Now that we’re slowly approaching winter, we’ll soon get to enjoy the unparalleled pleasure of cuddling in a bed so cosy it’s hard to leave it. Considering this, it’s time to bring your cool-weather doona out of the closet and into the spotlight. Without a doubt, if there’s one piece of bedding that can keep you toasty warm all winter-long, it’s definitely the doona.

If you’re searching the market for a new doona this winter, there’s plenty of options to choose from. But how do you know you’re getting the best (or at least the best within your budget)? Considering there’s size, tog ratings, fillings and plenty of other factors to think about, it’s best to make sure you know what you want beforehand. To help you make an informed choice, here are a few tips on the matter.

Size Matters

If you have a standard sized bed, choosing the right doona size is easy. But many people like to go for a size up so their bed can look more fluffy and luxurious, or simply because they want to have more of the doona to cuddle up in. For instance, if you have a double bed, you can go a notch up and consider the range of doona queen size options. Plus, choosing a doona that’s a size up is certainly a smart thing to do if your partner tends to hog most of the duvet.

It’s What’s on the Inside That Counts

Whether you picked a doona queen, king, or double size, it’s the filling that makes it look and feel like a cloud of warmth. If you get easily cold, opt for a wool filling which is great for trapping warmth due to its chunky structure. The only downside is that it can weigh a bit more. If you want something lighter and more breathable, consider down or feather fillings. However, be careful if you have asthma or allergies as these fillings are not hypo-allergenic. If you suffer from allergies but still want a natural filling, consider silk. Synthetic fillings such as microfibre, are antibacterial, hypo-allergenic, and very warm.

Check the Tog Rating

Different doonas provide a different amount of warmth. When buying one, you can’t just wrap yourself in it to see how warm it can keep you, so it’s important to find out its tog rating. Tog ratings refer to the ability of the doona to trap warm air around you and keep you well insulated. The scale ranges from 1-15 togs. Doonas suitable for summer use generally have a tog rating between 1 and 7. If you’re looking for a winter doona, consider something with a tog rating of 10.5 +. Doonas that are between (7-10 togs) are considered a good compromise as they are generally suitable for an all-season use.