Bamboo Duvets: Everything You Need To Know

Is bamboo a good material to use as a filler for duvets? In this article, we go over everything you need to know about bamboo duvets and also answer:

  • How is bamboo turned into fabric?
  • Is bamboo viscose the same as 100% bamboo?
  • Is bamboo better than cotton?
  • What are the benefits of a bamboo duvet?

Let’s get into it.

Does bamboo make a good duvet filler?

Yes, particularly if you have sensitive skin and suffer from allergies. Bamboo may seem like an odd choice for using as a duvet filler, but it has some unique properties that make it perfect for some of you.

Suppose you are allergic to wool and down duvets and hate the thought of having to use synthetic fibres as a duvet filler due to their limitations and minimal disposal options. In that case, bamboo is an excellent choice for you.

Do you know that bamboo is a filler that is perfect for vegans? Bamboo fillers are 100% botanical sources and are a sustainable product.

How is bamboo turned into fabric?

Bamboo is processed in two ways, mechanically and chemically. Bamboo is harvested and then shredded into fine bamboo chips.

Part of the shredding process crutches the cell structures of the bamboo, which creates bamboo fibres. These fibres are combed out of the process and sent for further processing.

As the bamboo is slowly turned into a pulp, it is mixed with hydrogen peroxide to bleach the material before full-fibre recovery commences.

A sulphur compound is added to the pulp to agglomerate the pulp and strengthen the bamboo fibres.

The pulp enters a series of centrifuges and cellulose washing plants to remove any chemicals before being flattened and compressed, ready for machining.

Is the bamboo mixed with other materials?

It can be, but it’s mainly mixed with rayon. You may be thinking, why mix the bamboo with rayon; this will only change the characteristics of the virgin material.

Well, rayon is a by-product of releasing the cellulose fibres from the process. These cellulose fibres are further processed into the material rayon. Rayon can come from several sources, such as wood used in the paper industry and cotton processing.

So, the rayon used in bamboo fillers and from the bamboo makes the product 100% sustainable.

Is bamboo viscose the same as 100% bamboo?

Yes. Bamboo is a synonym for all products obtained during bamboo processing. Bamboo rayon and bamboo viscose are the same things.

The viscose part of the process may suggest synthetic fibres are being used, but nothing is further from the truth.

Viscose is a term that describes the treads created by the bamboo in a certain stage of the process.

Is bamboo better than cotton?

Better? It is different and has different properties from cotton. You will be surprised to read bamboo is more absorbent than cotton and is more breathable.

Bamboo is a sustainable product. Some bamboo species grow at an incredible 1.5 inches per hour! Most species take just 90 days to reach full maturity to be ready for harvesting.

Bamboo is environmentally friendly. It does not need pesticides to grow and takes very little management.

While cotton needs a lot of attention while growing, it needs to be watered frequently, and the use of pesticides is needed for viable crops.

Is bamboo a quilt duvet?

In the strictest terms, it’s a quilt because the filer is placed in quilted pockets. However, the duvet has become a generic term for quilts and vice versa. 

In many ways having quilted sections in a duvet is preferable, it means the product remains where you need it to be and is easier to plump for softness.

What are the benefits of a bamboo duvet?

Cool when it’s hot, hot when it’s cold. There are many advantages to sleeping under a bamboo duvet.

  • Bamboo is eco-friendly and sustainable.
  • Bamboo duvets are lightweight and comfortable.
  • Bamboo duvets help your body regulate temperature.
  • A bamboo duvet prevents skin rashes. The filler is antimicrobial and keeps dust mites out.
  • Due to its incredible breathability properties, it is hard for mould to establish in bamboo duvets filler.
  • Bamboo is anti-fungal.
  • Bamboo does not have any odour.
  • Bamboo helps you sleep soundly through the night.
  • Affordable.

As you can see, bamboo duvet fillers are a force to be reckoned with in just about every aspect.

Is a bamboo quilt warm enough for winter?

Yes, they are exceptional at trapping air and providing high insulation levels. Bedding made from natural fibre bamboo provides natural thermo-regulation properties that are great for regulating body temperature throughout the night.

They may feel lightweight, but they all comply with the tog value marked on the packaging, the same as every other duvet sold in the UK.

For a good all-year-around bamboo duvet, select a 10.5 tog.

Can you machine wash a bamboo quilt?

Yes, easily. It will depend on the size of your washing machine drum and the size of the bamboo duvet, so it’s recommended that you use a laundromat machine for the best wash.

But compared with other duvets washing a bamboo duvet is much easier. It is not as bulky and is generally lightweight.

Throw your bamboo duvet in similar colour bedding and wash on a gentle cycle with a mild washing detergent.

Dry in a tumble dryer on low heat or let the duvet dry naturally outside a line.

Are bamboo duvets expensive?

They are affordable. If comparing a bamboo duvet with another premium duvet with the same tog value and thermal properties that is hypoallergenic, then no, the bamboo duvet is cheap in comparison.

Here is an example of prices for bamboo duvets parched online:

  • Super-king size: £141.59
  • King size: £115.28
  • Double: £115.37
  • Single: £97.84

Prices from Amazon.co.uk

Should you buy a bamboo duvet?

Yes. Given all of its benefits and properties, it would be hard to think of a reason why you would not consider purchasing a bamboo duvet.

Bamboo may not be for you if you prefer to sleep with more weight.