What Is a Duvet Comforter?

Definition

• A duvet comforter is a soft fabric bag filled with down, feathers, a combination of both or with a synthetic material. Duvet comforters are made to replace traditional bedding, such as sheets and blankets. It is either placed on a mattress or used as a mattress. The stitching creates small squares that contain the filling and keep it evenly distributed. The way squares also create air pockets and seal in warmth.

History of the Duvet Comforter

• The duvet comforter originated in Europe. It became popular in Scandinavian and European countries, beginning as early as the 14th century. Early on, only the wealthy were able to afford such bedding, but by the 19th century, most of the classes were able to afford them as well. If a family wanted a duvet comforter but could not afford it, they had to sew their own, saving up to 50 pounds of feathers from plucking. A duvet was -- and still is -- referred to as a "feather bed" or a "feather mattress," because it replaced both mattress and bedding.

  In modern societies, the duvet comforter usually does not replace the mattress and all bedding and is instead placed on top of a mattress or sheets.

Duvet Comforter Filling

• Traditional filling in a duvet comforter is goose down, duck down or feathers. A slightly less expensive duvet is filled with silk, wool, cotton or allergen-free synthetic materials. Down filling is the most coveted due to its ability to retain and distribute heat without adding excessive weight to the blanket. Down filling expands with a body's warmth, trapping it and heating up to several times its original temperature. It retains warmth better than other fillings, but the other fillings still create a warm and cozy blanket. Because of this, duvet comforters are often used during the cold winter months and stored away over the hot summer months.

Duvet Comforter Care

• Take proper care of your duvet comforter so it lasts and always smells fresh. Prior to first use, set the duvet outside in a sunny location to let it air out, eliminating unwanted odors from the down or feathers. Do this as often as needed to freshen the comforter. You may want to invest in a duvet cover, which encloses the comforter, protecting it from stains. When needed, take the blanket to a dry cleaners to have it professional cleaned. Wrap the duvet in a light cotton fabric or bag for storage. Store it in a dry location.