Best Down Alternative Comforters

Down comforters are amazing, but they don’t work for everyone. They can be pricey and many of us have allergies to the feathers. What can we buy that is just as comfortable without the allergy factor? Down alternative, of course! We have scoured the marketplace for the most comfortable, luxurious, and close to down options for down alternative comforters. Check out our selections below.

Our Top Picks for the Best Down Alternative Comforters

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First There Was Down: A Brief History

Down comforters date back to the Vikings circa 700-800 CE. By the 16th century, they became popular in Europe, and from that point on, we can find lots of references in popular literature to people sleeping with down covers. They did not gain a solid foothold in the United States until the 1970’s due to marketing for warmth during the energy crisis.

Prior to down, we had comforters of cotton and wool that were heavy and hard to mold to the body. Down was a completely different experience: light and fluffy and moldable, offering great comfort and warmth.

A surge of down alternative comforters hit the marketplace in response to the “downside of down comforters,” namely, they are expensive, they can trigger allergies and asthma, and they are not vegan. However, they are extremely comfortable, so manufacturers sought to replicate the feel of down with other materials that were less costly and hypoallergenic. These “down-alternative” comforters caught on and sold well, now constituting a substantial share of the bedding market.

Down and Down Alternative, What is the Difference Exactly?

The difference between these two favorite types of comforter is the fill. One is filled with the small under feathers of swans, ducks, or geese, the other is filled with something else. The something else can be natural or synthetic, and the amount of fill helps determine the warmth of the comforter.

Natural options include silk, bamboo, cotton, wool, or buckwheat. Synthetic varieties are made from microfibers in various forms or gel fibers. Some down alternative comforters are manufactured in a way that does a good job of replicating the feel of down, others not so much.

How to Care for Your Comforter

• Reading the care instructions: Your comforter’s label will tell you things like whether or not it needs to be dry cleaned, and some alternative down comforters do need professional dry cleaning. Most comforters can be washed at home, even if the label recommends dry cleaning, but you run the risk of the filling clumping. If the item is washable then follow any label directions to ensure the best outcome.
• Keep Track of when you last washed your comforter: Your comforter only needs washing once or twice a year or even less. If you have a good cover (duvet) you can wash that every couple of weeks, and the comforter will remain protected. If you have a colored comforter that is used without a duvet, then plan to wash it more regularly. Make a note when you wash it so you can track how long it is between washings.
• Check washer size: Most residential washers can wash up to a queen-size comforter. If you have a king size or small European washer, you may need to use a laundromat with a larger machine. Another option is to hand wash your comforter in the tub, just rinse really well and squeeze out water, don’t ring.
• Choose mild detergent: To keep the comforter intact and extend its life, use a mild, natural detergent. Harsh soap, although it will kill bacteria, can break down the fibers and shorten the life of the comforter.
• Water temperature: Cool to warm water is recommended. If you have allergies and need to do a hot water wash to kill bacteria, you can do 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or 54 degrees Celsius, to kill any bugs, but it will hasten the life of the comforter. You could also opt for a cooler wash and then set the dryer to a higher heat.
• Use dryer balls: To ensure a fluffy comforter without any clumped material, add clean tennis balls or dryer balls to push apart the fibers while drying. Dryer balls are available in stores and online. They come in felted wool, plastic, and other assorted materials.

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Summary

Down alternative comforters are a great option for the feather shy or those on a budget. A good down alternative comforter can last for many years and give essentially the same comfort and warmth as down. Do some research or choose from one of our top four picks and surround yourself is fluffy softness for an amazing night’s sleep.a healthy sleep environment for your child.