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Down comforters offer warm, soft and light bedding for a more comfortable sleep.

They are not just for winter, as you can find a range of comforters at varying weights for different seasons. You can buy them in natural and breathable material for year-round use.

Down comforters are also available in many styles and materials. They are filled with soft and fluffy undercoating of bird feathers. Alternative comforters on the other hand are filled with synthetic materials such as polyester or rayon. If you are looking for the best down comforter to buy, we will take the guesswork out of choosing the one that’s right for you. Feel free to explore this guide and learn the essential things you need to know and invest on a high quality product that will give your money’s worth.

Quick Look: Our Top Down Comforter Options

Down Comforter

Key Features

Price

Rating

Where to Buy

Down Comforter

Chezmoi Collection White Goose Down Alternative Comforter

  • Luxury goose down-alternative comforter for year round
  • Piped edges and four corner tabs to anchor duvet cover
  • 100-Percent Hypo-allergenic, Allergy Free Poly Fiber

$$

Down Comforter Alternative

All Season Down Alternative Full/Queen Comforter

  • Double needle stitching prevents fill from shifting
  • Medium Fill Weight
  • Down Alternative bedding provides allergy relief for those with allergies to down.

$

Down Alternative

Utopia Queen Comforter Duvet Insert

  • Piped edges with an elegant style box stitching that prevent the fill from shifting
  • 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee
  • Queen comforter duvet insert measures 88 inches x 88 inches

$$

Down Comforter Insert

Natural Comfort Classic Heavy Fill

  • 100% Cotton; (Shell) 100% Polyester
  • 200 thread-count 100-percent cotton ticking
  • Piped edge; 7-inch stitching box; 4 loops on corners

$$$

Types of Down Comforters

Down Comforters vary in fill material, fill power, and construction. They can also differ in weight. For a warmer climate, you can choose a super lightweight or lightweight down. Ideal for year round use is the medium weight down for room temperatures of 65°F to 69°F. for spring or fall, there’s extra warm weight and for winter, you can go for ultra warm weight. The thread count also matters like any other bedding. The higher the thread count and the tighter the weave, the better it contains the fill and the comforter to last longer.

By Fill Material

Down comforters differ in fill material. Those filled with bird feather undercoating are soft and lightweight. Alternative fill material uses synthetic materials for those who are allergic to bird feathers.

  • Goose. Goose down is a common type of down comforter. The fill is available in gray and white, but the color has no effect on its quality but white is used more often because it does not show through white shells.

  • Duck. Duck down is also manufactured but this one is a lower-end type of comforter.

  • Alternative Material. Synthetic materials are used as alternative to down to avoid allergies. Materials such as polyester and cotton with wool are great alternatives. Both are affordable and allergy-free options.

By Fill Power

Fill power is the volume that an ounce of down takes up. The greater the fill power, the better the insulation. Those from older and larger birds insulate better, which means less is required for insulation. Fill power of up to 400 is already soft and lightweight in warmth. Fill power of 400 to 599 is all-season warm, while 600 to 799 is warmer than a lighter weight and 800 or higher provides highest insulation for the winter.

By Construction

Down comforters differ in construction and stitching styles. The baffle box style features baffles sewn between the comforter’s top and bottom layers. This is where the material is placed. The walls allow the down to fully expand and provide maximum cushion. Next is the diamond quilt wherein top and bottom layers are sewn in diamond shape to avoid shifting the fill. The gusset style creates walls around the edge to connect the layers. The edges increase height and maximizes loft; they usually come in baffle box or box stitch. Other types include karo-step, ring-stitch, sewn through box stitch and sewn through channel stitch.

Our Picks For The  Best Down Comforters

After learning about the types of down comforters, it is time to review the top selling down comforters. These are rated by actual users themselves and made by some of the reputable companies in the industry.

Down Comforter

Key Features

Price

Rating

Where to Buy

Down Comforter

Chezmoi Collection White Goose Down Alternative Comforter

  • Luxury goose down-alternative comforter for year round
  • Piped edges and four corner tabs to anchor duvet cover
  • 100-Percent Hypo-allergenic, Allergy Free Poly Fiber

$$

Down Comforter Alternative

All Season Down Alternative Full/Queen Comforter

  • Double needle stitching prevents fill from shifting
  • Medium Fill Weight
  • Down Alternative bedding provides allergy relief for those with allergies to down.

$

Down Alternative

Utopia Queen Comforter Duvet Insert

  • Piped edges with an elegant style box stitching that prevent the fill from shifting
  • 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee
  • Queen comforter duvet insert measures 88 inches x 88 inches

$$

Down Comforter Insert

Natural Comfort Classic Heavy Fill

  • 100% Cotton; (Shell) 100% Polyester
  • 200 thread-count 100-percent cotton ticking
  • Piped edge; 7-inch stitching box; 4 loops on corners

$$$

1. Chezmoi Collection White Goose Down Alternative Comforter

Chezmoi makes it on top of the list for price and quality. It is made with goose down alternative for year round use and is available in twin, queen and king sizes.

The construction is box-stitching style, making the padding even, balanced and clump-free. It also has an aesthetic design featuring piped edges. If you have allergies, this down comforter is 100% hypoallergenic.

You can machine wash it and still feel new. Anyone will appreciate the softness of this down comforter without spending a lot. Chezmoi comforter is well reviewed by actual users themselves. It is highly recommended if you want a good quality down comforter at an affordable price.

2. King Linen White Down Alternative Comforter

This down alternative comforter by King Linen makes it to the second spot because of its good quality and affordable price. Like the top product reviewed above, this one is also well reviewed by actual users. The queen size is 88 by 88 inches in size, perfect for most beds. It is made of polyfiber so you can be sure that it is 100% hypoallergenic.

The color is white, making it easy to match with most bedding. It is soft and light, weighing only 5 pounds. With this on your bed, you can enjoy a comfortable sleep. It is a good choice for value shoppers, click here to see it on Amazon.

3. All Season Down Alternative Comforter

This luxurious comforter is another down alternative, a great option for those who want to enjoy the softness and lightness of down comforter without the allergy. It is also white in color, and is manufactured by Superior, renown for quality bedding products. The fill is made of microfiber, as well as the cover.

The full/queen size measures 88 by 90, but it is also available in twin/XL and king/California king sizes. You can pair it with Superior’s down alternative pillow set, mattress topper and blanket. It is easy to maintain for it is safe to machine wash. Amazon sells it for only $53.25.

4. Utopia Bedding Comforter Down Alternative Comforter

Utopia Bedding’s down alternative comforter features elite design, expert tailoring and soft materials. The piped edges make it aesthetically designed and prevent the fill from moving.

The queen size is 88 by 88 inches, but it is available in smaller and larger sizes. Regardless of size, the product boasts durable hems and quality materials. It uses siliconized fiberfill that lets you have a good night’s sleep. You can use a duvet cover for a customized look of your bedding. Like the other products above, this one is hypoallergenic and is great for year round use. Washing is easy - you can gently clean it in the machine.

5. Natural Comfort Classic Heavy Fill Goose Down Alternative Duvet Insert Comforter

Natural Comfort classic heavy fill is another down alternative duvet insert comforter. It features 100% polyester, which is preferred by many users. The shell is made of 100% cotton.

The thread count is 200 and is constructed with 7-inch stitching box. The piped edge adds to the aesthetic design and the loops on corners make it easy to use. 

The heavy loft will keep you warm on colder nights but it is soft for a cozy, comfortable sleep. It is classic white in color but is easy to clean because it is machine washable and dryable. The comforter is available in full XL, queen XL and king XL sizes to fit any bed size.

Tips before Buying A Down Comforter

  1. Down or Down Alternative? Before buying, decide whether you want down or down alternative. The only difference is that down alternatives are ideal for those who suffer from allergies but expect down comforters to be more expensive and lighter than synthetic fills. Down comforters are also good at regulating temperature.

  1. Go for higher fill power. As discussed above, down comforters vary in fill power. It is best to go for one with higher fill power, like 600 or more. This increases its fluff and warmth.

  1. Go for baffle-box style. Baffle-box construction forms a grid pattern that keeps the down comforter lofty and prevents shifting and clumping. This design is more reliable if you want to keep the comforter for a long time.

  1. Higher thread count is ideal. Higher thread count results to a tighter weave that makes the fabric softer and last longer. 300 or higher thread count is excellent.

Caring for Your Down Comforter

When you buy a down comforter, it takes hours for it to expand and maximize its loft and fluffiness. You can place it on the dryer and dry it on low or shake it vigorously to restore its natural loft. This can be done regularly to renew their loft. Here are some tips on how to care for your comforter and get the most out of it:

  1. Wash and dry it properly. Wash it separately with other beddings. Use a mild detergent and warm water. You can use special cleaners for down if you want and don’t forget to set the washer on “delicate” before washing. Set the dryer on low or no heat. There is no need to iron or bleach it. However, if your comforter’s thread count is 400 or higher, it is best to dry clean it.

  1. Use a duvet cover. A duvet cover can help protect the comforter to keep it clean for a longer time and maintain its quality. You can clean the duvet cover frequently rather than the comforter if you want to prolong your down comforter’s life.

  1. Store properly when off-season. You can keep the down comforter for a while during warm months but make sure to store it in a breathable bag and well-ventilated area. Plastic traps moisture that can produce mildew.

Buying Down Alternative Comforters

Natural down comforters are not for everyone even if they are soft and light. Those who suffer from allergy opt for down alternative comforters, which could be a more affordable option. They are also easier to clean than natural downs. However, with so many products to choose from, it could be quite confusing to pick the one to buy. First off, if you are sensitive, go for the hypoallergenic products like the ones listed above.

  • Fill material. The fill options for down alternative comforter range from synthetic polyester fiber to gel fiber. Some manufacturers also produce natural fill that is made from silk, bamboo or buckwheat hull. Gel fiber is almost identical with natural down. It is light and fluffy.

  • Fabric. Down alternative comforters also come in various fabrics, so you have many options. The common ones are batiste, sateen, damask and cambric. Batiste is a cotton blend fabric preferred for being lightweight. It is gentle since it is a plain woven fabric. Sateen is a low luster fabric made from cotton. It is smooth and a bit luster. Damask is glossy but simple and reversible. Cambric is delicate and also very light.

  • Warmth. Warmth is important for no matter how light or soft your comforter is but if it makes you shiver through the night, it is not good. Manufacturers tell the range of warmth of their products and will show you your options. In most instances, they have warm, extra warm, toasty and extra toasty comforter options and it would be up to you to decide.

  • Thread count. Like natural downs, thread count also matters in down alternatives. This accounts to the fabric being softer and more breathable. You can find them in 100 to 600 or higher, but to some people, the difference is insignificant.

  • Size. A twin size is an ideal option for a smaller bed while a full or queen size fits most beds. If you want a larger one, you can always go for king sizes.

Wrap Up

The bedroom is the supposed to be very relaxing. Beddings are important to cuddle up for a good night’s sleep. Comforters can truly make a difference, especially now that there are down comforters that are lighter, softer and fluffier.

Down comforters have been hugely popular for they insulate well. It is best to learn about your options to make sure you are buying the right one.

Consider the right size, fill power, material and warmth so you can turn the thermostat down and save up on your energy consumption. It pays to read reviews and trust reputable brands to make the most of your money. It also pays to do your part of properly caring for the down comforter to prolong its life.

Sources:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/comforter-reviews/a18163/comforter-guide-care/

http://www.downlinens.com/pages/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-down-comforter

http://www.downlinens.com/pages/what-to-look-for-when-buy-a-down-alternative-comforter

http://www.thecompanystore.com/comforter-buying-guide

http://www.wayfair.com/ideas-and-advice/down-comforter-buying-guide-S4478.html