If you want to get the answer to the question of what is a comforter and how to pick one, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll break down the definitions, the differences between a comforter, and a duvet, and all considerations to make before getting your own comforter.
So without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
What Is a Comforter?
So what is a comforter exactly and why should you have one in your home? Typically, a comforter is a thick, fluffy blanket that is used to keep you warm. It’s two pieces of fabric, sewn together to make a pouch that has a soft stuffing, like wool, cotton, down, or synthetic fibres.
Comforters are generally much fluffier than duvets, but we’ll get to all the differences a bit later. Another distinctive thing about comforters is that they tend to be heavier than regular blankets or duvets. They also provide great insulation, perfect for the colder months.
Comforter Fillings
Comforters come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, but the most important factor to consider is the filling. Depending on your needs, the filling is what’s going to make or break your comforter and be the deciding factor in your purchase.
Cotton Comforters
Cotton-filled comforters are solid choices for warmer weather, as they’re pretty lightweight and breathable. Cotton is hypoallergenic and absorbent, which means that it’s a good option for those struggling with allergies.
Down Feather Comforters
Among the higher-end types of comforters, there are those filled with down feathers. One of the biggest selling points of these comforters is that they’re very light, but provide a lot of warmth. However, they’re also somewhat difficult to clean and maintain and usually come with a pretty high price tag.
Wool Comforters
A naturally moisture-wicking fabric, wool comforters are almost unrivalled by the warmth they provide. They’re best suited for those living in colder climates or who want heavier bedding to simulate weighted blankets.
Silk Comforters
Silk comforters are pretty scarce since they’re incredibly expensive. But they do provide warmth, and breathability, and have antibacterial properties.
Polyester Comforters
Those looking for the breathability of cotton and the warmth of down should check out polyester comforters. MyTickie comforters, which are made of Minky, a type of polyester, won’t break the bank, they’re hypoallergenic, soft, and durable.
What to Consider When Buying a Comforter
To truly answer the question of what is a comforter and how to find the perfect one for your home, we need to look at all of its aspects, not just the filling. That concerns the outer layer, maintenance, size, and more.
Shell
The outer fabric of a comforter is also known as a shell, and it comes in many different materials. It can be silk, cotton, polyester, or a blend. Just like with the filling, which one you end up choosing will depend on your needs and style. Consider that cotton is breathable, but polyester blends retain warmth better.
Fill Power/Warmth Level
Fill power describes how much material there is inside a gram of fabric, and it’s shown in GSM, which stands for grams per square meter. Comforters with a higher GSM provide more insulation.
Another measurement to take into account is fill weight, which will give you an idea of how much warmth you’ll get. It’s the same principle as the GSM, and if you want something for the colder climates, consider a high fill count.
Size
Considering the size of your comforter sounds like a no-brainer, but a lot of people get it wrong. When trying to figure out the best size for your mattress, take exact measurements of the latter.
Also, consider how you want the comforter to look on the bed, and whether you want something bigger or smaller. If you need more help with the sizes, check out our Sizing Chart and consider how a MyTickie comforter would look on your bed.
Price
Price will play another important factor in your decision because you don’t want something that’ll break the bank, but comforters are also an investment. The primary thing that influences the cost is usually the filling. Polyester blends and Minky are on the lower end of the scale, cotton falls somewhere in the middle, while down and silk tend to be pretty steep.
Colour and Pattern
When looking for your next comforter, consider the style, colour, pattern, and how it will work with your bedroom. Even if you plan on putting a cover on the comforter, you should still love what’s underneath. The decision of style and colour is even bigger if you’re choosing something for a pet or child, as you want to make sure they’ll love it as much as you do.
Maintenance
Comforters, especially the bigger ones, are pretty bulky, which makes cleaning them a bit of a challenge. The MyTickie comforters can be washed in the machine, in a cold, gentle setting, or even by hand. Most comforters, particularly down, can’t be bleached because they can ruin the filling, so spot treatments are best for stains.
Comforter vs. Duvet – What Is the Difference?
Just like comforters, duvets are soft blankets, usually filled with synthetic fibres, that people use to keep warm. However, the biggest difference is that, unlike comforters, most duvets aren’t stitched or quilted. That’s why they don’t have the finished look that comforters do.
Duvets are meant to be inserts and are sold separately from covers or coverlets. So those who like to change up their styles often tend to go for duvets. However, if you want something that looks finished and is no hassle, a comforter like MyTickie is probably a better choice.
Depending on their filling and size, comforters, as well as duvets require a big washing machine to be cleaned. However, duvets tend to be a bit higher maintenance, as they’re often dry cleaned only.
To Sum Up: What Is a Comforter?
Hopefully, we’ve answered the question of what is a comforter, and you’ll be able to make your shopping decision easier. When searching for your next comforter, consider it an investment, and one that will be with you for a while.
And if you’re looking for something that’s durable, stylish, and provides the right level of warmth all year, consider MyTickie. With a 30-night sleep guarantee, and a variety of sizes, colours, and payment options, the MyTickie comforter is sure to become your new best friend.