The Best Bloomingdales Down Comforter Reviews

Down comforters vs. down alternative is a subject long-debated, each side having a considerable number of fans. Surprisingly enough, down alternative comforters are actually quite the fierce competitor, since they come at more convenient prices and are easier to care for. But can alternative down actually beat the power and the quality of natural down? Let’s find out!

Down Comforter vs. Down Alternative

There’s a lot of debate on whether down alternative can provide similar or even identical benefits to the more expensive solution, which is natural down. To better understand which of these products might be best for you, let’s analyze the main differences between the two.

As you already know, down is a natural bird product, the insulation found underneath the feathers of geese and ducks. Down alternative, on the other hand, is a mixture of synthetic blends that try to mimic the same benefits as down comforters. Inside a down alternative comforter, you can find fill that combines cotton, polyester, even rayon.

Fill Power

One of the most important and decisive factors that weigh in on the shopping decision for a comforter is the fill power. This is the insulation capacity which informs the buyers on how well the comforter can retain heat. When a comforter has high fill power, it also means that it has better insulation properties. Paired with a good heated mattress pad, you’ll be nice and toasty during those colder months.

Natural down has more fill power compared to alternative down. That means that in order to provide good insulation, it doesn’t need that much stuffing as a down alternative does. This translated into a lightweight product, despite its excellent heat-retaining capacity.

Down alternative, on the other hand, need a lot more synthetic stuffing to provide a similar insulation level as natural down. This makes the comforters heavier.

Another important thing to consider is that down is naturally breathable. When you opt for a down alternative comforter, some of the materials used to make the stuffing don’t have these naturally breathable properties. So, people who use a down alternative comforter will often wake up sweatier compared to those who use products made with natural down.

Maintenance & Durability

Of course, spending hundreds of dollars on a product, you want the guarantee that it can be cleaned and cared for so you can enjoy it for years to come. Buying an expensive product just to have it exchanged for a new one in six months is a no-go.

Surprising or not, down alternative is easy to care for compared to natural down. Because down comforters have more loft, they sometimes won’t fit in a traditional home washing machine. Even when the down comforter does fit in the machine, the instructions may specify that it needs dry cleaning.

So, if you’re interested in ease of maintenance, down alternative is the better choice. But things get complicated even so. Just because it’s easy to clean, that doesn’t mean that down alternative is longer lasting. In fact, down alternative filling is more prone to breaking down compared to natural down. If you want a product that can last you longer, you should definitely opt for one made with natural down.

Price

As you can imagine, natural down is more expensive compared to the down alternative. That’s because down comforters are made with natural and limited resources, compared to down alternative comforters, which have synthetic fill that’s easier to produce.

Some people like to go with down alternative comforters because they are on a budget, so the cheaper choice is more appealing to them.

Allergies

You’d think that natural down, which is the most breathable option of the two, is also suited for people who have allergies. However, natural down has the ability to trap dust mites, which could trigger allergy attacks. Even more, people who are allergic to feathers or birds should avoid down comforters as well.

If you suffer from allergies, but still want to enjoy the quality of a down comforter, you can consider purchasing products that have down-proofed external fabric. Down alternative, which is made from synthetic fibers, is hypoallergenic, and might be the best choice.

So, let’s recap some of the information above, so we can all get a clear overview of the pros and cons of each type of product.

Down Comforter Pros:

• They have a longer lifespan because natural down is not prone to deterioration like alternative down is.
• Their warmth capacity and insulation levels are hard to match by any type of synthetic blend.
• Because they have better insulation properties, it takes less stuffing to reach the goal, resulting in a lighter-weight product.
• Despite their insulation, they are more breathable compared to comforters made with synthetic fibers.

Down Comforter Cons:

• It’s very difficult to clean a down comforter at home, as the ones with a lot of lofts are hard to fit in a standard washing machine.
• Also, some comforters require special dry cleaning.
• Because of its superior quality, down comforters are more expensive.
• Natural down can trigger allergy attacks.

Down Alternative Comforter Pros:

• Down alternative comforters are the safest bet for people who have asthma or allergies, as the synthetic blends used to fill them are hypoallergenic.
• These comforters are easier to care for, as they will fit into any standard washing machine.
• They also have convenient prices, since the stuffing is made with materials cheap and easy to produce.

Down Alternative Comforter Cons:

• Of course, down alternative will never match the insulation power of a natural down comforter. Even those that come close, are heavier due to the fact that they require a lot of stuffing.
• The materials used to make the fill of these comforters is not as breathable as natural down. Consequently, sleepers will sweat more when lying under these products.
• Because of the lower quality of the materials used, down alternative comforters are prone to shrinking when they’re being washed. They are also more sensitive to wear and tear and can pill quite a lot.

Top 5 Bloomingdale’s Down Comforters Reviews

Bloomingdale’s is a brand that has been around for quite some time and gained quite the fan database due to the products it sells. Their comforters are often underrated items, but a quick look at their selection of products gave us some really good down choices. Stick with us, as we walk you through the top five down comforters sold by one of the world’s most popular stores.

My Warm Asthma & Allergy Friendly Down Comforter

OVERVIEW

• Available Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King
• Fill Power: 550
• Outer Shell: Cotton
• Thread Count: 400

Most Bloomingdale’s comforters are a high-quality product, so picking the ones for this roundup was no easy task. However, this particular model is worth being in the top, mostly because it balances a convenient price with quality construction.

The comforter has a fill power of 550, which puts it into the lightweight category of comforters. However, we mustn’t doubt it insulation capacity, as the natural down filling does an excellent job at keeping cold above the surface and warmth underneath it.

The outer fabric is cotton: one of the best choices for a comforter. The sateen weave brings a thread count of 400, which is more than enough to represent a high-quality product. The comforter is also certified as being asthma and allergy friendly, which is good news and a relief for people who have suffered from such problems in the past.

The alternative baffle box construction, the 31 oz. filling power, plus the fact that you can wash this comforter in your home washing machines, these are all indicators of the many benefits this down comforter brings for the entire family.

Pros

• 400 thread count.
• Cotton outer shell.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Features corner loops.
• Made with natural down.
• 550 fill power.

Cons

• Not very much loft.

Who Should Purchase This?
If you’re looking for a lighter comforter that can be used during the winter, but also on colder summer nights, this option should definitely be somewhere at the top of your list.

Gingerlily Silk Filled Winter Weight Comforter

OVERVIEW

• Available Sizes: Queen, King
• Fill Power: N/A
• Outer Shell: Cotton
• Thread Count: 300

If you want a down alternative comforter, but something more luxurious than something with synthetic fill, you can opt for products like Gingerlily. It’s a down alternative comforter that’s filled with long strand mulberry silk. As you can tell by the price, this is not a cheap option.

The outer shell of the comforter is made with cotton, featuring a delicate, yet resistant sateen weave, plus a thread count of 300. Since we’re talking about a silk fill and not natural down, the comforter is naturally hypoallergenic. It won’t attract any dust mites, nor is it exposed to mildew. That being said, it’s one of the best options for people who have sensitive skin, asthma, or allergies.

However, the Gingerlily comforter is not that easy to care for, since it requires dry cleaning and can’t be thrown in the washing machine.

Pros

• 300 thread count.
• Cotton outer shell.
• Filled with A grade mulberry silk.
• Naturally hypoallergenic.
• Features corner buttons.
• Body temperature regulation.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Requires dry cleaning.

Who Should Purchase This?
The Gingerlily is a luxurious alternative to a down comforter, perfect for people who want to expand their choices beyond natural down and synthetic fills.

SFERRA Somerset Heavy Down Comforter

OVERVIEW

• Available Sizes: Twin, Queen, King
• Fill Power: 700
• Outer Shell: German cotton
• Thread Count: 380

Everything about this comforter literally makes me hope for winter to come sooner, so I can bask underneath its glow, where no low temperatures can ever touch me. With a fill power of 700 and a fill weight of 47 oz., this Polish goose down comforter is the next best thing to add to your next winter shopping list.

But the awesome features don’t stop there. You get premium goose down that’s stuffed inside a German cotton shell, with a thread count of 380, plus a gorgeous sateen weave. The SFERRA Somerset is certified under RDS (Responsible Down Standard), so you can rest assured that every bit of the down used to fill the comforter is sourced and monitored.

Pros

• 700 fill power.
• 47 oz. fill weight.
• German cotton outer shell.
• 380 thread count. RDS certified.
• Perfect for winter use.
• Machine washable.

Cons

• Expensive.

Who Should Purchase This?
Winter is coming! No seriously, winter might be over, but it will be back, so if you want to be properly prepared, here is a heavy down comforter will all the warmth and insulation power you need to get you through many cold seasons to come.

Coyuchi Organic Three-Season Down Comforter

OVERVIEW

• Available Sizes: Twin, Queen, King
• Fill Power: 600
• Outer Shell: Organic cotton
• Thread Count: N/A

Organic bedding lovers, look no further! The Coyuchi is a product that you’ll come to love once you see what it’s made of. First, let’s talk about the outer shell. This natural comforter has down stuffed into an organic cotton shell, which is GOTS certified.

The down used to make the comforter is treated with steam, to make sure that all forms of bacteria are eliminated. Then, the down is washed to prevent any potential smells, with non-toxic soap that’s also fragrance-free.

This medium-weight comforter is basically great from winter, spring, and fall, hence the “Three Seasons” label in the name of the product. With a fill power of 600, it definitely is too warm for summer use.

Pros

• Organic cotton shell.
• GOTS certified.
• 600 fill power.
• Machine washable.
• Steam-treated down.
• Washed with non-toxic soap.

Cons

• Taken longer to ship compared to other down comforters.

Who Should Purchase This?
If you’ve discovered your passion for organic bedding, the Coyuchi comforter has got you covered. It’s a great choice for people who like organic products because they want to know the sourcing of the materials used, but also for those who like to have high-quality and natural materials, free of toxins.

Bloomingdale’s My Grand Comforter

OVERVIEW

• Available Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King
• Fill Power: 650
• Outer Shell: Cotton
• Thread Count: 400

This 100 percent of Bloomingdale’s comforter is our editor’s choice for the day, mostly because we feel it’s not getting the right amount of attention it deserves. The price tag could have people fooled into thinking that is a lower quality comforter, but we’re going to give you the specs that prove otherwise.

First of all, this comforter is made with natural down filling, so none of that synthetic non-sense. It is covered in a cotton shell, with a thread count of 400, which is already better than some of the more expensive items we’ve seen today.

With a fill power of 650, some people might be tempted to say that this is an all-season comforter, but it might turn to be too warm for just about any season. It has a baffle box construction, and it can be washed in your home washing machine, which is another awesome feature that isn’t all that common amongst natural down comforters.

Pros

• 650 fill power.
• Cotton outer shell.
• 400 thread count.
• Baffle box construction.
• Conveniently priced.

Cons

• The standard size for both Full and Queen beds.

Who Should Purchase This?
The Bloomingdale’s My Grand Comforter is the kind of product for people that don’t like taking any risks. The specifications and features are clear, and the product balances price and quality so that you’ll know right from the start what you’re spending your money on.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, Bloomingdale’s doesn’t really sell the cheapest comforters known to man, but the products that do provide are qualitative and durable. If you’re interested in having one of the best down comforters on the market, it’s really worth checking out their collection.

For those of you that are on a budget, Bloomingdale’s also sells some nice down alternative comforters, but if they don’t live up to the expectations you have from a natural down comforter, don’t blame the brand. Overall, there’s something in here for every taste.