Snuggling under a fluffy down comforter is a relaxing experience. Down comforters are filled with natural down, a fluffy layer that is found beneath the feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. Down provides exceptional insulation and warmth. However, there may be a few reasons why one would prefer a down alternative comforter. Some of the reasons one may choose a down alternative comforter (or alternative duvet insert) include allergies to down, a vegan lifestyle, or economical.
Recreating the feeling of down is the core feature of down alternative comforters. Synthetic fiber like rayon, poly blends, and polyester fill is used to fill a down alternative comforter. This synthetic fill affects the overall quality of the down alternative in more than one way. When buying a comforter or duvet insert, look for the fabric shell, the stuffing you want, along with checking the level of warmth and plushness. We will dive deep into the different aspects that you should look for in an alternative comforter or duvet insert to help you make the right choice.
How To Choose a Down Alternative Comforter?
We have outlined a few essential factors that can help you catch those extra ZZZs. So let’s dig into the details to make your purchase experience as smooth as possible.
Type of Fill
To determine if a down alternative comforter (also known as an alternative duvet insert) will fit your needs here’s some info about the fill used in comforter construction. Fill materials in down alternative comforters may vary by brand. The most common down alternative fill includes polyester and poly blend fill. Although some brands advertise a higher fill power for their down alternative comforter, it may not be accurate. Due to its synthetic nature, fill power does not apply to the down alternative comforter.
However, to simplify the process of choosing down alternative comforters, we must talk about the shell of the comforter. The shell of the comforter is a fabric that keeps the fill in place. There are three popular choices when choosing down alternative comforters:
Cotton ShellAn all-organic option, cotton comforter shells are very breathable. These fabrics are extremely soft to the touch and gentle to the skin.
Polyester ShellPolyester fabric shell is a hypoallergenic option. Although it is not as breathable as cotton, it is a more economic option.
Poly-Cotton Blend ShellPoly-cotton blend fabric shells are lighter and more durable. This fabric offers the best of both worlds, poly-cotton fabrics are breathable and relatively cost-effective than cotton fabric shells.
Warmth
A good comforter should be able to maintain warmth throughout the night for peaceful sleep. Before purchasing a down alternative duvet insert or comforter, you should consider the weather in your area, your body temperature while sleeping, and the warmth level offered by the comforter. The level of warmth varies from lightweight to heavyweight depending on the climate and personal requirements of the sleeper. Lightweight comforters are lighter and preferable during summers or warmer climates. There are light and medium weight comforters for moderately cool places or all-season comfort. Heavyweight comforters are preferred during winters or in places with colder climates.
Light WeightIf you live in a hotter climate, need a comforter for summers, or simply prefer something lighter and softer, this is an ideal choice. Light-down alternative comforters are ideal for use when the climate is not too hot.
Medium WeightMedium warmth comforters are preferred by users who want an all-season comforter. When the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, you may want to use a medium warmth comforter.
Heavy WeightA heavy weight comforter is ideal for the beginning of the winter season or when the weather is moderately cold. Get an extra warm heavy weight comforter for chilly nights to keep you toasty. This comforter can be used for the peak of winters or for generally colder climates.
Thread Count
Thread count reflects the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. The finer the thread, the softer, smoother, and more refined the fabric. A higher thread count might reflect a more breathable or durable comforter, but the distinction is minimal beyond a certain level. Though the range of thread counts available vary greatly, you can choose from a number of options available in the market that suit your requirements the best. A comforter with a thread count of 200-500 indicates good quality and comfort. An investment in a bedding product with a good thread count will improve your sleeping experience.
Care
Protect your down alternative duvet or comforter by treating it with special care, and you will enjoy years of use. For consistent warmth, fluffing your comforter after use ensures that the fill stays evenly distributed. You can also get a comforter with baffle box construction, so the filling stays more intact.
Down alternative comforters can be machine washed, following the wash instruction on the label can help with easy maintenance and durability of the comforter. For instance, use a mild detergent, but do not use very warm or hot water as it might affect the filling. It is recommended to wash your down alternative comforter in a delicate cycle with a baby/mild detergent. For a soft and fresh comforter dry it on a low tumble dry with a low heat setting. Try to pre-treat any existing stain before putting the comforter in the washing machine for the perfect wash. To reduce the frequency of washing, it is wise to use a comforter cover or duvet cover.
Size and Weight
The ideal down alternative comforter size for you will depend on the size of your bedding. Usually, the following size options are available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. However, depending upon the brand, the measurements might differ slightly. Therefore, it’s best to first estimate the size of your bed and then, accordingly choose your comforter. You should also take personal preference into consideration. For instance, some people like the comforter to fall from the sides, while others prefer a perfect fit.
| Size | Comforter Width | Comforter Length |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 62-68 inches | 86-88 inches |
| Twin XL | 68 inches | 90 inches |
| Full | 86 inches | 86 inches |
| Queen | 88-90 inches | 88-98 inches |
| King | 102-106 inches | 86-90 inches |
| California King | 108 inches | 98 inches |
The overall weight of a down alternative comforter will depend on the quality of the fill and the type of fiber blend. There is an option for everyone, including a medium, heavyweight, or lightweight comforter. A hot sleeper may go for a lightweight comforter or cooling comforter, while a cold sleeper might prefer a heavier comforter.
Final Words
Down alternative comforters provide similar fluff and warmth as traditional goose-down comforters while being hypoallergenic and an economic option for down. When shopping for a down alternative comforter, there are several factors to consider, including fill material, outer shell fabric, thread count, size, and warmth level. Understanding your requirements and your surroundings is always helpful while choosing your ideal comforter. This guide covers major aspects so that you can make an informed decision and find the best down alternative comforter that suits your needs.
At Puredown, our goal is to provide high-quality down alternative comforters at the best possible price. We are passionate about making the world a better place through our products. That is why we strive to follow eco-friendly practices and leave the smallest possible carbon footprint. More than one million sound sleepers have trusted us, and now it’s your turn. So, grab a down alternative comforter from Puredown today and sleep better every night.