Comforter Fill Type

Not all comforters are stuffed the same. Down comforters are filled with the soft fluff from ducks and geese. Some more affordable options use a blend of down and feathers. Allergy sufferers can choose hypoallergenic comforters filled with either natural or synthetic fibers. Down alternative comforters mimic the soft and comfy feeling of down without the allergens.

Comforter Fill Power

Down is measured in ounces, and fill power (or how fluffy the comforter is) measures how many cubic inches are filled with an ounce of down in a laboratory. For example, a comforter with 500 Fill Power is filled with down that occupies 500 cubic inches of space.

Comforters with higher fill powers have greater loft, meaning they are fluffier. The additional thickness creates extra warmth and will last longer. If you're always chilly and want to stay toasty warm, select a higher fill power.

Comforter Fill Weight

Fill weight is how many ounces of down are actually in the comforter. Try not to confuse fill weight with will power: it measures the comforter's heaviness, not its warmth.

Comforters can have a high fill weight and a low fill power, which may be an ideal combination for people in warmer climates. A high fill weight makes the comforter heavy, but a low fill power prevents it from being uncomfortably warm.

Comforter Construction

Different sewing techniques are used to prevent bunching and keep the down evenly distributed throughout the comforter.

Box-stitch comforters - use stitched grid patterns to trap the down into a box pattern.

Baffle-box stitch comforters - have vertical walls of fabric sewn between the top and bottom layer of the shell to keep the fill at its fullest loft.

Sewn-through comforters - have the top layer of fabric sewn directly on the bottom layer and are less expensive than baffle-box stitch comforters.

Comforter Thread Count

Like bed sheets, a comforter's thread count is the number of threads woven into a square inch. The finer the thread, the higher the thread count, and the smoother and lighter the fabric will feel.

Also like bed sheets, a comforter's thread count indicates its quality and texture. Luxury comforters have high thread counts so their weaves are tighter and stronger. This protects the filler from escaping the comforter and prevents dust from entering.

Other Ways To Stay Warm

Blankets can be used to decorate a room permanently or provide additional warmth when needed. They're made in a range of fabrics, including micro fleece, cotton, down, down alternative, bamboo and other natural and synthetic materials. Add a dash of color and texture to your boudoir with a comforter, quilt, bedspread, coverlet or throw.