The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Comforters

 

So, how do you pick out the best comforter? Please understand that given the seemingly unlimited options available in the market, you have to find a comforter that fits your needs perfectly. Today, we will discuss the options you have when shopping for the best bedding that suits your budget as well. 

 

Filling Material Types

The material that fills up your comforter mainly has two categories. The first one is called down, and the other is called down alternative. Every fill material also has a wide range of options. Also, coming in with these materials are their own sets of advantages as well as disadvantages. 

 

In this portion, we will take a closer look at each of these filling material types and emphasize how they are different from each other. 

 

• Down

Goose made down is regarded as the absolute standard for the best down. Goose down is considered as the most luxurious and the fluffiest. Sometimes, duck-made down is being used for less costly products. Purchasing top-notch down is critical in reducing the risk of allergic responses. 

 

It is also the warmest material that is available for comforter filling. What's fantastic about down is that it can provide you adequate insulation while being light in weight. This quality makes it possible for you to use the same comforter throughout the year in particular climates. 

 

When given proper care, these comforters can be highly durable. You can use them for many years. You might have to shell out a pretty penny, though. But getting these top-quality comforters is pretty much a sound venture. 

 

• Down Alternatives 

These are comforters that are made up of synthetic and hypoallergenic materials instead of natural ones. 

 

If you're sensitive and down materials trigger your allergies, comforters made with down alternative is an excellent option for you. However, to give you the same warmth down comforters can deliver, these comforters are typically heavier. 

 

When it comes to the longevity of use, you might have to change these comforters more frequently than down. This is because these fibers inevitably break down over time. 

 

• Polyester Comforters

Usually found in less pricey comforters, polyester is classified among the most typical fillers. Also, if you have serious allergies, this may be the only option you have. 

 

The major disadvantage when it comes to comforters made with polyester is the fact that this material is non-biodegradable. Meaning, you won't be able to recycle them. Although polyester fibers are generally harmless. 

 

Additionally, you won't have as much breathability when you use these comforters compared to those made with more natural fibers. 

 

• Cotton Comforters

These are fibers that originate from the cotton plant's seed pods. There are also different kinds of cotton. 

 

The first one is called "sanforized" cotton. This cotton type is pre-compacted mechanically and turns it to a size that would shrink after you wash it. 

 

The other type is called "mercerized" cotton. This is cotton submerged under strain using a strong lye formulation. This process improves the material's appearance, absorbency, and strength. It also allows its color to last for a long time. 

 

Comforters made with this material are gentle and fluffy. They're also highly breathable. When picking out this type of bedding, ensure that you choose one with a high thread count. This way, you can get rid of the possibility of wrinkling. 

 

• Comforters Made of Wool

This a collective term that pertains to protein threads that are spun out from fleece. This fleece is made from more than 200 various types of sheep, angora rabbit hair, camel, cashmere goat, llama, alpaca, as well as wild vicuña. This type of comforter material gets cool during summer, and it also gets warm during winter. 

 

• Silk Comforter

This type of comforter is made from silkworm caterpillars' cocoons. Every cocoon is spun out to make one constant silk filament from the body of the caterpillar. When it comes to breathability, it performs much better than down. It is also similarly soft and fluffy. 

 

Look Closely at the Weight and Fill Power

When you take a look at the packaging of a particular comforter, you'll also take notice of the fill weight and power. Sift through this to ensure that you get the best value for your dollars. 

 

• What Is Fill Power?

In a nutshell, filling power is the rate of the down fill's fluffiness. Notably, this is the measure of the space every ounce of a down fill occupies. 

 

Simply put, fill power pertains to the amount of air that can be trapped by the feathers. The greater the filling power is rated, the greater the down's quality. 

 

If you're going to compare two down beddings that have the same weight, you'll notice that the comforter that has more fill power delivers more warmth and insulation. 

 

Choosing the Correct Fill Power 

Here are some guidelines you can follow so you can pick out a comforter with fill power that suits your needs. 

 

If you're purchasing a comforter with the warmer climate in mind, pick one that is rated 400 or lower. For colder weather, choose one that is graded from 600 to 800. 

 

Further, if you're looking for a comforter suitable for freezing weather, look for one that is rated 800 and above. Finally, if you want a one that you can use throughout the year, pick one that has a fill power of 400 at minimum and 600 at maximum. 

 

• What Is Fill Weight?

When picking out a comforter, consider the weight of the fill as well. This pertains to the amount of down filling within a comforter measured by ounces. 

 

You have to remember that the higher the fill power of a particular comforter, the lower its fill weight becomes. The reason for this is that fill power pertains to the down's ability when it comes to trapping air. It is not measured by the down's weight itself. 

 

This also explains why a particular comforter with a fill power appropriate for freezing temperatures in actuality might weigh lighter compared to one designed for hotter temperatures. This is because comforters mainly made for warmer weather have lower fill power. 

 

With that said, down comforters with an increased fill power are reserved for blankets that deliver more warmth. 

 

Keep this in mind. The ability of a comforter to provide warmth is determined by a balance between fill weight and fill power. 

 

You have to take both fill power as well as fill weight in careful consideration because it impacts the temperature a particular comforter can deliver. This is indeed an essential factor that contributes to the quality of your sleep. When it gets too cold or too hot, it could get in the way of your sleep. 

 

Consider How the Comforter Was Constructed

We don't want pockets and lumps on our comforters, do we? This is the reason why it's imperative to have an understanding of how a particular comforter is made. The way it was stitched and constructed plays a significant role in making sure that layers of fill are evened out. Meaning, there are no lumps or cold spots. 

 

With that said, there are some assembly methods that you need to consider when shopping for a comforter. 

 

• Gusset-Stitched Comforters

Gusset-stitched comforters are an upgrade from the baffle-box assembly. Comforters that are gusset stitched are made with extra fabric walls. This extra feature is sewn vertically on the outside edges of the bedding. It enables the comforter to deliver maximum loft. Thus, gusset stitched comforters are the warmest. They also cost the most dollars. 

 

• Baffle Box Construction

This is an excellent choice for warmer or heavier comforters. This type of assembly makes use of the checkerboard method. 

 

However, inside the comforter, pieces of fabric are sewn to make boxes for every down section. Doing so keeps the down material from moving. All this helps in delivering constant warmth and also gives more depth to the comforter. 

 

• Box Stitched Comforters

Box stitch is also recognized as sewn-through. This construction method makes use of boxes that are sewn into a checkered pattern. In other words, these boxes prevent the down material from moving or shifting in corners. Thus, making it an excellent choice for lightweight comforters. Comforters made by this assembly method are also the least costly. 

 

Consider the Thread Count

Thread count is the major benchmark when it comes to the quality of the fabric. It means that the more tightly a particular material is woven, the greater its thread count is. 

 

Put simply, thread count pertains to the quantity of thread a specific inch of cloth contains. 

 

Remember, though, if a fabric contains a greater thread count, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best. This is because the material of the fiber, as well as the specific method used to weave such fibers, are equally essential.

 

While it's undeniable that fabrics with greater thread count have higher quality in general, they can also feel thick or stiff if they were assembled poorly. 

 

When looking for the best down comforter, consider the count of the threads, not merely for the fabric's softness. You have to find bedding with greater thread count also because it's more effective at containing the down material. 

 

Consider the Size of the Comforter

Comforters have a wide range of sizes. For down comforters, there's the Oversized King, King, Oversized Queen, Queen, Full or Queen, Full, Twin XL, and Twin. 

 

Generally, you have to pick one that is bigger for your bed. Why? Because if you get one that is smaller compared to your bed, it won't function as it should, and it will also look silly. So, you have to choose a bedding that drapes off on the sides of your bed. 

 

Also, having an oversized comforter makes up for a fancier look. When it comes to function, when your bedding drapes more along the sides, it keeps the bed warmer. Thus, also making it perfect for couples that deal with the "blanket stealing" predicament. 

 

How to Take Care of Your Comforter

So, you've followed all the guidelines above and finally got yourself the "best" comforter. I understand that you're excited to use it. But you have to take it easy. 

 

Once you bring home and unpack your comforter, you still have to allow it to settle for two to three days. You can also allow it to fluff in your dryer. Put your dryer on low and allow your comforter to fluff for a full five minutes. However, before you do that, check out the care guide first and see if you're permitted to do that. 

 

Remember, you just need to wash your comforter twice or thrice every year. Typically, you can machine wash it using a mild detergent and a delicate setting. You may also do another cycle of rinsing to get rid of all the soap. 

 

When drying your comforter, set your dryer to low. You may also use dryer balls to get rid of any clumps. Also, wash your comforter cover once a week if you use one. But if you also have a top cover, you can clean the cover less frequently. 

 

How to Store Your Comforter

When placing your comforter on storage, fold it neatly and pick a cool and dry place to store it. Never put it inside a plastic bag because it doesn't allow the comforter to breathe. 

 

When you take it out of storage, you can hang it outdoors so it can air out. You can also use your dryer to fluff it.

 

Conclusion

Only you can determine the best comforter that suits your needs. Make use of all the guidelines above so you can have an understanding of the options you have. This will all help you choose the right bedding for you, and you'll be on your way to having the best bedtimes ever. You deserve nothing less. 

 

FAQ

Some other questions you may have about comforters.

 

Is it possible to use a king-sized comforter on a California king bed?

 

If you have a California king bed instead of a standard king size, you have to be very mindful of the length of the comforter. 

 

This is because a California king bed is typically narrower by 4 inches and longer by 4 inches compared to a standard king bed. 

 

If you're using a Cal-king bed, find a comforter that measures between 102x86 inches or 102x94 inches. Remember to choose accordingly because the bedding will drape less if it has more filling. 

 

You have to look for a comforter that is mainly manufactured for a Cal-king bed. You can also pick out a long king comforter. Remember that getting shorter bedding for your Cal-king bed can be an eyesore and won't deliver warmth efficiently. 

 

When it comes to size, how are queen-sized comforters different from king-sized comforters?

Generally, it's perfectly fine if you use king-sized bedding on your queen bed. However, this is not the case when done the other way around. Why? King and queen comforters significantly differ in size. 

 

Remember that a queen-sized comforter has a width that ranges from 92 up until 96 inches. Its length could fall between 96 and 110 inches. Put simply, there are comforters that have a queen-sized bed label, which is similar to the size of king-size bedding. Some comforters are smaller in size, though, so you have to be mindful. 

 

What's the best size of comforter for a king-sized mattress?

A standard king mattress has measurements of 76 of width and 80 inches in length. Keep this in mind. The rule of thumb is to find a comforter that is a few inches bigger than your bed. A lot of king-sized comforters on the market measures 96 inches in width. However, the average length measurements go from 106 up to 110 inches. 

 

Do full-size comforters fit a queen bed?

The short answer to this is no. This is because queen beds have larger dimensions compared to that of full-size comforters. It's always better to get bedding that is much bigger for your bed so you can achieve maximum comfort. 

 

What are the dimensions of a twin comforter?

If you have a twin bed, you have to find a comforter that measures 63 inches in width and 87 in length so you can fully cover your twin mattress.