But, what actually causes an allergic reaction? “Often a suspected feather allergy is actually an allergy to dust mites, whose proliferation is encouraged on and around feathers,” says Heather Viola, DO, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine. Down-alternative comforters avoid this risk with a fill often comprised of cotton or polyester. We compiled duvets that fared well with our home testers, and researched standout designs for various sleep styles. Our top pick is the Buffy Cloud Comforter, a reasonably priced option that’s perfectly lightweight yet cozy. Scroll down for the best down-alternative comforters currently on the market. Ideal for year-round use, this down-alternative comforter has the Goldilocks touch of being just right thanks to the fact it’s breathable and doesn’t sleep too hot, while still being plenty warm and cozy. Our tester also loved how easy this comforter was to fold and said making the bed each morning was a breeze. Plus, the down alternative appeared smooth and even throughout with no pesky lumps. Though the fill is a synthetic substance (polyester), it’s sourced from recycled materials. The lyocell shell comes from the pulp of renewable eucalyptus trees, making it an all-around sustainable product. The Buffy Cloud Comforter is a winner when it comes to price, too. “I think this comforter price perfectly matches the value,” said our tester. “I’d honestly pay more.” We also like that it’s machine-washable, but bear in mind that hang-drying is recommended. Price at time of publish: $169 for Full/Queen In addition to white, it comes in eight other pretty color options, so if you’re not a fan of duvet covers, you can go without one and just rock one of these chic hues. Just be aware that the colors may slightly vary from how they appear online. While this isn’t the loftiest comforter on the market, it’s an excellent lightweight option for folks on a budget. Our tester noted the lightweight feel kept them from overheating and made the comforter easy to fold and move. Our tester also found it was super simple to wipe away stains with just a damp towel. Price at time of publish: $42 for Queen What’s more, bamboo has natural temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking abilities, which make it perfect for people who run hot or experience night sweats, though it’s also plenty warm and cozy. And if you prefer a little more loft, upgrade to the “extra” fill level. Our tester loved the luxurious feel of the material and said it kept warm and comfy all night. Though heavy, the material still felt breathable, and our tester wasn’t worried about overheating. However, it can be a bit hard to maneuver because of the extra weight. Price at time of publish: $729 for Full/Queen Aside from the impressive size and color selection, our tester loved the high-quality and thick material. They noted it felt especially impressive for the affordable price. “At only $45, this is a great deal. For people who love warm comforters, this is perfect. It will look good with or without a duvet cover too,” says our tester. The polyester fill is designed to be even and noiseless, which is especially ideal for restless sleepers. We also love that this comforter is machine washable and dryer safe. Our tester did note that it sleeps a bit on the warm side, so this may not work as a year-long comforter. However, if you run cold or are looker for something heavy for chilly winter nights, this could be perfect. Price at time of publish: $50 for Queen Our tester pointed out that this comforter kept them warm on cooler nights, but on an extremely cold night when the temperature dropped to the 20s, she found that it didn’t provide quite enough warmth. Overall, though, she felt comfortable and cozy. This down-alternative comforter has a breathable cotton shell with a 300 thread count to ensure adequate airflow. The fill is 60 percent recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles and 40 percent HydroCool performance polyester. According to the maker, the high-tech fibers draw sweat away from your skin so you stay cool throughout the night. Price at time of publish: $249 for Full/Queen In terms of construction, this duvet has a 100 percent long-staple cotton shell with a supremely smooth sateen weave. The polyester fill is sourced from recycled plastic bottles, and baffle-box construction ensures that it’s evenly distributed. One thing to note is that this bed cover isn’t machine-washable—Brooklinen recommends spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning if needed. Price at time of publish: $209 for Full/Queen As for the shell, you’re looking at 300-thread-count cotton sateen finished with a combing technique to maximize softness and enhance the comforter’s insulation. While this comforter is on the pricier side, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth in terms of warmth, comfort, and durability. We also like that it comes in a few colors, so you can forgo a duvet cover if you want to keep things simple. Price at time of publish: $269 for Queen The super-fine microfiber fill is designed to mimic the natural fluffiness of real down, only it’s hypoallergenic and vegan. Woven from 100 percent cotton with a sateen weave, the shell is breathable and soft with a subtle sheen. Though this duvet insert doesn’t come in exact bedding sizes, we like that it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe. Price at time of publish: $259 for Queen The shell is made of Tencel lyocell, a naturally breathable and temperature-regulating fabric that’s sourced from the pulpy cellulose fibers of wood. While we wish this comforter was a little more affordable and available in exact sizes, overall, it’s a great mid-weight option. Price at time of publish: $199 for Full/Queen Thanks to the baffle-box construction, the fluffiness is evenly distributed and won’t shift around over time. We also appreciate that there are corner tabs to keep your duvet cover in place. This comforter is undoubtedly expensive (especially the Ultraweight option), but it’s the closest you’ll get if you want the same insulation as real down. Price at time of publish: $398 for Full/Queen Lyocell has the unique ability to draw sweat away from your body and evaporate it quickly.⁴ We appreciate that this comforter is machine-washable, dryer-friendly, and available in exact sizes. And while it’s not the loftiest option around, we also like that it comes in a few colors for those who don’t want to use a cover. Price at time of publish: $150 for Queen This down-alternative comforter has an organic cotton shell to encourage airflow. Thanks to its temperature-regulating abilities, it’s an excellent choice for year-round use. One thing to note, though, is that it’s not vegan-friendly, as the silk comes from mulberry worms. Price at time of publish: $329 for Full/Queen
What to Look for in a Down-Alternative Comforter
Shell Material
High-quality materials are paramount for down-alternative comforters, starting with the shell (the outside of the duvet). Natural fabrics tend to be the most breathable with moisture-wicking properties, which helps keep you at a comfy temperature while you doze. Cotton is the most common, but you’ll also find options with bamboo, eucalyptus, silk, and lyocell shells. Synthetic shell fabrics can sometimes mean a less soft comforter than a natural material. However, synthetic materials often lead to lower prices, which can make for a good budget-friendly pick like the Utopia Bedding comforter.
Fill Material
Down-alternative comforters are a great option for people with allergies, as goose and duck feathers can irritate some people. It’s important to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction, so you know if your bedding isn’t right for you. " Symptoms of a feather or dust mite allergy include sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion, coughing, sinus pressure, and postnasal drip," says Heather Viola, DO, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine. Another way to be sure your comforter is allergy free is to look for asthma and allergy-friendly certifications by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Dr. Viola notes. So, what are down-alternative comforters filled with instead? Ultra-fine polyester fibers are the most common replacement for feathers. Though this is a synthetic substance, it’s often sourced from recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles. You’ll also find some comforters filled with high-quality natural materials like viscose (bamboo), such as our top luxury pick the Cozy Earth comforter, or silk. Just keep in mind that silk isn’t vegan, as it comes from mulberry worms.
Weight and Loft
In addition to the fill material, you’ll want to consider the weight and loft. A heavier comforter will be warmer for those cold winter nights, and a lighter comforter will be more suitable for year-round use. If you like the fluffy look and feel of a plush comforter but don’t necessarily want something super-warm, there are some great lofty-yet-lightweight designs, such as The Company Store’s PrimaLoft Alberta Comforter. Another option is to size up while using the proper duvet cover size. For instance, a king comforter will look super-fluffy inside a queen cover without adding too much heat.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce copywriter specializing in textiles, home goods, sleep products, and lifestyle. When researching picks for this story, she spoke to sleeping experts for insight into the substitutes for natural down, as well as the different weights of comforters and what certifications they might carry. She looked at insights from our home testers, combed through user reviews, and pored over the product specs of dozens of duvets before landing on the final picks. Most duvet inserts can also be tumble-dried on low heat, though some call for air-drying. Some brands suggest spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning only, so be sure to check the instructions before cleaning yours.
Finding a comforter that holds up well after multiple washes is crucial, according to Kenneth Mendez, president, and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Because frequent washing is recommended for people with asthma and allergies, the bedding product should not break down even after multiple wash cycles so that the allergen barrier function still works,” he says. Expert advice was provided by Kenneth Mendez, president, and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and Heather Viola, DO, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine.
