Getting a restful night's sleep is essential for our health and well-being. Good bedding products are a vital part of a comfortable and cozy bed, and are crucial when trying to achieve a relaxing and cozy slumber. Down is a soft, fluffy, natural fiber sourced from geese and ducks, and is an excellent insulator, making down products a popular choice among customers.
For years, down comforters and blankets have been used as an additional source of warmth when sleeping. While some people use the terms interchangeably, the two products are quite distinct from one another. This article will explain the differences between a down blanket and a down comforter. We will begin by defining the two terms before highlighting the differences between them to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Down Blankets?
If you’re looking for a light, cozy escape, a down blanket is where your search ends. A down blanket is a lightweight layer of fabric with sewn-through construction that can be used for warmth on mildly cold days. In addition to being ideal for use on cool days, down blankets are also perfect for hot sleepers. The actual size of a down blanket might be similar to that of a down comforter. You can also use down blankets in combination with other bed linens. The best part is that they are affordable and long-lasting.
What Are Down Comforters?
Made from soft, fluffy, and durable fill material, down comforters are one of the most used bedding products. They not only provide extra warmth and loft, but also a cloud-like feel perfect for snuggling. You can find different types of down comforters in Puredown’s product line based on warmth, type of fill, fill weight and thread count. Down comforters usually come with baffle box construction to prevent the fill from shifting or bunching. Since the down filling is highly breathable, it is used during throughout the year.
Down Blanket vs. Down Comforter
Warmth
Down Blanket:
Down Blankets provide ample warmth as down fill is good at retaining heat and regulating temperature throughout the night. Typically, as blankets are a single piece of fabric, they are ideal for use when it's not too cold. For those days when it's freezing, consider using weighted blankets. You can also pair a down blanket with other insulating bedding products for an additional layer of warmth.
Down Comforter:
Down or feather comforters offer multiple layers with more fill, loft, and fluffiness, making them ideal for colder days or winters. The quality of a down comforter can be measured by its fill power. Higher fill power indicates larger and stronger clusters of down, resulting in superior lofting, air trapping, and insulating. A down comforter with larger clusters breathes easier, provides better insulation, and lasts a lot longer. Due to their high breathability, down comforters may also be ideal for hot sleepers or warm temperatures.
Construction
Down Blanket:
Down blankets are lightweight and relatively thin. With their sewn-through construction, the top layer is directly stitched to the bottom, keeping the fill in place and providing optimal warmth. In general, they have a rectangular shape, and the cover is usually made of polyester or cotton, since it is highly breathable, soft, and durable. Some luxurious down blankets might also have exquisite fabrics like silk covering to elevate your bedroom décor.
Down Comforter:
A down comforter has multiple layers for extra fluffiness and a cozy feel. Down comforters are thicker than blankets, and therefore come with a higher amount of white goose down or feather fill. They usually have a baffle box design to ensure the fill remains in place. A high-quality comforter features a 100% cotton cover and double-stitching to prevent fill leakage and offer more durability. Down comforters also have corner loops to attach them to duvet covers, while down blankets usually don’t.
Weight
Down Blanket:
Down blankets are a lightweight alternative for people who sleep hot or live in warmer climates. People who live in a cold environment can go for a weighted blanket. Down blankets are a relatively lighter option.
Down Comforter:
Despite their comparatively heavier weight, down comforters feel incredibly light. Based on the filling, comforters are available in a variety of weight options, including lightweight, medium weight, and heavyweight comforters. A lightweight comforter is ideal for people who sleep hot, and medium or heavyweight comforters are preferred by cold sleepers or those who live in colder climates.
Versatility
Down Blanket:
Down blankets are highly versatile and can be put to use in multiple ways. They can serve as a light layer of warmth or be used in combination with comforters. Blankets are available in numerous colors and designs, improving the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. Since they are lightweight, you can carry them to your couch or wherever you need warmth. For a comfortable sleeping environment, down blankets can be utilized year-round.
Down Comforter:
Warmth is the main purpose of a down comforter. For better versatility, choose a lightweight or all-season down comforter as it will work in any season.
Care
Down Blanket:
Down blankets are easy to maintain and care for. You can wash a down blanket at home in your washing machine. We recommend using cold or warm water, because the fabric may shrink in hot water, and a mild detergent to prevent damage to the down fill. Since these blankets are lightweight and thin, you can easily fold and store them in a dry and secure place.
Down Comforter:
It is ideal to follow the care label instructions that come with down comforters. We recommend taking your comforter to a professional dry-cleaner when needed. Additionally, you can reduce the need for frequent cleaning by using a duvet cover and spot cleaning when necessary. Make sure that your down comforter is completely dry before storing. Consider using a cotton bag for storage, instead of plastic, to help the comforter breathe. Cotton Bags also help prevent mold buildup.
Final Thoughts
Down comforters and blankets are two of the most popular bedding products on the market today. Both are designed to keep you warm and cozy throughout the night. The choice between the two comes down to your personal needs and preferences.
Down blankets are preferred as a lightweight alternative and ideal for hot sleepers. On the other hand, down comforters are ideal for cold sleepers and people who live in colder environments. For those who prefer multiple layers of fabric, a down blanket can be combined with a down comforter for some extra warmth.
Puredown offers high-quality, affordable down blankets and down comforters. Every product we design is built with premium materials, ensuring higher durability. All of our products are backed by a commitment to exceptional customer service from the moment you place your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is a down alternative comforter different from a down comforter?
A down comforter has the down fill found beneath the feathers of geese and ducks, whereas a down alternative comforter is made from the synthetic fill. Synthetic material includes hypoallergenic polyester fill. Synthetic fiber is used to mimic the feel of natural down in a synthetic comforter.
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What's the difference between a heavy down comforter and a lightweight comforter?
The main difference between a heavy weight comforter and a lightweight comforter is the amount of down and feathers that they are filled with, which makes them suitable for different seasons, and types of sleepers.
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What is a duvet insert?
A duvet insert is used over the bed covering just like a comforter. It might have polyester filling or natural filling, such as wool. Wool has moisture-wicking abilities.
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What is the optimal level of thread count in down bedding like comforters?
A thread count between 200-400 is considered optimal. A higher thread count is an indication of softer and durable fabric.
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What are the advantages of down fill?
Down is soft, durable, breathable, eco-friendly, and has exceptional insulation abilities.