The type of comforter you use can really help you fall into a beautiful slumber after a long day. Just as a pillow can make or break a nice sleep, a comforter will dictate how rested you feel in the morning. That’s why in this Down vs Synthetic Comforter article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using these two comforters.
While there is plenty of debate comparing down to down alternatives, a lot is actually known about their pros and cons. As such, the debate does not center around who is right. Instead, it centers around what people prefer based on their tastes and lifestyles.
In the list below, we will make a comparison between down and synthetic comforters based on the most important considerations. This way, you can get a bird’ eye view of what type of comforter may be best for you.
Down vs Synthetic Comforter
How To Decide Between Down And Synthetic Comforters
This list is not exhaustive but should cover all of the points that are of interest to most people.
Comfort:
Generally speaking, people prefer the comfort level that down has to bring over synthetic comforters. Down, plucked from underneath the feathers of ducks and geese, is extremely soft. The structure of down is very difficult to replicate in synthetics. It just has a snugglier feel. And after a long day, who would not prefer to snuggle up to a down comforter over its alternative?
Warmth:
One of the reasons down has been so popular over the years is that it has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. This means that you need less of the down material to keep the warmth in.
This also means that for the amount of warmth you will feel while under a down blanket, it will feel so much lighter than a synthetic comforter. Incidentally, down comforters are the preferred method of keeping warm in the Winter.
Breathability:
One of the reasons why down does a better job at keeping the warmth in is that it has more air pockets. For the same reason, down is more breathable. Although the warmth of the down may make you perspire, it will also allow more moisture to escape from under the covers.
Maintenance:
One of the main downsides of down is that the maintenance can be more difficult. While some down comforters are advertised as being machine washable, others come with special care instructions. This can be a nuisance if you have a pet that sleeps in your bed on a regular basis and you must keep washing your blankets.
Weight:
Generally speaking, down comforters are significantly lighter than their synthetic counterparts. Down does a better job at keeping the warmth in, so it has a better warmth-to-weight ratio.
Fill:
The fill power of a comforter is a measure of cubic inches per ounce. Down usually has greater fill power, so it does not require as much fill to be put inside the comforter. This makes for a comforter that is lighter, as well as thinner. But keep in mind that thinner does not mean it is any less snuggly.
Durability:
Down has a reputation for being highly durable, and more so than regular synthetics. With proper handling and care, a down comforter will last you many more years than a synthetic one. Synthetic materials, which are usually made of nylon and polyester, have a tendency to fray much earlier. Although, keep in mind that if you are rough with your down comforter, the fill could begin to seep out.
Compressibility:
Down is also know for easily being able to handle compression. It can be compressed to a significantly smaller size than synthetics. This is great if you will be taking your comforter out of the home and will need to pack it.
Cost:
The cost is a consideration for many people. While investing in a down comforter is definitely rewarding, the cost for down has also gone up for various reasons throughout the years.
Down vs Synthetic Comforter: The Verdict
Based on the above analysis, it is easy to see that in most cases, the clear winner is the down comforter. That being said, synthetic comforters do have their own advantages to some.
For example, those who own pets may find that they need to wash their comforter more frequently than others. Since down alternative comforters are easier to clean and dry faster, this may be the best choice for some. Also, the high prices for down comforters can be a barrier.
Overall, most people would opt for a down comforter based on almost every important point of interest.