Do You Fear Sleep? Here’s How To Manage the Anxiety-Provoking Symptoms of Somniphobia
Plus, why you might get so scared of falling or being asleep in the first place.
Whether you’re working through your evening routine, luxuriating through eight uninterrupted hours of sleep, or blissfully rotting with a Real Housewives marathon, your bed is one of the most important self-care spots in your home—which means there’s real value in making it as comfortable as humanly possible. Crisp white sheets, perfectly fluffed pillows, and mood lighting all play a role, but nothing makes quite as much of a difference as investing in a cloud-like comforter.
If you’ve ever found yourself luxuriating under an ultra-fluffy hotel duvet, you know all too well that not all comforters are created equally—and not all options are right for everyone. To help you find the missing piece to your most perfect bed setup, we chatted with experts to find the best comforters on the market. Your best night’s sleep (and your most enjoyable movie marathon in bed) are just a few clicks away.
The best comforters, at a glance:
- Best down comforter: Royoliving, Premium Greyduck Feathers Down Comforter, $134
- Best *affordable* down comforter: Cosybay, Feather Comforter Filled with Feather & Down, $75
- Best eco-friendly comforter: Simba, Hybrid Duvet, $216
- Best hypoallergenic comforter: Brooklinen, Down Alternative Hypoallergenic Comforter, $259
- Best lightweight comforter: Slumber Cloud, Lightweight Comforter, $239
- Best microfiber comforter: Amazon Basics, Reversible Lightweight Microfiber Comforter Blanket, $27
- Best all-season comforter: Quince, All-Season Premium Down Comforter, $200
- Best comforter for couples: Luxome, ClimaSense Comforter, $300
- Best down comforter for summer: Buffy, Breeze Comforter, $224
- Warmest comforter: Feathered Friends, Bavarian 700 Down Comforter, $459
- Best comforter for hot sleepers: Rest Duvet, EverCool Cooling Comforter, $239
- Best comforter set: Bedsure, Queen Comforter Set, $40
The best fabrics for comforters
Generally speaking, there’s no one-size-fits-all “best” fabric for comforters—it really comes down to preference.
That said, materials like cotton, down, and synthetic blends tend to be the most popular. “The best fabric, in my opinion, is cotton, because it’s breathable and suitable all year round,” says Martin Seeley, a senior sleep expert with UK-based mattress brand, MattressNextDay. “Synthetic blends, like polyester, are often more affordable and hypoallergenic, which is great for allergy season.”
Choosing which fabric is right for you largely depends on how your body temperature fluctuates while you sleep. “For hot sleepers, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo are best to promote airflow and regulate body temperature,” says Seeley. “Cold sleepers, however, may prefer warmer options like down or heavier cotton blends for added insulation.”
While thread count is a major factor with sheets and pillowcases (generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric), it’s slightly less important with comforters because there are so many other factors at play (we’ll get to those below). “While a higher thread count often indicates a softer and more durable fabric, it’s not the sole determinant of comfort,” says Seeley. “For comforters, anything between 300 to 600 is generally considered suitable for everyone.”
The “big 3” factors to consider when choosing a comforter
How can you tell if a comforter is good quality? There are three main factors to consider:
1. Fabric quality
You now know that certain fabrics outperform others, and it’s important to look for something high-quality to ensure optimal softness and durability. Experts recommend Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, or bamboo, which are all comfortable, breathable, and long-lasting.
2. Construction
Aside from the fabric itself, you’ll want to find a comforter that’s constructed to prevent the fill (AKA, what’s on the inside) from shifting around so that you aren’t left with any weird lumps. Seeley suggests looking for tightly woven fabrics in a baffle-box construction.
3. Fill and fill power
What’s on the inside of your comforter is just as important as what’s on the outside. Down (which is made from duck or goose feathers) or down alternatives (which are made from synthetic materials designed to mimic the real thing) are your best bet for cloud-like comfort. The higher the fill power, the better the insulation—look for something with an 800+ rating, which feels fluffy and lightweight.
Shop the best comforters
Editor’s note: Pricing reflects Queen or similarly-sized options
Available sizes: Twin, Queen, King, California king
Filling: 20% Grey Duck Down, 80% Grey Duck Feathers
A “good” down comforter has to check a few boxes—quality materials, box stitching, a breathable shell—and this one hits them all. It’s moderately priced, comes in all sorts of sizes, colors, and weights, and is easy to care for. If you’re on the hunt for a no-frills comforter that just works, consider your search over.
Cover fabric: 100% cotton
Construction: Box stitching
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Available weights: Lightweight, all-season, winter, heavyweight
Available colors: 3
Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, tumble dry low, do not bleach.
Pros:
- Made with real down and 100% breathable cotton
- Multiple sizes, weights, and colors to choose from
- Machine washable
- Can be used on its own or with a duvet cover
- Returnable after a 30-day trial
Cons
- Uses animal-based products, which can be a downside for some shoppers
Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, Oversized Queen, King, Oversized King, California king
Filling: 90% feathers, 10% down
With three weights, seven sizes, and three colors to choose from, this affordable down comforter is a great option for anyone. The breathable cotton shell is home to fluffy, warm down, and the combination of the two will keep you as warm or cool as you need on any given night.
Cover fabric: 100% cotton
Construction: Box stitching
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Available weights: Lightweight, all-season, heavyweight
Available colors: 3
Care instructions: Unspecified
Pros:
- Multiple weights, sizes, and colors to choose from
- Affordable
- Breathable cotton shell
Cons:
- Brand recommends using a duvet cover to extend the life of the comforter
- Uses animal-based products, which can be a downside for some shoppers
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super king
Filling: Recycled PET plastic fibers
Seeley names this comforter as his all-time favorite thanks to the fact that it strikes the perfect balance between warmth and breathability. “Its design incorporates breathable materials that regulate temperature, ensuring you stay comfortably warm without overheating throughout the night,” he says. The comforter is filled with fibers made from recycled plastic, and one side of the cotton shell is infused with Stratos technology that feels cool to the touch and helps to regulate body heat. “This feature is particularly appealing for those who value a refreshing and undisturbed sleep experience,” says Seely.
And the fact that it’s eco-friendly—the filling made from recycled water bottles, the deliveries are carbon neutral, and the entire company is B-Corp certified—just makes it that much better. “I also appreciate the sustainability aspect of the Simba Hybrid Duvet. Knowing that the materials used are eco-friendly is reassuring to know.”
Cover fabric: 100% cotton
Construction: Box stitching
Certifications: Unspecified
Available weights: 1
Available colors: 1
Care instructions: Machine washable
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Can be used on its own or with a duvet cover
- Temperature-controlling cotton on one side, regular cotton on the other
- Machine washable
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Company is based in the UK, so sizing, shipping, and pricing may vary
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Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/Cali King
Filling: Recycled PET fibers repurposed from plastic bottles
Brooklinen’s eco-friendly, hypoallergenic comforter has won so many awards, we’ve lost count. All three weights are made with baffle box stitching, which (as the experts told us) is your best bet for both the comfort and longevity of your quilt.
Cover fabric: 100% cotton sateen
Construction: Baffle box
Certifications: Unspecified
Available weights: Lightweight, all season, extra warm
Available colors: 1
Care instructions: Unspecified
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic/sensitive skin friendly
- Eco-friendly filling made from recycled plastic
- Loops on every corner to attach to a duvet cover
- Baffle box stitching keeps fill in place
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Only comes in one color
- Brand recommends using a duvet cover to extend the life of the comforter
- Not machine washable
Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/Cali King
Filling: Climadry down alternative
Considering this comforter was made with technology tested by NASA, you know it’s gotta be good. The filling is made with Outlast phase change material, which absorbs excess body heat when you get hot and releases it back to you when you get cold (hence why it’s used in astronauts’ space suits). It sounds like magic, but it’s legit—and will change the way you sleep forever.
Cover fabric: 100% cotton
Construction: Box stitching
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Available weights: Lightweight, ultracool, regular
Available colors: 1
Care instructions: Machine washable
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Absorbs and releases heat
- Moisture-wicking
- Hypoallergenic
- Great for hot sleepers
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King
Filling: Polyester
Don’t let this comforter’s ultra-affordable price point fool you: More than 28,000 people have given it 5-star reviews. The microfiber fabric is ultra-soft and fluffy but still feels lightweight and not overly thick—fans love it for its ability to balance out body temperatures on both hot and cold sleepers. Better yet? It comes in nine colors, all of which are reversible, so you get two totally different bedding looks for only $27.
Cover fabric: Polyester microfiber
Construction: Diamond stitching
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Available weights: Lightweight
Available colors: 9
Care instructions: Machine wash warm on permanent press cycle
Pros:
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Reversible options that give you two colors for the price of one
- Affordable
- Doesn’t require a duvet cover
Cons:
- May feel more like a blanket than a comforter
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Available sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King/Cali King
Filling: Down (650 fill power)
Considering how many items from Quince our editors have already got in their wardrobes (and all over their homes), it’s no surprise that the brand’s comforter ranks as one of the best-of-the-best for all-season sleeping. The cotton sateen fabric is luxuriously soft and silky, and the all-season comforter is flawlessly filled to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter (seriously—I don’t know how they do it!).
Cover fabric: 100% cotton sateen
Construction: Baffle box
Certifications: RDS
Available weights: Lightweight, all-season, ultra
Available colors: 1
Care instructions: Unspecified
Pros:
- Can be used all year round
- Luxurious but affordably priced
- Baffle box stitching keeps fill in place
Cons:
- Only comes in one color
- Brand recommends using inside of a duvet cover
Available sizes: Full/Queen, King/Cali King
Filling: 5% polyester, 25% 37.5® polyester
If you and your partner can’t agree on an appropriate overnight temperature, this comforter will keep you both happy. It’s infused with 37.5® Technology so it adjusts to help maintain your personal microclimate, naturally regulating temperature for deeper, longer sleep. So if you’re a hot sleeper but your partner runs cold, you’ll both be comfortable.
Cover fabric: 80% cotton, 20% 37.5® Polyester
Construction: Box stitching
Certifications: Unspecified
Available weights: 1
Available colors: 1
Care instructions: Dry clean only
Pros:
- Regulates individual temperatures, making it great for couples
- Hypoallergenic
- Oversized so you don’t need to size up for that “hotel bed” feel
Cons:
- Must be dry cleaned or hand washed
- Only comes in one color
- Brand recommends using a duvet cover to extend the life of the comforter
Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/Cali King
Filling: Eucalyptus
The eucalyptus-based fabric Buffy uses on both the inside and outside of its Breeze comforter delivers the moisture-wicking and heat-releasing benefits that (literal) dreams are made of. Better yet? It feels like a blend of cotton and silk, but is somehow even softer than either option on its own. The comforter’s got some heft to it that delivers the same sort of calming effects as a weighted blanket (without being quite as heavy), and is constructed with a whopping 95 layers of ultra-fine fibers to ensure that every spot offers uniform warmth and comfort.
Cover fabric: Eucalyptus
Construction: Criss-cross stitching
Certifications: Unspecified
Available weights: 1
Available colors: 1
Care instructions: Machine washable
Pros:
- Made from extremely soft eucalyptus fabric
- Eco-friendly
- Extremely lightweight and breathable
- Designed to prevent temperature fluctuations while you sleep
- Offers some of the same anxiety-reducing benefits of a weighted blanket
- Can be used with or without a duvet cover
Cons:
- Only comes in one color
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Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California king
Filling: European white goose down (700+ fill power)
Those midnight chills will be nothing but a distant memory with Feathered Friends’ Arctic comforter, which is heavy enough to keep you toasty warm but not so heavy that you’ll feel claustrophobic sleeping underneath it. The sewn-through Bavarian stitching ensures that the down won’t shift around (no matter how much you toss and turn, or how many times you wash it), and sleeping on it is as close as you’ll ever get to lounging on an actual cloud—yes, it’s that fluffy.
Cover fabric: 400 thread count single-ply Cambric cotton
Construction: Bavarian
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, RDS
Available weights: Summer, light, medium, arctic
Available colors: 1
Care instructions: Machine washable
Pros:
- Multiple weights available
- Made with high-quality goose down
- Bavarian stitching keeps fill in place
Cons:
- Expensive
- Often out of stock
- Uses animal-based products, which can be a downside for some shoppers
Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/Cali King
Filling: TENCEL/Sorona blend
While most comforters are designed to keep you warm, this one does the opposite. It’s made with the brand’s proprietary technology—a blend of two synthetic fabrics—and feels cool to the touch while also working to release heat and moisture to prevent overheating. Unlike most comforters, which are filled with down or down alternatives, this one weaves together ultra-thin fibers into “capillary-like structures” that absorb and eliminate moisture. It does its job so well, in fact, that during a brand-conducted trial, 92 percent of hot sleepers reported that it reduced night sweats and improved their overall sleep quality.
Cover fabric: 90% cooling nylon,10% spandex
Construction: Woven
Certifications: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
Available weights: 1
Available colors: 5
Care instructions: Machine washable
Pros:
- Made with cooling and moisture-wicking technology
- Reversible
- Pet-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine washable
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Often sold out in some sizes
Available sizes: Full/Queen, King/Cali King
Filling: 100% REPREVE® recycled polyester
There’s something endlessly chic about matching a colorful comforter and shams, and this set will make you feel like you’re snuggling up in a hotel bed every time you hit the hay. The Tencel fabric is moisture-wicking, and combined with the eco-friendly polyester filling, delivers a comforter that strikes the perfect balance between weight and warmth all year long.
Cover fabric: 100% TENCEL Lyocell (320 thread count)
Construction: Channel stitched
Certifications: Unspecified
Available weights: 1
Available colors: 9
Care instructions: Machine wash warm. Use only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry. Warm iron as needed. May be dry-cleaned.
Pros:
- Available as a set (with two shams) or solo comforter
- 9 colors to choose from
- Silky fabric
- Lightweight and moisture-wicking
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Only comes in one weight
- Limited sizing
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Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
Filling: Polyester
Give your bed a full-blown upgrade for only $40 with this affordable set, which comes with a comforter and two coordinating shams. It’s earned more than 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with one shopper writing, “The softness on this is no joke. It’s pillow soft, it’s smooth, fluffy, lightweight—yet warm — but not hot! PERFECTION! [But,] BE CAUTIOUS! *** You will not want to get out of bed when sleeping in this! It’s beyond cozy and the comfort level is superior. I refuse to use any other bedding set.” Consider us sold.
Cover fabric: 100% polyester
Construction: Unspecified
Certifications: Unspecified
Available weights: 1
Available colors: 32 (some reversible)
Care instructions: Machine washable
Pros:
- Widest range of available colors
- Machine washable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only one weight available
How to use your comforter to recreate a hotel bed at home
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why are hotel comforters so fluffy?” you’re not alone. There are a few different things that set them apart, all of which you can mimic in your own bedroom setup.
1. Invest in quality insulation
“Hotel comforters typically use premium materials such as down or down alternative fill,” says Seeley. “These materials are renowned for their ability to provide both loftiness and insulation, ensuring customers are cozy and warm throughout the night.” These materials are among the most commonly used in comforters, so it should be fairly easy to find one at any price point.
2. Opt for a duvet
In lieu of a traditional comforter, hotels often use duvet covers and inserts—which come with a whole host of benefits. “This combination not only makes for effortless cleaning but also allows for regular fluffing, maintaining the comforter’s plushness,” says Seeley. “By periodically fluffing the comforter, hotels ensure it retains its fluffy and soft texture.”
3. Size up
Arguably the easiest way to make your comforter feel hotel-worthy is to simply size up. “Hotel comforters are often larger than standard at-home comforters, contributing to an overall sense of luxury,” says Seeley. So, for example, if you’ve got a Queen-sized bed, opt for a King-sized comforter that you can really cozy up in.
FAQs
How long should a comforter last?
On average, a comforter should last you between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance. This means washing regularly—and properly!—and regularly fluffing to prevent the filling from moving around.
How often should you change your comforter on your bed?
“Just like sheets and pillows, comforters harbor allergens such as dust mites as well as perspiration, dead skin cells, body oils, and residue from pets,” says Gwen Whiting, co-founder of The Laundress. “Regularly washing comforters removes this buildup as well as unwanted odors.”
With that in mind, you should plan to wash your comforter at least once every two months (though once a month is even better), and pre-treat any stains as soon as they occur.
Should you opt for a comforter or a duvet?
It’s entirely up to you. Duvets tend to be fluffier and easier to maintain (you can wash the cover without having to wash the insert, which is a game-changer), while comforters tend to offer more visual versatility (meaning that they come in more fun colors and patterns) and only require you to invest in one piece instead of two. Beyond that, the two are fairly interchangeable—and most of the options on this list can be used on their own or with a cover.