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Best Comforter: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Bedding Guides
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A high-quality comforter is the perfect finishing touch to your bedding set. It provides extra warmth to complement your sheet set and keep you cozy all night long. The best comforters shouldn’t overheat you, though—it’s all about finding something that’s soft and fluffy but still breathable and non-restrictive.

In our post, we talk about some of our favorite comforters and offer recommendations to fit all needs and budgets. Plus, we’ll even offer tips for choosing the right comforter for your particular needs.

Best Comforters

30 Second Summary: Best Comforters

 ComforterHighlightsPrice
Amerisleep ComforterAmerisleep Recover+ ComforterFDA-determined Celliant® technology regulates temperature by converting body heat into energy
$290
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Nolah Bamboo ComforterBamboo fabric shell and fill for breathable, natural comfort
Saatva All-Seasons Down Alternative ComforterDown alternative and lyocell fill in organic cotton cover
Buffy Cloud ComforterBuffy Cloud ComforterDown alternative fill made from recycled plastic bottles
Cozy Earth Comforter
Choice of bamboo or silk comforter with standard or extra fill
$469-$769Buy Now
Utopia BeddingUtopia BeddingA budget-friendly option with lightweight fiberfill for all-season comfort
L.L. Bean Baffle Box StitchL.L. Bean Baffle Box StitchLuxury comforter filled with sustainably-sourced down feathers
Superior Solid White ComforterSuperior Solid White ComforterDown alternative comforter that also doubles as a duvet insert
Brooklinen Down ComforterDown in cotton sateen fabric with three potential fill weights
$269-$509Buy Now
Egyptian BeddingEgyptian BeddingGood value price for white goose down and Egyptian cotton
Chezmoi All-Season ComforterChezmoi All-Season ComforterLow-fill power comforter for year-round use

Best Comforter Overall: Amerisleep Recover+ Comforter

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    1 Year

  • Sleep Trial

    N/A

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Celliant® technology for restoration
  • Fill of lyocell, polyester, and Celliant®,
  • Soft, airy cotton fibers stay cool
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers
  • Shoppers seeking year-round comfort
  • Sleepers who enjoy soft fabrics

The Amerisleep Recover+ Comforter is one of the softest comforters. You’ll feel like you’re hugging a fluffy cloud. The softness comes from a combination of cotton, lyocell, polyester, and FDA-determined Celliant® technology.

The cotton shell is infused with Celliant® technology—a material that transforms body heat into infrared energy. FDA-determined Celliant® technology is proven to improve local blood flow and promote faster recovery. You’ll feel cooler at night and wake up better rested after a good night’s sleep.

Recover+ Comforter’s fiberfill contains lyocell, polyester, and Celliant®, a soft and comfy feel without causing your body to overheat. This makes the comforter an excellent choice for year-round use. You’ll feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Amerisleep gives customers a 1-year limited warranty with the Recover+ Comforter. If you find any defects, like loose seams from faulty sewing, Amerisleep will replace the comforter free of charge.

Pros

  • Lyocell, polyester, and Celliant® plush fiberfill
  • Comforter feels cool and warm as needed
  • Cotton shell infused with Celliant®

Cons

  • Fill is not wholly natural as some may prefer

AMERISLEEP RECOVER+ COMFORTER

  • Body heat is transformed into infrared energy through Celliant®
  • Breathable yet insulative for year-round use
  • Comforter feels soft and cozy wrapped around the body

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Best Bamboo Comforter: Nolah Bamboo Comforter

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    10 Years

  • Sleep Trial

    30 Days

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Bamboo fabric and fill for coolness
  • Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial
  • Soft feel is gentle on sensitive skin
Recommended For
  • Eco-conscious shoppers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Sleepers with synthetic sensitivities

Bamboo is becoming an increasingly popular material in bedding, from bamboo sheets to bamboo pillows. It’s no wonder, as the fibers are sustainably harvested from bamboo shoots that require relatively little wonder to grow, while the fabric is highly cool and breathable.

When it comes to comforters made with bamboo fibers, our top recommendation is the Nolah Bamboo Comforter. Not only is the comforter’s fabric shell made with 100 percent bamboo viscose, but the fill is also bamboo for purely natural bedding.

The comforter is soft to the touch, gently enveloping a sleeper without restriction or heat entrapment. The bamboo maintains a cool and dry sleeping area, pulling away excess heat and sweat for the best sleeping temperature.

Aside from its cozy feel, the Nolah Bamboo Comforter is also highly durable and antibacterial. Plus, it has been certified both by OEKO-TEX®, testifying that the bamboo fabric is free of harmful chemicals and toxins, and by the Forest Stewardship Council for its sustainable sourcing.

Shoppers who want to protect their comforter can also invest in Nolah’s Bamboo Duvet Cover. Like the comforter, the cover offers gentle bamboo fabric that feels gentle on the skin and stays cool at night.

The Nolah Bamboo Comforter ships free and comes with a 30-day return policy and a 10-year warranty.

Pros

  • Forest Stewardship Council and Oeko-Tex certifications
  • Antibacterial keep microbes from settling
  • Soft feel suits delicate skin, free of irritation

Cons

  • Only available in one color

NOLAH BAMBOO COMFORTER

  • Protected by a 10-year warranty
  • Soft and cool bamboo fabric and fill
  • Antibacterial keeps microbes from incubating

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Best Comforter for All Seasons: Saatva Down Alternative Comforter

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    1 Year

  • Sleep Trial

    45 Days

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Organ percale cotton fabric cover
  • Box quilting evenly distributes fill
  • Fill is down alternative fiber & lyocell
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers
  • Sleepers sensitive to certain materials
  • Sleepers with allergies

Many owners drag their comforters out of closets or storage bins once the winter chill sets in, but plenty of comforters are designed for year-round use. Our top recommendation for a comforter meant to feel cozy in summer and cool in the winter is the Saatva All-Seasons Down Alternative Comforter.

The shell of the Saavta All-Seasons comforter is organic cotton fabric that’s been certified by Fair Trade Standards. This organization enforces rigorous social, environmental, and economic guidelines with the businesses it works with. This cotton has a thread count of 200 to maximize its breathability.

The fill inside the comforter isn’t fully down alternative, as natural lyocell is mixed in with the fibers. Mixing in lyocell keeps absorbed moisture moving away from the sleeper, and both materials work to keep the sleeper feeling warm and cool as needed.

The fill stays in place with the comforter’s box quilting design, so it won’t clump up and get lumpy with use.

The Saatva comforter ships free and comes with 45-day return policy and a 1-year warranty.

Pros

  • Fair Trade Certified™ organic cotton shell
  • 200-count percale weave for breathability
  • Partly natural fill with renewable lyocell

Cons

  • Not the most inexpensive option on the market

SAATVA ALL-SEASON DOWN ALTERNATIVE COMFORTER

  • Organic cotton shell is gentle on sensitive skin
  • Down alternative fibers blended with natural lyocell for fill
  • Fill stays consistently fluffing through box quilting

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Best Eco-Friendly Comforter: Buffy Cloud Comforter

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    N/A

  • Sleep Trial

    100 Nights

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Fill made with recycled bottles
  • Eucalyptus fabric shell for coolness
  • Comforter is soft around the sleeper
Recommended For
  • Eco-conscious shoppers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Shoppers who want a sleep trial

The Buffy Cloud Comforter is an excellent choice for eco-conscious customers. We love the recycled polyester fill.

The Buffy Cloud comforter has a unique fill made from recycled plastic bottles. In fact, the company claims each Buffy Cloud Comforter saves landfills from roughly 50 plastic bottles. You may think a fill made from recycled plastic would lack softness, but it’s just the opposite.

The polyester fiber is why this comforter is called the Buffy Cloud. You’ll love the lightweight and airy feel. It’ll keep you warm in the winter and cool during the summer for year-round comfort.

The fill is encased with a eucalyptus material. The hypoallergenic fabric is softer than cotton and naturally resistant to dust mites and bacteria. Shoppers can also bundle on the Buffy Breeze Duvet Cover, which is made with the same eucalyptus material, to stretch out the time between washings.

Buffy doesn’t include a warranty with the Buffy Cloud, but the company does offer a 7-day sleep trial. Buffy won’t charge you for the comforter until seven days have passed. Shoppers also have 100 nights to return the comforter.

If you don’t like the comforter, simply let the company know, and they’ll help you donate the comforter to a local charity before issuing a full refund. Through this method, Buffy hopes to cut down on CO2 emissions and give the comforter a second lease on life.

Pros

  • Delay on charging customers and weeks to try comforter
  • Comforter is lightweight yet warm and cozy
  • Eucalyptus fabric shell is gentle to the touch

Cons

  • Fill isn't natural fibers

BUFFY COMFORTER

  • Fill of recycled bottles inside a eucalyptus shell
  • Seven days before a customer is charged
  • Comforter stays warm in winter and cool in summer

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Best Soft Comforter: Cozy Earth Comforter

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    10 Years

  • Sleep Trial

    100 Nights

  • Shipping

    Free

Sheets Highlights
  • Silk or bamboo fills available
  • Option of standard fill or extra
  • Thinner profile contours to body
Recommended For
  • Sleepers who want gentle comfort
  • Sleepers sensitive to synthetic bedding
  • Sleepers in chillier climates

Many comforters are plush to the touch, but the Cozy Earth Comforter has quite the reputation for its soft feel. As a bonus, the comforter is constructed with natural materials, perfect for sleepers who want the best bedding for allergies.

The Cozy Earth Comforter lets shoppers choose between two natural fills, 100 percent bamboo viscose or 100 percent Mulberry silk. Both are highly breathable, hypoallergenic choices that give sleepers a plush comforter to curl up underneath.

Cozy Earth describes the comforter as soft and cuddly without feeling too heavy, perfect for sleepers who want to feel warm at night without overheating. However, sleepers in colder climates or who are prone to chills can choose to add some extra fill before checking out.

The fabric shell of the comforter resists pilling, though Cozy Earth does suggest careful washing and drying to prevent the fill from clumping up. The Cozy Earth comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Pros

  • Fill can be natural bamboo or silk
  • Designed to feel cool on hot sleepers or in humid climates
  • Corner ties for use with a duvet cover

Cons

  • Owners will have to wash and dry it gently to maintain the fill

COZY EARTH COMFORTER

  • Durable, breathable weave resists pilling
  • Deliberately oversized to cover all sleepers
  • Warm in cooler months and cooler in warmer months

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Best Budget Comforter: Utopia Bedding

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    N/A

  • Sleep Trial

    30 Days

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Wide range of color options
  • Affordable prices on 6 comforter sizes
  • Can work as a duvet or comforter
Recommended For
  • Budget shoppers
  • Shoppers planning to use a duvet cover
  • Amazon shoppers

The Utopia Bedding Comforter is the perfect option if you’re on a budget and looking for a year-round comforter. The low loft and breathable material means you feel cozy and warm during the colder season, but nice and cool in the summer. This luxurious, long-lasting blanket is available under $40 for a queen size.

What makes this comforter stand out is its versatility. The Utopia Bedding Comforter can stand on its own or act as a duvet insert. Corner loops easily keep the blanket in place inside a duvet cover.

The Utopia Bedding Comforter contains down alternative fill—a siliconized fiberfill that stiffens the fibers and makes them resistant to allergens and bacteria. The soft, plush outer shell is made of brushed microfiber. Brushing the material gives the fabric a softer feel.

Another nice feature of the Utopia Bedding Comforter is that it comes in different colors—white, navy, grey, chocolate, burgundy, reversible black and grey, and beige.

The Utopia Bedding Comforter doesn’t come with a warranty, but the company does give customers a 30-day return policy. If you don’t like the comforter, you can return it for a refund.

Pros

  • Available in 11 different colors, some reversible
  • Low loft enables the comforter to work year-round
  • Microfiber feels soft to the touch

Cons

  • Synthetic materials can irritate some sleepers

UTOPIA BEDDING COMFORTER

  • Fiberfill resists allergens and dust mites
  • Soft, brushable microfiber shell fabric
  • Corner loops make it easy to pair with a duvet cover

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Best Down Comforter: L.L. Bean Baffle Box Stitch

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    1 Year

  • Sleep Trial

    N/A

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Fluffy 600GSM white goose down
  • Stay-fluffy permabaffle® gate system
  • Down rinsed several times before use
Recommended For
  • Shoppers who favor natural materials
  • Sleepers in colder climates
  • Sleepers seeking luxury comfort

The L.L. Bean Baffle Box Stitch comforter is one of the most expensive options, but you may feel the cost is worth it. This luxurious down comforter is filled with 600GSM white goose down. The down clusters are washed and rinsed several times before placed inside the comforter.

Cleaning the down makes the fill hypoallergenic and exceeds government regulation standards. Plus, L.L. Bean states the white goose down is responsibly sourced, meaning animals are treated humanely.

The filling is evenly distributed through L.L. Bean’s permabaffle® gate system. Baffles run between the front and back sides of the comforter, forming 3D boxes with down fill. The filling is less likely to clump up, leaving you to enjoy a soft and even surface.

The soft, cotton cover has a 280 thread count to enable better airflow and reduce heat retention. The cover is also down-proof, so you don’t have to worry about feathers escaping or poking through the material, a feature we love.

L.L. Bean provides an extensive return policy. Customers have up to one year to return the L.L. Bean Baffle Box Stitch comforter in case of manufacturing defects. If you’re not an L.L. Bean Cardmember, you will have to pay a small return fee.

Pros

  • Baffle box design keeps fill from clumping
  • Cotton fabric cover reduces heat build-up
  • Down clusters are cleaned before placed inside comforter

Cons

  • Down can irritate some sleepers' senses

L.L. BEAN BAFFLE BOX STITCH COMFORTER

  • All-natural with goose down and cotton fabric
  • Comforter is segmented into boxes for an even fill
  • Extensive return policy in case of manufacturing defects

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Best White Comforter: Superior Solid White

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    By Request

  • Sleep Trial

    30 Days

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Multiple color options available
  • Microfiber fabric shell for soft feel
  • Down alternative with baffle box design
Recommended For
  • Budget shoppers
  • Those wanting a non-white comforter
  • Sleepers prone to chills

The Superior Solid White comforter is another versatile option. The comforter stands on its own or can be placed inside a duvet cover. Something you may appreciate is that Superior also offers a line of duvet covers that fit the Superior Solid White comforter in various colors and designs. If you’re looking to change up your bedroom design, the Superior Solid White comforter could be your best choice.

This comforter is filled with a hypoallergenic down alternative polyfill. The fill won’t attract dust mites which could cause allergic reactions, like congestion and itchy eyes. Those with allergies or asthma can sleep easy with this comforter.

The microfiber shell is luxuriously soft and doesn’t wrinkle, inviting you to roll yourself in the cozy warmth of the Superior Solid White comforter. The medium fill is perfect for all-season use.

Superior offers a 30-day return policy in place of a warranty. You can easily return the comforter for a refund if you don’t like it.

Pros

  • Medium fill is neither too heavy or too light
  • Down alternative polyfill inside microfiber fabric
  • Comforter's fill discourages mites and other allergens

Cons

  • Some shoppers may prefer more color options without a cover

SUPERIOR SOLID WHITE COMFORTER

  • Simple white comforter can be dressed up with duvet covers
  • Microfiber cover resists wrinkling and feels soft to the touch
  • Versatile medium fill for winter and summer months

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Best Comforter in Canada: Brooklinen Down Comforter

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    1 Year

  • Sleep Trial

    365 Nights

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Three fill weight options
  • Down cluster fill remains even
  • Cotton shell with sateen weave
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers
  • People irritated by synthetic materials
  • Sleepers seeking thick, heavy fill

The Brooklinen Down Comforter is made in Canada, but the company ships their bedding all throughout the world. Brooklinen treats the comforter with antimicrobials to promote a fresh feel year-round, and the materials are all-natural to provide soothing, relaxing sleep.

The comforter’s shell is 100 percent cotton sateen fabric, with long-staple fibers that create a plush feel. The cotton fabric’s thread count is 400 for breathability.

Inside the comforter is a down cluster fill with a baffle-box construction to keep the fill from clumping up with use. The down used is sourced from Hutterite Farms in Canada.

The comforter comes in one of three fill weights, with lightweight, all-seasons, and ultra-warm fills available. The fill power for each is as follows:

  • Lightweight: 650 fill power
  • All-Seasons: 700 fill power
  • Ultra-Warm: 750 fill power

The ultra-warm option is only offered for the full/queen and king size comforters, though. So sleepers in chillier climates will need to choose a larger size comforter if they’re interested.

Shoppers have a year to return the Brooklinen Down Comforter.

Pros

  • Shoppers can customize with their choice of fill weight
  • Natural, breathable materials for comfort
  • Duvet cover can be bundled on before checking out

Cons

  • Twin/twin XL does not come in ultra-warm fill

BROOKLINEN DOWN COMFORTER

  • Lightweight, all-seasons, and ultra-warm fills
  • Down cluster fill in a cotton sateen fabric shell
  • Baffle-box construction maintains comfort

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Best Cotton Comforter: Egyptian Bedding

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    1 Year

  • Sleep Trial

    30 Days

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Higher fill power of 700GSM
  • Breathable, luxurious Egyptian cotton
  • Filled with hand-harvested goose down
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers
  • Sleepers wanting a natural comforter
  • Sleepers seeking a thick comforter

The Egyptian Bedding comforter is one of the fluffiest options because it’s filled with hand-harvested white goose down, a sought-after filling commonly found in high-end down comforters. Comforters with hand-harvested white goose down can cost over $300, but at $110 for a queen size, the Egyptian Bedding comforter is an incredible value.

With a high fill power of 700GSM, the Egyptian Bedding comforter offers a higher loft and medium warmth. Plus, the baffle-box construction prevents the fill from clumping.

The white goose filling is covered with a 100 percent Egyptian cotton shell. Egyptian cotton is one of the most popular types of cotton because of its high breathability and luxurious feel. The shell has a 600 thread count, higher compared to other brands, but the fabric feels smooth and cool to the touch.

Egyptian Bedding provides a 1-year warranty with the purchase of their comforter. You can return the comforter for a new one if you notice any manufacturing defects, like loose seams or small tears.

Pros

  • High-loft fill of goose down for warmth
  • Crisp and cool cotton fabric shell
  • 600 thread count for a crisper feel

Cons

  • Some sleepers may find it a touch too heavy

EGPYTIAN BEDDING COMFORTER

  • White goose down encased in Egyptian cotton
  • Baffle-box design keeps the down spread evenly
  • Highly breathable, luxurious, and durable

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Best Year-Round Comforter: Chezmoi All-Season

  • Price Range

    See Price

  • Warranty

    N/A

  • Sleep Trial

    30 Days

  • Shipping

    Free

Comforter Highlights
  • Can be layered with other blankets
  • Polyester fiberfill for minimal allergens
  • Snug and warm 220GSM fill power
Recommended For
  • Amazon shoppers
  • Those who want a thinner comforter
  • Hot sleepers

The Chezmoi All-Season Down Alternative comforter is the right one for you if you’re looking for a lightweight comforter. This option is perfect for layering with bed sheets and blankets or living in a warmer climate. During the cooler seasons, layering the Chezmoi comforter with other layers keeps you nice and warm, while during the warmer seasons, this comforter reduces heat retention and wicks away moisture.

The Chezmoi comforter has a 220GSM fill power, meaning your comforter won’t be as fluffy compared to other options, but it’ll keep you warm and snug. The polyester fiberfill is hypoallergenic. If you have allergies, you can breathe easier with this down alternative comforter. The fill keeps dust mites and allergens away so that you can sleep better.

Also, because it’s filled with down alternative, you don’t have to take the Chezmoi comforter to the dry cleaners. The comforter is easily cleaned in a washing machine.

The Chezmoi All-Season comforter includes corner tabs, in case you prefer to protect your comforter with a duvet cover. Most duvet covers have corner ties, so you can easily secure the comforter inside a duvet cover. Plus, the extra protection is nice in case of stains—simply remove the duvet cover and place it in the washing machine.

Chezmoi doesn’t include a warranty, but it gives you 30 days to try out the Chezmoi All-Season comforter. If the comforter doesn’t work out, Chezmoi accepts returns within 30 days.

Pros

  • Comforter resists dust mites and allergens
  • Easy-to-care-for design can be thrown in a washer
  • Relatively low fill power for year-round use

Cons

  • Only a twin size available for smaller beds

CHEZMOI ALL-SEASON DOWN ALTERNATIVE

  • Avoid switching out the comforter in summer
  • Corner tabs to pair with a cover for easy maintenance
  • Hypoallergenic down alternative fill avoid feeling too fluffed up

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Difference Between a Comforter and a Duvet

Comforters and duvets can easily get mixed up because they’re so similar to each other. Many bedding manufacturers offer comforters with corner tabs so that the comforters can double as duvet inserts.

A comforter is a thick blanket filled with down or down alternative. They’re not quite as bulky and heavy as duvets, so they drape better over the mattress.

Comforters are easy to clean—most of them can be put in the washing machine, but make sure the comforter fits first. If the comforter doesn’t fit, you can take it to a laundromat instead.

Public laundromats have commercial-sized washing and drying machines, perfectly sized to fit larger loads. Your comforter should easily fit inside.

A duvet or duvet insert is also a thick blanket, but the European version to the American comforter. Duvets are soft, flat bags filled with down or synthetic materials, designed to fit inside duvet covers.

Cleaning a duvet is easy—simply remove the duvet cover and place it in the washing machine. The duvet insert itself may be spot cleaned. Some brands may be machine-washable, but check the care label to be sure.

Some potential customers prefer duvets over comforters because they can switch the design of their bedroom by swapping the duvet cover.

How to Find the Best Comforter

Before buying a comforter, it’s essential to look at specific factors, like size, fill power, construction, fill materials, shell material, thread count, weave, and price. Otherwise, you may not find a good-quality comforter.

Size

If you bought a comforter based on your mattress size, without first looking at the measurements listed on the packaging, you may notice that the comforter is too short or too long when placed on your bed. That’s because comforter sizes don’t exactly follow standard mattress sizing.

Manufacturers add extra inches to each side, but there isn’t an exact measurement. Meaning how far the comforter drapes over the side will differ. Some will trail long enough to the floor to mimic the look of a bed skirt, others will just cover the mattress.

To find the correct size, measure how thick your bed is. Make sure to include the mattress topper or mattress pad if you have one. Add this measurement to your mattress dimensions.

For example, if you have a 76-inch wide by 80-inch long king size mattress and your bed is 10 inches thick, add the 10 inches to each side. The comforter size you need should be at least 86 inches wide by 90 inches long to cover the sides of the mattress.

Fill Power

Fill power is the amount of filling inside one ounce of material. Fill power is measured in grams per meter (GSM) and determines the comforter’s loft or height. You can also use fill power as a means to determine how warm a comforter will be.

A comforter with a higher fill power, at least 600GSM, offers more insulation, something you’ll want to consider if you’re looking for a winter comforter. An all-season comforter has a fill power between 400GSM and 600GSM. It’ll keep you warm in the winter and cool during the summer.

If you live in a warmer climate, then a comforter with 400GSM or less is the best option. The lower fill power has less fluff but makes the comforter more breathable.

Stitching

Specific stitching methods not only give an appealing look but they also evenly distribute fill to prevent clumping. There are four main types of stitching—baffle box, diamond quilt, sewn through, and gusseted.

  • Baffle Box

Similar to sewn-through stitching, the baffle box-style has an extra piece of material sewn between the front and back sides, creating 3D squares with fill and producing a higher loft.

  • Diamond Quilt

The front and back sides are sewn together to form a diamond pattern. Each diamond shape holds a specific amount of fill.

  • Sewn Through

Both the front and back sides are stitched together. The filling is held in 2D squares.

  • Gusseted

Gusseted stitching connects the front and back sides with a strip of fabric along the edge, creating a higher loft in a comforter.

Fill Materials

Fill is the material a comforter contains. The two most common fill types are down and down alternative. Both are excellent options in producing a soft and fluffy comforter, but you may prefer one material over the other.

For instance, if you have allergies, a down alternative comforter could be a better option, since down alternative is hypoallergenic, as our down vs down alternative guide covers. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each to see which fill is best for you.

Down

Down feathers are the soft fluff found underneath the outer feathers of birds. This fluff doesn’t have the sharp quills associated with the outer feathers, offering better insulation. As a result, a down comforter is soft and fluffy, with year-round insulation, depending on the fill power.

For a comforter to be considered a down comforter, the filling must contain at least 75% down. The rest of the fill contains feathers to give more support. Duck and goose down are most common in down comforters. Goose down comforters tend to cost more because they have larger down clusters than ducks.

Down Alternative

Down alternative is any material that mimics the feel of down. These materials include rayon, cotton, and polyester. Even though down alternative comforters don’t contain feathers, they can feel just as soft as a down comforter and cost less. Plus, down alternative comforters are easier to clean.

Most down comforters need to be dry cleaned, because laundry detergent strips the natural oils from down feathers. Without these natural oils, down comforters become flat. But down alternative comforters can easily be placed in a washing machine without fear of flattening the comforter. See our guide on how to wash comforters for more.

If you have allergies, a down alternative comforter might be a better option because down alternative materials are hypoallergenic whereas down feathers attract dust mites and other allergens.

Shell Material

The shell is the outer material of a comforter. Bedding manufacturers usually use breathable materials when creating a comforter’s shell to regulate body temperature for better comfort.

  • Cotton

Cotton is naturally soft and breathable, making it an excellent choice for an all-season comforter. Cotton is also one of the most popular bedding materials because of its breathability, such as in sheets for hot sleepers.

Some comforters have a cotton blend shell, where natural cotton is woven with polyester fibers, resulting in a softer, more stretchy material.

  • Silk

Silk is smooth and cool to the touch. It’s more expensive than other shell materials, but can be just as breathable as cotton. You may prefer silk over cotton if you like a sleeker feeling fabric.

  • Wool

Wool is not as soft as cotton or silk, but it’s naturally resistant to bacteria and wicks away moisture. Wool is a warmer material but may cost more than cotton. Shoppers may want to consider a wool blanket instead for a more budget-friendly option.

Thread Count

Thread count is how many threads are woven together to form one square inch of fabric. A high-quality comforter should have a thread count between 300 to 500. The fabric will be stronger and less likely to wear out over time. The material also breathes better, which can reduce the risk of overheating.

If you’re a hot sleeper, this thread count may help you sleep more comfortably. Some bedding manufacturers boast a higher thread count in their comforters, making them appear to have a higher quality—some brands claim an 800 thread count or higher. However, this is not correct, because it’s impossible to fit over 800 threads inside one square inch of fabric.

To boost thread count, bedding manufacturers separate single-ply fibers and twist them together, forming multi-ply fibers. They count each twist as a single fiber, turning a 500-count comforter into a 1,000-count. Separating the fibers makes the material weaker, and less likely to withstand constant wear and tear.

Weave

The weave is how threads are woven together, influencing a comforter’s breathability. Some weaves are more open and enable better airflow, while others are tighter, producing a smoother fabric.

Percale

Percale is a plain weave with a matte finish. The material has a crisper feel and is lightweight compared to the sateen weave. The woven threads are not as thick as a sateen weave, giving you a cooler sleep.

It’s typically cotton fibers used in percale fabrics, such as percale cotton sheets, but other fabrics can be woven with this weave.

Sateen

Sateen uses thicker threads, resulting in a smooth finish with a slight sheen. Sateen material allows for airflow, but not as much as a percale weave. Sateen feels heavier but more luxurious—perfect for cold weather.

Price

The price range for a comforter is between $20 to $500. The cost depends on the type of fill material, fill power, and comforter size. If you want a down comforter, expect to pay at least $100 for a queen size.

Down comforters contain more down than feathers and have a fill power of at least 600GSM. If you’re on a budget, a down alternative could be your best option. Down alternative feels like down, but costs less.

You can score a queen size down alternative comforter for as low as $30. It won’t be quite as soft as down, but still offers plenty of fluff and breathability.

Other Things to Consider

To further help you find the best comforter, read customer reviews and see if a potential comforter comes with a return policy and warranty. These factors can give you an idea of how long a comforter will last.

Customer Reviews

Reviews give first-hand accounts of customer experiences, giving you a better idea of what you can expect from a potential comforter. For instance, if you’re a hot sleeper or live in a warmer climate, you may be wondering if a particular comforter is as breathable as advertised.

Customer reviews of those who’ve bought that comforter can tell you if they woke up with night sweats or were able to sleep better at night. Be sure to focus on verified customer reviews. Some companies give incentives to non-customers in exchange for good reviews. Verified customer reviews are customers who’ve bought and tried out a product without any outside influence.

Return Policy and Warranty

Return policies give you time to try out a new comforter and decide if it’s right for you. Most return policies last 30 days. Some bedding manufacturers may also give you a sleep trial, but they’re more common with mattresses than comforters.

Warranties protect customers from having to replace their comforter sooner than expected. If you receive your new comforter and find defects, like small tears or loose seams, the warranty allows you to return the comforter for a replacement. You may have to pay a small shipping fee, but that depends on the company.

FAQs

What comforter is best for summer?

Choosing a lightweight comforter is a great option for those warmer seasons. The fill power is low to medium, between 200GSM to 400GSM. The lower fill power gives the comforter less loft, but it makes it more breathable. You’re less likely to wake up from overheating during the summer months with a lightweight comforter.

How often should you wash your comforter?

As a general rule of thumb, you should wash your comforter when the seasons change, about two to three times a year. You don’t need to wash your comforter as often as your bed sheets because your body isn’t in direct contact with the comforter. However, if you only sleep with a comforter and no bed sheets, then it’s a good idea to wash your comforter every week.

Which comforter is good for winter?

A comforter with a high fill power of 600GSM or more is a good option for those colder winter months. The comforter will have a higher loft and more fill, perfect for better insulation to keep you warm during the winter.

Also, look at the thread count. A comforter with a higher thread count will also keep you warmer, but the thread count shouldn’t be higher than 800. If the comforter has a higher thread count than 800, the material won’t be as durable and may show signs of wear and tear within a year of use.

How do I keep my comforter fluffy?

The best way to keep your comforter nice and fluffy is by following the care tag instructions. These instructions are guidelines from manufacturers on how best to care for your comforter. Regular washing removes dust mites and bacteria and helps to fluff up your comforter.

It’s also a good idea to add tennis balls to the dryer with your comforter. The tennis balls ensure the fill is evenly distributed and prevents clumping.

How long do comforters last?

When properly cared for, comforters can last 15 to 25 years. Make sure to follow the care tag instructions and wash the comforter at least three times a year. This way, the comforter won’t become flat, and you can enjoy it longer.

Conclusion

The best comforter should feel soft and fluffy, and also enable airflow, so you don’t wake up feeling hot. Factors, like shell material and fill power, can give you a better idea of how breathable a comforter is. With the right care, you can fully enjoy your comforter and wrap yourself in luxury night after night for a good night’s sleep.

Meg Riley Certified Sleep Science Coach

Meg Riley is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer focused on sleep and mattresses. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Sleep Junkie.

Meg started to focus on the sleep industry in 2018. Since then, she has written over 70+ articles on sleep hygiene, product reviews, and the newest trends in the mattress and bedding industry.

A non-exhaustive list of some of the topics she has written on: the effectiveness of alarm clocks, how to prevent jet lag, the NREM & REM Sleep Cycle, and causes and treatments of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Meg Riley has her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University where she studied Advertising and Public Relations and wrote articles on the student experience for College Magazine.

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