Comforters are wonderful and comfortable bedding options. With a comforter, you get a thick, quilted, fluffy cover that works well to keep you warm. You can choose from an array of styles to match your bedroom decor and keep switching things up as the seasons change. However, when it comes to choosing a comforter, there’s often some debate about whether to choose a down comforter or a regular comforter. If you’re not sure which way to go, take a look at this comparison table to help you decide which will work best for you.
| Down Comforter | Down-Alternative (Regular) Comforter |
| Uses down filling | Uses synthetic filling or natural materials like cotton |
| Uses less filling and is lighter | Uses more filling and is heavier |
| Can cause allergies | Uses hypoallergenic materials |
Comforter Basics
Comforters, overall, are a sought-after bedding item as they are available in a variety of sizes, weights, colors and qualities so that there is one perfect comforter for everyone. But other than these basics, you also have to consider some other factors before you invest in a comforter.
For instance, some questions to ask yourself are how warm do you sleep? What fill power are you looking for? And determine your budget for the investment.
You can now narrow down your options between getting a down comforter or its synthetic counterpart, also known as a down-alternative or regular comforter.
Down comforter
Filling
People looking for down-filled comforters will get a comforter that has a naturally high fill power. This means that down comforter will be warmer but require less stuffing to do so. This yields a comforter which is lightweight yet warm to behold.
Down filling is also more breathable compared to other forms of synthetic fillings found in regular comforters. This makes it a comfortable option for people who do not want a heavy comforter to deal with. Lightweight and breathability make down comforters a suitable fit for such people.
That said, while down filling is softer and fluffier, it can leak through the fabric holding it in. To prevent this from happening, look for a cover material that has a high thread count, is woven tightly and offers some sturdy leakproof coverage.
Cleaning
Down comforters are not designed for machine washing and will lose their shape easily. Even though you may decide to wash your down comforter at home in your washing machine, it is recommended that you dry clean it instead.
If you do decide to wash your comforter at home, make sure to put it in the clothes dryer at the coolest setting after washing. Stop the dryer periodically to remove the comforter and shake it to regain its original loft. Make sure that the comforter is completely dry before using as any moisture residue can cause mold or mildew buildup.
Price
Down comforters are pricier of the two options because they use limited natural resources for the filling. Even among the down varieties, duck down is more cost-effective than goose down.
Concerns
The one concern with using down filled comforters is that some people are allergic to down. Down also tends to trap dust mites and other particles rather easily and is not suitable for people who react to these irritants.
Big brand manufacturers typically wash down filling as many as 15 times before using it in a comforter to provide a product that is somewhat allergen-free.
Although it can be cleaned easily at home, down comforters will lose their longevity if washed too often.
You may want to read: Down Comforter VS Wool Comforter
Regular Comforter
Filling
Regular comforters make use of natural or synthetic materials that don’t come from animal sources to bring warmth to this bedding item. This can include any material from cotton and polyester to rayon. As different materials have different fill power and warmth, and none of them have as high a fill power as down, they require more filling to get the same results.
The result is a more weighty comforter. Even though regular comforters do give you the desired level of warmth, they will be heavier options when compared to down-filled comforters.
Along with the heavier weight, synthetic materials offer limited breathability when compared to their down counterparts. Some people find that sleeping under a regular comforter leaves them feeling sweaty and uncomfortable at night.
To suit your comfort level best, you can choose a comforter with a cover made from cambric, damask, sateen or batiste- whichever works for you best.
Cleaning
Regular comforters with synthetic fillings do not make the best contenders for frequent washing. Repeated washing can leave the filling frayed and make it break down faster. Some fabrics may not hold up well and end up with pilling or worn material. This makes regular comforters not last as long as their down counterparts.
dry cleaned instead to maintain their longevity.
Price
Regular comforters are definitely the more cost-effective of the two options. The filling material for these products is cheaper to harvest and produce, making the comforter more affordable. Anyone who is on a limited budget can opt for a regular comforter.
Concerns
Even though synthetically filled comforters are better suited for people with allergies, they are not ideal for people who want a light comforter to sleep under. Regular comforters tend to be heavy and offer limited breathability so are not recommended for people who tend to sleep warm at night.
You may want to read: The Most Amazing Down Comforter Ideas in Grey
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to go for a down comforter or a regular comforter is not only a matter of preference but may also be a matter of means. For instance, if you only have a limited budget to spend on the comforter, then a regular comforter would be your best option but if you’re willing to spend more for longevity and durability then you should go the down comforter away. Naturally, anyone with allergies restricts their choice to alternative fillings while others looking for a lighter and fluffier comforter would go the down way.