Buying a Comforter

Comforters go on top of other bedding and are usually filled with down or some down alternative.   Down comforters are by far the most popular because they are soft and warm, but it is not for everyone.    For those with allergies, down alternative comforters often provide the same warmth, and they are usually much easier to keep clean.

Down comforter

The down feathers  are  usually from geese or ducks.  Goose down is fluffier and warmer of the two.  A true down comforter typically requires special care and cleaning.  To avoid or at least reduce this, you should consider purchasing a duvet cover to protect your comforter.

Non-Down comforter

The advantages of these comforters is price, durability, and ease of maintenance.  There is nothing wrong or "bad" about a non-down comforter.

Fill power

Fill power is a measure of how many cubic inches one ounce of down fills.  A higher fill power means a down blanket will be fluffier and warmer.   Fill power in a comforter is like thread count in a sheet, it is supposed to provide a measurement of quality.  A fill power of 550 or more is normally considered good.