Did you know in a recent online poll we conducted, over 75% of respondents said they preferred sleeping with a duvet over a quilt?

That checks out considering people have been asking us about Duvet Inserts since we started making linen bedding in 2017—where to buy them, how to find the right fit, and which filling takes the cake. And while we certainly have our go-to's, we never quite found the perfect insert to team up with our linen Duvet Covers. Until now.

This year, we set out to create our first ever Flax Home Duvet Insert. Not only did we deliver on that goal, we created two.

On the surface, our Duvet Inserts are identical. Same breathable shell, same corner loops to secure your insert to its cover, same perfectly-complimentary size. But you notice we've chosen to offer the Insert in two different types of fill: Kapok and Wool. 

Why Kapok?

Kapok is a natural fibre harvested from the seed pods of the kapok tree. As the tree isn't harmed during this process and continues to produce seeds seasonally, it's considered a renewable resource. The fibre is a lightweight material often compared to down, making it a popular vegan alternative for those who still want that plush, marshmallow look and feel. Kapok is also both hypoallergenic and dust-mite and mildew resistant making it a great choice for people with allergies or asthma.

Why Wool?

Wool, on the other hand, is consciously harvested from the fleece of sheep and has been trusted as a durable insulator for generations. It is a dense and weighty material lauded for its temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties. Wool duvet inserts are an ultra-cozy bedding option for those living in climates with harsher winters, or who prefer a heavier and more substantial duvet.

How to choose?

Both are natural and sustainable options, so we know it can be tough to choose. Here are a few things to consider:

The first is your personal preference. Do you prefer a lightweight and fluffy duvet or a heavier and more substantial one? If the former appeals to you—think: cloud-like—kapok might be the better choice to soften up your bedding. If a warm and weighted top layer helps you sleep, then hardy wool is the way to go.

Another factor to consider is your sleeping environment. Colder climates (or if you prefer lower thermostat temperatures) call for a duvet that will keep you insulated throughout the night, where wool does its best work. If you live in a warmer climate and need a duvet that will better regulate your temperature, kapok is known to assuage night sweats.

Another consideration is year-round use. Both fills boast adaptive and breathable qualities, meaning you'll be warm in cold temperatures and cool on warm nights. Considering these properties and the thread count of the shell, we do in fact consider these both "all season" Duvet Inserts.  Kapok, however, is often favoured for Spring and Summer temperatures, and wool for Fall and Winter.

Insert care

When it comes to maintenance, we tend to avoid washing our Duvet Inserts as much as possible. But maintaining fresh bedding is important to us too, so we recommend always sleeping with a Duvet Cover and opt to launder that in our regular bedding cycle instead. If necessary, spot treat with pure soap and a damp cloth, followed by an air dry or tumble on low heat. When laundering a full duvet, use a minimal amount of natural soap in cold water on the gentle cycle with an extensive rinse. Wool Duvet Inserts should be professionally cleaned, as washing them at home can cause the wool knops to shrink and lose shape. 

Ask our team 

Ultimately, the choice between kapok and wool for your Duvet Insert comes down to personal preference and your sleeping environment. Our Flax Home customer experience team can also help answer questions and help inform your choice. Our Vancouver Showroom is open weekly or we'd be happy to chat with you over email at hello@shopflaxhome.com.

Regardless of which you choose, investing in a high-quality Duvet Insert will help ensure that you get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Pre-order your Duvet Insert now and pick your matching Duvet Set while you wait. Follow Flax Home on Instagram and subscribe to our Newsletter to be the first notified for new launches, sales and exclusive perks.