Comfort and warmth are two components to sleep that should never be separated. Especially when the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, you’ll want to be as snug and warm as you possibly can.
One of the best ways to do so is to cuddle into bed with a down comforter. Down is the best way to stay warm even when the temperature drops below zero. Other materials may hold their benefits, but nothing beats the natural touch of a down comforter.
Here, we’ll discuss what you need to find in your ideal down comforter and some examples to guide you on your way to the final purchase.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Egyptian Bedding Luxurious Siberian Goose Down Comforter
|
|
| #2 |  LINENSPA All-Season White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter
|
|
| #3 |  Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter
|
|
| #4 |  Equinox Comforter White Alternative Goose Down
|
|
| #5 |  Beckham Hotel Collection 1300 Series Luxury Goose Down Alternative Comforter
|
|
What is a Comforter?
To start things off, we’ll answer the basic question; what exactly is a comforter?
A comforter is essentially a blanket that you use as a cover during the night to stay warm. When using a comforter, it’ll be the only piece you need to take over yourself while you sleep.
Comforters tend to be misunderstood or mistaken for a duvet often when there is quite the difference. While they do share filling and cover types, they are, in fact, not the same.
Duvet vs Comforter
As mentioned before, a comforter is one piece. It’s a thick stuffed blanket that is either quilted or stitched to keep its filling in place.
A duvet, on the other hand, is composed of two parts. The first is the duvet insert, which is stuffed with filling, either down or other alternatives. The second part is the duvet cover, which is a thinner sheet of fabric that acts as protection for the duvet insert. The insert is typically white, therefore, easy to get dirty. The cover is what comes colored or decorated to match the appearance of your room.
You can find that in some cases, a comforter can act as both itself and a duvet insert. This depends on whether you want to give it a cover or not since comforters can come decorated and colored.
Types of Filling
There are many different types of fillings you can find for comforters, but the ones we are focusing on are related strictly to down. The two natural down filling you can find on the market are goose down and duck down.
Goose vs Duck Down Filling
Down are feathers that come from either geese or ducks. They do have some differences, but the idea behind them is generally the same. They are feathers from the breast of birds made in clusters for warmth and comfort during the night.
Goose Down
Goose down tends to be softer, fluffier, and loftier. This means they are more effective at providing warmth than duck feathers.
Why? Because geese are the bigger birds and therefore can produce much bigger and loftier feathers. This will also mean that goose down is more expensive in comparison to duck down.
Duck Down
Duck down can be collected in much bigger clusters, which may even mean it’s as warm as goose down in some cases. The feathers may be smaller, but the more you have the bigger the clusters become.
Being at a lower price, they are also more appealing to those who are on a budget but still want the natural comfort of down.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Down Comforters
Down comforters are unmatched when it comes to warmth. The natural loft of down makes it the best material to accumulate and provide warmth at night. Even with all of the loft, down remains lightweight and soft. You can maneuver easily under the sheets and remain comfortable.
There are some drawbacks to down, however. Firstly, the biggest issue is that feathers can act as allergens to many. They are also harder to maintain as they’re rarely machine washable and more than often require a cover.
To eliminate these issues, there are down alternative comforters, which replicate the loft, warmth, and feeling of traditional down, but aren’t the same.
Down Alternatives
To prevent allergic reactions and higher levels of maintenance, a down alternative was made. This is made from synthetic materials created to mimic the actual loft and feel of down feathers. High-tier alternatives such as gel-fiber do have almost the same effect, though you’re more likely to come across low-quality fillings as well which don’t do the job as effectively.
Cover Materials
The cover material is not the same as the filling material. You may be getting a down comforter, but that doesn’t mean all covers for down comforters are the same.
Cotton
The most common fabric is cotton. It’s lightweight, soft, and durable. Naturally, cotton is breathable and cool, but when matched with down there is a chance of it getting too stuffy.
Synthetics
To prevent the side effects of a cotton-and-down combination, many producers create a synthetic polyester blend that retains less moisture and allows for greater airflow than regular cotton.
Wool
Wool not only retains warmth and softness, but it wicks moisture away from the top of the comforter. Unfortunately, wool is not a good combination to have with already warming down, nor is it easy to come across.
Silk
Finally, there is silk. Silk is soft and smooth and has a reputation for remaining cool throughout the night. The maintenance of silk, however, is quite high in comparison to other more commonly found materials.
Stitch Design
Another important factor of comforters is their stitch design. This design helps keep the interior filling in place to prevent clumping and keep the warmth distribution even. There are some common designs to choose from.
- First, there is the baffle box technique. The top and bottom layers of this construction connect throughout, allowing for a greater loft in one set square area. The filling is distributed evenly throughout the comforter and warmth is delivered to every part of the blanket.
- The diamond quilted construction is also a popular style. Using a sewn-through pattern, the stitches go through both the top and bottom layer, keeping the filling trapped inside of pockets.
- Gusseted stitching is when the top and bottom are combined, with a separate fabric wrapping around the entire exterior.
- Finally, there is the sewn-through stitching. This stitching creates compartments between the top and bottom which contain the down filling. It keeps the down in place but restricts the loft.
Thread Count
All comforters have a thread count. This indicates the density of yarn within each square inch of the fabric. The higher the thread count is, the softer and stronger the comforter will be. The best thread count range to go for is between 300-600. These remain warm, durable, and comfortable throughout the year.
Best Twin-Sized Down Comforters
Egyptian Bedding Luxurious Siberian Goose Down Comforter
Specs:
- Dimensions: 68” x 90”
- Colors: White
- Material: Egyptian Cotton, Down Feathers
Best 100% Natural Down Comforter
The feeling of using natural down is an unforgettable experience. Once you’ve used it, it’s hard to transfer to any other filling. Egyptian Bedding offers a great, 100% natural goose down comforter.
The cover is made with 100% Egyptian cotton while the filling is 100% natural goose down. This provides you with moderate warmth all year round, so you’re not too hot in summer, and warm in the winter.
The comforter has a 750+ fill power for a lofty, light, and fluffy experience. It also has a 1200 thread count to ensure it’s a durable, warming, and soft comforter.
The cover is also hypoallergenic. The cotton layer makes sure the feathers don’t collect any dust, dirt, mold, or mildew. The entire comforter is constructed with a baffle box design to keep the down filling locked in place.
Egyptian Bedding offers a full warranty on their comforter as well as a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your comforter for any reason.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and allergy-free
- All-year usage
- Baffle box design to keep stuffing in place
Cons
- Is not machine washable
Who Should Buy This?
Everyone wants what’s best for their sleep, and in some cases, that’s a completely natural down comforter. The level of loft and warmth is irreplaceable and a wonder to sleep in every night, so why not treat yourself to such a delight.
LINENSPA All-Season White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter
Specs:
- Dimensions: 68” x 86”
- Colors: White, Black, Cloudy Sky, Gray Pinch Pleat, Gray Quatrefoil, Grey Stripe, Navy Pinch Pleat, Navy, Navy Quatrefoil, Sand/Mocha, Stone/Charcoal, White Pinch Pleat
- Material: Microfiber cover, microfiber down-alternative fill
Best Alternative Down Comforter
Finding a natural down comforter is a hard task to accomplish since not many producers make them anymore. A more affordable option for everyone instead is to turn to down alternatives.
LINENSPA’S White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter is just the comforter to look for if this is your case. The ultra-soft comforter was made to be enjoyed any time of the year, with it’s sturdy and smooth microfiber cover.
The filling inside is down alternative microfiber filling, removing any feathers, odors, and quills you would otherwise have to deal with. There are also 8 built-in corner and side loops you can use if you wish to place this comforter inside of a duvet cover.
The color design on LINENSPA’s comforters is reversible for a fresh look with every use. The box-stitch design keeps the filling in place and adds an aesthetic flair to the covers.
To wash this comforter, the machine washes it on a gentle cycle, and inside of cold water only. This keeps the chances of discoloration, tears, and rips at a minimum. You can then air-dry it to retain natural fluff or tumble dry on low.
LINENSPA also offers a three-year limited warranty on any manufacturer’s defects in the product.
Pros
- Box stitch design
- Reversible color design
- 8 built-in corner and side loops
Cons
- Chances of pilling after multiple washes
Who Should Buy This?
This comforter is ideal for those who love the feeling of down, but not the maintenance and allergens that follow. It serves the same comfortable purpose justly and leaves out all the inconveniences you’d otherwise have to bear.
Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter
Specs:
- Dimensions: 64” x 86”
- Colors: White, Beige, Black & Grey, Burgundy, Chocolate, Grey, Black, Plum
- Materials: Cotton, Siliconized fiberfill
Value Pick
Utopia Bedding’s comforter puts everything you desire from a comforter neatly into one properly stitched product.
Using box-style stitching, the siliconized fiberfill is kept neatly in place with the help of piped edges to keep shifting at a minimum. Four corner tabs can be used to tie the comforter down if used as a duvet insert.
The construction inside of the comforter allows for walls to be created between the top and bottom layers. This helps to create distinct pockets that securely hold the filling in place, preventing any uneven clumping.
Suitable for any time of the year, this comforter will also last throughout the year. Reinforced hems and piping make sure your comforter is as durable as it is comfortable.
To clean it, the machine washes it on a gentle cycle and let it dry out in the sun. You can also place it on a low tumble dry to quicken the drying process.
Pros
- Four corner tabs to use as an insert
- Piped seams and box stitching
- Separate layers prevent clumping and shifting
Cons
- Previous comforters can discolor in the wash
Who Should Buy This?
The best kind of purchase is one that provides you with everything you need, with no drawbacks. Utopia Bedding’s comforter is the perfect example. Durability, affordability, and warmth are all tucked neatly into the blanket to help you rest with ease.
Equinox Comforter White Alternative Goose Down
Specs:
- Dimensions: 68” x 86”
- Colors: Charcoal Grey, Crimson Red, Jet Black & Gray, Navy Blue, Sky Blue, White
- Material: 100% brushed microfiber, siliconized gel fill
Best Down Comforter for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin, as well as allergic reactions, are two major concerns many buyers have when looking for covers. This comforter from Equinox gives their customers not only the warmth but protection they need to have the perfect sleep.
Made with 100% brushed microfiber and 6D hollow siliconized fiberfill, this plush comforter is hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, protecting from mildew, dust mites, and allergens. The gel fiberfill is kept in place with piped edges and square-styled stitching.
This plush comforter can also be used either as a stand-alone piece or complemented with a duvet insert.
This comforter can be washed either by hand in cold water or placed in the machine on a gentle cycle. To dry it out, either sun dry or tumble dry it on low.
This product comes in an easy zippered plastic case for storage and packaging.
Pros
- Piped edges and box stitching for stability
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
- Comes with a plastic zippered casing
Cons
- Shipment issues have led to damaged products being shipped
Who Should Buy This?
Equinox looks out for your nightly needs by providing customers with a hypoallergenic and skin-friendly down alternative pillow. Nightly allergies and reactions won’t be an issue when you tuck in with the right comforter.
Beckham Hotel Collection 1300 Series Luxury Goose Down Alternative Comforter
Specs:
- Dimensions: 63” x 87”
- Color: White, Black, Sage, Pink, Navy, Sky Blue, Burgundy, Chocolate, Gray, Aqua
- Material: Cotton Cover, Goose Down Alternative Filling
Best Down Comforter for All-Year Use
The final option on the list is from the Beckham Hotel Collection. This comforter is lightweight and soft enough to act as both a comforter and a duvet insert. You can keep it outside as a stand-alone piece, or you can place it inside of a duvet cover for protection and an additional layer of warmth.
The stitching is precise and quilted to keep the filling securely in place. The hems are strengthened to keep shuffling and shifting at a minimum. Since the cover and filling are both synthetic, the comforter is hypoallergenic, resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites.
The comforter is also machine washable, for easier cleans after constant use. Wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle to prevent discoloration and rips. To dry it out, either let it air dry or tumble dry it on low.
Beckham Hotel Collection provides customers with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If, within this period, you’re not satisfied with this purchase you can return the comforter for a full refund.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Durable hems and precise stitching
- Machine washable
Cons
- Comforter is thin
- Can rip on higher cycle levels in machine wash
Who Should Buy This?
The Beckham Comforter is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to keep using their comforter all year round. In the winter, turn it into a duvet, while you can use it as a single sheet in the summer.
Conclusion
Your down comforter will be your favorite bedding piece during the chilly nights of winter. There is no better feeling than a blanket of plush warmth to keep you sound asleep. With the right comforter, you’ll notice an immense improvement in each night’s rest and a much happier you every morning.
Be sure to share and comment on your own experiences and tips when it comes to down comforters for other readers to enjoy.