Hollowfibre duvets are lightweight, breathable, and excellent for trapping heat, making them ideal for allergy sufferers and those looking for easy-care bedding.
Microfibre duvets, on the other hand, offer a softer, silkier feel that mimics the luxury of down. They are plumper, warmer, and a great choice for anyone seeking a down-alternative without sacrificing comfort.
Both options are hypoallergenic, machine washable, and budget-friendly — it all comes down to whether you prefer lightweight breathability or plush softness.
Find Your Perfect Duvet
Whether you’re after the lightweight breathability of hollowfibre or the plush luxury of microfibre, we have the perfect duvet for every type of sleeper. Enjoy warmth, comfort, and allergy-friendly options — all at budget-friendly prices.
| Hollowfibre | Microfibre |
|---|---|
| Light and breathable | Alternative to goose down duvets |
| Flatter and lightweight feel | Lightweight yet plump |
| Traps heat well | Accessible pricing |
| Easy care | Great for allergy sufferers |
| Suitable for allergies | Tightly-woven fibres provide silk-like quality |
| Luxurious finish | |
| Durable |
Hollowfibre and microfibre duvets are both popular duvet choices that are budget-friendly and great for allergy sufferers. They are often considered an affordable, lightweight duvet solution, especially when looking at synthetic options like microfibre fillings.
Both hollowfibre and microfibre are synthetic fills, and their respective differences are denoted by their names (‘hollow’ and ‘micro’-fibre). These synthetic fills are great options for sensitive sleepers, such as children and allergy sufferers. But which option is best for you, and which fill is superior?
Hollowfibre and microfibre duvets each have their own unique benefits, which can make all the difference in helping you get a consistently better night’s sleep. Below, we’ll elaborate on these benefits so you can decide which synthetic duvet is best for you
Hollowfibre vs Microfibre: Understanding Synthetic Duvets
Synthetic duvets are made from man-made materials like polyester and try to mimic the warmth and softness of natural fibres like down or wool.
They have become popular due to their affordability, ease of maintenance, and hypoallergenic properties. While synthetic options may not offer the same durability and comfort as natural fillings, they provide a practical alternative for people, particularly those with allergies.
Filled with hollow fibre or microfibre, synthetic duvets offer great warmth, loft, and breathability. They are perfect for allergy sufferers or anyone looking for a low-maintenance bedding solution that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
What are Synthetic Fibres?
Synthetic fibres are man-made materials that have revolutionized the world of textiles and bedding. Created through a process called extrusion, raw materials like polyester or nylon are melted and formed into long, thin fibres. These fibres are then woven into fabrics that are known for their durability, ease of care, and affordability.
One of the standout features of synthetic fibres is their resilience. Unlike natural fibres, synthetic fibres are less prone to wear and tear, making them a long-lasting option for bedding. They are also incredibly easy to care for, as most synthetic fibre products can be machine washed and dried without losing their shape or softness. This makes them a practical choice for busy households.
Moreover, synthetic fibres are an affordable alternative to natural materials. They offer many of the same benefits, such as warmth and comfort, but at a fraction of the cost. This makes them accessible to a wider range of consumers, allowing more people to enjoy high-quality bedding without breaking the bank.
Types of Synthetic Duvets
Synthetic duvets have become a popular alternative to natural filled duvets, offering a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for many. These duvets are not only affordable and easy to care for, but they also come with hypoallergenic properties, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Let’s explore the different types of synthetic duvets available:
Hollowfibre Duvets
Hollowfibre duvets are crafted from synthetic fibres that feature a hollow centre. This unique construction traps air, providing excellent loft and warmth without adding extra weight. The result is a duvet that feels light and airy while still keeping you cosy on chilly nights.
One of the key advantages of hollowfibre duvets is their low-maintenance nature. They are machine-washable and dry quickly, making them a convenient option for those who prefer easy-care bedding. Additionally, hollowfibre duvets are resistant to dust mites, which is a significant benefit for allergy sufferers. The ability to wash these duvets at high temperatures further enhances their hypoallergenic properties, ensuring a clean and healthy sleep environment.
Microfibre Duvets
Microfibre duvets are made from extremely fine fibres that are tightly woven together, creating a soft and silky feel that closely mimics the luxurious texture of down. These duvets are designed to offer the same level of warmth and comfort as natural filled duvets but at a more affordable price point.
The tightly woven fabric of microfibre duvets ensures they are breathable and lightweight, making them a comfortable choice for year-round use. They are also hypoallergenic, providing a safe and comfortable option for those with allergies. Easy to care for, microfibre duvets can be machine washed and dried, maintaining their softness and loft over time.
The Benefits of Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres, such as hollow fibre and microfibre, offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for bedding. These fibres are not only affordable but also incredibly easy to care for, as they can be machine washed and dried. Their hypoallergenic nature makes them perfect for allergy sufferers.
Additionally, synthetic fibres are breathable and lightweight, providing comfort without the heaviness. Whether you choose hollowfibre or microfibre, these synthetic options are a great alternative to natural fibres like down or wool, which can be more expensive and require more maintenance. They are an affordable lightweight duvet solution, particularly suitable for families and those looking for cost-effective bedding options.
Benefits of Using Synthetic Duvets
Synthetic duvets offer a multitude of benefits that make them a popular choice for many households. Here are some of the key advantages:
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Affordability: Synthetic duvets are generally more affordable than natural filled duvets, making them an excellent option for those on a budget.
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Ease of care: These duvets are machine-washable and easy to dry, providing a low-maintenance bedding solution.
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Hypoallergenic properties: Synthetic duvets are resistant to dust mites, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
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Breathability: The breathable nature of synthetic duvets allows for better airflow, helping to regulate body temperature and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
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Durability: Synthetic duvets are known for their durability and long-lasting quality, making them a wise investment for those seeking a duvet that will stand the test of time.
Overall, synthetic duvets provide a comfortable, affordable, and low-maintenance bedding option. With a variety of benefits and types available, it’s easy to find a synthetic duvet that meets your specific needs and preferences.
What are Microfibre Duvets?
Microfibre duvets are a standout type of synthetic duvet, filled with extremely fine fibers that are tightly woven to create a soft, silky feel. These duvets are designed to mimic the luxurious feel of down duvets but come at a more affordable price point.
The tightly woven fabric ensures that microfibre duvets are breathable, lightweight, and easy to care for. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a fantastic alternative to natural-filled duvets for those who suffer from allergies.
If you’re looking for a duvet that combines luxury with practicality, a microfibre duvet is an excellent choice.
Microfibre duvets are a great alternative to goose down duvets, as they offer a down-like feel—great plumpness, lightweight, and excellent warmth—at a more accessible price. The microfibre fill in the duvets makes these a great option for allergy sufferers and sensitive sleepers thanks to its anti-allergy protection, which provides lasting hypoallergenic freshness. The fibres are constructed using a super fine denier of polyester fibre and to specific lengths, which brilliantly mimic the feel of real goose down.
Compared to hollow fibre, which features dense strands with hollow spaces between the fibres, microfibre duvets are filled with more tightly woven fine fibres that give them an overall more silk-like softness and plump feel.
Benefits of Microfibre Duvets
1. They're a Great Down-Alternative for Sensitive Sleepers
If you’re a sensitive sleeper looking for a wonderfully luxurious duvet that offers superior warmth, loft (plumpness), and lightweight, then microfibre fill is a superb option and alternative choice to a feather or down duvet. It offers many of the great qualities of a down duvet, all at a more affordable price, and high-quality microfibre can provide a similar experience to traditional down while avoiding issues like allergies.
2. You Get The Warmth Without the Weight
If you’re looking for a warm duvet that can help to trap heat during cold nights, you may prefer to choose a microfibre duvet over a hollowfibre duvet. The very fine fibers in microfibre duvets are tightly knit, creating a high thread density that traps heat, keeping you warmer and more comfortable. While the synthetic fibres are tightly knit together for superior insulation, they are still lightweight, and so provide warmth without the weight.
3. They Are Highly Affordable
While microfibre duvets may not be able to match the outright luxury of traditional down duvets, they are relatively affordable and come with many down-like qualities (such as lightweight warmth and loft), which will help you get a great night’s rest. If you're shopping on a budget, or perhaps are a more sensitive sleeper, you should definitely consider a microfibre duvet, available from us at Cuddledown here ➞.
What are Hollowfibre Duvets?
Hollowfibre duvets are light and breathable fabric, thanks to spacing between the fibres within the duvet. The hollowfibre duvet gets its name from the construction—the ‘hollow’ between the ‘fibres.’. Hollowfibre duvets have a flatter, lightweight feel and also do an admirable job of trapping heat.
Benefits of Hollowfibre Duvets
1. They are Easy to Care For
If you’re looking for a duvet that's easy to care for, hollowfibre duvets are a great option as they're machine washable and drier-safe, which is not always the case with alternative natural duvet fillings.
2. Breathable for Warmer Nights
One of the number of benefits to having a hollowfibre duvet is that they’re very adaptable, making them a great duvet for use all year round. Compared to other comparable duvets filled with alternative synthetic fillings, the spacing between the fibres makes the duvet breathable, which is great for warmer nights. Hollowfibre duvets are also relatively light, making them an ideal choice for warmer nights or if you prefer a duvet that doesn’t offer much weight.
3. They Are Suitable for Allergy Sufferers
Hollowfibre duvets use a synthetic fill (fibre), making them suitable for sensitive sleepers and allergy-prone people who prefer to avoid feather or down duvets. As hollowfibre duvets can be washed at 60 degrees—the ideal temperature for killing dust mites and bacteria—it's great at offering lasting protection.
Hollowfibre Vs Microfibre Duvets: Which Is Better?
So, which fills win this battle? It comes down to budget and personal preference for what you’re looking for in a duvet. Both hollowfibre and microfibre duvets are great options for sensitive sleepers and allergy sufferers, and each offers unique properties that set them apart. Synthetic duvet compared, microfiber fillings are generally more affordable and easier to care for, while hollow fiber fillings may lack the breathability and insulation provided by natural fillings.
Breathability and Temperature Control
One of the standout features of synthetic duvets, including hollowfibre and microfibre duvets, is their excellent breathability and temperature control. These duvets are made from materials that promote airflow and wick away moisture, helping to regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating.
This makes them an ideal choice for those who tend to sleep hot or cold. Despite their lightweight nature, synthetic duvets provide ample warmth and comfort, ensuring a restful night’s sleep without the bulk. Whether you opt for a hollowfibre or microfibre duvet, you can enjoy a cosy and comfortable sleep environment year-round.
In short, microfibre duvets mimic the feel of down duvets with the fluffy and lightweight feel, all in a more budget-friendly and allergy-safe package, whilst being easy to care for. Hollowfibre duvets tend to be a more affordable option, which can be a little easier to care for (can be washed at 60°C), though they lack the 'wow-factor' look and feel of a microfibre duvet.
It's important to note that the fabric casing of the duvet plays a big role in the overall comfort and feel of the duvet. Here at Cuddledown, our Microfibre Duvet features a superior pure cotton casing for a wonderfully supple feel and excellent breathability.
