The Best Comforter

As much as one-third of your day is likely spent sleeping. It’s probably something you consider when you’re shopping for a mattress, but what about the sheets and covers that keep you comfortable throughout the night? Comforters have come a long way in recent years, moving from the decorative, hard-to-clean comforters of previous generations to filled duvets that can either slip inside a washable cover or be used on their own.

But with so many comforter options, you can find the perfect duvet to fit all your own personal preferences. You may not even know what those preferences are until you start shopping. But chances are, comfort is toward the top of the list. For some, that means finding a comforter that keeps them cool in the summertime and warm in the wintertime, but some tend to feel too warm or cold at night no matter what time of year.

Weight plays a substantial role in how your comforter feels. You’ll want to look for one that is lightweight if you’re warm-natured and heavier if you’re always chilly. For those who need versatility, there are some comforters that are warm but still have the breathability necessary in the hottest months.

Allergens can be just as important as comfort, especially if down doesn’t agree with you. There are plenty of down-alternative comforters now available, so there’s no need to skip duvet-style comforters if that’s your concern. Some newer comforters also have antibacterial properties, while others are built to resist mites and mold.

Another important consideration is cleaning. Comforters can be notoriously tough to clean. If you purchase a duvet designed to be used as an insert, you can simply remove the insert and wash the duvet cover, although stuffing the insert back in can be an exhausting endeavor. But some duvets are washable. You’ll just need to make sure you have a plan to air-dry it or use a commercial-grade washer and dryer if necessary.

• First, it’s important to distinguish between a duvet and a duvet insert. The Equinox All-Season Quilted Comforter and Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter are made to be inserts, which means you’ll purchase a duvet cover separately. The Royal Hotel Queen Size Light Down-Comforter and LL Bean Baffle-Box Stitch Down Comforter are designed to be used without a cover. However, you can still use inserts as duvets. The Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter is made from a material that is soft enough that you can use it without a cover.
• Several factors contribute to a comforter’s level of comfort. It starts with the material on the outside, which is what your skin experiences the most. The Royal Hotel Queen Size Light Down-Comforter is made from Egyptian cotton, known for its unique softness. However, if you’re planning to use your duvet as an insert, the exterior material won’t be as important as the overall construction.
• Filler also plays an important role in how comfortable you’ll be while you sleep. Traditionally, down was used for sleep items like pillows and comforters. But down brings its own issues, especially for those who are allergic to it. Today’s comforters have advanced far beyond down to include materials that help with temperature and weight. The Equinox All-Season Quilted Comforter uses silicone gel filling to hold its shape and provide a lightweight yet insulating build. However, you may find it’s not as thick and fluffy as you’d get with a traditional down comforter. The Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter has a silicone fiber filling that ensures it maintains its shape.
• It’s important to look for a comforter that is lightweight enough for summertime use but still keeps you warm in the winter. The Royal Hotel Queen Size Light Down-Comforter and Equinox All-Season Quilted Comforter are both lightweight, but they also keep you warm when you need it. If you’re on the cold-natured side, though, you may want to skip the Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter for your main bedroom.
• As important as comfort is, it’s crucial to consider how you’ll clean your duvet when you need it. This is especially true if your duvet is your only cover, as is the case for many people today. Experts recommend washing your bedding at least once every two weeks and more often if you sweat while you sleep. The Royal Hotel Queen Size Light Down-Comforter is too large for most commercial washers, and its care instructions are to dry clean only. The Equinox All-Season Quilted Comforter and Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter can be washed on the gentle cycle, but you’ll need a machine with the capacity to handle it, plus you’ll have to air-dry it. The LL Bean Baffle-Box Stitch Down Comforter can be both washed and dried, but you’ll need a large commercial machine to do so.
• Comforters can vary widely in price, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough value if you pay more. The Royal Hotel Queen Size Light Down-Comforter costs more than $100, while you can get both the Equinox All-Season Quilted Comforter and Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter for under $30. However, the lower-priced two are designed to be used as inserts, and duvet covers can be pricey as well, so you may save money by getting everything in one.
• Spending so much time under your comforter makes it especially important to find one that doesn’t aggravate any allergies you have. The Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter is best for those with allergies, thanks to a 100-percent hypoallergenic build. The silicone fiber filling keeps dust mites and mold spores at bay. Both the cover and fill on this comforter are irritant-free.