German bedding retailers urge lightweight duvets for summer nights
German bedding experts advise consumers to switch to low‑insulation summer duvets as night‑time temperatures rise. "Im Sommer sollte die Decke einen geringeren Isolationsgrad haben," says Marc Böhle, president of the German Bedding Retailers Association. He recommends duvets in heat class 1, which are lighter and contain less filling than winter models. Natural fillings such as camel hair, cashmere or thin down perform best because they absorb moisture and stay light – typically under 400 g, some as low as 150 g. For added cooling, breathable cotton or linen sheets are suggested, while synthetic microfiber fabrics may irritate the skin. The experts also note that spring‑coil mattresses are suitable for hot sleepers, whereas heavy winter mattresses can retain heat. They caution against placing duvets in a freezer, as any cooling effect is fleeting, and instead recommend pairing a light summer duvet with a cooling pillowcase.