Soak and Sleep Soft as a Down duvet: Another light and airy down option

As much as I love natural duvets, they can be an expensive option. And if you’re not careful about what you buy, they can sometimes cause problems for people with allergies, and poor bedding can be a good breeding ground for dust mites. So, I’m always on the lookout for synthetic hollowfibre or microfiber duvets that feel as good as down or wool while not looking . The Soft As Down range from Soak & Sleep is a great option here, with lots of variety to choose from and prices to suit most budgets.

But how does it stack up against the other duvets we’ve reviewed? I checked it to find out.

Wrap and Sleep as Soft as All Seasons 15 tog duvet: What do you get for the money?

There is plenty of variety within the Soft As Down range, meaning you can find an exact fit to your preference. You have a choice of six different tog options (from 3 to 13.5 tog), and three ‘All Seasons’ options, including two duvets that can be tied together. Sizes range from single to king – with an extra emperor size available in some brands – and prices start from £36 for a single 3 tog duvet.

I chose the 15 tog All Seasons version, which is made up of a 10.5 tog winter duvet and a 4.5 tog summer duvet. Prices here start at £100 for a single, rising to £119 for a double, £133 for a king and £147 for a king. As for the other two All Seasons duvets, there is a 13.5 tog set (comprising 9 and 4.5 tog duvets) and an 18 tog set made up of 13.5 and 4.5 tog duvets.

Because it is a synthetic duvet, the prices are much cheaper than natural alternatives such as Larke Nature’s Blend duvet, and the White Company Hungarian Goose Down duvet, which retail at £180 and £330 for a 10.5 tog double duvet respectively. One of our down favourites, the Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet will cost £420 (the 13.5 tog all-season version).

The duvets are made from a fine dernier polyester fiber that, according to Soak & Sleep, “feels as soft as luxury down”, while the cover is made from 233 count cotton thread to help keep the duvet breathable. The edges are neatly folded twice and the box is quilted so that the bottom does not meet the top.

There are cufflink-style buttons to attach two duvets together (provided you have purchased one of the All Seasons options), and the duvets are machine washable at 30°C. They can also be dried, although Soak & Sleep recommends professional washing and drying for longevity. You also get a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects (but not accidental damage, wear and tear or failure to follow maintenance instructions).

What did we like?

I tested the Soak & Sleep duvet in a very cold winter, so the ability to combine both duvets to create a single 13.5 tog duvet was greatly appreciated. It did a great job of keeping me warm and cozy throughout the night but was also breathable enough to keep my hot sleeping husband comfortable. That said, he felt that the synthetic fiber would not be as breathable as our existing wool duvets in the hot summer. I also had an electric blanket next to my bed during the test and I didn’t wake up too hot or flushed at all.

I think this is mostly due to the cotton cover on the duvets, which really helps to stop the polyester interior from retaining too much heat. I also really liked how soft the cover felt and enjoyed the smart gray piping on the edge of the duvet. And while I personally don’t suffer from allergies, this duvet would be a great choice for those who have problems with down or wool.

It’s impossible for a microfiber duvet to beat the comfort of a down duvet but the Soak & Sleep duvet does a really good job here: the filling feels as close to down as synthetic will ever feel. I also think that where it succeeds is in the little well thought out touches – the duvet looks very expensive. Of course, depending on your choice of duvet, it is something it’s expensive – especially if you want one of the All Seasons versions. But even single duvets at the lower end of the price scale look great.

What can be improved?

The Soak & Sleep duvet has a distinct squeaking sound as you walk under it, which I have found to be very common in synthetic duvets. This may disappear over time and although it is more noticeable as you lie in bed – I wasn’t too bothered when my husband changed position in his sleep – it may be annoying to some.

You will also find that the cufflinks are stiff and difficult to attach. Again, this will probably get easier over time as this softens, but it took a little effort to join the two duvets together. And with such a large amount of duvet when the two are together, fitting it into a duvet cover was also a challenge – but not beyond human wisdom.

Should you buy the Soak & Sleep Soft As Down All Seasons 15 tog duvet?

If you’re a sick person still looking for a smart and attractive duvet that won’t lose its fullness, you could do a lot worse than the Soak & Sleep Soft as Down duvet. It is cheaper than many of its natural counterparts, easy to care for and has many options – so you can choose your perfect tog or combination of togs.

Small niggles aside, this is a great duvet for those looking for a reasonably priced option. My only real reservation here is that, since it’s a synthetic duvet, it can get a little too warm during the really hot summer months. That said, you have a lot of options and I think the duvet selection you get in the All Seasons range will suit you year round – a sheet is a comfortable option for the hottest nights.