Every score on CoolingDuvet.com reflects real nights of sleep testing — not brand claims, press releases, or free samples. Here's exactly how we do it.
Our Testing Process — 6 Stages
We buy every product independently using our own funds. No free samples, no brand partnerships, no affiliate pressure on scores. This protects our editorial independence and ensures we test the same product you'd receive from a real order.
Multiple testers across different climates and body types use each duvet for a minimum of 30 consecutive nights. We track nightly temperature comfort on a 1–10 scale, note any changes in feel, and record wash-cycle observations throughout the period.
We use a FLIR thermal imaging camera to measure surface temperature at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after body contact. This gives us an objective cooling score — not just subjective feeling. Materials that retain more heat receive lower cooling scores regardless of marketing claims.
We run 20 standardized wash-and-dry cycles on each duvet cover and insert. We document shrinkage (measured to the nearest cm), fill distribution changes, fabric pilling, color retention, and any structural damage. A duvet that degrades quickly scores lower regardless of initial quality.
Each product is scored 1–10 on: Cooling Performance (thermal data), Initial Softness, Softness After 20 Washes, Fill Quality (for inserts), Breathability, and Value. The overall score is a weighted average with Cooling weighted at 35%.
We re-test products when brands change their formulations, manufacturing, or materials. Scores are updated in real time. A product that was great in 2024 may be retested and re-ranked in 2026 if we receive credible reports of quality changes.