As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years browsing every bedding collection that's hit the high street, be it duvet sets from M&S, John Lewis, Habitat, or Heal's.

And in 2026, I can tell you one thing for sure: it's been a good year for bedding. Whether you're looking for the best brushed cotton bedding to make winter bedtimes more snuggly or the best linen bedding for improved breathability, when it comes to where to buy bedding, there's never been more choice.

However, this is the first year that I've ever felt the same way about *Christmas* bedding. Yes, in the past few years the number of brands launching festive bedding collections has increased, but, for the most part, winter bedding has still been heavy on the novelty factor.

This year, that's changed. Christmas bedding just got a grown-up glow-up, and in 2026, Christmas bedding is *stylish*.

These are winter bedding sets that have just convinced this Christmas bedding Scrooge to swap my boring bedsheets for something more festive.

Whether you go full on festive with a stylish winter snowscene, or keep your nod to the season subtle with a classic red or green gingham or stripe, this year I think Christmas bedding truly is offering something for everyone.

Love sinking into a comfy hotel bed? It’s a hard feeling to recreate, but Next claims it’s made possible with the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper.

As a sleep-product reviewer with over five years of experience testing the best mattress toppers on the market, I wanted to see if this mattress topper really delivered that hotel-bed experience.

In a nutshell

All in all, I did quite like sleeping on this topper. It has a polyester filling, and as such, I found it felt a lot like sleeping on top of a duvet. This made my bed feel snug and extra comfortable to sink into at night.

Unlike a lot of memory foam toppers I've tested, it also didn't cause me to overheat, although I did find it warmer than my go-to topper, the Woolroom Deluxe Mattress Topper. (Woolroom's is the topper I constantly return to and have on my bed day in and day out when I'm not testing alternatives).

However, some extra padding is about all this topper added to my bed. This topper isn't the one for you if you're looking for more support (the Simba Hybrid Topper remains my top choice in this case), and I definitely didn't feel it would transform a very uncomfortable mattress.

At £100 for a double, I also think it's quite an investment for an extra layer of softness. Plus, there's no sleep trial available to test it out before you commit to keeping it. I found the Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper comparable in comfort, and that's a lot cheaper to snap up.

Admittedly, the Next Dual Layer does have a two-layered design, but during testing I couldn't really see what these separate layers added to the topper in practical terms. However, if you're seeing a benefit I'm missing, I did find this is a well-made and good-quality topper, and it could be the one for you.

Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper review

Specifications

• RRP: £75 / £100 / £110 / £130
• Sizes: single / double / king / super-king
• Depth: n/a
• Construction: polyester
• Care instructions: machine wash at 40ºC, tumble dry on low
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

The Next White Sleep in Comfort Dual Layer mattress topper comes in a zip-up carry case with transparent window. This is going to be handy if you’re ever storing away your topper – if you use it on a sofa bed, or for camping perhaps.

Within the bag, the topper was vacuum packed. But unlike when a memory-foam topper unfurls, there was no need to let the topper settle for a while and no chemical off-gassing smell.

The topper has two layers that are already zipped together, and I found it lightweight enough for me to arrange it in position on the bed on my own. Then it’s just a case of fitting the elasticated straps at all four corners around the mattress. The Brook + Wilde mattress I tested it on is very thick, and the topper straps still comfortably fitted around it. Next says it will fit mattresses up to 35cm thick.

There isn’t a non-slip underside on this topper, but I don’t think it’s heavy or solid enough to warrant one. During testing, I found the topper stayed in place on the mattress thanks to the elasticated straps alone.

Comfort

Comfort is really what the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer mattress topper is all about. And it’s important to manage expectations here. Let’s talk about what this topper *isn’t* for a bit.

This mattress topper is not there to bolster the support of your mattress. It’s not responsive (meaning it doesn't have any bounce to it that can assist you in turning over on your mattress), and it doesn’t offer improved motion isolation (so if your sleep partner fidgets, this topper won't help mask their movements). If you’re looking for additional support for your mattress, I would suggest you look in the direction of the Simba Hybrid Topper or Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper instead.

However, what the Next Dual Layer mattress topper is good for is making your bed feel pillowy and sumptuous. I found that lying on this topper was very similar to lying on top of a duvet; it feels comfy and snug, but that’s where it stops. You will need a decent mattress underneath it to do the heavy lifting in the support stakes. And it definitely won’t transform a very uncomfortable mattress into something five-star.

Seeing as I found it felt more like sleeping on top of a duvet, I was also a little confused about what the dual layer is really adding. Next says, 'the dual-layer design combines a supportive base layer with a soft, quilted top layer, delivering enhanced cushioning and a plush, hotel-quality feel.'

However, the topper was so thin I couldn't really imagine unzipping the layers and using them singly. You *could*, I guess, but I think the effect on the bed would be so minimal there would be little point. The only real benefit that I can think of is perhaps it’s easier to wash since the layers separate – but we’ll come to that a bit later in this article.

Temperature regulation

As a hot sleeper, I had concerns about how good the Next Dual Layer mattress topper would be at keeping me at a comfortable temperature while I slept. Temperature can massively affect the quality of your sleep. This tends to present – especially for me – as overheating.

I was concerned about the Next Dual Layer mattress topper on this metric because it’s made from 100 per cent polyester. Synthetic fibres are affordable and easy to wash, but they’re not great at temperature regulation.

So I was pleasantly surprised to find I didn’t notice myself overheating while sleeping on this topper. It warmed up quickly from my body heat, and definitely felt warmer than my regular Woolroom Deluxe Wool mattress topper that I love. However, I didn’t noticeably struggle with how hot I got on this topper.

Care instructions

One of the selling points of this topper is that it’s easy to care for. The care instructions say to wash it at 40ºC and you can tumble dry it on low.

However, for my kingsize topper it said to use a larger-capacity washing machine drum (9kg) to accommodate the heft. And this is when the topper is unzipped. This means washing both layers of the topper separately, which is obviously extra work but does at least mean washing is possible, which isn't the case with all toppers.

As such, you’re unlikely to get all this washing and drying done in one day – or at least I didn’t manage it. This might be possible with smaller sizes where you can fit both layers in the machine at once.

It's also worth noting that although polyester is often the preferable bedding material for allergy sufferers who want to be able to blitz dust mites – the most-common house-borne allergen – bedding does have to be washed at 60ºC to really eradicate them. A 40ºC wash isn’t going to quite do it.

Sleep trial

Unlike many other mattress toppers I've tested, there isn't a sleep trial available for the Next Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper.

This means that there's no opportunity to test it out on your own bed and see if it improves the feel of your mattress before you commit to keeping it, and at £100 for a double, that is quite an investment to make without any guarantees.

Value for money

As of writing, the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer mattress topper starts at £75 for a single, £100 for a double, £110 for a king size, and £130 for a super king.

To my mind, that's quite a lot of money for what's essentially a layer of polyester wadding, and I do wonder if a lot of that cost could have been reduced had this topper not been made in two layers, which require an (expensive to fit) zip.

There is a regular 'single' layer version of this topper – the Next White Sleep In Comfort Mattress Topper – available on the Next website, which costs £65 for a double, and to be honest, I think I'd opt for that one instead.

That said, even £65 is still quite a lot of money. The best budget mattress topper we've tested is the Silentnight Airmax mattress topper, which is often on sale for around £45 for a double. I found both this Next topper and Silentnight's cheaper Airmax alternative felt very similar and offer the same 'duvet' type of softening to a mattress.

How I tested

Usual sleep position: side
Tension preference: medium-firm
Sleep problems: hip pain

I tested the king-size version of the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper on top of a hybrid memory foam and spring mattress. This entailed unpacking it, attaching it to my mattress, and then sleeping on the job for about two weeks to see how it fared.

What I was most interested in was the comfort of the topper, as this is what this particular topper is designed for. But I was also intrigued by whether the dual-layer design added much to the experience. And of course, temperature regulation and how easy it is to care for came into play. Lastly, value for money is always on my mind.

Now, we all know that Christmas bedding can be a little divisive. However, if you're on the fence about festive duvet sets, I think that the newly launched and *very* tasteful M&S Christmas bedding collection could be the range to convince you that this is the year to bring Yuletide to the bedroom.

When it comes to where to buy bedding, as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, M&S is always one of my top recommendations for stylish and practical bedding. However, even I wasn't expecting to be quite as impressed by the brand's Christmas bedding range as I am.

The collection has just launched online and in-store and features a couple of standout pieces, including my personal favourite, the M&S Woodland Pure Cotton Jacquard Bedding Set.

It's classic, Christmassy, and compared to the often slightly tacky festive duvet sets most shops are filled with this time of year, I think very tastefully designed. Plus, its mix of traditional themes and contemporary design makes it a timeless option that you can get out of your Christmas storage box year after year.

But what I've found even more impressive are the more 'neutral' designs on offer, especially the *very* affordable M&S Brushed Cotton Checked Reversible Bedding Set, which starts from £20 for a single duvet set.

To my mind, this is the perfect Christmas bedding; its colourful red and green gingham design ticks all the festive boxes, but it isn't *so* themed that you can't still have it on your bed from November through to March if you wish.

It's also made from brushed cotton, and we all know that brushed cotton bedding is *the* cosiest option to have on your bed during the cold seasons.

And it seems I'm not alone in appreciating its budget-friendly festive vibes. Although it's still only October, according to the M&S website, more than 50 of these gingham bedding sets have been sold online in the last few days.

Plus, there are plenty more low-key and understated Christmas options, such as the pretty M&S Pure Cotton Yarn Dyed Checked Bedding Set with its festive bows and classic red check.

I was impressed by M&S's autumn bedding collection, naming it one of the best the high street has to offer if you're looking to refresh your bedroom design ideas this season. And now, I think the brand has done it again with its Christmas bedding range.

I certainly think this is the most stylish Christmas bedding collection I've come across, and whilst other retailers have some tasteful options – I'm thinking the John Lewis Christmas bedding collection for understated vibes or Next's Christmas bedding collection for cosy fleece options – overall, M&S has nailed it best for me this year.

I've rounded up a few more of my favourite Marks & Spencer festive options below.

As nighttime temperatures begin to drop, it's *finally* time for cosy season. And cooler bedtimes can only mean one thing: now is the time to add brushed cotton bedding to your sleep setup.

Why? Because brushed cotton is the ultimate bedding fabric to get cosy under. Soft, snuggly, and fluffy, it's the perfect bedding material for autumn hibernation.

However, if you're pondering where to buy bedding, you may find that not every retailer has this winter essential in stock. As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've been recommending brushed cotton bedding for a cosy winter bedroom for a long time, but it's taken a while for this fabric to hit the high street in the way it has this season.

Yep, in 2026, brushed cotton is having a moment. M&S, John Lewis, Dunelm, and plenty more stores have all got behind this cosy fabric this season, and I, for one, couldn't be happier that there are now more patterns and colours to shop.

I've tracked down all of the top buys, and this is the best brushed cotton bedding on the high street this year.

I don't know about you, but nothing screams cosy season to me like curling up in a warm, inviting bed at the end of a long day. And it's the simple things that make a difference - the weight of a snuggly duvet, a pillow you can sink your head into, and soft sheets that feel lovely the second you slide in.

But the secret to creating a super cosy bed comes down to how it looks and how it feels. From choosing the best duvet for the season to finding the best pillow to suit you, the right bedding fabrics and textures can transform how warm, comfortable and cosy your bed is.

So, how do you get that comfy, cocoon feel without making your bed feel impractical? I asked bedding and interiors experts for their simple tricks for creating a bed that looks as good as it feels.

1. Size up your duvet

Sizing up your duvet is one of the best tricks there is, says Kriti Mawij, head of procurement at Belledorm. 'A super king duvet on a king bed drapes over the sides, looks fuller, and stops draughts getting in when you or your partner turn over.'

When styling a cosy bed, the duvet is the first place interior designer Stephanie Griffiths starts. 'I start with a duvet one size bigger than the bed, so it drapes over the sides and looks full and inviting,' she says.

Whatever size duvet you choose, match the duvet tog to the season. 'Higher togs, from around 10.5 to 13.5, suit winter for most people, while a lighter duvet is fine if your bedroom stays warm,' adds Kriti.

2. Use cushions to create texture

It seems to be a long-standing debate when it comes to whether bed cushions are a must or a waste of time (I'm team cushions and my husband is in the no-cushions camp). But if you're looking to create a cosy bed, cushions are an easy way to create softness and depth.

While you might picture a cosy bed adorned with lots of pillows, Kriti says you don't necessarily need more. 'Four is plenty for a double: two to sleep on and two for sitting up to read,' she says. 'Beyond that, they mostly end up on the floor. Better to invest in two really good pillows than six average ones.'

'I add a pair of square cushions and finish with a long bolster across the front,' says Steph. 'The bolster pulls the whole look together and makes the bed feel finished without having a mountain of cushions to move every night.'

Josh Branigan, furniture and home interiors expert at bedkingdom suggests varying the sizes and textures of the cushions rather than just adding more. 'A larger cushion at the back with a smaller one in front can create depth,' he says. 'It's also much more practical when it comes to actually getting into bed at night.'

3. Switch to brushed cotton

You don't just want your bed to look cosy, it has to feel cosy, too. Kriti recommends opting for brushed cotton, especially in winter. 'The brushing process lifts the surface fibres, which creates a soft, slightly fuzzy feel and holds warmth close to the body,' she says. 'Cotton also breathes, so you stay cosy without getting clammy.'

Josh agrees. 'Cotton bedding makes a good base, while materials such as brushed cotton can feel particularly cosy during the colder months.'

4. Layer a throw at the foot of the bed

A good throw is one of the easiest ways to make a bed look more luxurious, and feel cosy and inviting.

'Fold a chunky wool or mohair throw across the foot of the bed,' advises Steph. 'It adds warmth where you need it and gives that snug, autumnal feel straight away.'

And when it comes to dressing a bed, you don't need to worry about achieving a perfectly made bed, either. Josh says a slightly relaxed finish can often feel cosier than a perfectly made bed.

'Don't worry about everything being completely symmetrical,' he advises. 'Folding back the duvet slightly and loosely draping a throw across the bed can make the room feel much more comfortable and lived-in.'

5. Make the space around your bed feel cosy

And finally, a beautifully layered bed can still feel a little less inviting if the space around it is bare.

'One trick people often overlook is styling the area around the bed as well as the bed itself,' says Josh. 'A rug beside or underneath the bed, curtains and warm bedside lighting can all help soften the space and make the whole bedroom feel cosier.'

Thinking about headboard ideas is another way to make your bed feel more welcoming. Steph recommends a soft bouclé or fabric upholstered headboard. 'It makes the whole bed feel like somewhere you want to curl up,' she adds.

Shop cosy bed essentials

Now you've got your cosy bed set-up sorted, you can make the rest of the room feel just as inviting with a few cosy bedroom ideas.

When I first caught a glimpse of the new M&S winter bedding collection at the brand's AW26 press preview, I knew it was going to be a winner.

Not only has the high street favourite nailed all the biggest bedding trends of the season – think rich burgundy and moss green colourways, alongside of-the-moment checkerboard and jacquard woven textures – but it's also done so with the brand's trademark practicality and brilliant value for money.

The uber-stylish M&S Blurred Floral Bedding Set and on-trend M&S Checkerboard Gauze Jacquard Bedding Set are the two buys currently tempting me to part with my hard-earned cash, but I'm also impressed by all of the super practical M&S zipped bedding sets on offer this autumn.

When it comes to where to buy bedding this cosy season, M&S is the place to shop as far as I'm concerned.

However, don't wait until the mercury drops to bagsy your bedding. As usual, M&S's best-value bedding sets are selling out fast. These are the looks I recommend snapping up before sizes disappear.

Whether you opt for a modern floral or contemporary checkerboard design, I think M&S's autumn bedding collection is the perfect way to give your bedroom a cosy and affordable autumn upgrade.

Even better? There are plenty of layering ideas too, whether that's the brand's sell-out M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Throws (that disappear off the shelves in record time most years) or M&S's new geometric bedspreads and blankets. Cosy season has never looked so stylish.

Forget two pillows, or even four. According to a bedding expert renowned for their well-styled bedscaping, the key to creating a more expensive-looking bedroom is to opt for *six* pillows on your bed.

However, whilst six is the magic number when it comes to creating a comfortable and beautifully styled bed, there’s one more design trick you need up your sleeve to make this simple bedding update look as luxe as possible.

This is how to elevate your bedroom design ideas, and make your bed the pièce de résistance in your room.

The 'six-pillow rule'

‘People often think styling a bed has to be complicated,’ says bedding expert and Secret Linen Store co-founder Molly Freshwater, ‘but sometimes it's the simplest changes that make the biggest difference. For me, that's upgrading from four to six pillows.’

Why six pillows? ‘Whether you're creating a hotel-inspired bedroom or simply making your bed feel more inviting, adding two extra pillows instantly transforms both the look and feel of the space,’ says Molly.

However, this doesn’t mean simply piling more pillows onto your bed. Instead, according to Molly, the key to creating luxe-look bedscaping comes down to considering not just the number, but also the shape of your pillows.

‘For me, the perfect combination is four standard pillows and two square pillows,’ explains Molly. ‘The standards give you everything you need for sleeping, while the squares add height, softness and somewhere wonderfully comfortable to lean when you're reading or enjoying a lazy Sunday morning.’

And, of course, those extra pillows also mean more opportunity to add texture, colour, and pattern to the bedroom – a sure-fire way to make a sleep space feel more elevated and expensive.

‘Six pillows opens up so many styling possibilities,’ agrees Molly. ‘I love mixing colours, stripes and textures in pairs, using two pillows that match the duvet cover fabric, two in the sheet fabric and two as a little moment of personality.’

And as well as mixing and matching colours and patterns, Molly suggests doing the same with texture. ‘Think soft washed linen, relaxed cotton and one beautifully draped throw at the foot of the bed,’ says the bedding expert, ‘that’s often all you need.'

Wondering how to style those extra pillows? Well, according to Molly, there isn't one "correct" way to arrange them.

‘It depends entirely on my mood that morning,’ Molly says. ‘Some days I'll stand the standard pillows up with the squares sitting proudly in front. Other days I'll put the squares at the back and let the standards tumble gently in front. Both create a completely different feel.’

Mostly, ‘don't worry about getting everything “right”,’ says Molly, ‘play with colours, try different layouts and choose combinations that make you smile. I've always believed a bed should feel like it belongs to real people rather than looking like a showroom display. The best bedrooms have personality.’

‘The more important thing is making sure every pillow is properly plumped,’ says Molly. ‘A well-made bed instantly makes the whole bedroom feel calmer and more considered.’

And in case you (or your other half) is concerned about the practical details of adding more cushions to the bed, Molly’s quick to point out that stylish doesn't have to mean impractical.

So, where do all those cushions go at night? ‘I never let cushions end up in a sad little heap,’ says Molly. ‘They deserve a bedtime routine too! A chair, bench, basket or shelf all work beautifully, but honestly, even a clean floor is absolutely fine. Giving them a proper home means making the bed in the morning becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.’

I know we’re only at the end of September, but I have just spotted the bedding set that is going to see me through the winter months: Next’s Sateen Robins Christmas Duvet Cover and Pillowcase (from £55).

Next is one of the best places to buy bedding, particularly colourful and patterned bedding. If you want your bedroom ideas to stay on trend, Next is one of the brands I recommend for personality-packed bedding.

But one thing Next absolutely nails is their seasonal bedding sets, and this sateen set, complete with festive red bows and detailed robin foliage, is just the right amount of festive. In fact, I’d be tempted to use it all winter long.

If this year’s bedding trends have proved anything, it’s that nature-inspired colour palettes and floral prints are having a huge comeback, and with this bedding set featuring a border of bushy green foliage, it’s perfectly on trend for the new season.

Last year, Next dropped a fleecy robin bedding set, and it’s safe to say we were all charmed by its good looks. Made with a soft, fleecy material, it was perfect for snuggling up on cold winter evenings. This year, Next has given robin bedding a luxury spin.

This set is made from sateen. Sateen bedding has a luxuriously smooth, silky finish, which often makes getting into bed feel like getting into bed at a posh hotel. Alongside its luxury feel, this bedding set has beautiful red bows along the edge of the duvet cover and pillowcases. While I am tired of the bow trend, I do think this makes for a striking and thoughtful finishing touch.

The robins themselves can be spotted in pairs or individually nestled amongst branches of festive mistletoe. If you’re a fan of attracting robins to your garden (and honestly, who isn’t?)This is a lovely way to continue the charm into your bedroom. Given that the set is largely white, the set isn’t too loud either.

If you really want to nail the luxury hotel feel, there are a couple of extra things you can do to make your bed feel even comfier this autumn and winter. Alongside your sateen robin set, investing one of the best mattress toppers offers an additional layer of cushioning for a bed that’s even comfier. Our best-rated topper, the Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, is currently reduced from £349 to £296.65.

Similarly, the Simba Hybrid Pillow is also 25% off right now. If your pillows are looking a little worse for wear, I’d recommend using this deal to give them an upgrade.

Alternatively, if it’s just bedding you're after, here are a few more of Next’s seasonal sets that have caught my eye.

Christmas has definitely landed early at Next. But this robin bedding set has convinced me to welcome the festive season early to my bedroom, too.

By now, there’s no way you haven’t spotted deer print quietly entrenching itself in both the fashion and interiors world this year. And I’m not about to complain, as Next’s Natural Deer Dapple Faux Fur Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set (from £50) has to be the cosiest example of how to do this trend well I’ve seen - I can’t wait to put it on my bed this winter.

Perhaps one of the more surprising home decor trends, and subsequently now a bedding trend of 2026, delicate deer print has been everywhere of late, even taking favour over cult animal prints like leopard and zebra.

But I don’t think I’ve seen this trendy print used better than as a cosy bedding set. If you’re excited for snuggling down during the colder months, this is the statement bedding set to get your hands on now.

Right now, deer print is very much centred in the fashion sphere. But as with any clothing trend, it is starting to trickle through into home decor. Most recently, Dunelm dropped a deer print fabric floor lamp, which proved a bold and playful way to embrace the trend. However, I’d argue that it fares far better as a bedding idea.

Deer print is trending because it is a gentler interpretation of the classic animal print trend. It uses a softer colour palette than leopard print, and the pattern is less defined. Because of this, I’d say deer print is better suited to your sleep space (although I do also love this funky leopard print bedding set, also from Next).

Next’s deer dapple duvet set combines a warm, white shade and a tawny brown to create a delightfully warm deer print. Its faux fur material only adds to the overall cosy look, and I do not doubt that it would be a godsend on cold winter nights. Next says this set will turn your bedroom into a ‘cosy sanctuary ’, stating the faux fur material feels incredibly soft to the touch.

I’m no stranger to fluffy bedding - I whip out Dunelm’s Teddy Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set in cream (£20) every winter - and it genuinely is the one thing I introduce in winter that makes my bedroom feel miles cosier. However, I have noticed that Next’s deer print set is made from 100% polyester, and if you’re looking to avoid synthetic materials, I’d opt for brushed cotton bedding.

If you’re looking for funky, on-trend designs, Next is definitely one of the best places to buy bedding. Their faux fur deer print set went straight to my wishlist as soon as I spotted it, and subsequently had me checking out the rest of Next’s cosy bedding sets. Here are three more stylish designs I spotted.

Is the Next deer print duvet set going on your wishlist, too?

I put the Dunelm Coverless Duvet to the test to see how it compared to some of the best duvets on the market.

In a nutshell

Dunelm's coverless duvet is one of the most affordable coverless options on the market, and has just been launched in two stylish looks - the striped version I tested, and a gingham check option.

A double costs £40, which is a lot cheaper than one of the most well-known branded coverless duvet makers on the market: Night Lark, whose most affordable double coverless duvet costs £75.

And I was impressed by this budget-friendly option. I found its all-in-one printed design felt less plasticky than the Night Lark Coverless Duvet I recently tested, although there are fewer style options available, and fewer warmth options. The Dunelm option comes in a 10.5 tog only, but it's a useful year-round tog.

Plus, I found the king-size Dunelm Coverless Duvet I tested was easier to bung straight in my normal washing machine (which is the main point of a coverless duvet after all). In contrast, the larger sizes of Night Lark's duvet are recommended for a large-capacity washing machine only. My Dunelm duvet also dried outside on the line in around two hours on a mild autumn day.

Overall, I think this is a great affordable option if you're considering giving a coverless duvet a whirl; I did find its polyester fill lacked breathability and made me a little too warm on hot nights, but if you want an easy to care for duvet, that could be a price worth paying.

Specifications

• RRP: £35 / £40 / £45
• Sizes: single / double / king
• Tog rating: 10.5 tog
• Materials: outer: polyester
• Care: machine wash at 40ºC, tumble dry on medium
• Manufacturer sleep trial: machine washable, tumble dry on a low heat setting

Feel

The Dunelm duvet comes in a drawstring bag with the same pattern as the duvet. This is super handy if you’re storing this duvet away – especially because you can tell what’s inside the bag without having to unpack it.

The duvet is made from 100 per cent polyester. As a sleep-product reviewer, I'm super fussy about what goes on my bed. So I was a bit dubious about how nice a 100 per cent polyester duvet would feel to sleep under. (Yes, my job has made a sleep snob out of me). Sometimes man-made-textile duvets can feel slippery like a sleeping bag, but not this coverless duvet.

If I were doing a blind test, I’d guess it’s made from cotton. When I slept underneath it, I preferred this because it didn’t feel like it was constantly slipping off and I was having to clutch on to it as I slept. I definitely found it less plasticky than the Night Lark coverless duvet I previously tested.

I usually sleep with a (far more expensive) scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet, which is super marshmallowy. The loft on the Dunelm coverless duvet is pretty thin in comparison, and it feels pretty lightweight too. This is probably on par with the Night Lark coverless duvet.

Temperature regulation

Temperature regulation is a real bugbear of mine when I’m asleep. I overheat easily, and man-made fibres often exacerbate the issue because they lack breathability and can result in me feeling like a sticky mess. When weighing up feather and down vs synthetic duvets, polyester duvets are generally less breathable as they let less air flow through than other duvets.

So I was keen to see how the Dunelm coverless duvet fared at keeping me cool. I tested the duvet during early autumn, which gave me a good mix of warm and slightly cooler evenings. At 10.5 togs, this duvet would probably be too hot for very warm summer nights.

I found I was warm as soon as I slid under the Dunelm coverless duvet. It’s quite lightweight, so it didn’t drape too snugly to me. This allowed air to flow and kept me cooler. Any heavier and I think this duvet would have felt very hot.

While the Dunelm coverless duvet is nowhere near as temperature-regulating as my feather and down duvet, nor a wool duvet (my spare room has the wool-filled Woolroom Deluxe Wool Washable Duvet on the bed, which we rate as one of the best duvets for hot sleepers), I did find it on a par with the similarly synthetic Night Lark coverless duvet in this area. It was warm for sure, but not too sweaty.

Ease of care

Coverless duvets are appealing if you want something that’s easy to clean if you often need to wash a duvet. As a parent, I see that having a duvet you can just pull off, stick in the wash, and stick another one on in the middle of the night – so long as you have one to use, one to wash.

What I think coverless duvets are particularly great for is camping, spare rooms and kids’ beds – they’re great for nighttime accidents. This is because you can bung the whole duvet straight in the washing machine, and that's where Dunelm's coverless option trumped the Night Lark’s coverless duvet I'd recently tested.

With the Night Lark duvet, the king size had to be washed in a large-capacity washing machine. However, the Dunelm coverless duvet has no such recommendations so you can stick it in the washing machine at 40ºC. While line drying is recommended on the label, you can also tumble dry it on low.

I dried it on a warm September day on the line, and it took about two hours to dry. If you’re storing your duvet away, it’s really important that the duvet is absolutely bone dry to prevent it from going mouldy.

While it doesn’t pack down super small if you’re a hardcore hike-and-camp type, it’s ideal for campsites and campervans where you can cram all your stuff into your car. It’s also great for student bedrooms as you can quickly and easily give your room a refresh by wholesale washing your duvet.

Sleep trial

There's no sleep trial available on Dunelm's bedding, which does mean there's no option to test this option out before you commit to keeping it.

However, that's the case with every coverless duvet I've come across, and Dunelm's option is at least one of the most budget-friendly on the market, so it's less of an investment if you're on the fence about whether a coverless duvet will work for your needs.

Value for money

Any king-size duvet that's only £45 is impressive value for money, and this Dunelm coverless duvet is no exception. Especially if you consider you don’t have to buy a duvet cover. It’s just £35 for a single and £40 for a double, and it also comes with matching pillowcases, which pleasantly surprised me for the price.

I also liked that this was a double-sided duvet cover. One side has stripes, and the other a solid colour. While I went for taupe stripes, Dunelm also sells a stylish blue gingham coverless duvet if you want something more vibrant.

Conversely, the most affordable Night Lark coverless duvet starts at £45 for a single, and £85 for the king-size. Admittedly, Night Lark has a lot more style options to choose from, but if you're happy with stripes or gingham checks, I think the Dunelm coverless duvet is very competitive on price.

How I tested

I spent two weeks testing the Dunelm coverless duvet during a period of mild weather in early autumn. I slept on the job, testing it while asleep next to my husband – who is also a very hot sleeper and extremely vocal about what duvet he will and won’t sleep under.

While testing, I considered the look, feel, and quality of the duvet, how it draped across me while I slept, how quickly I warmed up underneath it, and if I overheated at all.

Along with my own experience, I used an Oura Ring 4 as a sleep tracker, which gives me all the stats about my sleep I could want or need. This helped to detect every disturbance and how restful my sleep was.

I also factored in how easy this duvet is to care for, and, of course, value for money is always part of the duvet testing process at Ideal Home. I compared this duvet to similar options on the market and considered how its performance compares to its price point.

Over the past week, I’ve very happily gorged on the latest designs to make their way into the now-iconic Habitat x Morris & Co collaboration - and the one piece I can’t stop thinking about is the Habitat x Morris & Co. Hyacinth Quilted Bedspread (£60)

Last week, the Habitat x Morris & Co. collection for AW26 dropped, and there has been no shortage of future classics landing in store and online. But one thing this collaboration always nails is their bedding.

I’d argue the Habitat x Morris & Co. bedding drops are some of the most beautiful bedding designs I’ve seen, and now, hopping on the latest bedspread trend, the Hyacinth Quilted Bedspread is the must-have autumn bedroom accessory.

If you ask me, Habitat is one of the best places to shop Morris & Co. designs, and this latest example does the iconic Arts and Crafts designer justice, not to mention nails one of the biggest bedding trends of the year - the return of the bedspread.

‘Bedspreads fit perfectly with the move towards bedrooms that feel softer, more layered and more considered. We’ve seen a real appetite for interiors that feel comfortable and lived-in rather than overly styled, and a bedspread is a very easy way to bring that look into a bedroom,’ says Expert Comment from Gareth Coxall, Creative Director at Terrys Fabrics.

‘They also tap into the growing popularity of nostalgic, traditional decorating. Quilted finishes, florals and textured fabrics can introduce that slightly vintage feel without having to completely redecorate.’

Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, agrees, pointing out she’s seen this trend everywhere this year.

'One of this year's biggest bedding trends is heirloom-style bedding, and this Habitat x Morris & Co. bedspread sums up the look perfectly. I've seen statement quilts at all the big retailers this autumn, from John Lewis' contemporary take on the classic patchwork quilt to Pottery Barn's trad-look quilted bedspread collection. However, Habitat just nailed this on-trend look for a lot less money,’ she says.

It’s true, John Lewis’s quilts - such as the gorgeous Diamond Patchwork Quilt - retail for £200, while Habitat and Morris & Co’s Hyacinth Bedspread is a far more affordable £60. Yet it still delivers a high-end look.

The Hyacinth bedspread consists of two Morris & Co. prints. The first is Hyacinth, which was designed between 1900 and 1912 by John Henry Dearle, and the second is Woodland Weeds, which was first printed in 1905 by John Henry Dearle.

The bedspread itself is made from 100% cotton and is machine washable for ease of use. Despite its autumnal look, it can be used all year round, adding extra warmth in winter and even replacing your duvet in spring and summer when it gets too warm.

It’s not the only piece of bedding to drop over the week either. Here are a few more Habitat x Morris & Co. designs I can’t stop lusting over.

If there's one thing I'm treating myself this pay day it's this gorgeous bedspread. I can't think of anything better for snuggling up under this autumn.

When I sat down with TV presenter, podcaster and influencer Olivia Attwood to get the lowdown on her home, she revealed the one place she shops that makes her bed feel as luxurious as the Four Seasons: John Lewis.

Following Olivia’s recent collaboration with Ninja to promote the new CRISPI Microwave, I was able to spend time with the star and find out what makes her house feel like home.

Olivia explained that investing in the best bedding and best mattress is a sound investment when it comes to cultivating an ideal sleep space, and her go-to place for bedding supplies is John Lewis.

Asking Olivia what the favourite part of her home was, she told me it was her bedroom. And as someone who values a cosy bedroom idea, I was keen to hear what she had to say.

‘It's just a very, like, peaceful space,’ she said. ‘I invested in a gorgeous mattress.'

‘I think good quality bedding and a good mattress is such an investment, and my bed is insane. My friend, he slept over the other night, and he was like, ‘oh my god, it’s like getting into bed at Four Seasons’, I was like, I know. That was literally what I tried to achieve.’

And the bedding Olivia uses to achieve a Four Seasons feel? Well, her favourite bedding always comes from John Lewis, in particular, the John Lewis Hotel bedding set (from £30).

‘I always want my bedding by John Lewis as well. My parents used to buy their bedding there, and I feel like I just followed in that,’ she said.

‘It's not cheap, but it feels incredible. It's called the John Lewis Hotel Collection.’

Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, agrees with Olivia, explaining that while John Lewis bedding can be a little more expensive, in her experience it is worth the money.

‘All of the John Lewis bedding I've tested has always been great quality. Yes, it tends to be a little more expensive than M&S or Next, and a lot more expensive than Dunelm or a supermarket buy, but you do get what you pay for,’ she said.

‘Egyptian cotton is some of the finest you can get, so I'm not surprised Olivia is pleased with her choice. This set is smooth and silky, so it feels exactly like that luxe hotel experience.'

Shop John Lewis bedding

Olivia Attwood has partnered with SharkNinja to promote the new Ninja CRISPi Microwave, which is available now.

I put the Groove Adjustable Memory Foam pillow to the test on my own bed and slept on it for a week to see how it compares to the best pillows on the market.

In a nutshell

As you might guess from its name, the Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is adjustable, which means you can alter its height to suit your particular body frame.

This makes it a particularly useful option for side sleepers, as you can make it higher or lower to better suit broad shoulders or a petite frame. It's also ergonomically shaped, with 'cutouts' for your shoulders that aim to improve sleep posture and deliver better spinal alignment.

Because of this, it's one of the best pillows for side sleepers that I've tested, and even better, you get a 100-night sleep trial to test it out for yourself and see if you feel the same. Plus, at just £45 I think it's great value for money.

Does it have any downsides? Yes, at least it does for me. I found it a little too firm – my ear felt squashed compared to my usual bouncy latex pillow – and I found it warm to sleep on. I love a cool pillow, and I found I had a hot head after I'd been lying on it for 15 minutes or so.

However, if you can overlook those niggles, I think this pillow will suit a lot of people, so if you're looking for the best memory foam pillow, or a good pillow for side sleeping, it's definitely one well worth having on your radar.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review

Specifications

• Best for: side sleepers
• RRP: £45
• Feel: firm
• Heights available: adjustable
• Materials: poly-cotton and memory foam
• Care instructions: insert: do not wash; cover: machine wash at 30ºC
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 100 nights

Comfort

The main selling point of the Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is its adjustable height. The pillow has a zipped cover, and inside are four removable layers, which means you can adjust the pillow to multiple different heights.

Why is this important? Because, as the Groove product page explains, 'if your pillow is too high or too low for your frame, it can contribute to shoulder pain, headaches, and poor sleeping posture.'

As I've discovered during the five years I've been testing pillows as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, this tends to mean that a one-size pillow that might suit one person perfectly can be completely wrong for another. And this is particularly the case if, like me, you're a side sleeper.

As the Groove website continues to explain, 'wider frames or broad shoulders need more loft to fill the gap between neck and mattress; too little, and the shoulder takes the strain instead.' In contrast, petite frames may find most side sleeping pillows offer too much height, which 'forces the neck to crane upward all night; less loft keeps the spine level.'

Those removable layers mean you can make the Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow the exact right height for *your* body. Plus, it's ergonomically shaped, with moulded sections designed to support your neck whether you're lying on your side or back.

It took me some experimenting to find the right height for me. Initially, I removed two layers, but found I woke with a sore neck as the pillow was still too high. However, after removing another of the thinner layers, I found my 'just right'.

This meant that when I lay on my side, my head and neck were supported in alignment with my spine. I always use a body pillow to help prevent me from rolling forward or back at night (Woolroom's Washable Wool Body Pillow or the Simba Body Pillow are two of the best), and with the Groove pillow under my head and a body pillow at my side, I had good sleep posture all night long.

The downsides? I found this is a pretty firm pillow. I'm used to sleeping on a latex pillow (the Woolroom Natural Latex Washable Wool Pillow is my pillow of choice), and in contrast to latex's springy, zero-gravity feel, the memory foam-filled Groove Adjustable pillow felt very solid and dense under my ear.

As such, it was a little *too* firm for me, and I found I woke up with a bit of a squashed ear the first few nights, although I did get used to the firmer feel as my week's testing wore on.

Plus, I know a lot of people who love a firmer feel under their head. My colleague Zoe raves about the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, which I find *far* too firm, so pillow density does come down to personal preference.

Temperature regulation

I actually tested two of Groove's pillows over the summer: the Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow and the Groove Air Cooling Pillow. However, unfortunately, I found both slept warmer than I would have liked.

This is a common problem with memory foam pillows, and despite the addition of cooling technologies, I found my head still got a lot hotter on these pillows than it does when I lay on latex, wool, or feather and down.

Admittedly, I'm a hot sleeper, and I tested these pillows during a heatwave. But I made sure to test them in much cooler weather too, and I still found I got a hot and slightly sweaty head after 15 minutes or so.

My overheating was helped by adding a cooling pillowcase to the pillow (I recommend one of the best silk pillowcases if your budget can stretch), but I wouldn't say that good temperature regulation is this pillow's strong suit.

Ease of care

Like all memory foam pillows, the inner core of the Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow can't be washed. However, you can unzip the cover and wash that on a 30°C machine wash.

Being memory foam, there's also no need to plump this pillow or redistribute the filling, so there's really very little care involved in keeping it in good condition.

The only downside I found was finding somewhere to store the adjustable layers that I removed.

Sleep trial

Groove offers a *very* generous 100 nights to test out this pillow and see if it helps to improve your sleep. That's one of the longest sleep trials in the pillow market and should be plenty of time to see if its unusual shape and adjustable layers suit your sleep style.

Value for money

As of writing, the Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow costs just £45, which I think is very good value for money for an adjustable pillow.

For comparison, the adjustable Simba Hybrid Pillow costs an eye-watering £109, and The Fine Bedding Company's Adjustable HoneyFoam Pillow will set you back £99. That said, both of these pillows do have infinitely adjustable fill. Instead of layers, they're constructed from hundreds of memory foam 'clusters' you can add or remove to your heart's content.

Both the Simba Hybrid and HoneyFoam pillows are also softer in feel, although I found they didn't keep my head as well-aligned for side sleeping as the firmer Groove Adjustable did.

How I tested

To test out this pillow, I slept on it for a week on my own bed to assess its comfort and temperature regulation. I also assessed its ease of care, any sleep trials available, and how it compares to similar products on the market to see if it offers good value for money.

M&S has just launched a new collection of zipped duvet covers, and they're a game-changer for hassle-free bedding.

What's more, this new bedding collection isn't just practical; it's also one of the most stylish autumn bedding ranges I've seen so far this year.

Plus, prices for one of the collection's star bedding sets – the M&S Brushed Cotton Melange Printed Geo Bedding Set – start from just £30.

If you're looking to cosy up your bed, ready for the 'ber' seasons of September, October, November, and December, I think M&S is the place to shop this autumn.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I always choose M&S as one of my top recommendations for where to buy bedding.

In my opinion, the brand's bedding reliably offers good looks, value for money, and ease of care. Every season, M&S nails stylish design, affordable prices, and practical materials that wash well.

However, this season, I think M&S has added another convincing reason to shop its bedding range. Namely: it's ditched faffy buttonhole or popper duvet closures, and replaced them with zips.

I've done the math and Marks & Spencer's has over 60 zipped duvet covers in its collection this autumn. That's more than I've ever seen at any retailer, and if you're in favour of hassle-free bedding, this is a big deal.

After all, there's a reason that coverless duvets are currently taking the bedding market by storm, and that reason is the promise of faff-free laundry days.

Are coverless duvets a good idea? Personally, I'm not sure they suit everyone. But their popularity is definitely a sign that we're all looking for ways to make our lives easier, and that includes time-saving bedding choices.

I doubt that any of us would name changing a duvet cover as one of our favourite household tasks, and there's no denying that simply zipping up a duvet cover is quicker and easier than forcing ten buttons (that never seem to fit) through ten buttonholes (and then constantly rebuttoning them every time one pops undone).

Plus, the expansion of M&S's zipped duvet cover range means that the brand's zipped bedding sets now include some *very* stylish options. We saw a curated edit of the autumn bedding collection at M&S's Press Show earlier in the year, and the Ideal Home team was definitely impressed.

Both the £30 M&S Brushed Cotton Melange Printed Geo Bedding Set and my personal favourite, the uber-autumnal M&S Checkerboard Gauze Jacquard Bedding Set, nail one of this autumn's hottest bedding trends.

From bedroom rug trends to what goes on the bed, design experts say geometrics are one of the key looks of the season. And when those checkerboard geometrics are paired with this autumn's most stylish colourways – moss green and aubergine – the effect is an instant bedroom upgrade.

That said, geometrics aren't the only bedding to benefit from M&S's new hassle-free zip closures. I've rounded up some more of my favourites below.

Shop zipped duvet covers at M&S

Wondering how we test electric blankets at Ideal Home? As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I'm here to explain all.

Alongside my team of trusty product reviewers, I've put fifteen of the best electric blankets on the market through their paces so far, and each blanket has been tested according to the following criteria.

How we test electric blankets

We test each electric blanket at home, on our own bed, for at least a week. During testing, we assess the following factors.

1. Attaching the electric blanket to the bed

First up, we assess how easy it is to attach the electric blanket to our mattress.

We also assess whether the electric blanket covers the entire mattress surface (I’ve found that many electric blankets scrimp on size) and how securely the blanket stays in place throughout the testing period.

2. How comfortable is the electric blanket to lie on?

Next up, it's comfort. Once the electric blanket is attached to the mattress, we lie on it and assess any changes to our sleep comfort.

Can we feel any of the electrical wires through our bedsheet? Is the blanket padded at all? And if so, does that padding make our bed more or less comfortable?

We also note the location of the electrical sockets, and if they're in a comfortable place where they can’t be felt when we’re lying down.

3. How quickly does the electric blanket heat up?

There's nothing worse than lying there shivering whilst an electric blanket takes twenty minutes to heat up. So next up, we time how long it takes the blanket to reach maximum temperature.

We also investigate how many heat settings the electric blanket has, and how easy it is to find our ideal temperature. (The more heat settings, the easier it is to fine-tune your ideal warmth level).

4. Does the electric blanket work for couples?

We also note whether the larger sizes of the electric blanket (i.e. the double/king/super king sizes) have dual controls.

Dual controls are very useful if you share your bed with a partner, as it means both sides of the electric blanket can be operated independently.

That means that if you're hot-blooded whilst your partner sleeps cold, you can each tailor your comfort to suit your individual requirements (with less arguments about the thermostat!).

5. How easy is the electric blanket to use?

Next up, we test how easy we find the electric blanket to use.

We consider whether the controls are physically easy to operate, and if we can see the controls and temperature settings in the dark.

We note whether the electric blanket has a timer so it automatically switches off at a set time, in case you fall asleep whilst it's on.

We also note if the electric blanket has an auto-shut-off feature that turns off the blanket if the internal sensors detect dangerous overheating, as well as any other useful functionality.

6. Ease of care

Next, we find out if the electric blanket can be washed. If so, we note the care instructions and wash and dry the electric blanket according to the manufacturer's advice to check how easy the process is.

7. Value for money

Lastly, we consider the electric blanket's value for money. We consider how much it costs to buy, and if we think this offers good value for money for what the product delivers.

Plus, we find out the electric blanket's wattage, and consider how much the electric blanket costs to run.

We also compare the blanket to other similar products we've tested to see how it compares to its competition.

Ultimately, we sum up what we like about the electric blanket, what we don’t like, and whether we'd recommend it to you, our readers.

We then use this testing data to rate each electric blanket we review out of five stars.

How we come to our star rating

Any products that score below four stars we tend not to recommend, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as a very low price or specialist functionality.

Our Certified Experts

Our Certified Experts are members of the Ideal Home team who have developed specialist knowledge in their subject area. They have hands-on, practical experience with industry-leading products, regularly conduct product testing, and have conducted research into each product category they review.

Each Certified Expert must complete a five-stage process to gain this accreditation, involving the following stages:

1. Testing Our Certified Experts have hands-on experience testing the bestselling and highest-rated products on the market. This then becomes the benchmark against which other products are reviewed and judged.

2. Product research Our experts immerse themselves in each product category, learning everything there is to know about the product, from how it's made, to its biggest pros and cons.

3. Behind the scenes As well as hands-on product testing in a home environment, our Certified Experts have also gained insider knowledge on the products they test. This might be through factory visits, showroom tours, or comparison testing days at our testing facility.

4. Industry knowledge Our experts know the nitty-gritty of each product category. They regularly speak with industry experts such as product developers and retailers, they know the market leaders and the growing trends within the industry. They are non-biased and able to formulate an honest judgement about the USPs offered by different products on the market.

5. Wider opinions Our experts don't just rely on their own knowledge, they also seek input from the wider team and carefully research customer product reviews to gauge wider product satisfaction, noting and investigating any regularly occurring customer feedback.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've seen a lot of weird and wonderful product launches in my time. But one thing I certainly never expected to see was ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's suddenly launching a pillowcase collection.

Better known for their frozen dessert, bedding seems a (very) strange new direction for the brand, but, actually, once I understood the logic, I have to admit that it makes sense. Kind of!

What's more, when it comes to where to buy bedding, you usually won't encounter any way to dress your bed that's *free*. But this new Ben & Jerry's pillowcase range is.

There are three pillowcases in Ben & Jerry's unconventional collection, and, of course, they're inspired by the brand's most popular ice cream flavours. There are Cookie Dough, Phish Food, and Half Baked pillowcase designs, and all come served rolled up in a limited-edition Ben & Jerry's ice cream tub.

Weird? Definitely, but this is also part of their ingenuity. The collection has been launched to coincide with the upcoming warm September weather, and to offer a solution to what sleep experts are dubbing 'cranium cooling.'

The idea is you stick your Ben & Jerry's pillowcase straight into your freezer in its freezer-ready tub, and when a too-warm bedtime arrives, you pop your chilled pillowcase onto your pillow to cool down your head.

Is it a marketing gimmick? Absolutely. But it's also a gimmick that sleep experts say can actually work to help us sleep better in warm weather.

As Ben & Jerry's reveals, new research commissioned via OnePoll found that over half of Brits say flipping to the cool side of the pillow is crucial for a decent night’s sleep, with 56% agreeing that flipping to the cool side helps them fall asleep.

Ben & Jerry’s also found that a further 42% of those polled admitted they are already officially fed up with the summer heat, and 72% are now desperately craving 'cosy season'.

Had I been polled, I would definitely have been one of those cosy season cravers, and a large part of that is how badly I've slept during this summer's heatwaves.

I imagine none of us enjoy tossing and turning in bed when it's too hot and humid to drift off, and an overly warm pillow definitely adds to that misery.

Plus, as sleep expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Zoe Gotts explains, there's a scientific reason why a hot head makes it harder to fall asleep, and why cooling our cranium (otherwise known as head cooling or brain cooling) can help us sleep better.

'When you cool the head and neck area directly, you’re doing more than simply making yourself comfortable,' explains Zoe, 'you’re tapping into one of the body’s key signals for sleep: temperature.

'Cooling the head can help with heat dissipation and thermal comfort, particularly when you’re too warm to sleep, potentially making it easier to settle and stay asleep.

'Rather than forcing the brain to switch off, you’re creating the right thermal conditions for the body’s natural sleep system to take over. Think of it as helping your body press the sleep button,' Zoe explains.

Do you need a Ben & Jerry's pillowcase to make the most of this cooling hack? No. But the brand's pillowcases are free, and they do come in a freezer-ready tub. Plus, they're kinda fun!

To get your hands on one, you simply need to enter the Ben & Jerry's giveaway before it ends on Sunday 14 September at 11:59 pm.

And if you're not a lucky winner, you can, of course, use one of your existing pillowcases to try out this cooling trick instead.

Or, if you really want to create the ultimate cranium-cooling sleep setup, I recommend investing in one of the best silk pillowcases. They're not cheap, but the silky fabric is much cooler than any other fabric I've slept on, and they've certainly made a big difference to this hot-sleeper's shut-eye over the summer.

Sorry, neutral bedding, there is a new bedding style we can’t get enough of this autumn, and I predict it will be making an appearance in the most stylish of homes. Experts are calling it ‘Grandma Chic’ and it's perfect for making your bedroom cosier this autumn.

Not only is Next one of the best places to buy bedding, but it’s also renowned for its beautiful bedding designs. Only recently, Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood, was lusting over Next’s adorable new pumpkin bedding.

However, you can set pumpkins aside for now, as what used to be known as more ‘grannyish’ prints such as ditsy florals, ruffles and vintage prints are currently in vogue. Here’s how and why you should be shopping for the grandma chic bedding trend.

The grandma chic bedding trend

Nostalgia for vintage bedding trends has been seen everywhere this year. FatFace dropped a retro bedding collection back in the summer, and I couldn’t possibly write an article on vintage-look bedding without referencing Habitat’s Morris & Co bedding collection, which is arguably the epitome of the trend.

Instead of crisp, white bedding, all I'm seeing over social media and the new-in sections of my favourite brands are ditsy florals, kitsch patterns and plenty of lace.

But why are these prints becoming increasingly popular? It’s as simple as shoppers looking to make their bedroom ideas feel more personal, and changing your duvet cover is one of the easiest ways to redecorate without spending a fortune or making any permanent changes.

'We're overstimulated by over-consumption and tired of homes that add to this overwhelm in our personal and professional lives, especially with social media,’ explains Laura Rich, interior designer at Furniturebox. We’re focused on making our homes sanctuaries for this exact reason, while also maintaining personality and fun in our homes - making our homes a reflection of us and our character.

'We’re looking for comfort personified in our homes, especially as we head into the nesting season in autumn/winter, so the priority is soft, cosy spaces where we can be ourselves and feel comfortable and safe.

‘Once upon a time our homes were all about perfection and fitting into an aesthetic. Now, our bed can be an emotional safe space, rejecting any coldness of minimalism, built around soft textures designed for real rest and relaxation.

'A modern take on vintage styles and heirloom embroidery feels nostalgic and comfortable while also being fresh and functional. It feels lived-in without being dated, and is the perfect place to properly rest and unwind.’

Shop the trend

Are you on board with the grandma chic bedding trend?

There are some things you might expect to sell well in a heatwave: ice cream, fans, portable air conditioners, perhaps. But I'm willing to bet that quilts wouldn't usually top your list of hot weather purchases.

However, such is the draw of John Lewis' autumn quilt collection that sales have soared this summer. Yep, even during the many heatwaves.

In fact, the John Lewis Leon Quilt in particular has sold out *twice* since it first went online, and cosy season hasn't even begun yet!

To be honest, I'm not surprised. When I predicted 2026's biggest bedding trends at the beginning of the year, two looks in particular were top of the list, and the John Lewis quilt collection nails both.

First, there is the artisanal, handcrafted look, and the brand's beautifully quilted and embroidered bedspreads, such as the John Lewis Floral Embroidered Quilt, sum up the look perfectly.

Then there was the promise that modern heirloom designs would take centre stage, and what says 'looks like your (very stylish) Granny could have made it' more than the brand's fantastic patchwork quilt collection.

When the Ideal Home team first saw the new bedspread range at John Lewis Press Day Preview, we knew these designs were about to sell like hot cakes.

And we were right. The quilts have been a huge hit with John Lewis shoppers, and since they launched online, selected lines have already sold out multiple times.

'Gorgeous bedspread,' says one 5-star reviewer of the John Lewis Diamond Patchwork Quilt on the brand's website. 'Very detailed and a nice modern twist on a patchwork quilt. It really elevates our bedroom.'

'The most beautiful throw,' raves another happy quilt owner. 'The quality and colours on this throw are truly second to none. I've bought complementary bedding and decorative cushions to go with it, and it's transformed our bedroom.'

'So pleased when I put this on the bed. It looked stunning,' shares another reviewer of the John Lewis Keya Suzani Quilt. 'I had hesitated buying because I thought it was a little expensive, but so glad I did.'

'Beautiful bedspread,' echoes another shopper who agrees the investment is worth it. 'It is great value for money given that it is extremely well made and has been beautifully designed.'

I couldn't be happier,' sums up another owner. 'I love it. Just what I was looking for.'

John Lewis quilts

As summer draws to a close and the cooler, darker nights draw in, I think now is definitely the time to snap up this bestselling bedding before it sells out again.

These are some of my favourite designs, and all are currently in stock and ready to transform your bed into a stylish and cosy cold-season retreat.

I don't know about you, but where I live, it suddenly seems to have become autumn.

Only a week ago, I was hot, sweaty, and struggling to sleep during the latest summer heatwave, and now overnight temperatures have dropped to just 6°C, and it's suddenly chilly when the sun goes down.

Little wonder, then, that savvy M&S shoppers are already snapping up the brand's latest launch: the £20 M&S Brushed Cotton Striped Bedding Set.

Soft, cosy, and selling out in record time last year, I think this is the autumn bedding to snap up now, before the cold weather really hits, and this budget-friendly buy disappears from the shelves.

When it comes to where to buy bedding, M&S is always one of my top recommendations. However, I always think it's the brand's winter bedding that really hits the mark.

Last year, Marks & Spencer nailed one of the winter's biggest bedding trends with a sell-out brushed bedding collection that was one of the most stylish – and most affordable – ranges on the high street. And it looks like this year is going to follow suit.

The brand has just quietly dropped the first few lines of its autumn 2026 bedding collection, and this brushed cotton bedding set is already being snapped up by shoppers.

In fact, it's one of the most shopped bedding sets on the M&S website right now, according to the brand's on-site data.

I'm not surprised this set duvet cover and pillowcase set is proving so popular. To my mind, it nails the look and feel that many of us are craving after one of the hottest summers on record.

I, for one, can't wait for some cooler weather, and this is one of the first years I'm actually looking forward to getting cosy in bed as the nights draw in.

The best brushed cotton bedding is perfect for creating those cosy-core vibes. Plus, M&S has upped the cosy vibes even further by combining this tactile flannelette fabric with a traditional ticking stripe.

For me at least, the overall effect feels nostalgic, comforting, and a bit like being tucked up into bed at a favourite Nan or Grandma's house!

The striped collection is available in four autumnal shades: fern green, slate blue, dove grey, and a neutral linen colourway. And right now, they're all still in stock.

However, I have a feeling they won't stay that way. Especially once the cooler weather really hits. If last year is anything to go by, I imagine sizes will start disappearing fast.

Personally, I can't imagine any cosier bedding to hunker down under this autumn. That said, M&S does have some more great winter-warmers beginning to land on site and in-store. I've rounded up a few more new-season favourites below.

Shop alternatives

Do you stick one foot out of the duvet at night? If so, you're not alone. According to recently published research, over a third of British sleepers adopt this nighttime sleeping habit.

I was certainly one of those foot-sticker-outers until advice from a sleep expert changed my thinking.

As I learned, this common habit could actually be your body's signal that a few tweaks to your sleep setup are required. And as I discovered, a few simple changes can make all the difference to how well you rest at night.

When it comes to how to sleep better, this is what the experts want you to know.

Why we might stick one foot out of bed

A recent survey of 1,003 sleepers conducted by mattress retailer MattressNextDay found that 33% – or one in three people – sleep with one foot outside of the duvet during hot weather.

And according to sleep therapist Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, resident sleep expert at MattressNextDay, it is one of the few widely used sleep “hacks” that is supported by peer-reviewed science.

'Your body needs to drop its core temperature by one to two degrees Celsius to initiate and maintain healthy cycles of sleep,' explains Natalie.

However, if your sleep environment is too warm, 'your body’s natural cooling mechanisms struggle to release excess heat,' says Natalie. 'This trapped heat can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, disrupting your normal sleep routine. However, your feet can provide a surprisingly effective solution.'

Why? Because 'your feet and ankles contain specialised blood vessels that help regulate body temperature by releasing excess heat,' shares Natalie.

'When you expose your feet to cooler air, you increase heat loss through the skin and help your body cool itself more effectively.'

This is why sleeping with one foot outside of the duvet is a science-backed solution to help us to fall asleep faster.

However, experts say that this sleep habit can also be indicative of a potential problem with our sleep setup.

The problem with sticking one foot out of bed

'When you’re too hot in bed, sticking one foot out of the duvet can certainly help combat this,' explains Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director of natural sleep specialist Woolroom. 'This habit allows heat to escape from your body and helps to regulate your temperature.'

'However, if you're finding that you're having to do this frequently, it's worth considering your sleep environment as a whole,' says Chris.

That's because sticking a foot out of bed indicates your body is too hot, and often the cause of that overheating is our bedding, mattress, or both.

'If you're surrounded by synthetic fibres in your mattress, duvet and pillows, then you'll likely be getting hot and clammy due to the fibres trapping heat and moisture,' explains Chris.

That's because synthetic fibres, such as foam, memory foam, and polyester, lack breathability, and when air can't flow around your body, it tends to overheat. This can lead to a hot and sweaty night's sleep, and the need to stick one leg out from under the covers for some relief.

'To prevent overheating, the ideal solution is to opt for natural bedding fibres such as wool, which is naturally temperature regulating and moisture managing,' explains Chris.

'A recent study found that wool absorbed the least moisture and transported moisture 120% quicker than synthetic alternatives,' explains Chris. 'Wool bedding will therefore keep you cool, dry and comfortable all night long, even with your toes tucked under the duvet in a heatwave.'

The solution

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I certainly found I stopped sticking my foot out from under the covers the moment I switched from synthetics to wool bedding.

In fact, I now swear by the bedding buys below. They've increased the breathability in my bed, which means a cooler sleep, and therefore a less disrupted night's rest.

After all, although we may not remember waking up to stick a leg out of bed, overheating lifts us out of deep sleep, so it can make us feel more tired and less well-rested in the morning.

However, it isn't just swapping to a wool duvet and switching to cotton or linen bedding that can make all the difference to getting a cooler sleep. Your sleep surface matters too.

'For people who naturally sleep hot, the sleep surface itself can become part of the problem because heat builds up underneath the body over several hours,' explains Natalie.

The solution? A pocket spring mattress filled with naturally breathable materials, such as wool, hemp, or cotton. Or, if you prefer a foam mattress, opt for one with cooling technologies added.

'A cooling mattress helps regulate temperature more consistently overnight,' says Natalie, 'rather than allowing heat and humidity to build up around the areas people overheat most, including the back, shoulders and hips.'

And if you don't have the budget to swap out your mattress for one of the best mattresses for hot sleepers right now, you could consider one of the best cooling mattress toppers instead.

These attach to the top of your existing mattress and add a breathable layer between your body and the mattress to help you sleep cooler.

A few simple swaps and sticking one foot out of the duvet could soon becme a thing of the past. And when that means a cooler, deeper, and more restorative sleep, I'm all for it.

Wondering if a coverless duvet is a good option for a uni student? You're not alone.

Online searches for coverless duvets have spiked in the past month; a trend that's likely driven by uni starters (and their parents) searching for one of this year's hottest bedding items.

Yep, coverless duvets are having a moment. But is a coverless duvet a good idea? And more specifically, is a coverless duvet any good for a uni student?

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing all kinds of bedding – including the best duvets on the market – and I'm here to share my thoughts.

What is a coverless duvet?

First up, it's worth making clear what a coverless duvet actually is, because this new trend didn't exist a few years ago.

A coverless duvet is a duvet that doesn't require a duvet cover. Instead, it's very similar to a standard duvet insert.

The casing of the duvet is simply a little thicker than your average duvet, and it's coloured or printed to imitate the look you'd usually get from the cover itself.

What's the point of a coverless duvet?

Wondering what the point of a coverless duvet is? Yep, that's the first question that popped into my head when I first became aware of the coverless duvet trend, too.

Well, the main point is that a coverless duvet means you only have one item to wash. You don't need to faff around washing, ironing, and putting on a duvet cover; you simply wash the entire coverless duvet in one go.

Are coverless duvets any good for uni students?

And that leads us on to our main question: are coverless duvets any good for uni students?

Now I have to admit, I haven't been that convinced by coverless duvets up to now. I'm certainly not a fan of changing a duvet cover, but is washing an entire duvet every few weeks really any easier than removing a duvet cover and sticking it in the wash? I wasn't convinced.

But when it comes to student bedding. I actually think a coverless duvet is a great idea. Why? Two main things.

1. A coverless duvet is quick, easy, and faff-free to get on the bed

Firstly, there's no denying a coverless duvet is quick, easy, and faff-free to get on the bed. And easy is always welcome, especially in the first year of uni, when living independently can feel both freeing and overwhelming at the same time.

After all, there's a lot to adjust to when you start uni for the first time, and learning how to cook, clean, and look after yourself and your belongings can be as big a challenge as the study itself.

Anything that makes that process easier is useful. And whilst washing, drying and putting on a duvet cover may seem simple to those of us who have been managing a household for years, we've probably forgotten that, like everything else in life, it's a skill that took time to develop.

I can definitely remember uni nights when I ended up sleeping under my duvet because my duvet cover was still in the washing machine and I'd forgotten to leave time to dry before bed. As well as nights I slept *in* the duvet cover, because I'd crawled home from the student union too 'tired' to put the cover back on the duvet.

In comparison, a coverless duvet is simple, straightforward, and shouldn't result in any tearful phone calls home when your fresher is struggling to put their duvet cover back on the bed with a hangover.

2. A coverless duvet is easy to wash and dry

Do I think a coverless duvet is easier to wash and dry than a traditional duvet cover and duvet for most people? No. Do I think a coverless duvet is easier to wash and dry than a traditional duvet cover and duvet for a *student*? Yes.

Why? Because there are a few particular nuances to a student lifestyle that I think mean a coverless duvet can really work.

First, most halls of residence supply single beds in student accommodation, and a single bed works really well with either a single or double coverless duvet.

I wouldn't fancy washing and drying a king-size or super king coverless duvet, but the smaller sizes are much easier to fit into a washing machine, and less material means they will dry quickly in a tumble dryer.

Second, most halls of residence I've visited have dedicated laundry rooms with large-capacity washers and dryers. That's very different to trying to stuff a coverless duvet into your average washing machine at home.

I think that makes a coverless duvet much easier to care for at uni than it would be in your average house.

So is a coverless duvet any good for a uni student? Yes, as long as you know there will be a large capacity washer and dryer to care for it, I think a coverless duvet is a great idea for student bedding.

Even better, as this trend continues to grow, there are now more and more options on the market, and that means more choice of colour and pattern for a student to make their room feel like their own.

Plus, if worst comes to worst, there's no reason you can't put a normal duvet cover on a coverless duvet. So you could also invest in a few duvet covers as well.

That way, the uni-starter in your life has the choice of two options. They can use the coverless duvet with a duvet cover, but it can also be used without one on those days when uni life gets a little overwhelming.

After all, it's always good to have some backup. And when you aren't within distance to nip round and do a load of washing for your offspring when they have uni deadlines looming, a coverless duvet could be the next best thing.

It’s been a while since I went to university, but one thing that’s still fresh in my mind is my student accommodation, and in particular, the less-than-ideal sleep setup.

Anyone who’s lived in student halls, or indeed any type of pre-furnished accommodation, will no doubt have horror stories to tell about the furnishings they inherited from previous occupants. But the most traumatic tales I’ve heard tend to revolve around the mattress.

Suspect stains, broken springs, and lumpy sleep surfaces soon paled in comparison when I heard friends' stories of bites, rashes, and bedbug-infested mattresses.

Thankfully, I’ve found a simple solution to this very unwanted risk: Dunelm’s £16 Fogarty Cotton Anti-Allergy Zipped Mattress Cover. And after it sold out online last year, I think it's well worth snapping up whilst it's still in stock.

Now we probably all realise student accommodation isn’t going to involve sleeping on one of the best mattresses on the market. Mattresses are expensive, and, understandably, uni accommodation will involve some cheap and cheerful fixtures.

But one thing I hadn’t factored in when I started uni was that, of course, the student accommodation provider also isn’t going to change the mattress in the room with each new occupant.

According to details on numerous university websites, I’ve discovered that mattresses in student accommodation are generally replaced every 3 to 10 years, which means a *lot* of bodies could have been lying on that mattress before you.

Yes, this could be deemed ‘character-building’, which is of course a key part of the uni experience.

But, based on the cleanliness and housekeeping skills of many of my fellow students during my uni years, we could perhaps also term the ‘pre-used’ mattress situation… ‘gross’. Extremely gross.

In fact, as I’ve gotten older – and especially since I became Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor and started learning about bed bugs, dust mites, and how much sweat the average person oozes each night (yuck!) – it amazes me how relaxed I was about the whole student mattress situation at the time. Ignorance is bliss, as they say.

Now I’m older and wiser, I would do things very differently, and this £16 Dunelm Zipped Mattress Cover is the one thing I’m advising all my friends with children starting uni this September to snap up whilst it’s still in stock.

You’re no doubt already familiar with the importance of a good mattress protector, which can protect a mattress from spills, stains, and general dirt and grime. But a zipped mattress cover, also known as a mattress encasement, is a slightly different beast.

Unlike a mattress protector, which only covers the top surface of the mattress, an encasement covers all six sides and zips up to prevent dust mites or creepy crawlies from penetrating the mattress.

And should you be dealing with a worst-case scenario, it should also keep any nasties already *inside* the mattress contained within the encasement too.

Unpleasant as it may be to think about, dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat, grime, and other bodily fluids (yep… yuck) can all seep into a mattress over time, and a mattress encasement provides another layer of protection between your body, and them.

An encasement can be a little awkward to get onto the mattress, but once it’s on and zipped up, you can leave it on and simply wash your mattress protector and fitted sheet as normal.

Dunelm’s isn’t the only option on the market; Soak & Sleep’s £35 Anti Bed Bug Mattress Encasement is one of the best I’ve tested, and it’s also waterproof. But if you’re looking for an affordable option, Dunelm’s is one of the most budget-friendly I’ve tried. Amazon also has plenty of cheap mattress encasements, although reviews tend to be mixed.

And of course, an encasement isn’t the only thing you might want to consider to make a student mattress more comfortable.

I’m pretty sure I didn’t know a mattress topper was a ‘thing’ when I was tossing and turning on my lumpy student mattress, but now I’d definitely add one of the best mattress toppers to my uni checklist.

In fact, my student bedding wishlist would now include: that all-important mattress encasement. A good mattress topper, and a mattress protector to cover it. Two fitted sheets so you can wash one and use one, a duvet with two duvet covers, a pillow and two pillowcases.

Get the essentials sorted before the new term starts, and then you (or your young adult who is flying the nest) can focus on fun, new friends, and of course, learning.

With autumn tiptoeing around the corner, it's almost time to bring your duvet back out of hiding and to pack that fan away in the loft for some well-needed R&R. If you've already been dreaming of cooler nights and cosier days (same!), then what better place to start than with a bedding glow up.

High on most of the Ideal Home team's wishlist is a set of bedding from The White Company: crisp, high-quality sheets, plump duvets and gorgeous textured bedspreads. However, for most of the year, The White Company's prices are just a little out of reach, which is why our insider secret is to stock up on the brand's staple pieces in their amazing sales.

Right now, The White Company is holding an end-of-season sale, and some bits in this sale are better than Black Friday at 60% off. Here's everything you don't want to miss from the current The White Company sale — from aesthetic bedding buys to comfort necessities.

If your bedroom is crying out for an upgrade, don't miss your opportunity to snap up some luxe pieces for your bed.

Yes, I know, it's summer, and depending on where you live in the UK, you may be recovering from yet another heatwave.

However, bedding trends wait for no man, woman, or well-dressed bedroom, and pumpkin bedding is already having a moment.

Plus, Next has just quietly dropped a pumpkin bedding set that I think will soon be an instant sell-out, so if you want to get your hands on this autumn-themed duvet set before it disappears, you may need to move fast.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years immersed in the world of bedrooms, and when it comes to where to buy bedding, Next is always one of my top recommendations.

Plus, in recent years, the brand has absolutely nailed the most sought-after bedding trends.

Last Christmas, Next launched its Robin Fleece Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, which quickly went viral and became one of the most-shopped bedding collections of the year.

That winter-themed bedding set featured robins leaving footsteps on a snowy fleece duvet cover, and I predict the brand's new pumpkin-themed bedding is going to follow its lead and become an instant autumn bestseller.

In fact, with 'pumpkin bedding' searches already spiking on Google, I don't think it will be long before this trending bedding set starts selling out.

Not least because Next has nailed the double autumnal whammy with this design.

There are smiley-faced pumpkins embroidered onto the duvet cover, but to up the cuteness factor even further, the brand has also stitched that autumnal favourite – the now iconic pumpkin-spiced latte – to the surface.

And did I mention this duvet set also features a gingham background (still one of the biggest bedding trends of the year) *and* is made from super snuggly and cosy brushed cotton?

To my mind, this duvet cover and pillowcase set nails everything you might want in an autumn bedding set, and what's more, there's a whole collection of coordinating items available.

Personally, I think the £125 pumpkin-spiced latte-shaped side table may be a step too far, but the rest of the collection is *far* more stylish! And it means you can choose whether your nod to the cosy season is subtle or as OTT as you like.

I'm generally not a Halloween lover, but I have to admit, even I'm tempted by this autumn-themed collection and its understated Halloween-ish vibes.

After all, considering how long and hot it feels like this summer has been, for the first time in a long time, I'm actually looking forward to the change in season.

Some cooler weather, cosy bedding, and a pumpkin-spiced latte sounds like something I could definitely get behind right now!

If you’ve ever been kept awake by a snoring sleep partner, then you’ll know exactly how disruptive this condition can be to a good night’s sleep.

Equally, if you are the snorer, you might be getting just as frustrated by a broken sleep that leaves you feeling tired and badly rested in the morning.

That’s why I asked three sleep experts for their top tips on how to stop snoring.

From the sleeping positions that reduce snoring to the best pillow type and height, this is their advice for reducing snoring and getting a better night’s sleep.

What is snoring

First up, what exactly is snoring, and why might we do it? ‘Snoring can be a natural process,’ explains Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at sleep retailer Mattress Online. ‘It’s caused when the muscles relax in the upper airway, just like the rest of our muscles relax whilst we are asleep.'

'The snoring is the sound of air being forced through this smaller, relaxed gap,’ says Hannah

However, natural or not, if your snoring is loud enough to wake either yourself or your sleep partner, it’s something you might prefer to avoid, and, luckily, our experts say there are some easy ways to do so.

How to stop snoring

1. Consider your sleeping position

First up when it comes to preventing snoring, consider your sleeping position.

‘For many people, sleeping on their side is one of the most effective ways to help reduce snoring,’ explains Sammy Margo, Chartered Physiotherapist and sleep expert at sleep retailer Dreams.

‘When you sleep on your back, gravity may cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to fall backwards, partially blocking the airway, which may increase the likelihood of snoring.’

In contrast, ‘side sleeping helps keep the airways more open,’ says Sammy, ‘making it particularly beneficial for those who experience mild snoring or disrupted sleep.’

‘When you lie on your back, gravity pulls the tongue and soft tissues backwards, narrowing the airway and causing the vibrations we hear as snoring,’ agrees Dave Gibson, sleep expert, Registered Osteopath, and founder of The Sleep Site.

‘As a result, many people find that their snoring is noticeably worse on their back and improves once they train themselves to stay on their side,’ shares Dave.

Although that does raise another question. It’s all very well saying ‘sleep on your side’, but our preferred sleeping position easily becomes ingrained.

If you’re a back sleeper who is struggling with snoring, how do our experts advise making the switch from back to side sleeping?

2. Sort your pillow setup

As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I know just how important choosing the right pillow is. The type of pillow we sleep on also has a significant effect on how comfortable we find various sleeping positions.

If your pillow is too low, you won’t find lying on your side that comfortable, so you’re much more likely to return to back sleeping. Therefore, investing in one of the best pillows for side sleepers can be crucial to this anti-snoring advice working.

‘With side sleeping being the ideal position to reduce snoring, the aim for any pillow setup is to support you in this position throughout the night,’ agrees Dave.

‘For side sleeping, a medium-to-high loft pillow that fills the gap between the shoulder and head works well. This prevents the head from tilting back or the chin tucking into the chest, both of which can restrict airflow,’ Dave advises.

‘Some people find that a slight elevation helps if nasal congestion contributes to their snoring,’ adds Dave, ‘but it should not be too high. The goal for the overall pillow setup should be comfort as well as reduced noise, without forcing the neck into an unnatural position.’

‘The right pillow can make a significant difference when it comes to reducing snoring,’ agrees Sammy. ‘The aim is to keep your head, neck and spine properly aligned while helping to maintain an open airway throughout the night.’

I’ve included three of my tried-and-tested top pillows for side sleeping below.

3. Invest in a body pillow

Our sleep experts also point out that it’s not only the pillow under your head that can help with snoring. You might also want to consider using a body pillow.

‘Body pillows can be a useful option for people looking to reduce snoring, especially if they find it difficult to stay on their side throughout the night,’ says Sammy. ‘They make side sleeping more comfortable and may help you stay in that position for longer, reducing the chances of rolling onto your back or front while you sleep.’

‘Body pillows are particularly useful for people who start the night on their side but tend to roll onto their back, or front, as they sleep,’ agrees Dave.

‘If you tend to roll onto your back, you would position the pillow behind you to stop yourself from falling backwards. If you want to prevent rolling forward, you could hug the body pillow and place part of it between your knees.’

‘Body pillows don’t directly stop snoring, but because they help you maintain a side-sleeping position throughout the night, they can reduce snoring in people whose symptoms are typically worse when lying on their back,’ summarises Dave.

All this said, although changing your sleeping position can definitely help to prevent snoring – as can choosing the right pillows to support you in that process – our experts make sure to point out this isn’t the only fix that may be needed.

As well as considering your sleep setup, ‘you need to find out what is *causing* your snoring,’ says Hannah. That’s because not all snoring is the same.

Hannah offers the following ‘cheatsheet’ to help you dig into the nitty-gritty of what’s keeping you (or your partner) awake at night.

Common causes of snoring

• Do you only snore on your back? 'If so, some of the pillows discussed previously may help,' says Hannah.
• Do you only snore after alcohol? 'This is due to the relaxation effect alcohol has on our muscles,' explains Hannah. 'Alcohol relaxes the upper airway muscles more than normal, reducing the space for free-flowing air. You may find that reducing the amount of alcohol you drink improves your snoring.'
• Do you only snore in the summer months? 'This could be allergies causing inflammation in the upper airway and reducing the space further than normal,'' advises Hannah. 'Try antihistamines or anti-inflammatory remedies.'
• Are you overweight? 'Sometimes, when we gain a little extra weight, it can sit around our necks and (weirdly) our tongues,' says Hannah. 'This can reduce the space in the upper airway when we sleep. You might find that losing a little weight can improve your snoring.'
• Is your snoring loud and irregular? Do you have long pauses? 'If so, this could be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), and you may want to go seek medical help for your snoring,' warns Hannah.

‘If your snoring is loud or frequent, or is associated with pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, morning headaches, or excessive daytime sleepiness, it is worth speaking to your GP about an assessment for obstructive sleep apnoea,’ agrees Dave. 'This common sleep disorder is associated with increased cardiovascular risk if left untreated.’

So, before elbowing your partner in the side because they’re snoring for the umpteenth time this week, or deciding on a sleep divorce and shutting the door on the noise, encourage the snorer in your life to seek a GP appointment, just in case.

If the doctor offers a clean bill of health, adopting the sleep setup changes our experts advise can make a big difference to snoring.

Invest in a pillow the right height for comfortable side sleeping, along with a body pillow – or simply a spare pillow that can be tucked between the knees, wedged behind the back, or hugged at the front to prevent rolling onto the back – and you’re well on your way to stopping the snoring and creating a more peaceful night's sleep for all involved.

I put the M&S Stay Cool 10cm Depth Mattress Topper to the test to see how it compares to the best cooling mattress toppers on the market.

In a nutshell

As a sleep-product reviewer, I’ve tested some of the best mattress toppers out there, including two of my favourites for hot weather or hot sleepers: the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper and the Simba Cool Foam mattress topper.

So when I heard about Marks & Spencer’s latest cooling mattress topper – the relatively inexpensive M&S Stay Cool Mattress Topper, which is £75 for a single – I was keen to give it a test run.

Overall, I was fairly impressed. This topper doesn't offer much support, but if you like a soft, sink-in sleep surface, I found its 10cm deep polyester fill was comfortable.

I’m also a fairly hot sleeper, who, like Goldilocks, struggles to sleep unless my temperature is “just right”, and whilst I didn't find this topper actively cool, it also didn't make me overheat (even when testing it during a heatwave).

The main downsides (for me) are the fact it can't be washed, needs regular shaking to 'refluff' it, and I do prefer a bit of a more supportive sleep surface.

However, the M&S Stay Cool is good value for money, and, whilst some toppers do offer better cooling relief for hot sleepers (more on those below), if you're looking for a soft topper that can provide a 'breaker' layer between a sweat-inducing mattress and your body, it does the trick without breaking the bank.

Specifications

• RRP: £75 / £85 / £95 / £105
• Sizes: single / double / king / super-king
• Depth: 10cm
• Construction: polyester cover, polyester wadding fill
• Care instructions: do not wash, do not tumble dry, do not dry clean
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

The M&S Stay Cool mattress topper comes in a large fabric carry case. This might be handy if you need to pack it away often – if it’s for a sofa bed or a campervan, for example. The bag is definitely designed to be reused, with reasonably strong zips and reinforced edges.

The mattress topper itself was folded inside the bag, and was easy to pull out and slide onto my bed. There was no off-gassing smell or waiting for it to replump like you get with memory-foam mattress toppers.

When it comes to attaching it to your bed, there are thick elasticated straps at each corner. This easily slid over even my very thick Brook + Wilde mattress.

There is no anti-slip coating on the bottom of this topper, but this didn’t seem to matter as it stayed in place well.

Comfort

I took the Simba Cool Foam topper off my bed to test the M&S Stay Cool topper. The Cool Foam is a medium-feel topper, and the M&S Stay Cool is noticeably softer still. This topper is definitely designed to soften a mattress rather than to boost support.

This stacks up when you look at what the fillings are in the M&S Stay Cool topper. It’s made from 100 per cent polyester. This tends to be much squishier than fillings such as memory foam and the micro springs you find in hybrid mattress toppers.

I found that when I lay on it, it gave an immediate feeling of comfort – like being wrapped in a duvet. However, it lacks much responsiveness. Responsiveness is the term sleep experts use when we’re talking about how a sleep surface bounces back and how easy it therefore is to move on your mattress.

If you’re a combination sleeper – ie. you move from back to side to front while you’re sleeping – you’ll appreciate a more responsive sleep surface.

I am a combination sleeper (side and back, if you’re wondering), and found that moving around was fine for me but it wasn’t as smooth as it is on a spring mattress/mattress topper. If you have mobility issues, its sink-in softness may mean it's not the topper for you.

During testing, I used the Stay Cool mattress topper on an already very comfortable mattress so I wasn’t using the topper to improve the feel of my sleep surface.

However, I do think it would work brilliantly to soften up a too-firm mattress, or add an extra layer of gentle comfort. It would be ideal to give a bit of cushioning to those dreaded university student mattresses for example, or to offer a little extra “ahhh” feeling to a mattress or sofa bed in a spare room.

Temperature regulation

Because of its 'Stay Cool' name, the temperature regulation on this mattress topper is one of things I was really interested in. Especially seeing as this topper is made of 100% polyester, and synthetic fibres are often prone to *causing* overheating in bed, not preventing it.

However, while there are no active cooling gels, or cooling fibres, in this topper, it is lofty at 10cm. This means that there should be space between the polyester wadding, which potentially allows for good air flow through the topper, removing hot air and replacing it with cooler air under the body.

I tested this mattress topper during an absolutely scorching British heatwave – record-breaking, in fact. I found that I didn’t overheat on the topper, but I wasn’t completely convinced that it was any more cooling than a decent mattress or a natural-fibre mattress topper.

However – and this is important – I didn’t wake up in a sweaty mess on this mattress topper. Did it make me actively feel cool? No, but it didn't make me feel hotter either. And this can't be said of many of the toppers I've tested.

I do wonder if its breathability might be impacted over time as the wadding compresses under my body weight and those 'air pockets' are lost, but I’m a fairly hot sleeper, and as I say, my sleep wasn’t disturbed when I tested the Stay Cool mattress topper.

Overall, I found the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper, Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper, and Simba Cool Foam Mattress Topper cooler to sleep on. But although I found they did a better job of offering relief in hot weather, they are more expensive.

Care instructions

Caring for this mattress topper is, I guess, very simple, in that you can’t really care for it. The care instructions say that you can’t machine wash or dry clean it.

Considering it's made from polyester (which is usually a fabric that can be bunged in the washing machine on a high temperature), I found this quite surprising. The Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper we recently tested uses very similar materials, and that can be washed at 40C and tumble dried.

However, whilst this might put off some, you could get around the issue by using a good mattress protector over the topper to maintain a clean sleep environment. You might just want to opt for an extra-deep protector as the loft on this topper is quite high.

I also found that after a week of sleeping on the topper, it needed a bit of a shake-out and fluffing when I changed my bed sheets. This wasn’t a big job, but if you have a larger bed, it does require a bit of upper-body strength. It is box-baffle stitched, which helps keep the fillings in place.

Sleep trial

M&S doesn't offer sleep trials on any of its bedding, which, considering competitors such as Simba, Panda, and Woolroom do, I always think is a bit of a shame.

A sleep trial does help you to assess whether a piece of bedding works for your sleep setup before you commit to keeping it, so without a trial available, it does come down to making your best guess about whether the Stay Cool topper is for you.

Value for money

At £75 for a single and £85 for a double, this topper is pretty reasonably priced.

It's certainly a lot cheaper than some of the best cooling mattress toppers we've tested. For instance, the highly breathable Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper costs £289.99 for a double, and the cooling graphite-infused Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper costs £349 for a double.

However, I didn't feel the M&S Stay Cool's cooling powers were quite as good as those more expensive options, and, when you compare it to other toppers of a similar construction, it's actually a little expensive.

For instance, the Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper is also 10cm deep, offers a similar polyester construction, can be machine washed, and the Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper currently costs £39.99 at Amazon, or it's £59.99 for a double of the Silentnight Deep Sleep Ultimate 1000 Mattress Topper at Argos.

How I tested

Usual sleep position: side
Tension preference: medium-firm
Sleep problems: hip pain

I tested a king-size version of the Stay Cool mattress topper over the course of a week in a record-breaking British heatwave. During this time I slept on the topper, paying attention to comfort levels and how it affected my sleep. I also pondered how hot I felt sleeping on the topper – this is after all a cooling mattress topper. Lastly, I considered how easy it was to attach to the bed, ease of care, and value for money.

I love linen bedding. As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing the best bedding on the market, and, as a hot sleeper, I've learnt that I definitely sleep best under a cool and breathable linen bedding set.

However, I know that not everyone feels the same way. If you prefer the look of crisp, crease-free cotton sheets, then even the best linen bedding can feel a little *too* laidback and crumpled.

However, Marks and Spencer has just changed all that. In my opinion, the new M&S Pure Linen Bedding Set is the ideal solution if you want to benefit from a cooler sleep whilst still retaining elevated hotel-luxe vibes in your boudoir.

Why is this bedding set so different? Two things. First, this 190gsm fabric has a more structured feel than most linen bedding. That means that it drapes a little more smoothly when it's on the bed, which results in a more refined look.

And secondly, those smart piped edges. It may seem like a small detail, but when it comes to bedding that delivers hotel-luxe vibes and brings a more 'expensive' and elevated feel to the bedroom, it is *all* about the detail.