When we think about duvets, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a snuggle cotton comforter full of down. However, there are other options, too. Silk duvets, originally common in China, are now spreading to other parts of the world. They're becoming increasingly popular because of a number of different factors. Chinese silk duvets offer superior insulative properties in comparison to other materials, while maintaining a light weight. They're also naturally hypoallergenic, meaning that people who suffer from allergies to dust mites, chemicals used in fabric processing, or other substances that accumulate in an ordinary comforter or duvet can use them with much less discomfort.
The fact that China is now selling more and more products to the world in general has also contributed to there being more Chinese silk duvets on the market, since China is the biggest producer of silk in the world, and also makes the most comforters and duvets out of this material.
At one time, silk was only purchasable by the very rich. Cocoons of the mulberry-eating silkworm had to be unreeled by hand, one thread at a time. Mechanized silk reeling and recent improvements in the manufacturing process of both silk and silk duvets have made them more affordable to ordinary people.
There are now many different uses for all the grades of silk. In a typical Chinese silk duvet, bundles of silk floss, which have been expanded into a sheet of tangled silk fibers are laid one on top of the other to produce the filling of the duvet. Between a hundred and four hundred of these layers can be involved in making a comforter or duvet, depending on the size of the bed and the thickness required. That means your Chinese silk duvet may contain several thousand individual cocoons.
Once all the layers have been stacked together, cotton or silk are used to make the cover for the duvet. The resulting bedding is light, despite the thickness and the amount of silk used. The insulative properties of a silk duvet is similar to that of one filled with down. However, it's a lot less bulky than a down filled comforter or duvet, making it easier to manipulate. Since silk is a natural fiber, and breathes well, silk comforters and duvets are comfortable even when it's warm, as they allow excess heat to escape. While you might want a thinner Chinese silk duvet in the summer time, you won't have to give it up entirely.
Pricing for Chinese silk duvets is similar to that of those filled with down. However, maintenance is easier – they only need to be aired in the sun twice a year. Don't wash your silk duvet, since it can be damaged by conventional laundering. If you're looking for luxurious new bedding that will last a long time, consider getting a Chinese silk duvet.
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