From Tog to Trundle: Busting the Bedroom Jargon

When it comes to selecting and purchasing the perfect bed or bedding, some of the jargon can be difficult to understand. Unless you’re an expert, you’re likely to have plenty of questions when shopping for new items for the bedroom. So what is the difference between synthetic and natural bedding? What does tog mean? And what is a reflex mattress?

Luckily, Bedco are here to help bust the jargon - we’ve compiled a handy guide to bedding terminology that should answer any questions you may have, and to make your life just that little bit easier.

Duvet Togs

A duvet’s ‘tog’ denotes its warmth rating. Although you might assume this relates to the thickness of the duvet, it’s actually a little more complicated than that – the rating refers to how well the duvet retains heat.

From lightweight 1-tog duvets that keep you cool during the warmer months, to 10.5-tog duvets you can wrap yourself in during winter - it’s important to find a duvet that suits your needs. You can even get all-season duvets that combine a low and medium tog, and that can be used together or separately depending on the weather.

Synthetic and Natural Filling

Duvets and pillows are available with either synthetic or natural filling, each coming with their own set of pros and cons. Synthetic fillings are made from non-allergenic microfibers and are light, comfortable and easy to maintain.

Natural fillings, on the other hand, are usually comprised of goose feathers, duck feathers or down, and offer greater natural warmth and luxuriousness – although they can be unsuited to people with allergies, and tend to be more expensive.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses, like the Salus Viscoool Amber, use a combination of polyurethane memory foam, springs or support foam - plus your body heat - to mould the top layer of the mattress to your body’s shape - offering greater comfort for a peaceful night’s sleep.

With repeated use, your body’s natural sleeping position will be ‘remembered’ by the foam, ensuring more comfortable sleep in the long-term. Plus, memory foam mattresses also help to reduce pain by distributing your weight more evenly.

It is worth remembering, though, that memory foam mattresses don’t provide great support, and are probably not a good choice if you prefer a firm mattress.

Orthopaedic Mattress

Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to aid those who suffer from muscle and joint conditions. Specially designed to support the various pressure points of the body such as the back and the neck, mattresses such as the Super Damask offer pain relief by evenly distributing weight, as well as improving your sleep and enhancing your resting posture.

Open Coil Mattress

Traditional open coil mattresses, like the Katie Mattress, contain interconnected springs that offer comfort and support to your body, and tend to be less expensive than modern pocket sprung mattresses – making them an ideal choice if you’re on a budget. However, they tend to be less hardy than other types of mattresses, and need to be replaced every few years.

Pocket Sprung Mattress

Pocket sprung mattresses, such as the Millbrook Harmony 1400, are a more modern form of bedding, comprised of a large number of unconnected springs that are able to move independently; naturally supporting the shape of your body. Although costlier than open coil mattresses, they are far more robust and need replacing less often. A good pocket sprung mattress should last between seven and ten years. Due to their excellent support, these are ideal for anyone who prizes comfort above all else.

Reflex Mattress

Made from highly responsive, flexible foam, reflex foam mattresses are designed to adapt to the shape of your body, while providing strong support and promoting good spinal alignment. Cost-effective, non-allergenic and robust, reflex mattresses such as the Uno Deluxe are perfect for anyone who suffers from aches and pains that are made worse by bad posture.

Divan Bed

Divan beds are comprised of two parts: a wooden base covered in material and a matching mattress. The base comes on castors and is usually separated into two units for easy transportation, and Divan beds, like the Turner Zip and Link set, usually come with built-in storage – ideal if you have limited space. Despite their smaller size and emphasis on functionality, Divan beds are known for their comfort and support.

Ottoman Bed

Designed to offer maximum storage capabilities, Ottoman beds boast a hydraulic lifting feature that lifts the base, allowing full access to the large drawers underneath - offering a practical solution to limited space, without sacrificing comfort or style. Ottoman beds are available in a range of styles and prices to suit all budgets.

Trundle Bed

Perfect for homes with young children, trundle beds offer the space-saving properties of a bunk bed without the risk of anyone falling from the top bunk. Comprised of two beds in one unit, a trundle bed allows you to roll out a second bed from underneath the main bed, slightly lower and parallel. A trundle bed like the Underbed would be a fantastic choice if your children like to have regular sleepovers with their friends.

Whether you’re trying to decide on the perfect tog, unsure whether you need memory foam or want to know how an orthopaedic mattress could benefit you, Bedco are here to help. Our team of experts will be happy to answer your questions and offer advice – so make sure you contact us today!