A comforter (in American English), also known as a doona in Australian English, or a continental quilt (or simply
quilt) or
duvet in British English,
is a type of
bedding made of two lengths of fabric or covering sewn together and filled with insulative materials for warmth, traditionally down or feathers, wool or cotton batting, silk, or polyester and other down alternative fibers. Like
quilts, comforters are generally laid over a top
bed sheet (and sometimes also
blankets).
Duvets are another form of quilt, traditionally filled with feathers, though since the late 20th century often made of synthetic fibres or down alternatives.
A comforter is sometimes covered for protection and prolonged use. Comforter covers are similar in principle to pillowcases, usually closed with zippers or buttons.
In United Kingdom, the term comforter is not generally used. It is instead called a ''quilt'' (or ''continental quilt''), ''duvet'' or an ''eiderdown''. A
duvet differs in that it is thicker and usually used without blankets or extra sheets.
In Indonesia, the term comforter is not generally used. It is instead called a ''Bed Cover''. Usually bed cover is sold in packages containing sheets and comforter.
Sometimes a comforter is sold as part of a "bed in a bag", usually a case of some sort with handles that contains an entire set of bedding in the same or a matching pattern: comforter and top sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcase(s), and perhaps pillow sham(s). Some sets have a duvet and duvet cover (more popular in Europe) in place of a comforter and top sheet. More deluxe sets may include a
bed skirt and pillows.
Comforters are usually used in the winter season when it is very cold, although a variety of different thicknesses means that they can be used in other seasons as well, with lighter examples being used in warmer weather. Due to the thickness of a comforter or the amount of down/feathers or other filling it has, a person is insulated against cold.
Comforter sizes correspond with
bed sizes: twin, full, queen, king, and cal-king. Comforter sizes run slightly larger than mattress sizes to allow for draping over the sides of the bed. Typical sizes in the United States for comforters are:
* Twin Bed = width × length
* Queen Bed / Full = width × length
* King Bed = width × length
Construction
''Filling'' – Comforters are filled with layers of natural material such as
down feathers,
wool, or
silk; alternatively,
polyester
Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include natural ...
batting is used. Comforters can also be made out of
fur, usually with a backing of satin or silk. The
loft
A loft is a building's upper storey or elevated area in a room directly under the roof (American usage), or just an attic: a storage space under the roof usually accessed by a ladder (primarily British usage). A loft apartment refers to large ...
of the filling determines the weight as well as the level of insulation. The comforter is stitched or quilted to secure the filling and keep it evenly distributed.
''Shell/covering'' – The outer shells of comforters are typically made with
cotton, silk, or polyester fabrics or blends, of varying thread counts. Comforter shells vary in design and color, often designed to coordinate with other bedding.
See also
*
Silk comforter
References
{{Bedding
Blankets
es:Edredón