Invest in Your Sleep Health

A quilt is an investment in your sleep hygiene, but choosing a quilt isn’t always easy. Use this guide and learn how to choose a quilt that’s right for you. 

We know that choosing a quilt isn’t always easy. However, taking the time to find a quilt to suit your personal preferences is an important investment in your sleep health. The characteristics of a quilt are often determined by the fill – and each type of fill comes with its own unique set of benefits. Find your perfect quilt with our go-to guide below.

Shop All Quilts 

Feather and down quilts

Down clusters grow under the outer protective layers of feathers and are resilient and fluffy with no quill, making them very effective insulators. As the down clusters trap air, they work together with your body temperature to keep you warm. The down clusters expand and trap tiny pockets of air within their filaments to create thousands of insulating pockets, resulting in luxurious warmth, without the weight.

When comparing feather and down quilts you must also take into consideration the fill weight. For example, a 90/10% with a 850g weight will not be as warm as a 90/10% with a 1250g weight. The higher the percentage of down content to feather, the softer, lighter, loftier and warmer it will be.

Down quilts will be more durable than synthetic quilts which can mat and lump together over time as the down continues to re-loft and moulds itself to the body. Down has the ability to breathe and dispel perspiration, reducing the clamminess often experienced with synthetic quilts.

Down itself has no heat. The fluffy filaments of down interlock and overlap to trap a layer of air that surrounds the body. When you are lying under your quilt it is your body heat that is being reflected back. Goose down is slightly more superior than duck as they are from colder climates and are aged longer.

Pillow Talk only carries baffle box construction feather and down quilts which ensures that the filling remains even and allows maximum loft.

Benefits of a down quilt:

Shop Feather and Down Quilts 

Wool quilt

Wool is a renewable fibre and therefore is a resource that is naturally replenished. Wool is one of nature’s wonder fibres and its key attributes continue to perform even after it has been shorn. The most beneficial factor of wool is its natural ability to breathe and regulate body temperature, regardless of your surroundings. Wool creates a micro-climate which assists in regulating body temperature and humidity, relieving the body of thermal stress and promoting a deeper, more refreshing sleep. Wool quilts can be perfect for couples who are struggling to find a quilt suitable for their individual warmth needs.

Benefits of a wool quilt:

• Natural fibre
• Breathable
• Durable
• Temperature regulating
• Fire-resistant
• Water-repellent
• Soft and naturally soil-resistant

Shop Wool Quilts 

Synthetic quilts

When we mention synthetic fibres, we are referring to quilts that have man-made fill. At Pillow Talk, we use two main types of synthetic fills – microfibre and down alternative. Our synthetic fibres are an affordable and easy-to-care-for alternative for those in the market for a new quilt.

The differences between our synthetic quilts are:

Microfibre – Most of our synthetic quilts have a microfibre fill. However, we blend different denier fibres to provide both loft and softness to suit personal preferences. Microfibre is a practical choice if you suffer from allergies or your quilt is likely to require frequent washing.

Down alternative – Down alternative fibres are a finer denier than standard polyester fibres. They provide more loft and have a luxurious ‘down-like’ feel. This premium-quality quilt will provide incredible comfort and warmth on cold winter nights.

Benefits of a synthetic quilt:

• Affordable
• Soft, lofty and light
• Machine-washable
• Hypoallergenic

Shop Synthetic Quilts 

Cotton quilts

Cotton is a natural fibre, renowned for its comfort. Cotton is much cooler than synthetic fibres because it breathes. Cotton quilts come in varying grams per square metre (gsm) fills. They are mostly considered a summer-weight quilt and are suited to those who enjoy a light, warm quilt. As a guide, a fill of 280gsm is perfect for spring and summer months, while 350gsm is ideal for autumn and winter.

Benefits of a cotton quilt:

• Natural fibre
• Breathable
• Durable
• Absorbs moisture
• Hypoallergenic
• Machine-washable

Shop Cotton Quilts

Bamboo quilts

Bamboo is an eco-friendly, lightweight fibre with natural temperature regulating and antimicrobial properties, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Its natural resistance to dust-mites, mould, bacteria, fungus and odour increases longevity and sleep health. Bamboo has superior moisture-wicking abilities that actively draws moisture away from the body, increasing absorbency.

Benefits of a bamboo quilt:

• Natural fibre
• Breathable
• Durability
• Temperature regulating
• Hypoallergenic
• Eco-friendly

Shop Bamboo Quilts 

Size

If you find you and your partner are often competing for the quilt, or you like the look of a quilt overhanging the bed, we suggest selecting a quilt the size above the dimensions of your bed. For example, if you own a double bed, buy a queen size quilt. 

Care

You should always follow the individual care instructions for your quilt. These can be found on the product care label.

Feather and Down 

• New down quilts should be aired before use and on a regular basis, especially in the colder months.
• Airing frequently increases the lifespan of feather and down quilts and also maintains their freshness.
• Wetting down will not cause damage as long as it’s properly dried within a reasonable length of time.
• With careful use a down quilt should only require cleaning every 5 - 10 years. Tip - To maintain the even fill distribution we recommend you flip your quilt right to left or left to right 4 times a year.
• Washing or dry-cleaning is recommended every four to five years depending on how much perspiration has penetrated the quilt. If the cloth is yellowing, cleaning is recommended
• Feather and down quilts should shaken daily to keep the quilts shape and ensure longevity. If cared for correctly a down quilt can last for decades.

Wool 

As always, follow the instructions on the product care label. Generally, wool quilts can be dry-cleaned sparingly and should be aired regularly. Airing deodorises and rejuvenates the wool quilt and the sunlight will help to kill any dust mites. Spot cleaning is usually fine too. Some wool products are machine-washable, but only if a shrink-resisting treatment is applied during manufacturing.

NB- If a wool quilt is not machine-washable, then they must not be machine washed. The wool will shrink and clump between the quilting pattern and as it is sewn through, the cotton cover will shrink with the wool.

Synthetic

Air and shake regularly. Wash either by hand or machine. Do not dry-clean. See the product care label.

NB: When washing your quilt in a domestic washing machine, please ensure that its able to take the cubic capacity of the quilt being washed. Alternatively, a laundromat should have a larger-than-normal washing machine available.

Cotton

Depending on the brand, they may be either dry-cleanable, machine or hand-washable. See the product care label. If machine or hand washing, be sure to square the quilt on the line to keep it from drying out of shape.

Bamboo

Depending on the brand, they may be either dry-cleanable, machine or hand-washable. See the product care label. If machine or hand-washing, be sure to square the quilt on the line to keep it from drying out of shape.