A warm blanket consisting of two layers of fabric and a filler between them is called a comforter. The filler may be a natural or synthetic fiber. The upper and lower layer of the comforter is usually quilted in some way, which ensures even distribution of the filler inside the comforter and prevents its displacement.
It is the multilayeredness and the presence of thermal insulation which distinguishes a comforter from a blanket. A blanket is a single layer product.
What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet?
Technically, comforter and duvet are almost the same thing - two pieces of fabric quilted together, between which there is a layer of soft insulation. The name "duvet" is of French origin and means down. Down used to be the most common filler for bedding. And now natural or alternative down is very widely used to create warm and lightweight products.
You use two sheets together with a comforter, this is called a complete bedding set. Using duvet inserts does not involve using a second sheet. Most duvet inserts are designed to be used with a duvet cover. This adds to the comfort of the night's rest and provides enough warmth, especially since the duvet is often thicker than the comforter.
What is a duvet cover and what is it for?
The duvet cover is worn over the duvet inserts and fastens with buttons or a zipper. The duvet cover serves the same purpose as a pillowcase.
A large duvet cover, even if it is an alternative down, is difficult to throw in the washing machine. Soft and lightweight down filler will lose its properties after washing, sticking together in clumps. Duvet cover easily tolerates frequent washing. It saves your duvet cover from wear and tear. Plus, you can easily change the look of your bedroom to your liking by choosing colors and patterns.
Oftentimes, people will drape a comforter or duvet over the top for the same reason. This is done with woven, or quilted one-sided coverlet, or top quilt. When the warm weather arrives, they may well replace the duvet.
The use of any protection - cover, top quilt, coverlet - greatly increases the intervals between necessary cleanings of your comforter.
If you use a cover, you must carefully spread out the comforter in it. Creases, lumps deprive you of a comfortable rest. Some covers you can buy today have special ties inside to make sure the comforter stays in place.
If you have a queen or king size duvet or comforter, you may need an assistant for this procedure.
What is important when choosing a comforter?
The main task of the comforter is to keep you warm. The ability of the comforter to keep you warm depends on the type of padding and the thickness of the comforter. The weight of the comforter may also indicate its ability to keep you warm. The choice here depends on the climate in which you live and the normal temperature in your bedroom. I
In addition to these considerations, you need to take into account your preferences - many people like to snuggle up with a heavier blanket. Sometimes this is due to a person's nervous system: a heavy blanket can create a feeling of security, which improves sleep quality and affects overall well-being.
When in doubt as to how warm a comforter you need, it is better to choose a lighter version. If you get chilly under your comforter, you can always take an extra quilt.
Many people like warm blankets, but sweat in their sleep or sleep poorly if they are hot. Such people are best served by a comforter with a natural filling and made of natural fabrics. For example, a cotton comforter with down or wool insulation is better air permeable than a polyester comforter with alternative down.
However, a synthetic comforter may be the preferred choice if you are on a limited budget to purchase. A synthetic comforter is usually significantly less expensive than a natural comforter of the same size and is also quite warm. Another advantage of synthetic products is a much wider choice of colors and prints.
Comforters with natural down are usually made of plain white fabric. There are several reasons for this. Undyed fabric is somewhat stronger than colored fabric, because in the process of dyeing the fabric becomes thinner and less resistant to destruction. Feathers in the composition of the insulation are easier to break through the thin flimsy fabric and more noticeable on the colored surface. Many people attribute the advantages of white fabric to the possibility of using thin dyed covers - white fabric does not shine through such a cover and does not distort the appearance of the material.
Do not ignore such a characteristic of the fabric, as density. Density is commonly defined as the number of threads per unit area. On average a good number of threads equal to 400 or more. Bear in mind that the denser the tissue, that is, more threads, the greater the strength and durability. This is especially important for products with natural down - the high density of the fabric reduces the likelihood that individual feathers can pierce it and end up on the outside.
How not to make a mistake with the size of the comforter?
Today you can choose a comforter for any bed. Usually manufacturers label their products accordingly. But there is one difficulty here. Unlike standard mattress sizes - full, queen, king, california king, etc. - bedding products do not have strictly set sizes. One comforter of the same name as your mattress may be slightly shorter or smaller in width than your bed. Another with the same name will be larger and hang down a few inches. A well-chosen comforter will go slightly over the sides of the mattress. In this case the comforter does its job better - to keep you warm in your sleep.
Difficulties in choosing a comforter for a Full and Queen standard mattress arise most often. The Full/Queen labeling of the comforter is quite popular, and it sells products in a fairly wide range of sizes. A Full/Queen comforter purchased for a Full standard mattress may be too large. In any case, it's best to know the dimensions of your mattress, including its thickness. Based on those dimensions, it's easier to find a comforter that's right for you.
If you like a thick, fluffy comforter, it's helpful to remember that due to the thickness of the product, its actual length and width may be less than the labeling indicates. In that case, it may make more sense for you to buy a slightly larger size comforter than your mattress. For example, a thick down comforter marked King might fit better on a Queen mattress.
How to properly care for the comforter?
The basic information on the care of a comforter can usually be found on the label. There you can read what kind of care is acceptable for this particular product. Some kinds of fillings are not machine washable. These products can only be dry cleaned. But most comforters can be washed in a washing machine.
Difficulties may arise when washing large comforter, such as Queen and King Sizes. If your washing machine is not roomy enough, a large product may get damaged during the wash. More often than not, the comforter's filling suffers. When the comforter is stacked tightly in the small drum of your washing machine, the insulation becomes dense, loses airiness and, as a result, loses its comfort and ability to retain heat at the proper level. Such large items are usually taken to a laundromat or professional dry cleaner if they provide laundry services for large bedding.
The labels on most comforters and duvets tell you what detergents to use and what wash cycles are optimal for the item. It is usually suggested that you wash your comforter in warm or cold water, since most fillings, especially natural ones, lose most of their properties in hot water. A gentle or delicate washing mode is most often optimal for these items.
If there is insufficient or no information on the label, it is wise to ask the manufacturer for clarification.
There is a good method to avoid overcompaction of the insulation. A few dryer balls or two or three tennis balls can be placed in the dryer along with the comforter or duvet. During the drying process, the balls whip up the insulation and you get a fresh and fluffy product without lumps or compactions.
For hygiene reasons, it is customary to wash bedding once a week. This interval avoids the appearance of dust mites and the formation of persistent dirt. Duvet cover protects your duvet from external influences, in which case duvet inserts can be washed once or twice a year. But the duvet inserter should be washed every week, of course.
Any comforter or duvet will eventually need to be replaced. You'll know when that time has come when you notice that the previously fluffy product seems flat and no longer feels cozy and soft.
FAQ
What is included in the Comforter Set?
A comforter set usually includes a comforter, a pair of sheets, and a set of matching pillowcases. This set is often referred to as a "bad-in-a-bag. If you don't want to deal with picking a composition of different-looking items, a Bed-in-a-bag is a great way to complete your bedroom decor.
What are the features of the all-season comforter?
You can use this kind of comforter all year round. To that end, the all-season comforter is made with different sides: warmer for colder times and cooler if you want to snuggle up with a lighter quilt. It's a comfortable solution that allows you to not depend on the weather outside.
What kind of bed is a full/queen comforter suitable for?
This type of comforter is supposed to be used on Full-size and Queen-size beds. However, it will hang down the sides of the Full size standard bed somewhat more.
Can my comforter be dry cleaned?
Of course yes, if the dry cleaner has the technical capability to do so. Many professional dry cleaners offer this service.
If the label on your comforter says it's washable, it's best to choose a wash rather than a dry clean. The fact is that dry cleaning involves the use of strong chemicals, which may accelerate the aging of the insulation in your comforter.
Can I sleep on top of my comforter?
Technically of course you can, but that is not what the comforter is for. The comforter keeps you warm when you sleep under it. You can cover yourself with just the comforter or you can use the top sheet and the comforter. It depends on your preference.
To summarize
Perhaps the approaching cold weather will cause you to want a cozy bed with a soft and warm comforter. Many find it much more satisfying than using several thin blankets. When you buy a comforter that you like, you will see for yourself if you need a top sheet to go with it, or if you prefer to sleep just under the comforter. The top sheet adds a sense of warmth and many people like that. Others get enough coziness and warmth from the comforter itself.
If you became the owner of a twin or full size comforter you may easily do the washing at home. Before doing so, read on the label whether it is machine washable, or whether only dry cleaning is suitable for your comforter.
Washing a Queen or King size comforter at home is much more difficult. Many people buy a cover for these comforters. This helps to protect the comforter from dirt and increase the time between washes. However, it is best to wash the cover every week. If you wish you can buy several covers of different colors and prints and change the look of your bed whenever you want.
Despite the fact that the cover protects your comforter well, once or twice a year it still needs to be washed or dry cleaned. Many people prefer to have this delicate and time consuming task done by trained professionals who have the proper equipment.