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Best Duvet Inserts of 2024
Many sleepers enjoy the cozy feel of European-style duvet bed coverings, and a duvet insert is the internal component for these coverings. Normally filled with down, feathers, or down alternative fibers, this insert provides the duvet’s plush, lofty feel. A duvet insert is designed for use with a protective duvet cover, making the insert easy to keep clean. This characteristic distinguishes duvet inserts from comforters, which can serve as standalone bedding – though most comforters may also be paired with duvet covers.
Our team of experts has tested dozens of duvet inserts over the years, as well as comforters. When it comes to duvet inserts, we consider everything from major qualities like loft, insulation, and breathability, to practical factors like pricing, ease of care, and how easily the insert can be secured to its cover.
What’s the Best Duvet Insert of the Year?
Duvet inserts and comforters are essential for achieving the right balance of coziness and cooling. Our favorite duvet insert of 2024 — the Brooklinen Down Comforter — is available in three weights to suit different preferences. Down fill gives the comforter a luxuriously lofty feel, and the cotton sateen shell is smooth and cool on your skin.
The Best Duvet Inserts
- Best Overall – Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter
- Most Comfortable – Quince Premium Down Alternative Comforter
- Best Value – Silk & Snow Down Alternative Comforter
- Best Luxury – Cozy Earth Bamboo Comforter
- Best Cooling – Buffy Breeze
- Best All-Season – Brooklinen Down Comforter
- Best Hotel-Style – The Company Store Legends Hotel Organic Cotton, Down Comforter
- Best Eco-Friendly – Avocado Down Duvet Insert
- Best Weight Option – Boll & Branch Down Alternative Duvet Insert
- Best for Couples – Luxome ClimaSense Comforter
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter
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“Thanks to its moisture-wicking fill and breathable shell, Saatva’s All-Year Down Alternative Comforter finds that sweet spot between cozy and breathable. You get the insulation you need on chilly nights without overheating during hot or humid times of the year.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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Plush fill consists of down alternative clusters and moisture-wicking lyocell fibers
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Cotton percale shell is crisp and breathable
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Baffle boxes are sewn through to evenly distribute the fill and prevent clumping
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Cons
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Comforter is too large for certain household washers and dryers
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Expensive pricing may be a barrier for shoppers with limited budgets
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Price
$315
Cover Material
100% cotton
Fill Material
Down alternative and lyocell fibers
Saatva’s All-Year Down Alternative Comforter lives up to its name thanks to a design that’s suited to any season. The fill blend of down alternative clusters and lyocell fibers strikes a nice balance of insulation and breathability. Lightweight construction means the comforter won’t feel too hefty on hot or humid nights, but you’ll get the warmth you need when the temperature is low.
A quilted shell composed of pure cotton encases the fill. Each baffle box is sewn through to contain and evenly distribute the fill, so you won’t need to fluff the comforter too frequently or deal with clumping during the night. Corner loops let you secure the comforter to a duvet cover.
Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king sizes are available. Although the comforter is machine-washable, your household appliances may not be large enough to accommodate it — especially if you opt for a larger size. Dry cleaning is an alternative care method.
The All-Year Down Alternative Comforter’s sticker price is somewhat steep, but Saatva offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. You can test the comforter at home for up to 45 nights before deciding whether to return it for a refund or keep it. If you go with the latter, your purchase is further backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Most Comfortable
Quince Premium Down Alternative Comforter
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“The Quince Premium Down Alternative Comforter captures the fluffy feel of down bedding without the animal sourcing. With two weight options available, it keeps you warm but should not overheat — perfect for sleepers who find other cozy comforters too hot.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
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Pros
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Lightweight and all-season options available
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Down alternative microfiber fill is lofty and insulating
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Sateen-woven cotton shell promotes breathability
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Cons
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Down alternative may not last as long as pure down
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May be too bulky for some household washing machines and dryers
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Price
$130
Cover Material
100% cotton sateen
Fill Material
Microfiber down alternative
The Quince Premium Down Alternative Comforter is a reasonably priced duvet insert that comes in two weight options for varying levels of warmth. Both offer a cozy feel with strong insulation that won’t trap heat excessively.
The comforter is filled with a down alternative microfiber that mimics the lofty feel of down. The shell is composed of breathable cotton in a smooth sateen weave. You can choose between an all-season or lightweight option. The latter is suitable for spring or summer months — or year-round in warmer climates — while the all-season option features a heavier design that provides strong insulation in cooler months. That said, the microfiber fill has a lightweight feel that should prevent bothersome heat retention for many sleepers.
The Quince Premium Down Alternative Comforter is sewn with baffle boxes to evenly distribute the fill and help keep it from bunching up during the night. You may use corner loops to secure the insert to your duvet cover. The comforter is machine-washable in cold water on a gentle cycle, and you may tumble dry it on low heat. However, dry cleaning may be a better option if your home machines are too small to accommodate bulky bedding.
Quince offers free shipping and a 365-night sleep trial with this comforter.
Best Value
Silk & Snow Down Alternative Comforter
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“According to our product experts, the Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet Insert checks a lot of boxes for shoppers on a budget who want a covering that will keep them comfortable year-round. Lightweight and winter designs are available, but we recommend the all-season insert if you’re looking for a balance of coziness and breathability.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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Available in three weights to accommodate sleepers in different climates
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Sewn-through baffles distribute the fill and minimize clumping
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All orders include a 100-night trial period
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Cons
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Fill is prone to bunching up
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Down alternative may not be as durable as true down
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Price
$120
Cover Material
100% cotton
Fill Material
100% down alternative microfiber
A duvet insert that effectively regulates temperature based on the current conditions is key if you are an exceptionally hot or cold sleeper. With the Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet Insert, you get the best of both worlds at an approachable price. Plush down alternative fill retains minimal heat, and the cotton shell promotes breathability. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable on hot or humid nights, but the insert is cozy and lofty enough to keep you warm during chillier times of the year. As an added bonus for people allergic to real down, the fill is 100% animal-free and shouldn’t trigger any symptoms.
You can also choose from three different weights based on your personal preferences and local climate. The Lightweight design’s fill consists of 175 grams per square meter (GSM), so this insert is best suited to dry, arid areas and people who don’t need thick covers to sleep comfortably. If you’re looking for maximum heft, the Winter design contains 500 GSM of fill and insulates exceptionally well. The All-Season design with 375 GSM of fill is ideal if you want something in the middle, or if you live in a place with mild, temperate weather throughout the year.
The baffle boxes are sewn through, creating compartments to hold the fill and evenly distribute it across the insert. This minimizes clumping, so you shouldn’t have to fluff the insert too often. Corner loops also allow you to secure the insert to a duvet cover. We recommend using a cover because machine washing the insert can be a hassle — especially if your household washer is too small — and dry cleaning can be somewhat expensive.
Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king sizes are available. All three options are oversized to provide ample coverage for your sleep surface. Price depends on the size and weight you select. Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping for all orders in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Your purchase comes with a generous sleep trial that runs for 100 nights, and you’ll also receive a 1-year warranty if you decide to keep the Down Alternative Duvet Insert.
Best Luxury
Cozy Earth Bamboo Comforter
Up to 25% off + free shipping for orders of $50 or more
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“The Cozy Earth Bamboo Comforter is a luxuriously soft pick made with naturally cool materials, so we recommend it for year-round use. The comforter is produced with sustainability in mind, which eco-conscious shoppers should love.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Two weight options
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Breathable and soft bamboo-derived viscose composition
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100-night sleep trial
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Cons
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Luxury pricing
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Thin design may not appeal to sleepers seeking a lofty comforter
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Price
$399
Cover Material
100% viscose from bamboo
Fill Material
Viscose from bamboo fibers
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Comforter is one of two comforter options available, both of which offer exceptional breathability. The bamboo version is composed entirely of viscose derived from bamboo, a material touted for its luxuriously soft feel that can soothe sensitive skin. All of Cozy Earth’s products are made from sustainably sourced materials, making the comforter a great choice if you’re willing to spend more on an eco-friendly product.
Bamboo-derived fabrics are known for their cooling and moisture-wicking properties that cater to hot sleepers and people living in warm or humid locations. You can also opt for a silk version of the comforter for a fluffier, down-like feel. Both the bamboo and silk models come in two fill volume options: standard and extra. The standard option is lightweight but insulates a comfortable amount of warmth, so we recommend it for year-round use. The extra weight is excellent for winter use or if you live in a cooler climate.
The comforter is fully machine-washable. Cozy Earth recommends only using a rinse cycle and drying on low heat with a few tennis balls to prevent the fill from clumping. Three sizes are available – twin, queen/full, and king – and all are intentionally oversized to fit most mattresses.
If you live in the contiguous U.S, you’re eligible for free shipping. Cozy Earth offers a 100-night sleep trial with your comforter purchase, during which you can return it for a full refund. The Bamboo Comforter is backed by a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
“Thanks to its all-Tencel design, the Buffy Breeze sleeps cooler than the vast majority of comforters and duvet inserts we’ve tested. One of our team members has used the Breeze at home for more than a year, saying it’s an essential sleep accessory during summer heat waves.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
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Pros
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Moisture-wicking Tencel shell and fill help you stay cool and dry throughout the year
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Fully biodegradable and compostable design
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Customers can test the comforter for up to one week before being charged
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Cons
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Above-average pricing
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Owners can only dry clean the comforter if stains occur
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Price
$196
Cover Material
Lyocell from eucalyptus
Fill Material
Eucalyptus-based fiber fill
Most people associate comforters with chilly nights, but the Buffy Breeze proves they can be equally suited to hot and humid conditions. The Breeze’s shell and fiber fill are both composed of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived textile prized for its cooling and moisture-wicking properties. A lightweight design and luxuriously soft feel add to the comfortable all-season design.
Quilting with wavy baffles helps contain and evenly distribute the fill, so you shouldn’t need to fluff the Breeze too often. Each corner features a loop for securing the insert to a duvet cover. Buffy recommends dry cleaning the Breeze if needed, but a cover should provide some protection against stains and smudges. Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king sizes are available. All are oversized to provide plenty of coverage, whether you normally sleep alone or with a partner.
The Breeze is completely biodegradable and compostable, which should appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. Although the sticker price is somewhat high, Buffy offers free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and each customer can test the comforter for up to one week before their credit card is charged. Returns may be initiated within 50 days of the original purchase date.
“Our bedding testers agreed that the Brooklinen Down Comforter captures everything there is to love about down bedding. It’s lightweight, fluffy, and keeps you warm but not excessively so. The fill is also ethically sourced, for shoppers who prioritize animal-friendly production practices.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
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Pros
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Available in lightweight, all-season, and ultra-warm designs
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Premium down clusters provide excellent insulation
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365-night sleep trial
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Cons
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Strong potential for clumping fill
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Not washable in a home machine
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Price
$379
Cover Material
Cotton
Fill Material
Down
The Brooklinen Down Comforter is made in Canada using ethically sourced down harvested from Europe and Canada. With premium, high-quality materials and multiple warmth options, the Brooklinen is an excellent and highly comfortable pick for a wide variety of sleepers who prefer down.
Made with 100% down cluster fill, the Brooklinen has all of the best features of a down-based duvet including cloud-like loft and incredible insulation power. The fill material is treated with an antimicrobial to help prevent the growth of bacteria or mold and keep your bedding fresh. The outer shell of the Brooklinen is made with soft and breathable 100% long-staple cotton sateen.
The Brooklinen also comes in more than one weight. The all-season weight is made with 700 fill power down that’s extremely warm and lofty. However, for those who sleep warm or live in a slightly warmer climate, the lightweight option contains a 650 fill power down that’s a bit cooler. The ultra-warm weight is constructed with 750 fill power to keep sleepers warm on colder nights.
The insert is designed with baffle box construction to keep the down fill in place. Loops are sewn into every corner to act as tie-in points for a duvet cover.
Brooklinen recommends spot cleaning stains. You should also periodically hang your down duvet outside on a dry day or use a dryer on the no-heat setting to dry it out. Brooklinen provides one of the most generous return policies in the industry. Most products can be returned or exchanged within 365 days for free with a full refund. Shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S.
Best Hotel-Style
The Company Store Legends Hotel Organic Cotton, Down Comforter
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“The Company Store Legends Hotel Organic Cotton, Down Comforter is specifically designed to mimic the feel of a hotel comforter, from the lofty construction to the high-quality fill. You can also pick from different options to suit particular warmth preferences.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
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Pros
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European white down fill feels luxurious and fluffy
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Available in four warmth options
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Down has RDS certification
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Cons
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Cannot be washed in a household machine
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Not suitable for vegan shoppers
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Price
$319
Cover Material
100% cotton (230 thread count)
Fill Material
600-650 fill power European white down
The Company Store Legends Hotel Organic Cotton, Down Comforter has a billowy feel and crisp appearance that cater to sleepers who are on the hunt for a comforter that matches the quality and design of luxurious hotel bedding.
The comforter contains European white down with 600 to 650 fill power, which produces a cozy and lofty feel. The down has Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification to help ensure ethical sourcing. The fill is encased in a shell made of organic cotton with a 230 thread count. Baffle-box stitching helps distribute the fill evenly while also preventing clumping, and corner loops can be attached to your duvet cover to keep the comforter from bunching up.
You can choose from four warmth levels to suit your temperature preferences or climate. The warmth levels are light, medium, extra, and ultra. The comforter is available in four size options — twin, full, queen, and king/California king. The Company Store recommends dry cleaning for proper maintenance.
The comforter qualifies for free shipping to the contiguous U.S. You may return the comforter within 30 days.
Best Eco-Friendly
Avocado Down Duvet Insert
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“Avocado’s Down Duvet Insert nicely showcases its namesake fill material. You can choose from three weights, but both feel luxuriously plush and lofty — our team likened this comforter to one you might find in a high-end hotel suite.” – Jackson Lindeke, Executive Director
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Pros
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Pure down clusters create a plush, lofty feel
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Available in lightweight and all-season designs
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RDS certification ensures ethical and humane animal treatment
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Cons
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Insert should only be spot cleaned
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Not sold in a twin or twin XL size
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Price
$319
Cover Material
100% cotton sateenm (400TC)
Fill Material
650 fill power down (RDS-certified)
Most duvet inserts are on the softer side, but Avocado’s Down Duvet Insert elevates this quality even further with a fill composed of pure down clusters. You can choose between two weights — a light option best suited to hot and humid weather or an all-season insert for year-round use — but both feel exceptionally lightweight and lofty. A soft, quilted cotton shell adds to the timeless design.
Baffle-box construction helps evenly distribute the down, so there shouldn’t be much clumping or shifting during the night, and subtle piping along the perimeter helps protect the shell from rips and tears. Each corner has a loop for securing the insert to a duvet cover. Full/queen and king/California king sizes are available. The lightweight insert weighs 20 to 24 ounces, while the all-season insert weighs 24 to 28 ounces. Avocado recommends spot cleaning the shell if stains or smudges occur. The insert should not be machine-washed or dry cleaned.
A certification from the Responsible Down Standard indicates Avocado adheres to humane and ethical standards for animal treatment. The company is also climate neutral, meaning all carbon emissions are offset through sustainable manufacturing and shipping practices. Standard delivery is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. All orders include a 100-night sleep trial and one-year warranty.
Best Weight Options
Boll & Branch Down Alternative Duvet Insert
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“Most duvet inserts trap a lot of warmth, but we found that the Boll & Branch Down Alternative Duvet Insert kept us warm without necessarily overheating. That’s the mark of a great year-round insert.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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PrimaLoft down alternative fill is hypoallergenic, heat-resistant, and animal-free
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Available in three weights
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Shell is composed of soft, breathable organic cotton
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Cons
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Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
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Too large for some household washing machines
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Price
$309
Cover Material
100% organic cotton
Fill Material
PrimaLoft down alternative fill
Boll & Branch’s Down Alternative Duvet Insert offers a comfortable balance of cooling and insulation, allowing you to stay warm during chilly times of the year without overheating when temperatures rise. You can choose from lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight designs based on your local climate and personal preferences as a sleeper.
PrimaLoft down alternative cluster fill creates a plush, lofty feel, but — unlike natural down — it isn’t made using animal-based materials and won’t trigger any allergy symptoms. A quilted design with sewn-through baffle boxes helps ensure the fill is evenly distributed throughout the interior, and a loop at each corner lets you secure the insert to a duvet cover. The shell is made of soft, breathable organic cotton.
The insert is machine-washable. That said, most washing machines with agitators are too small to accommodate it. The good news is that you should only need to launder the insert every three to six months, and dry cleaning is an alternative care option to visiting the laundromat. Full/queen and king/California king sizes are available. Both have oversized dimensions to provide plenty of coverage for you and your partner.
The Down Alternative Duvet Insert is on the expensive side compared to the competition, but shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Boll & Branch allows you to return the insert for a refund or exchange it for a different weight within 30 days of receipt.
Best for Couples
Luxome ClimaSense Comforter
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“Luxome’s ClimaSense Comforter is available in two sizes, both with generous dimensions to accommodate two sleepers. Down alternative fill makes the insert feel luxuriously plush, and the cotton-poly shell is breathable enough to ensure a cool night’s sleep.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Down alternative clusters create a plush, lofty feel
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Baffle boxes are sewn through to evenly distribute the fill and prevent clumping
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Oversized dimensions ensure plenty of coverage for couples
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Cons
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Not available in a twin/twin XL size
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Insert must be dry cleaned
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Price
$300
Cover Material
80% cotton, 20% polyester
Fill Material
Polyester fibers
As many couples can attest, some comforters and duvet inserts don’t provide enough coverage for two people. The Luxome ClimaSense Comforter is specifically designed with co-sleepers in mind. You can choose from full/queen or king/California king inserts, both of which are oversized to cover the entire sleep surface and drape over the sides of your mattress.
The comforter is packed with down alternative clusters to create an exceptionally plush and cozy feel. Each baffle box is sewn through to prevent excessive clumping or shifting. A shell made from a blend of cotton and polyester encases the fill. This fabric is highly breathable and resistant to heat buildup.
The comforter should not be machine washed. We recommend investing in a cover to keep your sleep surface hygienic. Luxome also sells a matching cover composed of viscose derived from bamboo. If you bundle your purchase with both items, you’ll receive a discount on the cover. Standard shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., and Luxome backs each comforter with a 30-night trial.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of experts tests bedding products to help you create the perfect sleep environment. We've tried dozens of comforters and duvet inserts and narrowed them down to our top picks based on thorough in-person evaluations.
How We Evaluated These Duvet Inserts
Each member of our testing team has extensive experience reviewing sleep products and they understand which factors are important to our readers. In our sleep lab, the product testers personally use each duvet insert and examine its insulation, fill, airflow, and durability. The sleep product experts have different body types, sleep styles, and personal preferences. This diversity allows us to provide you with recommendations that are specifically catered to your needs.
Best Duvet Inserts of 2024 Video
Watch the video below to learn more about our best duvet inserts of 2024.
What is a Duvet Insert?
A duvet, derived from the French word for down, is a type of bedding that consists of a duvet insert and a duvet cover. The duvet insert is made up of an enclosed fabric shell filled with a soft, lofty material. While the traditional choice for fill material has always been goose or duck down, it’s now easy to find duvet inserts made with a variety of materials from synthetic options to other natural choices like wool and silk.
Duvet inserts typically come in a neutral color such as white or cream. Similar to a pillow and a pillowcase, duvet inserts are placed in a duvet cover. The cover protects your duvet insert from body oils and stains. For this reason, many choose to forgo a top sheet when sleeping with their duvet.
Duvet inserts come in a wide variety of sizes, weights, and materials. The best duvet insert for you will depend on your personal preferences and the level of warmth you need from your bedding. It’s also important to note that the quality of the materials you choose will have a significant impact on the durability and overall performance of your duvet. We’ll help you determine how to choose the best features for your needs and the best materials for your budget.
What’s the Difference Between a Comforter and a Duvet Insert?
Bedding terminology can be confusing and many people mistake duvet inserts for comforters or believe that the two terms are interchangeable. However, there are a few key differences between these two types of bedding.
First, let’s address the similarities. Both comforters and duvet inserts are commonly filled with down or synthetic materials and are meant to keep you warm at night.
Now the differences. The most important differentiator between comforters and duvet inserts is that comforters are designed to be used without a case or cover. That’s why comforters are often available in more colorful options and are commonly paired with a top sheet for protection.
How to Choose a Duvet Insert
A duvet insert makes up the core of a duvet, a unique style of bedding designed to keep you warm on cold nights. Originating in Europe, a duvet consists of a duvet insert, a fabric shell filled most commonly with down, and a duvet cover, an additional fabric layer that protects the duvet insert from dirt and can be removed for easy cleaning
As you search for a new duvet insert, you’ll be presented with a wide variety of options. Here we’ll discuss the most important factors to consider as you shop for the best duvet insert.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Duvet Insert
When shopping for a duvet insert, you may start to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options you have to choose from. Additionally, bedding companies can sometimes use misleading language that makes it difficult to decipher the most important differences between products.
We’re here to help you cut through the noise and figure out which duvet insert is best for you. The key factors to consider are the materials, size, weight, design, price, and temperature regulation.
- Quality Materials
The type of materials used in the construction of your duvet insert will have the greatest impact on its overall performance and durability. This includes both the fill material and the shell material. Down is the traditional choice for duvet insert fill material. It also tends to be the most expensive and durable fill material available. However, high-quality forms of synthetic down alternatives such as Primaloft can rival the loft and warmth of down. When it comes to the shell material, cotton and polyester are both quality fabrics, but polyester tends to be more durable. - Size
Duvet inserts are typically available in sizes that are compatible with the most common bed sizes including twin, twin XL, full or double, queen, king, and California king. - Weight
The weight of your duvet insert is an important consideration and will depend on the climate you live in and your own personal preferences. For cold sleepers in cold climates, a heavyweight insert is the best choice. If you live in a warmer climate but enjoy the comfort of a plush duvet, consider a lightweight duvet insert. You can also purchase different duvet inserts for different seasons and rotate them throughout the year. - Design
Duvet design refers to how the insert was constructed in terms of its stitching. Although this may seem like a purely aesthetic detail, the design has a significant impact on how the fill material and therefore heat insulation is distributed throughout the surface area of your duvet insert. - Price
The price you pay for your duvet insert can vary significantly and will depend largely on the type of fill material you choose as well as the size. Prices can range from $100 up to $1,000. At the lower end of this range are duvet inserts that use synthetic or synthetic blend materials. The top end of the price range consists of ethically harvested down and organic wool. - Temperature Regulation
Although duvets are meant to keep you warm at night, no one wants to wake up in a sweat. Certain materials are better at regulating your body temperature throughout the night, especially if you tend to sleep hot. Down is the most insulating fill material and is more likely to allow heat from the body to build up during the night.The best duvet inserts for hot sleepers and the best cooling duvet inserts tend to be made from materials that are more breathable than down including silk, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Duvet Inserts?
Duvet inserts are one of the warmest bedding options available, but they can be difficult to clean. Let’s take a closer look at the most significant pros and cons of duvet inserts.
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What Types of Duvet Inserts are Available?
Different types of duvet inserts can be categorized by the fill or the material inside the duvet insert that gives the bedding its loft. In terms of fill material, the overall quality of the material matters more than the material itself. However, certain materials are considered more of a luxury, a feature reflected in the price tag of premium duvet inserts. Additionally, different types of materials have different advantages and disadvantages. Here we’ll take a detailed look at the different types of fill materials commonly used in duvet inserts.
Down: This is the traditional choice for duvet insert fill material. Many people associate down with the feathers of a duck or goose. While quilled feathers are water-resistant and help these birds fly, down actually sits below the feathers.
Down is light and fluffy and provides insulation and warmth in cold conditions. Duvet inserts made with down can be more expensive, but if you live in a cold climate, down filling is often the best choice. Just be aware that for certain sleepers, down may trigger an allergic reaction.
Synthetic Down Alternatives: Aside from down, synthetics are the most common fill material used in duvet inserts. Polyesters and other synthetic fabrics are designed to mimic the fluffy feel of down. For those with allergies or who prefer to stay away from animal products, synthetic down alternatives offer a good compromise. Synthetics can be less expensive than genuine down, but the lower in price you go, the more you’ll sacrifice in terms of durability and overall quality.
Wool and Silk: If you’re looking for a natural material, you can also find duvet inserts made from wool or silk. Wool provides a warm, moisture-wicking alternative to down, but it won’t provide the same loft. Silk is perfect for those living in warmer climates or as a lightweight duvet for the summer months.
Although your duvet will be wrapped in a duvet cover, the shell material can still have an impact on performance. Cotton and polyester are the most common shell materials. Both are affordable, but cotton tends to be more breathable while polyester can be more durable. For the best of both worlds, try a cotton-polyester blend, a fabric that offers the best features of each material.
Frequently Asked Questions
A duvet insert is a type of blanket that’s meant to be used with a cover. Typically, an insert has two parts: an insulated fill and a shell that wraps around it. Down is perhaps the most widely known type of fill, but you can also find duvet inserts that feature synthetic down alternatives, wool, silk, or blends.
What separates a duvet insert from a comforter or other type of blanket is that it’s intended to be used with a cover. This allows you to go longer between washes, which can be particularly helpful for inserts that are dry clean only. A cover also allows you to easily change the look of your bedding since they are often compatible with a wide range of inserts.
The exact method for washing your duvet insert will vary depending on what it’s made out of as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations. The fill and shell materials will dictate how to appropriately care for your insert, as some are machine-washable while others require dry cleaning. Which size you choose is also a factor, since larger inserts may have too much volume for a home washing machine and will require a commercial washer.
Using a duvet cover is one of the best ways to help preserve your insert’s lifespan. Covers are usually made from washable fabrics that help decrease how often you have to launder your insert. Because the cover is what comes into contact with your skin rather than the insert, some sleepers choose not to use a top sheet.
We’ve found the easiest method for putting a cover on your duvet insert is the inside-out method.
1. Lay your duvet insert on top of your bed.
2. Turn your duvet cover inside out, slide your arms inside the cover. With your arms inside the cover, grab the bottom corners of the cover.
3. Still holding the corners of the cover, also grab the top corners of your duvet insert.
4. Making sure to hold on tightly, begin to flip the duvet cover right side out and over your duvet insert. It may take a bit of shaking and fluffing before the cover falls down to encase the entire length of the insert.
5. Let go of the corners, and finish by stuffing the opposite corners of your duvet insert into the open side of your cover, checking to see that everything is aligned.
6. Zip or button your cover closed.
Duvet inserts typically use buttons, ties, loops, or snaps to help fasten the insert to the cover at all four corners. For example, a duvet insert with loops and a cover with buttons can easily be attached when you push the buttons through each corner loop. Since lots of sleepers mix and match their covers and inserts, many models are equipped to work with different fasteners.
Some duvet covers lack internal ties to keep the insert in place. You can use small safety pins to secure the top corners of your duvet insert to the inside corners of your cover before putting on the cover. Matching the cover and insert at each corner ensures that the insert doesn’t migrate or bunch up during the night.
A duvet insert may cost as little as $50 or upwards of $1,000. The price will vary greatly depending on the type of materials used, the quality of those materials, and the construction. Duvet inserts that use synthetic fill tend to be more affordable than duvet inserts made with down.
The source also matters. Expect to pay more for anything containing organic cotton or wool and ethically-sourced down.
A quality duvet insert should last for several years for most sleepers, often up to or beyond 10 years. Duvet inserts tend to last longer than pillows as they lay on top of the sleeper and don’t need to support your body weight. Keeping your duvet insert protected with a frequently washed cover will help extend its lifespan.
The lifespan of your duvet insert is directly affected by its materials and construction. Synthetic duvet inserts tend to lose their loft and ability to insulate faster than down-based duvet inserts. In fact, well-made and well-maintained down duvet inserts can typically last upwards of a decade or more.
Lastly, your sleep habits can also affect the longevity of your duvet insert. Sleepers who toss and turn consistently or sleep on top of their duvet will wear out its loft and insulation more quickly.
Purchase a duvet insert that corresponds to the size of your mattress. Inserts are typically available in standard sizes from twin up to California king. If you prefer extra bedding material or own a high-profile mattress, consider going up one size from your mattress size. Couples who toss and turn or who have different sleep temperature preferences should also consider purchasing two smaller duvet inserts and covers so each person can have their own bedding.
Duvet inserts are easy to find online and at big box stores. While some shoppers enjoy the hands-on experience of shopping for bedding in person, shopping online will give you the most options to choose from. Plus, most reputable online bedding retailers today offer generous return and warranty policies.
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Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.