Duvets for Dummies: How to Buy the Right Duvet

As a man, I’m not really sure what the difference between a duvet and comforter is. I’ve never really shopped for my own blankets, sheets, and pillows, but the spouse has always handled it. Boy was I unprepared when I had to go out and buy a duvet last week. I spent an hour wandering around the store, trying to determine whether I was looking at a comforter or duvet – and whether it had natural or synthetic fillings. I walked out, and decided it was time to do some research.

After a bit of searching, I learned more about which to choose. Here’s my “Dummies Guide” to buying the right duvet:

Natural Fillings

For those who like to stay warm, natural fillings such as goose down or duck feathers make a great complement to comfortable memory foam mattresses. You’ll feel like you’re sinking into the bed, and the duvet will snuggle around you for the perfect sleep on a cold winter’s night. There’s almost nothing that can get through these incredibly warm blankets, and they’re the ideal solution for anyone that lives in a colder climate.

Natural fillings “breathe” more easily than synthetic ones, so the blankets aren’t quite as hot (perfect for me – a “hot” sleeper). Wool is a good option for those allergic to feathers. The downside to natural fillings: they cost a good deal more. You’ll find that down and feathers are quite costly, and you’ll end up spending about 50% more on a natural duvet than you would on one with synthetic fillings. If you’re all about organics and natural living, though, they’re your best option.

Synthetic Fillings

Synthetic fillings tend to be lighter, and they are much softer to the touch than natural fillings. They are non-allergenic, meaning those with wool and feather allergies can use them comfortably without sneezing the night away. They can be run through the machine, and they are easier to keep clean. If you have kids, you love to eat in bed, or have a lot of “bedtime activities” going on, you may want to consider these duvets simply because you can easily clean them.

The downside to synthetic fibers is that they are synthetic. If you are sleeping on an organic mattress, organic sheets, and organic pillows, you may not want a synthetic duvet. They’re cheaper, but they’re not natural. Many people that worry about exposure to toxins and chemicals crusade against these synthetic fillings, as they claim that you inhale the toxins all night long as you sleep. For those that pull the blanket right up to their heads, it may be better to choose a natural blanket to reduce the risk of breathing in the chemicals used to make these synthetic duvets.

So which is best for you? To tell you the truth, I really don’t know. I’ve used a duvet with synthetic filling for years, but I have no allergies or sensitivity to toxins. For those that prefer safe, healthy options, you may want to consider duvets with natural fillings.