Comforters are insulating blankets that are made from layers of polyester fiber, downy goose feathers, wool, or even fur backed with a shell of cotton, silk, flannel,or polyester blends. The blanket is stitched or quilted to keep the padding in place so it doesn’t bunch up. They are available in many solid and print colors to coordinate with any bedroom.

Duvet is a French word for down, and refers to special covers that go over the comforters to protect the blanket. In Europe, duvets are used by themselves instead of with other linens. They are soft flat bags filled with duck down. Generally, one is laid across the mattress for a bottom layer and one is pulled over the top for a cover.

Silk comforters originated in China and are made of warm, lightweight layers of silk. They are less bulky and naturally hypoallergenic, which is better for people allergic to down. Silk material is also resistant to bed bugs and mites and discourages the growth of mold or fungi.

Comforters come in twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. They are over sized to allow extra material to hang over the edges of the bed. They can be purchased alone or in sets, which may include the comforter, a bed skirt, pillows, and pillow shams. Comforters should be washed in a front load machine, and silk comforters should be dry cleaned or just hung out side in the sun a few times a year to keep fresh.