cardiovascular diseases. According to some customers, it also relieves rheumatism and arthritis.
Silk filler is quite heavy and does not have much volume - and this feature has its fans. The disadvantage of the material is that most blankets with silk filling, especially those made in China, cannot be washed or dry cleaned.
Cotton and linen
Cotton and linen are ideal for a summer blanket. They “breathe”, remove moisture due to their high hygroscopicity, creating a suitable microclimate during sleep and providing freshness on the hottest nights. On top of everything else, they are inexpensive.
Always look not only at the filling, but also at the type of fabric of the cover: unnatural or poor quality of the cover can greatly reduce the properties of the entire blanket. It is convenient to check the quality of the filler if the blanket has a special transparent window, although this option is most often found in silk blankets (and rarely in other types).
The price of a blanket with any filling depends on the size, warmth and manufacturer. You can always choose the best option according to your needs and budget. Don't be put off by the price tag of most natural blankets: this is an investment in your health and a purchase that will last for years to come. It's worth it.
If you want one blanket to serve all year round, you can purchase a blanket with “4 seasons” buttons - these are two blankets of different densities fastened together. One is suitable for the summer, the second for the off-season, and two together for the cold winter. But such a blanket has a serious disadvantage: the buttons are short-lived. Therefore, I advise you to still buy 2 blankets - light and warm (or all-season).
Photos: ecotekstil.ru, mota.ru, madam-posteli.ru, lejeboka.ru