Down Alternative Comforters

Down comforters come stuffed with the soft material found beneath a duck's or goose's feathers. This layer keeps waterfowl warm and dry when in the water, making comforters constructed from the material superbly soft and breathable. Down alternative has the look and feel of down but uses synthetic or organic materials with naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties. While down comforters typically have tightly sewn edges, and some feature double edges, the material can still come out and aggravate allergies. Down alternative allays this problem with filling that ranges from polyester, gel fiber, and microfiber to wool, buckwheat hull, and cotton. Like down comforters, many down alternative comforters have cotton exteriors for a soft feel against your skin.

Down alternative comforters typically have a machine-washable design, which means you don't have the extra expense of dry cleaning. They also have wider range of available styles, letting you move beyond basic solid colors into both classic and modern patterns to complement most any bedroom. Many have equal quality with down, featuring baffle box construction that keeps the fill from bunching up inside, and some boast more coziness than down due to the combination of materials that go into the design. For instance, plush microfiber tops and Sherpa undersides provide a unique sensory experience, where down comforters mostly use thick, sturdy fabric for their exteriors to prevent leakage of the down.

The first thing to look for in a down alternative comforter is what type of fill it has. You can choose between synthetic fibers such as polyester or natural fills like bamboo from rayon, silk, or wool. Next, look at the material that comprises the cover. Consider the feel of the material, the pattern, and the thread count to ensure you choose a comfortable and durable option. It's also important to consider the temperature of the comforter. Thick, warm comforters are great for cold nights, but they may feel too warm during spring and summer.