banner

Blog

Feb 20, 2024

15 Best Duvet Inserts and Comforters of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

By Audrey Lee

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Searching for the best duvet inserts and comforters can certainly feel like a scroll that never ends. Is there even a difference between the two? The answer, btw, is yes (but not huge one)—while most comforters can be used as is, a duvet insert should be paired with a duvet cover (though you’ll find a few of the comforters we tested recommend a cover for protection). We say it’s your bed and rules were made to be broken, so we’ve tested both!

Between different down (goose feathers, duck down, etc.) and down-alternative options (which can range from silk to moisture-wicking lyocell and everything in-between), it’s a real bedding conundrum to find what works for you. Not to worry—we’ve got you covered on your next favorite nighttime cover. Recently, the editors and writers at Clever have been testing top picks from go-to bedding retailers like Brooklinen, Casper, Buffy, and more. Here, we’ve rounded up all our firsthand reviews, which include info on material types, care instructions, and our final verdicts. Now, all that’s left for you is to browse through the best duvet covers to match.

Down-alternative duvet inserts

Down inserts

Buffy Cloud Comforter

Buffy

Tester: Sydney Gore, digital design editor

My sleep preferences: As a sensitive sleeper, my ideal sleeping situation is complete silence and darkness. I use duvets all year round so it’s critical that the insert be soft but heavy enough to weigh me down during the colder months—there’s a Peter Rabbit meme that perfectly conveys what I mean by this!

About the brand: Buffy is an eco-friendly bed brand that has been in the sleep game since 2017. Full transparency, I’ve been a fan of their products for years so I’m partially biased!

Options available: This comforter is made out of 300 thread count, sateen weave Tencel lyocell shell with 100% GRS-certified, BPA-free, recycled PET fill. (Buffy claims that the Tencel lyocell fibers are derived from sustainable wood sources and are safe for pets and kids.) It’s available in a sizes twin/twin XL ($149), full/queen ($199), and king/Cal king ($249).

Care instructions: Buffy suggests that you machine-wash on cold with a “pro-planet detergent” and then hang the comforter to dry. Given that I don’t currently have a washer/dryer in my apartment, this is definitely a big pain point for me as my only option is taking it to the dry cleaner since it’s so big.

My experience: I’ve been using this comforter since the brand dropped it in 2017 and have never looked back. It’s light, soft, breathable…everything you would ever want in a comforter that stays on your bed all year round. Duvet covers continue to be complicated, but this comforter is super easy to insert into them. During the colder months I like to add an extra layer for warmth so I appreciate that I don’t feel too weighed down by it all. I definitely think that it’s improved my sleep hygiene since I started using it six years ago.

The bottom line: This is the only comforter I would ever buy. Nothing else compares!

Brooklinen Down Comforter

Brooklinen

Tester: Rebecca Grambone, associate social media manager

My sleep preferences: Ideally, I like to feel cool when I go to sleep and keep the room quite cold. I use a duvet with an insert year-round and typically look for one that’s soft and breathable for my sensitive skin.

About the brand: Brooklinen has been recommended to me countless times so I thought I’d give the brand a try! After doing some research on the specific duvet insert I tested, I can see why the product is so well-reviewed. A few elements that stood out to me were that the insert consists of 100% cotton sateen shell, is treated with ultra-fresh antimicrobials, and is hypoallergenic. I especially appreciated having the option of different weights, which was a thoughtful detail to keep each individual’s sleep preferences in mind.

Options available: This down duvet insert comes in three sizes: twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/Cali king, as well as three different weights: an all-season duvet, lightweight, and ultra-warm. I ended up choosing the ultra-warm full/queen insert.

Care instructions: Dry clean when needed, spot cleaning recommended.

My experience: Upon its arrival, I thought this duvet insert might be too thick and too heavy (especially for the summer months), but it proved to be breathable yet cozy! It felt very high quality and luxurious and gave off strong hotel bed-vibes. All my friends who come over say they want to just hop on my bed, which I definitely see it as a compliment to this Brooklinen product. I will note that some of the down feathers come out sometimes, but overall I really liked the material. Another great aspect is that there are corner ties, which made the process of attaching the duvet cover seamless.

The bottom line: I would, without a doubt, recommend the product to those interested. However, someone who has night sweats might not like this particular weight because, even though it’s very breathable, it’s still on the thicker side. In this case, I would either choose their all-season or lightweight option. But if you’re like me and always on the hunt for the perfect mix of cool and comfort with their sleep setup, definitely give this a try!

Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter

Saatva

Tester: Diane Dragan, global content strategy and operations director

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

My sleep preferences: I like to layer—starting with a smooth, quality cotton sheet, then a duvet insert, and then a decorative but functional lightweight quilt—so I have options for temperature control during the night. As a person who gets cold year-round even in my four-seasons climate, the duvet layer is the trickiest to get right.

About the brand: Saatva is a brand you might know from its mattresses, but they make lots of bedding options as well! I’m not hypersensitive but my skin does prickle with unnatural materials, so I liked that this duvet insert had a cotton outer cover and is very smooth and cool to the touch. What sold me most was the box stitching versus channel stitching. I’ve had both and have found the fluff stays more evenly distributed with a smaller, boxier quilt pattern. And, of course, each square isn’t overstuffed, so this duvet is very breathable when used on its own, as the cotton covers allow air to circulate.

Options available: Though I tested the year-round design, you can also check out Saatva’s lightweight version.

Care instructions: Saatva recommends to machine-wash cold in a gentle cycle (no bleach) and tumble dry on a low setting.

My experience: Out of the box it was a very fluffy, very soft, very huggable comforter-type covering. The cotton cover was smooth and felt like a very high-quality sheet set. After unpacking and giving it a minute to settle, I gave it a try. It added immediate warmth from its fill while staying cool from the outer casing, and it wasn’t heavy or weighted at all—very cloud-like. That night was the coldest we’d had this winter, and the duvet provided excellent warmth. I felt comfortable all night and very cosseted.

The bottom line: Prior to testing the Saatva All-Year Down Alternative fill insert, I had focused more on getting the outer decorative bed cover and had used whatever was on hand, or on sale, as the middle layer without giving it much thought. There are certain items you buy once as an investment and keep forever—this feels like one of them. And, of course, with a duvet cover, you can dress it up to be whatever fits your decor. Though cool to the touch and soft and fluffy, one caution if you run hot while sleeping: This may be too much for you. However, Saatva does offer a lighter version, which might be worth looking at.

Cozy Earth Comforter

Cozy Earth

Tester: Madeline O’Malley, market director

My sleep preferences: I love a fluffy bed. I tend to get cold at night, so I like the feeling of a cocoon-like sleep setup. My last duvet was a bit too thin for me so I was in search of something that felt more substantial.

About the brand: I already have a Cozy Earth mattress, which I love—so I totally trust the brand. Cozy Earth’s brand story centers around temperature regulation. As I sit here on a March day in NYC it’s impossible to imagine being too hot, but I know summer is around the corner and I like to continue to use my duvet in the warmer months. Again, for the fluff. So I’m glad the insert is built for that.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

Options available: The fill options for this duvet are silk or bamboo—I chose silk because it appeared fluffier and more robust in the site image. You can also choose your fill amount: standard or extra—I, of course, chose extra.

Care instructions: Cozy Earth recommends you dry clean or machine-wash on rinse cycle. They also sell Cozy Earth dryer balls that help avoid clumping of the filling. Being an NYC gal without laundry, I plan to go with the former option. Cozy Earth also offers advice to naturally freshen: hang dry in mild to moderate sunlight once every two to five months for one to three hours.

My experience: I think refreshing my bedding always helps improve my sleep— it’s such a mental thing for me. The Cozy Earth duvet insert feels very luxurious—exactly what I was looking for. The fabric shell on the insert is made from bamboo and the filling is 100% mulberry silk. I love how soft and silky the material feels while the construction is still substantial and durable. Even though I use a duvet cover so nobody will ever see the insert, I like knowing that it’s nice looking. I like that my Matouk duvet cover is really easy to attach. I think refreshing my bedding always helps improve my sleep—it’s such a mental thing for me.

The bottom line: I would definitely recommend this duvet insert—it’s luxurious and high quality. It’s a bit on the pricier side so probably would not recommend it for someone in search of a total bargain—but if it’s in your budget, you can’t go wrong.

Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Comforter

Sijo

Tester: Yelena Alpert, ADIY editor

My sleep preferences: I am always cold and I’m known to layer blankets and comforters—I think at one point I had four! However, I share the bed with my husband, who is always hot and thinks my layering is ridiculous. My ideal duvet insert is something that is lightweight but also does the job of keeping me warm (or at least helps me layer without the bulk).

About the brand: Sijo is known for making some of the best cooling and lightweight products that are also hypoallergenic (plus 1% of every Sijo purchase is donated to a nonprofit of your choice). The main reason I selected this duvet insert is because it’s made of eucalyptus fiber. I often choose blouses made of bamboo and viscose fibers, and I love how the fabric is sleek but also durable and not overly fancy like silks.

Options available: 100% Tencel lyocell inside and out, their eucalyptus fibers are made from the pulp of FSC & PEFC-certified eucalyptus wood.

Care instructions: Dry cleaning is the preferred method of care for this comforter. As this is bulkier than textiles, dry cleaning saves from overloading a traditional washing machine and it also helps keep the interior fiber fill distributed evenly. [Editor’s note: I am not a fan of this, especially because I like to wash my new sheets and bedding before use. The product did not give off any “chemically” smell, so I was okay using it straight out of the package.]

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

My experience: It was love at first sight (and feel) with this down-alternative comforter. I absolutely loved that the Tencel fabric has a sheen to it because it made it look fancy. I know this sounds cheesy, but it didn’t look like any old insert and I like that. You can see and feel the quality, especially when you take a closer look at the stitching. I also appreciate that the insert had corner straps and a mini loop in the center so that I could secure it to any duvet cover without it getting all out of shape. I have the West Elm duvet cover and it pairs great.

The Sijo insert is lightweight, and I like that I can pack it away neatly when not in use. It may be a bit too light for winter nights in my chilly 85-year-old house in Cleveland as I still use a quilt to stay warm, but at least my bed isn’t bulky. Coincidence or not, my kids keep coming into our bed for story time and like to burrow under the “fluffy” blanket. Overall, I feel that this insert makes my bed comfy and I’ve been sleeping quite well with it—at least according to my Fitbit, which keeps telling me that I got a good sleep score.

The bottom line: I actually told my mom about this cover after the first night. She’s very big on natural, breathable fibers, and I think this would be perfect for her. Plus she lives in Florida, so the lightweight aspect is ideal for her climate. Honestly, I don’t know why anyone might not like it. Other than if you’re in a very cold bedroom space, then you just need to double up.

The Company Store Company Cotton™ Wrinkle-Free Sateen Comforter

The Company Store

Tester: Katie Leirey, SEO manager

My sleep preferences: I tend to run hot, so a comforter that’s warm but keeps me cool and airy is really important to me when shopping for bedding. I want a duvet that’s light and feels luxurious while still remaining durable and easy to wash or clean.

About the brand: The Company Store has over 110 years in business (!), which is a signal that they know what they’re doing. They are committed to sustainability and have challenged themselves to use only premium raw materials that meet both environmental and ethical standards. You could feel this quality in the comforter with its silky smooth texture and durable manufacturing, thanks, in part, to the 300 thread count and 100% combed cotton sateen.

Options available: The fill is a lofty, synthetic, 100% polyester fiber. There are no other options available for this specific product, but there are down and down-alternative options available for other duvets from the brand.

Care instructions: This comforter should be machine-washed on a warm setting with like colors and tumble dried on low. Be careful not to overstuff your washer! Pop over to the laundromat instead of the dry cleaners if you need more space, since it’s not recommended to be dry cleaned.

My experience: I was pleasantly surprised sleeping with this comforter! Upon reading the product description I was skeptical since I’m a hot sleeper and it is specifically highlighted that this comforter is great for cold sleepers. I have actually found it to be overall lightweight without sacrificing warmth. The fabric feels really smooth and luxurious while also feeling durable—you can feel the quality. Living in a climate like California where comforters designed for cool nights aren’t necessary, I’d say these are still a great option! My only dislikes with this comforter are that it’s very oversized for a standard queen (in my opinion) and that it isn’t as fluffy as a traditional duvet insert could be.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

The bottom line: I would recommend this to a friend because overall the quality and material are incredible. It’s worth the investment if you are a fan of comforters, though if you’re someone who likes to wash their comforter and duvet cover often, consider that you’d have to take it to the laundromat due to its size.

West Elm HydroCool® Cooling Down Alternative Duvet Insert

West Elm

Tester: Sydney Gore, digital design editor

My sleep preferences: Sensitive sleeper who uses duvet covers all year round. Likes something soft but heavy enough to keep warm during the colder months.

About the brand: West Elm is a household name at this point and is committed to “supporting the people behind [their] products with ethical production, worker well-being, and economic impact.” I’ve been using their products for a long time so there’s already a level of trust established.

Options available: This duvet insert is filled with a hypoallergenic blend of polyester and sustainably sourced Tencel lyocell fibers that is described as “breathable, fluffy and perfect for the everyday.” There are three density options: all-season, year-round comfort, or extra warm.

Care instructions: West Elm recommends machine-washing with warm water, but don’t use bleach. Tumble dry on low and then remove the duvet insert promptly from the dryer. Use a warm iron if necessary but do not take this to the dry cleaners.

My experience: I gave this insert to my dad because he is always stealing my bedding (no shade, I don’t blame him because I sleep like a princess) and he is OBSESSED with it. Given that he isn’t someone who really cares as much about sustainability, it feels good knowing that I could provide him with alternatives that are better for his health. He had no problem attaching the duvet cover that he currently uses and my mom claims that he’s been sleeping longer than usual since he started using the insert!

The bottom line: My parents have been raving nonstop about the insert after sleeping on it and they are very hard to please. Need I say more?

Riley Home White Goose Down Comforter

Riley Home

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My sleep preferences: No matter what time of year it is, I like to have some sort of cover on at night—whether it be a duvet, quilt, weighted blanket, or just a flat sheet. In the summer I’m extra keen on anything cooling or with particularly good ventilation to keep me from overheating but winter is a much different story. In the past, I’ve slept with as much as two comforters plus a fleece throw to fend off nightly chills. Though I’m not picky when it comes to fillings, I’m partial to anything that’s lighter weight and can keep me extra toasty in the winter.

About the brand: Riley products are designed to bring moments of luxury into your everyday life. Partnering with some of the world’s top textile mills and manufacturers to bring you the best prices on the highest quality goods, the brand’s extensive lines of bedding, bath products, and even wearables have made it a recognizable name in the home-goods world. Admittedly, I’d had my eye on this Riley duvet for a while; after all, the brand touts it as being “the world’s most awarded and acclaimed.” With that much hype surrounding it, I was excited to test it out for myself.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

Options available: Riley’s duvet insert is available in an all-season down comforter and extra warm version, both filled with down that follows the Responsible Down Standard and covered in a 100% long staple combed cotton sateen cover with a subtle stripe pattern.

Care Instructions: Riley recommends washing its duvet in cold water with mild detergent and running additional cold rinse cycles to remove any soap residue. Tumble dry the bedding on low heat with a few dryer balls for maximum fluffiness.

My experience: Since this Riley duvet has quite a few accolades under its belt, I was very excited (and curious) to see how it held up to my standards (which are pretty high). Though it’s usually wearing a duvet cover, I really liked the striped cover, and the solid baffle box construction makes the cover look fluffy at all times. As for the cover itself, it’s incredibly warm and cozy! As I mentioned, I like to sleep with multiple layers to achieve a cocoon effect, and this cover actually lets me let go of an extra blanket. Though it’s quite warm, I also imagine it’ll be perfect for when temperatures start to get a little warmer come spring because it’s also super breathable. Back to the aesthetics—I love how inviting the duvet makes my bedscape look. I don’t even need to fluff it up for it to look a little lofty and the down doesn’t move if you try to shake it around—10/10.

The bottom line: I’d absolutely recommend Riley’s duvet to anyone in the market for a new comforter. With great construction and quality (no feathers poking out from this shell!) I really think it’s the ideal bedding to keep you sleeping soundly year-round. And if you’re allergic to down, I’d suggest checking out the brand’s down alternative options to feel the Riley-effect.

Annie Selke Savasana Baffle Box Duvet Insert

Annie Selke

Tester: Erika Veurink, contributor

My sleep preferences: When it comes to sleep, my top priority is approximating a hotel bed experience as closely as possible. I love the escapism of a bed that’s anything but utilitarian. I want a fluffy duvet with a little weight and more pillows than makes realistic sense. I also sleep on a low-to-the-ground platform bed that happens to be in perfect alignment with my New York City radiator. That means keeping a relatively cooling duvet in rotation is essential, especially in the winter time. I look for something that’s affordable, easy to wash, and will keep me cool.

About the brand: Choosing Annie Selke was in alignment with my hotel-bed aspiration. The brand is led by designer Annie Selke, whose work has been in dozens of magazines and even in the Obama White House. Hypoallergenic with a 230-thread-count cotton shell, the duvet isn’t exactly cooling but it’s certainly not stuffy. It’s thinner than you might expect but feels divine.

Options available: This duvet is filled with premium white duck down, a 50-year old tradition the brand prides themselves on (there aren’t any other fills available). The medium weight is the brand’s most popular, a true Goldilocks zone.

Care instructions: Professional cleaning is recommended for this duvet. If you insist on cleaning at home, machine-wash with warm water on the gentle cycle and dry on medium heat. In my experience, hanging to dry takes a while, but works to preserve the fabulous quality. The down filling will dry slower than the cotton shell and if the down remains wet, feel free to toss the duvet in for another drying cycle.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

My experience: This duvet felt immediately luxurious upon pulling it out of its packaging. It slid into my duvet cover with ease. Though it’s not totally fair to chalk up a better sleep to a new duvet, I’ve slept through some freezing nights in New York comfortably based on how warm the down filling truly is.

The bottom line: If you, too, are in a plight for a sophisticated upgrade to your bedding situation, this is a perfect option. If you’re a fan of Annie Selke, like I am, it feels like an attainable way to own a part of her brilliant design eye.

Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert

Boll & Branch

Tester: Mel Studach, AD PRO editor

My sleep preferences: My sleeping and dressing preferences are one and the same: Keep my surroundings cold and I’ll layer up as needed. I sleep with a duvet on the bed year-round—partly for the warmth but mainly because nothing beats the feeling of waking up in a cozy, breathable layer. Because of this, I generally opt for a light or midweight duvet that I can layer with quilts in cooler months.

About the brand: Aside from producing supremely comfortable bedding, Boll & Branch is known for its holistic good practices, earning seals for Fair Trade Certified and the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). The manufacturer’s merits when it comes to materials were a big selling point for me. I also appreciated that Boll & Branch offered three duvet weight options to choose from, as opposed to the light and ultra variations most others offer.

Options available: I selected the down-filled insert, though Boll & Branch does also offer a down alternative option. Both selections come in a 100% organic cotton shell—a breathable layer that’s strong enough to keep the fills from poking through.

Care instructions: The company recommends washing the insert in cold water on the gentle cycle then drying on tumble dry low. It took me two full drying cycles to dry the insert, but I’ve come to expect that with bedding. The care label also advises that you should wash the insert seasonally, which I found to be a helpful tip for preserving the down fill.

My experience: The duvet insert made a great first impression. With attachable corner loops, the insert was easy to situate within my Blu Dot duvet cover, and the baffle box construction keeps the down evenly distributed throughout the cover. Now, I’m about a month into sleeping under the duvet, and I’m even happier with it. It’s simultaneously breathable and snug and allows for a great night’s sleep.

The bottom line: Not only is it made with better-for-you materials, but the various weight options mean you can better personalize it to your sleep preferences. Highly recommend!

HomeMate Goose Feather Down Comforters Duvet Insert

Amazon

Name and job title: Erika Veurink, contributor

My sleep preferences: Looking for that hotel bed experience, I like a fluffy duvet with a little weight but also I also keep a relatively cooling duvet in rotation.

About the brand: This is a duvet for under $100 and it performs as such. It’s quite heavy, which makes for a sleep that’s on the warmer side. It’s remarkably fluffy for the price point, which is more valuable for some sleepers than others. The cover is machine-washable and hypoallergenic, two points on the positive side. When opting for this duvet, I was looking for something affordable and low maintenance. This checks those boxes.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

Options available: This duvet is made of 20% waterfowl down and an 80% feathers blend that is quite universal. This is the only fill available for this specific duvet.

Care instructions: As mentioned, into the washing machine it goes! You can certainly use a dryer to finish the cycle. It’s quite sturdy, as far as duvets go.

My experience: At first touch, I was a little disappointed by the feel of the duvet. Then I recalled how much it retails for and that it was from Amazon. The cover is a little rough to the touch, which isn’t an issue if you plan to use a duvet cover, but the sleep experience with this comforter was a little warmer than I’d hope for.

The bottom line: If you’re furnishing a house and looking for a duvet to throw in a guest bedroom, you’re in the right place. If you’re hoping for something luxurious and soft-to-the-touch, keep looking.

Pottery Barn Classic 550 FP White Down Duvet Insert

Pottery Barn

Tester: Wilder Davies, contributor

My sleep preferences: I sleep poorly without a decent amount of weight on top of me, so I prefer to use a duvet year-round. The problem is that I also happen to be a hot sleeper, so I have to keep my room as cold as possible in order to bury myself under a mass of blankets and not completely overheat. My dream duvet is one that is lofty, weighty, and as breathable as possible. I have been burned in the past by synthetic down alternative comforters marketed toward hot-sleepers because I found that, while they are initially cool to the touch, they aren’t as breathable and cling to your body more.

About the brand: Pottery Barn has been in the bedding game for a while and offers a lot of options for fill type and weight. I wanted maximum loftiness, so I went with their luxury European down comforter with 700 FP and the all-weather weight. The comforter is also OEKO-TEX certified. There’s no cooling technology; the shell is made of cotton. Pottery Barn also uses what they call a “European Box” construction, which is a hybrid between sewn-through and baffle box duvet styles.

Options available: The insert is 400-thread-count cotton damask striped shell, and the fill is 700-FP-European white goose down. This is Pottery Barn’s most high-end duvet offering, and they have several down-alternative options available as well at lower price points.

Care instructions: Machine-wash in warm water; gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low, remove promptly.

My experience: I really enjoyed sleeping under this duvet. It does a great job at keeping just enough heat in but still managed to be airy and breathable and did not cause any unpleasant night sweats. It isn’t the loftiest duvet I’ve ever encountered but it’s up there, and it does have the sturdy sort of shell fabric you find on nice duvets, you know, when you can sort of create a free-standing cave of fluff around you? I did find some stray down at the seams when I first took it out of the bag, but it was difficult to tell whether it had actively leaked out or was maybe from the factory. Regardless, I haven’t noticed any significant poke-throughs or feather leaks in the weeks I’ve used it.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

The bottom line: I found exactly what I was looking for in this duvet. Structure and loft without too much warmth, a solid balance of weightiness and breathability. If you are a hot sleeper but are resistant to down alternatives, this is a quality down duvet that will last a long time and won’t boil you alive.

Coyuchi Three Season Down Duvet Insert

Coyuchi

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My sleep preferences: I always sleep with some sort of covering. I like minimal and cooling ventilation for summer, and I need all the layers for an extra toasty slumber in the winter.

About the brand: Any conscious shopper will be happy with Coyuchi, whose ethos is built around organic materials, fair-trade sourcing, and products that are both functional and elegant. The brand holds itself to the strictest standards of environmental and social responsibility, with constant innovations that include plant-based softeners, wastewater recycling initiatives, and circular material solutions designed to combat textile waste.

Options available: Coyuchi makes lots of duvet inserts, including climate-friendly designs, wool covers, and ones with synthetic fills. This duvet is down-filled with material sourced in the US and a 100% organic cotton shell.

Care instructions: ​​The brand recommends always using a cover to protect your comforter from body oils. Other than that, the cover only needs a wash once every two to three years (unless any big messes occur). You can machine-wash on delicate using warm water and mild detergent, then dry on low heat (even if the cover feels dry, the brand suggests leaving it in a little longer to prevent mildew from forming). Then, air-dry for an additional 24 hours to release any moisture.

My experience: From the moment I removed it from the plastic covering, I immediately knew I would like the Coyuchi duvet insert. As I mentioned before, I’m big on keeping warm in the winter, and I often go full cocoon with my sometimes three to five layers of blankets. This winter weight duvet gives me the warmth of two blankets in one without adding any extra weight to the equation. The down filling is incredibly fluffy and light, making it easy to move from one side to the other without making it feel like I’m being restricted by too many blankets. I still pair it with a fleece throw as my first layer because I just love the feeling of it when I first tuck myself into bed, but the Coyuchi cover makes my nights just a little lighter.

The bottom line: At almost $700 for a queen duvet, it’s definitely an investment you should think about before immediately adding to cart—but when you factor in the eco-friendly materials and processes, the price tag seems a little less hefty. This is also something that feels like it will literally last me the next ten years. Combined with the fact that it feels like you’re getting the extra warmth of two blankets in one, this duvet is a bedding staple I think almost anyone can get behind (or rather under!).

Quince Premium Down Comforter

Quince

Tester: Zoë Sessums, digital design editor

My sleep preferences: Because I live in Maine, having a warm, all-season comforter is essential. My ideal sleep setup includes: a fairly cool room, being surrounded by natural fibers, having a top sheet, and a nice duvet (cover and insert). I’m a hot sleeper, so I often look for linen in a duvet cover and sheet set to help with temperature regulation.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

About the brand: I’ve tried a few Quince products before (their cashmere sweaters are perfection), so I was excited to try out a bedding option. The brand is built on the commitment of making exceptionally high-quality essentials at an affordable price with sustainability an important part of the process. So all those factors intrigued me when looking into duvet inserts, which often come at very high price points when you get into luxurious down.

Options available: Quince offers a goose down, premium down, and premium down alternative option for their comforters. I went with the goose down option—more specifically: 700 fill power European white goose down.

Care instructions: According to the brand, the duvet insert can be machine-washed with mild detergents in cold water on the gentle cycle. It can be tumble dried on the lowest heat setting. Plus there’s always the option for it to be professionally dry cleaned.

My experience: When I first received the package—which arrived very quickly—it was notable how light the duvet insert was. The quality appeared very high, especially in details like the stitching. The cotton is quite crisp, but I feel like it’ll soften over time and isn’t that relevant once the insert has a cover on. I added my Piglet linen duvet cover (that I’ve been using and loving for a few years) and it was as easy as attaching any other cover to insert. I found that the previous insert I had been using was even more crisp and made a lot of swishing noises, so I was happy to have a quieter option, which I do think improved my sleep.

The bottom line: I’d absolutely recommend this duvet insert. The price point is incredible for such high quality bedding. I would have no hesitation recommending anything from the brand.

Casper The Humidity Fighting Duvet

Casper

Tester: Lila Allen, AD PRO senior editor

My sleep preferences: I switched over to Team Duvet (from Team Quilt) during last year’s Sleep Week testing sesh. I haven’t looked back, but I have refined my tastes more since then: Layers (flat sheets!) are a must, especially since the other person in bed with me is a hot-and-sweaty sleeper.

About the brand: Casper, the OG mattress-in-a-box company, has a lot of competition these days. But since launching its first mattress in 2014, the brand has introduced a bevy of sleep-adjacent products, from bed frames to nightlights and linens. I picked this duvet from their lineup because of its relatively thin profile and promises of cooler sleep. Though the down fill may not be up everyone’s alley—allergies are a thing—the company does source it responsibly. (The fill is certified as meeting Responsible Down Standard criteria, which require that down be traceable to farms where animals “have not been subjected to treatments that cause pain, suffering, or stress.”)

Options available: I opted for the lightweight version of this duvet, but a regular-weight version is also available. Both have down fill (held in place with quilting, like you might find on a puffy jacket), a cotton shell, and a layer of merino wool on the interior.

By Morgan Goldberg

By Sara Barragán del Rey

By Ludovica Stevan

Care instructions: To launder this duvet, wash it in a machine in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry it on low.

My experience: My spouse came down with a nasty stomach bug shortly after this duvet insert arrived, which put me on sofa duty for several days. Given that I was suddenly in need of clean, virus-free bedding, I decided to test this duvet out on its own from the couch—no cover, no top sheet, nada. Despite not getting its maiden voyage under ideal conditions, this duvet held up beautifully.

That merino wool layer is the secret sauce of this duvet—Casper touts its ability to wick away humidity and keep you at a comfortable temperature while you sleep. I slept next to an open window (with cold February air blowing in) and a steam radiator, and the duvet kept me perfectly cozy. Not too hot, not too cold, and, though this was the “lightweight” version of this duvet, there was plenty of fill to squeeze. Once my marital bed was safe for use again, I paired the duvet with the Parachute Percale Duvet Cover and Percale Sheets. Overall, the bed looks uniform—no lumps or bumps—and honestly, at times, a little too inviting!

The bottom line: I loved this duvet. Even though it’s lightweight, I think it might be my new year-round comforter. (New York City heating is no joke!) If you’re on the fence, Casper offers a 30-day trial window, as well as free shipping and returns.

Down-alternative duvet insertsDown insertsDown-alternative duvet insertsTester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Down duvet insertsTester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care Instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Name and job title:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions: ​​My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:Tester:My sleep preferences:About the brand:Options available:Care instructions:My experience:The bottom line:
SHARE