Best duvet inserts and comforters 2024: tested by experts
We've tested the best duvet inserts for every sort of sleeper and climate. These comforters made the cut
Best duvet inserts 2024: Jump Menu
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Boll & Branch Down Duvet
3. Best all-season: Coop Exhale Adjustable Comforter
4. Best down: Brooklinen Down Comforter
5. Best down-alternative: Saatva All-Year Comforter
6. Best for hot sleepers: SlumberCloud Lightweight Comforter
7. Best for cold sleepers: Saatva Heavyweight Comforter
8. Best eco-friendly: Company Conscious Down Comforter
9. Best luxury: Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
10. Best wool: Woolroom Organic Washable Wool Comforter
11. How we test
12. Meet the team
13. FAQs
A quality comforter is a sleep essential. The best comforters are filled with lots of little air pockets to retain heat and enhance breathability. Since they come without a cover, they're wrapped in soft and stylish shells. A duvet is a lot like a comforter, only it's made up of two parts: the insert and the cover.
Hot sleepers will appreciate a lighter layer, while a heavy-duty comforter might be more suitable for cooler climates. Down comforters are filled with real feathers, which trap heat to keep you warm in the winter, though vegans or allergy-suffers might prefer a down alternative option. In short, there are so many sorts of comforters that it can be difficult to find one that suits your sleep needs.
That's where we come in. Our expert sleep editors know all the best places to buy comforters. After trying all the best duvet inserts, we've narrowed it down to our top nine to suit every season and sleep style.
We've tested each of these comforters for months, if not years, to monitor their performance over time. We've ranked them based on comfort, sustainability, and ease of cleaning, as well as the all-important price.
Best duvet insert and comforter deals
To get the fairest prices on the best bedding, I recommend reading the whole article. But if you're tight on time and money, you should take advantage of these deep discounts on the best duvet inserts and comforters.
Brooklinen Down Comforter | <a href="https://brooklinen.pxf.io/c/221109/971323/12856?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brooklinen.com%2Fproducts%2Fdown-comforter%3Fvariant%3D32865296777306" data-link-merchant="brooklinen.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $269, now $228.65 at Brooklinen
Unlike most down products, which are filled with individual feathers, the Brooklinen Down Comforter is stuffed with down clusters to minimize scratching and scraping. This comforter is hypoallergenic to suit sensitive sleepers and 20% off to please buyers on a budget.
Three Geese Pinch Pleat Comforter | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB084NXSL4B%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $159.00, now $139 on Amazon
This super-soft comforter now costs 20% less than its RRP. No cold spots here: there's a thin strip of fabric sewn between the top two layers, which evenly distributes the down. This cozy comforter will keep you warm on winter nights.
Dobby Stripe Comforter Set | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0153V5IEI%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $64.99, now $51.00 on Amazon
This eight-piece comforter set is a bed in a bag. As well as a plush comforter, you get two pillowcases with matching shams, a fitted and a flat sheet, and even a bed skirt thrown in. Since each piece is hypoallergenic, this set is perfect for sensitive sleepers.
Utopia Bedding Comforter | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07PPNT73Q%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $51.99, now $43.99 on Amazon
This comforter is filled with down alternative, which prevents the build-up of mold and mildew in your mattress. My advice: don't spend any less than this. Much lower than $40, and you're getting a poor-quality comforter at a great price.
The quick list
We'll dive into the specifics further down. For now, here are the best duvet inserts and comforters at a glance.
Best overall
This duvet insert comes in three different weights to suit your ideal sleep temperature. Each insert is wrapped in a cotton shell that's soft on your skin and cool to the touch.
Best down alternative
This hypoallergenic comforter is stuffed with sustainable synthetic fill. It's good for your skin and good for the planet.
Best down
Unlike most down comforters, this piece is hypoallergenic, so it's suitable for sensitive sleepers.
Best down alternative
This hypoallergenic comforter is stuffed with sustainable synthetic fill. It's good for your skin and good for the planet.
Best for hot sleepers
This lightweight layer is just a quarter of an inch thick. It's a great choice for hot sleepers who still like to sleep with a comforter.
Best for cold sleepers
This comforter is filled with thick layers of down alternative to retain heat. It's ultra-warm and breathable, too, wrapped in a cotton shell.
Best eco-friendly
This comforter is made from a unique blend of virgin and recycled down to reduce waste. It's wrapped in a cotton and lyocell shell, sourced from sustainable wood fibers.
Best luxury
This duvet insert is hand-made in Hungary. With a super-high 700 fill power, this piece traps more air and provides more warmth than standard duvet inserts.
Best wool
This hypoallergenic comforter is vegan-friendly and chemical-free. It's a great choice for sleepers with sensitive skin. Unlike most wool comforters, it's machine-washable for easy cleaning.
Best overall
1. Boll & Branch Down Duvet
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You have sensitive skin: this duvet insert is hypoallergenic, so it soothes your skin while you sleep.
✅ You're looking for an animal-friendly insert: the fill in this duvet meets the Responsible Down Standard. That means each stage of production meets the highest standards of quality and animal welfare.
✅ You're a cool sleeper: this duvet insert comes in three levels of warmth, so you can pick the thickness that suits you.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You have a twin bed: this duvet insert only comes in Full, Queen, King, and California King sizes.
❌ You don't have a dryer: this duvet insert is stuffed with so much fill that it takes two or three cycles to fully dry. You couldn't air dry it.
❌ You're a warm sleeper: even the lightest layer is pretty weighty, according to customer reviews.
The bottom line
🔎 Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert is a great option for eco-conscious sleepers who don't want to compromise on comfort.
The Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert offers something for everyone, whether you sleep hot or cold in a full bed or a California King.
This duvet insert comes in three thicknesses. The lightweight option is more comfortable in warmer climates, while the ultra-weight insert provides superior cozy comfort.
Each insert is filled with real down, sourced from American farms, that meets the Responsible Down Standard. That means each stage of production, from farm to factory, is investigated by an independent organization to ensure the highest standards of quality and animal welfare.
This down is also washed with eco-friendly, Bluesign-certified detergent, which makes it two times cleaner than the federal standard.
While the Down Duvet Insert is definitely on the more expensive side, it's a worthwhile investment for eco-conscious sleepers. Just remember that there's no twin size for single beds.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Wrapped in breathable cotton | ★★★★★ |
Sustainability | RDS-certified | ★★★★★ |
Easy to clean | Takes a while to dry | ★★★ |
Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
Best all-season
2. Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You live in a temperate climate: this comforter is made from plush down alternative and breathable lyocell. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
✅ You tend to sweat as you sleep: lyocell is naturally moisture-wicking and odor-repellent, so this comforter should keep you cool and dry.
✅ You want a comforter you can clean easily: this piece is machine-washable and dryer-safe on gentle cycles.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You live in a warmer climate: you might be better off with a lighter layer, such as Saatva's Lightweight Down Alternative Comforter.
❌ You want a colorful comforter: this piece only comes in white, though it comes with corner loops to attach inside a duvet cover.
❌ You're on a budget: this comforter is on the more expensive side.
The bottom line
🔎 Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter is plush and breathable. It's perfect for sleepers who want to stay cool but won't compromise on comfort.
This comforter is filled with a unique blend of plush down alternative and porous lyocell fill. It's thermoregulating, conducting heat away from your body as you warm up and releasing it once you start to cool down.
Saatva's All-Year Comforter strikes the perfect balance between warmth and breathability. That means it's suitable for hot and cold sleepers in warm or cool climates.
When our expert tested it in the middle of June, she found it to be much cooler and more comfortable than her regular down blanket. With that said, this comforter might be too cozy for a heatwave, especially in houses without AC.
As comforters go, this one is easy to clean. All you need to do is throw it in the washing machine on a cold cycle and tumble dry on low. You might want to wash it alone − the queen-size comforter took up almost the entire drum of my front-load washer. Fluff between spins for best results.
This down alternative comforter is hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly, and feels like the real thing.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Mid-weight lyocell fill | ★★★★★ |
Sustainability | Ethically sourced cotton | ★★★★ |
Easy to clean | Machine-washable and dryer-safe | ★★★★★ |
Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
Best down
3. Brooklinen Down Comforter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You're a sensitive sleeper: unusually for down, this comforter is totally hypoallergenic.
✅ You tend to sleep hot: you'll appreciate the cooling properties of the cotton sateen shell.
✅ You have a twin bed: unlike a lot of comforters on this list, this piece comes in every size from Twin to California King.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're looking for something machine-washable: this comforter needs to be spot-cleaned.
❌ You're vegan: this comforter is filled with real duck and goose feathers. You might be more comfortable with a down alternative comforter.
❌ You're looking for a colorful comforter: this piece only comes in white, though it should blend beautifully with any bedroom color palette.
The bottom line
🔎 Brooklinen Down Comforter is a little high-maintenance, but it's hypoallergenic and cool to the touch.
Where most down comforters are filled with individual feathers, which can poke through the surface to scratch your skin, this comforter is stuffed with clusters for a softer feel.
Since these are real feathers, rather than synthetic, this Down Comforter may not be suitable for vegans. It's worth saying, though, that Brooklinen source their down from Canadian flocks using sustainable farming practices. As down comforters go, this one is pretty eco-friendly.
With a lightweight, mid-weight, and ultra-warm option, there's a Down Comforter to suit every season. As a general rule, it sleeps cool. Our sleep editor tested the mid-weight design in the middle of a Georgia heatwave, and still felt it was light and airy.
Each comforter is wrapped in a cotton-sateen shell that's soft on your skin and cool to the touch. There are loops on each corner, too, which keep your duvet in place while you move.
The biggest downside is that it's a little high-maintenance. Since the Down Comforter is not machine-washable, you'll have to stick to spot-cleaning or send it to the dry cleaners.
You can find more detail in our Brooklinen Down Comforter review.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Filled with down clusters | ★★★★★ |
Sustainability | Ethically sourced from Hutterite farms | ★★★★★ |
Easy to clean | Spot-cleaning recommended | ★★ |
Price | Reasonable RRP | ★★★★ |
Best down alternative
4. Buffy Cloud Comforter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You're a sensitive sleeper: this down alternative comforter is hypoallergenic.
✅ You tend to sleep hot: you'll appreciate the cooling properties of the TENCEL lyocell shell.
✅ You have a twin bed: unlike a lot of these comforters, this piece comes in every size from Twin to California King.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to try before you buy: Buffy only offers a limited 7-night sleep trial.
❌ You want something with a lot of loft: you might be better off with a down comforter.
❌ You're looking for a colorful comforter: this piece only comes in white, though it should blend beautifully with any bedroom color palette.
The bottom line
🔎 Buffy Cloud Comforter offers the look and feel of real down without any of the actual animal products.
The Cloud Comforter holds tens of thousands of five-star ratings on the Buffy site, and it's not hard to understand why. For a down alternative comforter, the Cloud feels exceptionally light and fluffy. It doesn't hold quite as much air and warmth as a real down comforter, but it comes close.
Each Cloud Comforter incorporates and upcycles materials from approximately 50 plastic bottles to minimize waste and maximize warmth. This plastic is shredded and spun into the super-thin fibers which make up the down alternative fill. The Cloud Comforter comes wrapped in a moisture-wicking eucalyptus lyocell fill, woven into silky-smooth sateen for softness.
Unlike a lot of the comforters on this list, the Buffy Cloud Comforter comes in every size, from Twin to California King, to suit sleepers of all shapes and sizes. Although it only comes in the one color – white − each comforter features corner loops for the easy attachment of colorful covers.
The only thing I don't like about the Buffy Cloud Comforter is the limited sleep trial. Seven days is nowhere near enough time to sample a comforter. You can't assess the performance of the comforter throughout the seasons to determine whether it sleeps too hot or cold. If you're on the fence about this comforter, I'd recommend exploring alternative options, so that you aren't left with buyer's remorse.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Mid-weight lyocell fill | ★★★★★ |
Sustainability | Ethically sourced cotton | ★★★★ |
Easy to clean | Machine-washable and dryer-safe | ★★★★★ |
Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
Best for hot sleepers
5. Slumber Cloud Lightweight Comforter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You tend to sleep hot: this comforter is filled with ClimaDry by Outlast fiberfill, which keeps you cool and dry while you sleep.
✅ You want a comforter that's easy to clean: this comforter is machine-washable and dryer-safe.
✅ You share a bed: this comforter is designed to automatically adjust to each sleeper's ideal temperature.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want something you can iron: the temperature-regulating technology in this bedding is sensitive to high heats.
❌ You want a real down comforter: this piece is filled with down alternative.
❌ You want a colorful comforter: this piece only comes in white, though it comes with corner loops to attach to a colorful duvet cover.
The bottom line
🔎 SlumberCloud Lightweight Comforter is perfect for hot sleepers and warm nights, though it's less suitable for cooler climates.
This lightweight option is one of the coolest comforters on the market. It's only a quarter of an inch thick, so it's ideal for hot sleepers who still like a layer.
This comforter is stuffed with a down alternative fill that's exclusive to SlumberCloud. The ClimaDry by Outlast fiberfill has the feel of real down, with enhanced thermo-regulating and moisture-wicking abilities. It should keep you cool and dry while you sleep, whatever the weather.
If you share a bed with a partner, you need a comforter that suits both of your sleep needs. That's where the Lightweight Comforter really comes into its own. SlumberCloud bedding is designed to automatically adjust to each sleeper's ideal temperature. That means your partner can keep to the cool side of the bed, while you stay warm and cozy.
This thin layer won't suit everyone. But for thermally incompatible couples, though, it could be the perfect solution.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Quilt boxing keeps fill from shifting | ★★★★★ |
Sustainability | Not mentioned on website | ★★ |
Easy to clean | Machine-washable and dryer-safe | ★★★★★ |
Price | Reasonable RRP | ★★★★ |
Best for cold sleepers
6. Saatva Heavyweight Down Alternative Comforter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You live in a cooler climate: this heavyweight comforter has a thicker fill to keep you warm in the winter months.
✅ You tend to sweat as you sleep: the down alternative fill incorporates lyocell, which is moisture-wicking and highly breathable.
✅ You have sensitive skin: this comforter is hypoallergenic, so it soothes your skin while you sleep.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want something with a lot of loft: this down alternative comforter has less fluff than real down.
❌ You live in a warmer climate: the thickness of the fill might get uncomfortable in the summer months.
❌ You're on a budget: this comforter is on the more expensive side.
The bottom line
🔎Saatva Heavyweight Down Alternative Comforter will keep you cozy in the colder months.
If you like to cuddle up in the colder months, then this is the comforter for you. This heavyweight insert offers the same plush feel of the standard Saatva duvet with a thicker fill for extra warmth.
Each comforter is wrapped in a 420 GSM cotton shell. A higher GSM indicates a thicker, more luxurious feel. This cotton case is soft and absorbent, able to soothe your skin and keep you dry overnight.
The insert itself is stuffed with down alternative fill that incorporates lyocell, which is prized for its moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties.
The diamond quilting is pretty, and it's practical, too. These deep tufts are what keeps the down alternative fill in place, so that it doesn't move when you do.
It goes without saying, but this heavy-duty comforter is less suitable for hot sleepers or consistently warmer climates. It's also pretty expensive for down alternative. But if you live in a temperate climate, and you're looking to upgrade your sleep, then you might appreciate some cozy comfort.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Less loft than real down | ★★★★ |
Sustainability | OEKO-TEX-certified | ★★★ |
Easy to clean | Machine-washable and dryer-safe | ★★★★★ |
Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
Best eco-friendly
7. The Company Store Company Conscious Down Comforter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You hate waste: 50% of the down fill is recycled.
✅ You live in a temperate climate: this comforter combines the cooling properties of cotton and Lyocell with the fluff and loft of real duck feathers.
✅ You have sensitive skin: the shell is made with botanically sourced Lyocell, which should soothe your skin while you sleep.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're vegan: this comforter is filled with real duck feathers. You might be more comfortable with a down alternative option.
❌ You live in a warm climate: this comforter has a 500 fill power, which might be too thick for hot sleepers.
❌You want a colorful comforter: this piece only comes in white, though it has corner loops to attach to duvet covers.
The bottom line
🔎 Company Conscious Down Comforter is some of the most environmentally conscious down bedding on the market.
Made from a unique blend of virgin and recycled duck feathers, this comforter combines the loft of real down with the sustainability of repurposed materials.
Our tester was particularly impressed with the soft sateen cover, made from a mixture of cotton and Lyocell. This shell is soft on your skin and cool to the touch, so it's perfect for sensitive sleepers.
While many down alternative comforters develop lumps and bumps after a few washes, the Company Conscious Comforter looks and feels like real down. With a fill power of 500, this insert contains thousands of little air pockets which keep it light and fluffy. It does tend to lose its loft by the end of the night, but a good shake makes it look brand new.
The Company Conscious Comforter is filled with real feathers, so it isn't vegan. However, it's made from sustainably sourced materials and expertly finished so that you can sleep easy.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | 500 fill power | ★★★★ |
Sustainability | Incorporates recycled down | ★★★★★ |
Easy to clean | Machine-washable and dryer-safe | ★★★★ |
Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
Best luxury
8. Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You want a lot of loft: this comforter has a super-high 700 fill power for extra fluffiness.
✅ You tend to sweat as you sleep: the cotton cover is naturally cooling and moisture-wicking.
✅ You want something adjustable: this 3-in-1 comforter is made from one thick and one light layer.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're vegan: this comforter is made with real goose feathers. You might be more comfortable with a down alternative option.
❌ You get confused by European sizing: the Scooms website talks in terms of togs and single versus double beds. ❌ You're on a budget: this is one of the most expensive comforters on the market.
The bottom line
🔎 Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet is ethically sourced and adjustable to the seasons. It's also pretty expensive.
Scooms lists their Hungarian Goose Down Duvet as a three-in-one comforter, but it's more like nine-in-one. Each comforter comprises multiple layers and comes in three different warmth levels. It's the ultimate adjustable piece.
These comforters are wrapped in a super-soft sateen cotton shell. This material is designed to be rustle-resistant to promote more restful sleep. Each cover features a tight dust-mite-proof weave, so it's ideal for sensitive sleepers.
Our expert tested the mid-weight duvet, which combined a 9-tog and a 2.5-tog layer. Though it's possible to separate the layers, she preferred to keep them together for that weighted blanket feel.
The two duvets connect with snap fasteners. You won't notice them as you sleep, but they're small and easily lost.
This is a premium product with a premium price tag. Unless you have a few hundred dollars to drop on a duvet, you're better off shopping elsewhere.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Adjustable to the seasons | ★★★★★ |
Sustainability | Made from natural materials | ★★★★ |
Easy to clean | Machine-washable and dryer-safe | ★★★★ |
Price | One of the most expensive on the market | ★★ |
Best wool
9. Woolroom Organic Washable Wool Comforter
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Buy it if:
✅ You want a comforter that's easy to clean: unlike most wool comforters, this bedding is machine-washable.
✅ You want to check the eco-credentials yourself: thanks to Woolroom's Traceable Wool Program, you can find out exactly where your wool has come from.
✅ You have sensitive skin: wool is naturally hypoallergenic, as well as mold-, mildew-, and dust mite-resistant.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a lot of loft: this wool comforter is not as fluffy as its down and down alternative counterparts.
❌ You have a California Kingbed: this comforter only comes in sizes Twin through King.
❌ You're on a budget: this is one of the most expensive comforters on the market.
The bottom line
🔎 Woolroom Organic Washable Wool Comforter is sustainably sourced and easy to clean. The only problem is the price.
Woolroom makes the best wool comforters in the world. This bedding is GOTS-certified, which means that all the wool and cotton comes from organic farms and factories.
Don't take my word for it. Thanks to Woolroom's Traceable Wool Program, you can check your comforter's eco-credentials yourself. You can identify the individual sheep who were sheared to make your comforter and learn more about the washing and combing of their wool.
This comforter isn't fluffy like down, but it's just as breathable. Wool makes a great insulator, which means that this comforter is most suitable for cold sleepers and cooler climates.
Unlike most wool products, this comforter is machine-washable for quick and convenient cleaning. This wool won't shrink in the machine: it's been treated with natural minerals, water, and oxygen to make sure those fibers flex. Just make sure to wash it on a cool cycle with a dash of wool detergent. It isn't dryer-safe, though, so you'll have to peg it to your line outside.
Attribute | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Comfort | Lacks loft | ★★★ |
Sustainability | Wool ID Traceable Wool Program | ★★★★★ |
Easy to clean | Machine-washable | ★★★★★ |
Price | One of the most expensive on the market | ★★ |
How we test
Every one of these duvet inserts and comforters is tried and tested by the team at H&G. We test bedding products across several months, if not years, to monitor their performance over time.
We consider all aspects of a comforter: the quality of its construction; its warmth; its breathability; and how easy it is to take on and off. We throw each comforter in the washing machine, or even hand-wash if necessary, to show you how to wash a comforter.
Meet the team
Louise is one of our former sleep editors. She started her journey to better sleep working in PR for a luxury bedding brand. She's tried, tested, and reviewed some of the top sleep products. Louise brings bags of bedding expertise to help you wind down well.
Jaclyn is one of our former sleep editors. It's her job to stay up to date on all things mattresses and bedding. In addition to Homes & Gardens, you can find her work in Real Homes, Livingetc., Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, and The Spruce. She lives in Atlanta, GA.
Best duvet inserts and comforters FAQs
What's the difference between a duvet and comforter?
We've written a whole feature on the difference between a comforter and a duvet. If you're in a hurry, and don't have time to read the whole thing, here's what you need to know.
A duvet comprises two pieces of bedding: an insert and a cover. These items might be sold separately or together in a bedding bundle. A duvet insert is typically white, with corner loops to attach to the duvet cover, which comes in a range of colors and materials. Since the cover is removable, it can be washed or changed with the seasons.
A comforter is a single piece of bedding stuffed with down or down-alternative fill. Comforters come in many styles, colors, patterns, and textures. Many are machine-washable for quick and convenient cleaning.
What are down comforters?
Down comforters are filled with real feathers, typically taken from ducks or geese. Down is a great insulator, which means that these comforters are cozy and comfortable. They're ideal for cold sleepers, though they're less suitable for vegans or sleepers with sensitive skin.
If you're shopping for down products, look out for certifications such as the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which confirms a company's compliance with animal welfare laws.
What are down alternative comforters?
Down alternative products mimic the look and feel of real down, but they're stuffed with soft and spongy synthetic fill. Made from materials like polyester, microfiber, or even bamboo, down alternative comforters are hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly. They're easy to clean, though they might not be as cozy and comfortable as real down products.
What are wool duvets?
Wool duvets are a great option for hot sleepers, thanks to the temperature-regulating properties of wool. This material is moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, keeping you cool and dry overnight. Wool is also hypoallergenic, so it's suitable for sensitive sleepers, and resistant to dirt and dust mites. The only downside is the lack of loft: wool duvets aren't as fluffy as down or down alternative options.
What are silk duvets?
Hot sleepers will appreciate the cooling properties of silk, which is naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. A silk duvet can last decades with proper maintenance: that means washing by hand and drying naturally.
How much does a duvet insert cost?
A decent duvet insert costs around $150-$200, though the very best can cost more. An all-season duvet insert might be your most cost-effective option. It will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so you can keep the same insert all year long.
What duvet inserts do hotels use?
Most hotels use goose down duvets. These feather-filled comforters are light and fluffy with plenty of loft. For a hotel-quality finish, invest in a set of percale bed sheets. These lightweight layers are silky smooth and cool to the touch.
Final thoughts
Once you've bought one of the best duvet inserts or comforters, it's time to dress the rest of the bed. The best bed sheets will keep you cool and comfortable all night long, and they're seriously stylish, too.
Don't feel that you're limited to the comforters on this list. In between buying guide updates, I tested a Cozy Earth bedding bundle, including their Bamboo Comforter, and I totally feel in love with it: it's breathable, durable, and super luxurious.
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Before she joined Homes & Gardens, Emilia studied English at the University of Oxford, where she sharpened her critical writing skills. She also worked on the other side of the aisle writing press releases for regional newspapers and crafting copy for Sky. Emilia combines her business savvy with her creative flair as our eCommerce Editor, connecting you with the products you’ll love. When she’s not in the office, Emilia is happiest when entertaining friends al fresco or out in the country.
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- Louise OliphantEcommerce Editor
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