Down and down-alternative comforters give you the option to select the level of warmth you’d like, based on the climate you live in and your personal preference. Light, fluffy down clusters expand and intertwine to create pockets of air, which provide insulation and warmth.

To determine the type of comforter you’d like, you’ll want to take fill power and fill weight into consideration. For a fluffier, more insulated feel, choose a higher fill power. If you’re looking for a heavier comforter, but don’t want to get too hot while you sleep, choose a comforter with a lower fill power and a higher fill weight. The fill weight is measured in ounces, so the higher the number, the heavier your comforter will be.

To keep the fill from shifting, many comforters employ baffling, which is an open construction that uses extra vertical fabric to connect the top layer to the bottom layer for additional loft. They may also have sewn-through boxes, which have horizontal and vertical stitches in the top and bottom layers to create individual compartments that keep fill from clumping.

Duvet inserts are comforters that can be used alone or as an insert to fill a duvet cover. They are available in down and down alternative fills and the varying warmth levels provide a variety of options to suit your individual sleeping needs. A beneficial feature to consider when purchasing a duvet insert is the added corner loops that attach to the corner ties in the duvet covers. These ties anchor the insert and minimize shifting.

Down material is a natural, durable fill option. A well-cared-for down comforter will last longer than a synthetic fill, as down will revitalize with regular washing, making it a worthwhile investment. Down alternative is a hypoallergenic, synthetic fill that mimics down’s loft and insulation. It is generally less expensive.

Light, puffy down clusters expand and intertwine to create pockets of air, which provide insulation and warmth. Increasing fill power and fill weight increases the warmth level. A higher fill power means larger down clusters and better insulation. While properly processed down is hypoallergenic, those who suffer from allergies should consider down alternative for a more peaceful night’s sleep.