How the bedding affects the temperature in bed

Short answer: Bedding does not create warmth on its own. It decides how quickly moisture moves away from the skin, and it is often moisture that decides whether you feel cold or sweaty during the night.

Moisture rather than warmth

If you wake up clammy, it is often because moisture stays between skin and fabric. The body releases moisture all night, even when you do not notice. A cover that moves it on keeps the skin drier, and dry skin feels more comfortable.

The duvet decides the warmth

The duvet filling decides how warm you are, while the cover decides how it feels against the skin. If you feel cold, it is usually the duvet that needs changing. If you sweat, both duvet and cover can play a part.

In summer

In summer the difference is most noticeable, because the room is warm and the body releases more moisture. A light, breathable cover and a thinner duvet help more than kicking the duvet off. Read more in sleep cool in summer with bamboo.

In winter

In winter a dry layer against the skin holds warmth better than a damp one, because moisture draws heat away from the body. That is why a breathable cover can feel warmer than expected. More tips in bedding for winter.

Nightwear

Nightwear sits closest to the skin and is the first layer moisture meets. Nightwear in the same material as the bedding gives a consistent layer all the way. Choose a loose fit so air can move. See for example bamboo nightwear for men.

Bedroom temperature

16 to 18 degrees is often recommended for a bedroom. Bedding cannot fix a room that is too warm, so start by airing and turning down the heating in the evening. A cool room and a breathable cover work together.

The sheet beneath you

The sheet matters as much as the duvet cover, because your back lies on it all night with no air around. A breathable sheet makes a difference, especially for back sleepers. See the other textiles in home and homewear in bamboo.

Washing and breathability

Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that makes the fabric less breathable. Wash bedding at 40 degrees without softener and let it dry completely. That way the fabric keeps its ability to move moisture away from the skin.

Warm and cold sleepers in one bed

If two people sleep differently, two duvets of different thickness are often the simplest solution. The covers can match, because the duvet decides the warmth. One person can sleep light and the other warm without compromise.

See the range

If you want to try a cover that moves moisture away, start with a single set and notice the difference over a few weeks. One night rarely tells you much. See the sets in bamboo bedding.