Wool comforters: the pros and cons at a glance
Are you looking for a duvet made of natural material and considering a wool filling? Then we have gathered the pros and cons for you.
Wool has been a popular material in bedding for centuries. Do you know what types of wool there actually are, and what specific properties they have? In this article, we list the advantages and disadvantages of wool comforters so you can make an informed choice.
What types of wool are there and what are their characteristics?
Different types of wool are used in bedding, each with unique properties. Most often it is the filling of quilts, blankets, toppers or mattresses, but sometimes it is also used in tickings (the “cover” around the filling). In this blog, we look specifically at the filling of your duvet.
Many people immediately associate wool with sheep. However, wool from the hairs of camels, goats or alpacas also fall into this category. Therefore, sometimes retailers also refer to quilts filled with “hair.
| Wool type | Features | For whom. |
|---|---|---|
| Sheep Wool | Firmer to the touch, warm, breathes well, can be a bit itchy at times | Those looking for an affordable, classic wool duvet |
| Merino wool | Super soft, regulates temperature excellently, antibacterial | Warm-blooded sleepers, sensitive skin |
| Alpaca wool | Light, hypoallergenic, no lanolin, luxurious feel | People with wool allergy, comfort lovers |
| Camel Hair | Very warm, ventilating, light | Cold sleepers, winter use |
| Cashmere | Ultrafine, extremely soft, high insulation at low weight | Luxury seekers, people who like light duvet |
| Lambswool | Younger wool, softer than standard wool, slightly less warm | Those seeking softness without premium price |
| Mohair | Glossy, resilient, warm | For those who want warmth with a luxurious touch |
Why choose a wool duvet?
When you have a preference for natural materials, wool automatically comes into the mix. Animal hair or wool fillings are usually obtained by shearing animals. Often these animals are farmed for wool, although there are also wools such as camel hair and cashmere where the animals are not sheared and the hair is gathered from thorn bushes.
Often wool contains lanolin or wool fat. Among other things, this fat provides a natural barrier against water and enhances the anti-allergic effect. This substance is also extracted separately from wool, for example to nourish and protect our human skin. A small group of people react hypersensitively to wool grease and then develop an allergic reaction. If you belong to that group, consider alpaca wool or camel hair.
A lot of people choose wool fillings because they are easily hot or often cold at night. Two extremes that seem difficult to intertwine. Yet it can be done! Because wool has powerful insulating properties, making it very suitable in both situations.
The benefits of wool at a glance:
Natural and ventilating: Wool is a natural material that ventilates well. It wicks away moisture and keeps the temperature stable.
Warm in winter, cool in summer: Merino wool in particular is known for its temperature regulation. Ideal for those who get hot quickly at night.
Durable and antibacterial: Wool is naturally dirt-repellent and antibacterial. Merino and alpaca score especially well here.
Hypoallergenic (in some species): Alpaca wool and camel hair does not contain lanolin, making it suitable for people with wool allergies.
Light and luxurious: Some varieties such as cashmere and alpaca feel ultra-soft and light, without sacrificing insulation.
Are there any disadvantages to a wool duvet?
Making a good choice also means knowing the cons. So we list possible drawbacks for you as well:
Price: Wool is often more expensive (though we prefer to say more valuable) than synthetic fillings. Luxury varieties such as Merino, camel hair, cashmere or alpaca can go up considerably in price.
Odor when damp: Some wools (especially standard sheep’s wool) can give off a natural odor when damp.
Weight: Wool is heavier than down or synthetic comforters – some people like that, others less so.
Itchiness: Especially cheaper or standard sheep’s wool can feel a bit rough and itchy. A good ticking or comforter cover helps with this. When it is made of a good quality fabric, you will never come into direct contact with wool.
What are true luxury wools?
Merino wool: wonderfully soft!
Merino wool is a specific breed of sheep, the Merino sheep, and stands apart because of the unique fineness of its fiber. It is finer, softer and less itchy than ordinary wool, and is known for its:
- Excellent temperature regulation
- Breathability
- Moisture absorption
- Antibacterial properties
- Softness on the skin (almost doesn’t itch)
Merino wool is a luxurious, skin-friendly form of wool increasingly used in high-quality, breathable comforters and underlayments. It is ideal for those who want to sleep naturally without overheating.
Mohair: silky luxury
Mohair is a luxurious type of wool derived from the Angora goat. This type of wool is known for its characteristic sheen and highly resilient structure. The wool fiber is smooth and slightly shiny, giving it a chic look and it provides a subtle silky feel on the skin.
In bedding, mohair is primarily used for blankets and sometimes as filling for quilts. Although less common than other wools such as Merino, mohair has some unique advantages that make it attractive to the discerning sleeper:
Good thermal insulation: Mohair holds heat extremely well without becoming oppressive.
Luxury feel: The fiber feels smooth and soft, contributing to a comfortable, premium sleep experience.
Durable and resilient: Mohair retains its shape well even after prolonged use.
Because mohair is used more often in clothing than in bedding, it is a more exclusive choice. Ideal for those who love warmth and comfort, but also value a stylish and special material experience in bed. In short, someone who has a nose for unusual materials.
Camel hair: top natural insulation for cold sleepers
Camel hair comes from the underwool of the Bactrian or two-humped camel, which lives in extreme climates such as the Asian steppes. This underwool protects camels from freezing temperatures, and that characteristic makes camel hair one of the warmest and most breathable natural materials you can find in a wool duvet.
Camel hair is both lightweight and breathable, with excellent thermal insulation. Therefore, it is mainly used in luxury comforters and blankets designed for cold sleepers or sleepers who, on the contrary, are too warm and sometimes perspire (excessively) during sleep.
Benefits of camel hair in comforters:
Very warm without being heavy: You get the insulating benefits of a winter comforter, but with an airy, comfortable lightness.
Breathability: Thanks to the balance between the airy fiber structure and the very powerful moisture-regulating properties, duvet is pleasantly warm without making you sweat.
For those who get cold easily or sleep in a cool bedroom, a duvet with camel hair offers an excellent combination of comfort, insulation and luxury. It is an investment in warmth and well-being. And most punishing of all, even when you experience too much heat very quickly, you are perfectly set with a camel hair duvet!
Cashmere: the ultimate softness in your bed
Cashmere is one of the most luxurious and refined wools in the world. It is extracted from the fine undercoat of the Kashmiri goat. The goats live in cold mountainous regions such as Mongolia and Kashmir. What makes cashmere so special is its combination of ultra-fine fiber structure and extreme softness.
Cashmere is mainly used in very luxurious blankets and as filling for high-quality comforters. Due to its fine fiber structure, it offers unparalleled comfort that can hardly be matched by other materials.
Benefits of cashmere in comforters:
High insulation value at minimal weight: Your body stays comfortably warm without feeling a heavy duvet over you and suffering from heat congestion.
Silky touch: The fibers are softer than most other wools, ideal for when you have sensitive skin.
Luxury look and feel: Cashmere exudes exclusivity and gives your bed a premium experience.
However, cashmere is also one of the most valuable options on the market. It is often blended with other wools for this reason, to make the price more accessible without losing the luxury feel altogether. For those who seek only the very best and are willing to invest in it, a cashmere duvet is a real treat.
Conclusion: is a wool duvet something for you?
A wool duvet is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, breathable and natural alternative. Thanks to the wide variety of types of wool, there is something for every type of sleeper – whether you sweat easily, have allergies or just love a luxurious feel. Weigh the properties and price of the different types against each other, and choose a duvet that suits your sleeping needs.
Tip from mindthebed.com: Consider Merino as an all-around option, Alpaca if you have allergies, and cashmere if you’re really going for comfort and luxury.
