New research on the science of wool bedding backs up everything we know. 

There’s a particular feeling to sleeping under wool. A sense of balance. Of being held but not weighed down. Warm, but never overwhelmed. Many people recognise it instinctively, often from the very first night. 

Innovative research by British Wool and Bangor University uncovers clear evidence for why wool performs better than other types of duvet fillings, including feather, down and synthetic fibres. 

The research 

British Wool has commissioned independent research into the performance of wool bedding, carried out by the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University. 

The study compares wool duvets with other common fillings, including feather and down, pure down and synthetic fibres. All duvets tested are of similar tog ratings, reflecting real-world choices. 

Rather than focusing on more subjective elements such as softness or loft, the research focuses on two factors that matter most for sleep comfort: temperature regulation and moisture movement. 

Sophie, founder of Floks, says: “Existing research and sleep science tell us that one of the main factors to disturb sleep is temperature, so this research is an important step forward for those with disturbed sleep."

Warmth without weight 

One of the most common misconceptions about wool duvets is that they are less warm because they appear thinner and less lofty. 

The research challenges this directly. 

Despite their lighter appearance, wool duvets provide 25–30% better insulation than synthetic and feather and down alternatives, while also maintaining a warmer, more consistent temperature through the body of the duvet overnight. 

This helps explain something many wool sleepers already know. Wool does not rely on bulk to keep you warm. It works through structure and behaviour, holding warmth steadily rather than trapping it in bursts. 

Sophie says: 

“The science behind wool as a fibre is fascinating. It’s fantastic to see this level of detail, and it confirms everything we believed it to be. Wool essentially helps to create that perfect, natural microclimate for optimum sleep.” 

 Working with your body through the night 

Sleep is not static. Body temperature rises and falls, often several times through the night as we move through different sleep cycles. When bedding cannot respond to these changes, it can lead to waking, overheating or feeling unsettled. 

The research shows that wool maintains a more stable internal temperature than other fillings, with less heat loss and fewer fluctuations. 

This stability matters. It creates the conditions for deeper, uninterrupted rest, allowing the body to move naturally through sleep cycles without disruption. 

 Moisture, breathability and calm sleep 

Where wool truly outperforms other fillings is in its handling of moisture. 

The research shows that wool transmits up to 151% more moisture than feather and down and up to 139% more moisture than synthetic fillings. It also moves moisture significantly faster, up to 153% faster than feather and down and up to 120% faster than synthetic alternatives. 

This combination of steady warmth and efficient moisture movement helps create a more stable sleep environment, supporting calmer, less disrupted rest through the night. 

Moisture is one of the biggest contributors to night-time discomfort. When it becomes trapped, heat builds, humidity rises and sleep becomes restless. In synthetic duvets, condensation is even observed within the filling during testing. 

Wool behaves differently. It absorbs moisture within its fibres and releases it efficiently into the air, supporting the body’s natural cooling processes and helping to maintain a calm sleep environment. 

Why this matters for your sleep 

Taken together, these findings point to something simple but powerful. 

Better temperature stability. 
Better moisture movement. 
Better conditions for deep, restorative sleep. 

Wool does not force the body into a fixed state. It adapts, responds and works quietly in the background, allowing sleep to unfold naturally. 

At Floks, our award-winning wool duvet is designed around exactly these natural properties. While tog ratings may be comparable, wool behaves very differently from feather, down and synthetic fillings. 

Paired with our hemp and organic cotton bed linen, it creates a sleep environment that feels balanced and deeply comfortable. Warm without weight. Breathable without chill. Calm, night after night. 

 A quieter kind of performance 

This research does not change what we believe about wool. It simply confirms it. 

Wool works because it works with the body. Because it regulates rather than resists. Because it supports sleep in a way that feels natural, not engineered. 

It is a quieter kind of performance and one we trust completely.