As the temperature begins to drop, many consumers are seeking suitable duvets to stay warm. There is a wide range of options on the market with different filling materials, including down, pure silk, synthetic fibre and wool. The Consumer Council tested 20 models of double duvets and found that most performed well overall, yet 3 models showed significant discrepancies between the actual filling composition and the labelled claims that did not comply with the European Union (EU) regulation. Among them, 2 models were labelled as containing 100% wool filling, but test results revealed only 50.5% and 23.1% wool content respectively. In addition, 1 silk duvet model performed poorly in the smouldering cigarette test, indicating room for improvement in flame retardancy. The Council has referred the relevant test results to the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) for follow-up. To maintain hygiene, the washing and care performance of the models is also crucial. However, 2 models shrank by over 7% in width after 5 washes, while some filling material of 1 wool duvet model penetrated through the casing and leaked after washing. In terms of simulated daily use, 4 models showed relatively poor performance in leak resistance of the duvet casing.
The 20 models of double duvets were purchased from department stores, bedding specialty shops and homeware stores, covering 4 categories: 6 down duvets, 4 pure silk duvets, 5 synthetic fibre duvets, and 5 wool duvets. The tests mainly referenced widely adopted international and European standards to test the models’ filling composition, washing and care performance, duvet casing leak resistance and flame retardancy. 6 models received an overall rating of 5 points. The thermal resistance and total weight, as well as the filling mass and filling power of down duvets were also measured but not rated for consumer reference.
2 Models Labelled as Pure Wool Contained Only 50.5% and 23.1% Wool Respectively
When purchasing duvets, the filling composition is usually a key decision factor for consumers. To assess the accuracy of the labelled filling composition, the Council referred to the EU No 1007/2011 regulation to test the filling of 3 categories, including pure silk, synthetic fibre and wool duvet models. The results showed that 2 models labelled as containing 100% wool actually contained polyester fibres, with wool content only at 50.5% and 23.1% respectively. These discrepancies breached the EU regulation which requires the labelled composition of pure textile products exclusively composed of the same fibre to completely match the actual composition. Additionally, 1 synthetic fibre duvet model was labelled as containing 40% soybean protein fibre, but test results revealed only 24.6%, a discrepancy of 15.4%, also non-compliant with the EU regulation which permits a tolerance of no more than 3% between the stated and actual composition of multi-fibre textile products. As for the 4 pure silk duvet models, the measured filling composition was 100% silk, consistent with the labelling.
For the down duvet models, the Council conducted the tests in accordance with the European Standard EN12934 and the International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB) Standard Part 12. All models had actual down content exceeding the labelled values by 0.7% to 4.9%, complying with EN12934 requirements. The filling composition of all models were also classified as Grade 1 goose down (Grade 1 being the highest quality), consistent with the product labelling.
2 Models Showed Significant Shrinkage After 5 Washes
1 Wool Duvet Leaked Filling After Dry Cleaning
As duvets are used for prolonged periods, it is essential to maintain their hygiene. Based on the recommended cleaning methods on the care labels and international standards ISO 6330 or ISO 3175-2, the models were washed once and 5 times respectively, with changes in size and appearance recorded. The models were also assessed on the detailedness of the care labels, their washability, and ease of washing.
Among the 19 models labelled as washable, most showed minimal changes in size and appearance after 5 washes. However, 1 down duvet model and 1 synthetic fibre duvet model shrank by approximately 7% in width. The synthetic fibre duvet also showed seam breakage in some areas. In addition, some of the filling material of 1 wool duvet model penetrated through the casing and leaked after dry cleaning.
1 silk duvet model was labelled as not suitable for washing and dry cleaning, and therefore was not subjected to the washing test. Although the model’s label specified daily care by shaking and airing the duvet under mild sunlight, not washing the duvet after a whole season of prolonged use may pose hygiene risks. As a result, this model received only 3.5 points in the washing and care item.
4 Models Showed Poor Leak Resistance
Significant Filling Leakage After Rubbing
During daily use, rubbing may cause the filling to penetrate through the duvet casing and leak. To assess leak resistance, the Council adopted the European Standard EN 12132-1 for down duvets and EN 15586 for other types in conducting 2,700 rubbing cycles. The results showed that 2 down duvet models and 2 synthetic fibre duvet models performed relatively poorly, with significant leakage of filling particles. These models received scores ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 points.
Flame Retardancy of 1 Pure Silk Duvet Model Needed Improvement
The Council conducted the smouldering cigarette test on all models in accordance with European/International Standard BS EN ISO 12952-1. When smouldering cigarettes were placed on the underside of 1 silk duvet model, progressive smouldering was observed, indicating poor flame retardancy. Although the remaining 19 models did not show signs of ignition or smouldering, the Council reminds consumers not to smoke in bed and to avoid leaving lit candles, incense or similar items near the bed unattended, to prevent fire hazards.
Thermal Resistance, Total Weight, Filling Mass and Filling Power Not Rated
Consumers May Choose Based on Preference
As thermal resistance , total weight, filling mass and filling power are personal preferences depending on each individual’s physical sensation, lifestyle habits and living environment, these 4 aspects were not rated. The thermal resistance was measured based on the British Standard BS4745 to determine the Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) of each model. The measured TOG values of the 20 models ranged from 4.8 to 11.1. Due to the differing physical properties of various filling materials, TOG values across categories should not be directly compared. Consumers may choose suitable winter duvets based on their personal needs for staying warm. The test also calculated the total weight per unit area for reference.
When purchasing down duvets, consumers may also consider filling mass and filling power. The Council measured these aspects of the down duvet models for comparison. 2 models were measured with actual filling mass exceeding the labelled values by 3.6% and 10.9% respectively, while the remaining 4 models fell slightly below the labelled values, with discrepancies ranging from 1.6% to 3.8%. Down duvets with higher down content generally showed greater filling power and higher TOG values. Consumers may choose according to their needs.
Consumer Tips for Purchasing and Using Duvets:
- Use a duvet cover during daily use and wash it regularly to maintain hygiene and reduce growth of dust mites;
- Follow the care label instructions for washing and maintenance. Regardless of the filling material, avoid high-temperature drying to prevent damage to the fibres. Remove the duvet from the washing machine promptly after washing and ensure the filling is thoroughly dried before storage to prevent mould or odour due to humidity;
- Frequent washing may affect duvet performance. Limit washing frequency, especially for down and silk duvets, and wash only when necessary or at the change of seasons;
- Regularly pat or appropriately air the duvet under sunlight to help restore the elasticity of the filling and maintain fluffiness. Down, silk and wool duvets should not be exposed to direct sunlight or prolonged sun exposure. Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area;
- Infants and young children should use moderately warm duvets to avoid overheating, which may cause heat rash, itchiness or discomfort due to sweating;
- Seniors generally have weaker temperature regulation and are more prone to feeling cold. Therefore, thermal resistance should be the primary consideration when purchasing winter duvets. The duvet should also be lightweight for ease of handling by the elderly themselves and cleaning by family members.
Download the article (Chinese only): https://ccchoice.org/589-duvets
Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE.