Comforter-Fill Options: Which Filling is Best-Fit For You?
Having a good night sleep is absolutely essential for everyone. It is necessary to get rid of the whole day tiredness by having a full 6-8 hours of sleep so that you are ready for the next day without being lethargic or lazy. You need to be comfortable and totally relaxed so that you can have a solid sleep and not constantly toss and turn or wake up multiple times at night. When we think of comfortable beds, we immediately think of hotels with fluffy pillows, soft mattresses, soft sheets, and warm comforters but it is possible to get that same level of comfort in your own home.
People tend to do a lot of research while buying bedding materials and quite rightly so. What sort of fabrics and fillings and sizes is necessary for your bed components depends totally on your choice and style. Buying the mattresses, bedsheets and pillows are given quite a lot of attention but one thing that people don't heed is a comforter. Most people don't know that there are different types of comforters available to choose from. The fluffiness, softness, and warmth from a comforter depend on its filling material and its preference is quite subjective. Knowing what will suit you is beneficial and we can help you do it by helping you through the different types of comforter fillings, their advantages, and disadvantages and what they do for us.
Cotton- One of the most widely used fibers in the world is cotton and is regarded by many as the most comfortable one of them all. It has been cultivated for centuries and is a very popular filling material in comforters. Cotton has a lot of qualities like its breathability, hypoallergenic, and high absorption rate. Cotton is generally used in light-weight comforters as it is not as fluffy or lofty as polyester filling comforters. These comforters are generally used as summer comforters to keep you comfortable and warm without overheating. It presents a sleek and soft look.
Because of its vast production, it is impossible to determine the lower quality of cotton, moreover, cotton cultivation is one of the most polluting and environmentally demanding cultivation. It requires lots of water and the use of agrochemicals like pesticides which can be harmful to your skin and health. To prevent this, you can go with organic cotton products which is a much more sustainable option and helpful for your skin or your allergies. Most cotton products are machine washable so make sure to check that before getting your cotton-filled comforter.
Wool- The material that will keep you the warmest is a wool-filled comforter. Its moisture-wicking quality will prevent you from overheating or sweating which might occur even in winters and will provide you with an amazing full night of sleep. The wool filling will make your comforter extremely fluffy and warm so this material is used in heavy comforters for the colder months of the year. Wool has a natural anti-inflammatory quality which is good for people with sensitive skin.
The most popular types of wool are generally lamb wool or sheep wool and either is a good choice for your comforter. Most wool-filled comforters aren't washable though, but there are some available which are so make sure to do your research and find out about these details before buying one. If you have allergies, however, you do have the option of choosing organic wool. These are produced under very strict guidelines and standards and are chemical-free so the people suffering from allergies don't have to miss out on being extremely comfortable and warm.
Down- Down of birds is basically a layer of finer feathers under the tougher exterior feathers which the birds use for insulation. The down filling used in comforters is a high-quality goose product. These comforters are just as warm as wool but are fluffier and lighter than wool or synthetic materials. This is for people who like big fluffy comforters that feel almost like a hug but with high breathability.
It is a good alternative for people with wool allergies. They are generally used in heavyweight comforters for winters but are found in a lighter composition for the transitioning seasons of autumn and spring. These comforters are generally washable if the manufacturer's instructions are followed. Down feathers are obviously not cruelty-free. These feathers are closest to the skin after these birds have been slaughtered but sometimes even before. This filler is also on the more expensive side.
Silk- The natural fiber spun by a silkworm called Mulberry silk is used as a comforter filling and is regarded as one of the most luxurious fibers. Silk filled comforters have several qualities- they are breathable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypoallergenic. Silk filler results in lightweight comforters that can be used all year round. Machine washable silk filler comforters are available so make sure to get those ones.
Silk is a luxury item as it can't be produced in large amounts which results in quite high prices. Silk is also not the most animal-friendly fiber. Silk is obtained from the cocoons spun by a silkworm so the worm doesn't really live past that stage. Moreover, it takes roughly 300 silkworms to make a pound of silk so the production is considered cruel. Cruelty-free silk can be obtained but is extremely hard and very few people do it.
Man-Made or synthetic filling is the fiber that is made and extracted from a machine. These fibers are warm, breathable, washable, resilient, and lightweight. They are warm enough to be used in winter months and feel weightless on your body which is perfect for warmer weather People with allergies to natural fibers or people who want to use sustainable material can choose comforters with synthetic filling. The fiber coming from a machine provides high-quality filling that is just as comfortable as the natural ones so you won't be missing out on anything.
Now you know about some of the best comforter fillings and all their pros and cons. Do get a comforter cover to prevent dust accumulation and stain. Remember that the choice of fiber and material depends totally on your personal opinions- how you want them to feel on you, how warm and cold you like to be, style, etc. Making an informed decision while buying a comforter is important which will hopefully not be a problem for you anymore.