Comprehensive duvet and pillow guide

Tog is the unit of measurement used to describe a duvet’s ability to trap air and retain heat. As a rule, the bigger the tog value of a duvet, the warmer it will be. One popular misconception about tog ratings is that they relate to the weight of the duvet - but this is not the case. The weight or thickness tends to be determined by the filling inside.

Tog is measured by how well a duvet traps air to keep you warm. Essentially, it’s a number that tells you how much insulation your duvet provides, with higher togs meaning cosier, warmer nights. 

Most duvets in the UK are rated between 4.5 tog and 15 tog. Many people prefer to have a higher tog duvet in the winter and then swap to a cooler, lower tog duvet when the temperature rises. There are, however, duvets that can be used all year round. These all-seasons duvets usually come in a 10.5 tog.

Duvets are generally filled with either natural or synthetic materials. Synthetic fillings are usually warmer (again, depending on their tog rating) and are easier to wash. Natural-filled duvets, in contrast, are more resilient, long lasting, and tend to have a more luxurious feel.

• Air it out: Hang synthetic or wool duvets on dry days to keep them fresh. 
• Fluff it up: Shake down duvets by hand or tumble with a damp towel to restore loft. 
• Shake smart: Always shake from the sides to keep filling evenly distributed. 
• Daily lift: Give your duvet a quick fluff each day to maintain shape and comfort. 

Duvets don’t need to be washed as often as other bedding, but it's a good idea to wash them at least once a year. Before you wash a duvet, it's important to check the care label to see whether it should be machine washed, put in the dryer, or dry cleaned.

Weighted blankets are filled with tiny microbeads designed to spread the weight evenly across the body, creating gentle pressure to help relieve stress and anxiety.

They’re designed to provide similar benefits to deep pressure therapy which can consist of hugging or compression. This has been proven to create a calming effect for both adults and children.

• They’re designed to help relieve stress and anxiety.
• Helps those who are restless sleepers to relax, unwind and feel a sense of calm and restfulness, day or night.
• Can benefit those with autism, ADHD, dementia or other special needs.

• The blanket weight should be about 10% of your body weight.
• Blankets shouldn't be shared. So if two people sleeping in the same bed would benefit, then they would need one each with the ideal weight for them.
• They're not recommended for children under 3 years.

It is important to know your sleeping style before buying new pillows as this will help determine the degree of firmness you need. Pillows come in varying densities, from very soft to firm, so you’re sure to find something that supports your head and neck correctly.

Over time, pillows will collect dirt and grime so it is advisable to wash them every six months. Most pillows can be put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, but if you’re unsure, check the care label first. Once the pillow has been washed, use your hands to fluff it back to its original shape.

All feather and down products from Argos are certified as Responsible Down Standard. This voluntary standard safeguards the welfare of ducks and geese used in the gathering of down and feathers. It also provides full traceability along the supply chain, validating where the down has originated from.

These are ideal for those who love the comfort and luxurious feel that natural materials like feathers and down bring.

Man-made fillings such as hollow fibre and microfibre are non-allergenic, making them ideal for people who are allergic or sensitive to feathers.

Pressure-relieving memory foam gently moulds itself to the shape of your head and neck, allowing for a more comfortable and restful sleep.

At 120cm x 150cm, these kid-friendly duvets are designed to fit any toddler bed. They often have anti-allergy properties, so your little one can snuggle in without any discomfort or irritation.

These toddler-size pillows provide excellent support to little heads and necks. Most are machine washable and dryer safe, making it easy to clean up any messes your child makes.

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