In this section of the LeafScore site, we walk readers through the best options for non-toxic duvets and comforters that are manufactured ethically, as well as how to spot greenwashing.
Table of Contents
The difference between comforters and duvets
Before we five into the basics of what makes comforters and duvets truly sustainable, let’s address a question on the minds of many readers.
What’s the difference between comforters and duvets, and why would you want to choose one rather than the other?
We put the issue to bed here, but in short:
What is a duvet?
A duvet is a two-piece bedding item comprising a duvet insert and duvet cover. Sometimes, you might have two duvet inserts clipped together inside a duvet cover. In my home, I like to use a duvet rather than a comforter because duvets are generally easier to wash and to take care of.
What is a comforter?
A comforter is an all-in-one bedding item sewn shut with its own cover and no zipper or button closure. Like duvets, comforters usually comprise a cotton cover and cotton or polyester filling or batting.
Natural duvet materials for a green bedroom
If your goal is truly non-toxic bedding, choosing the right materials for your duvet or comforter is important. Some of our favorite natural duvet materials are:
These aren’t the only options, though, with more alpaca duvets, recycled down duvets, and down alternative duvets made with recycled polyester now available.
We look at the pros and cons of those materials in this part of the guide. This includes considering:
- Where you live
- How you sleep
- Allergies and ethics
Other factors to consider when choosing a duvet
As well as your choice of material, there are many other things to think about when deciding between duvets (or comforters). For instance, you will want to consider:
- Fill power, loft, tog, weight, and warmth
- Quilting, quality, and performance
- Care and maintenance
- Hypoallergenic options.
Common chemicals in duvets
It’s not particularly comforting to know that many comforters and duvets are made with formaldehyde, azo dyes, and other chemicals of concern. We look at the toxic materials and chemicals that make for poor bedfellows and offer advice on how to avoid these for your next bedding purchase.
Green certifications for duvets and comforters
Even if you’re more partial to an ecru or off-white for your next duvet or comforter, you’ll want your bedding to carry at least some green certifications. Which ones are actually meaningful though, and which ones are little more than greenwashing?
We offer the lowdown on the best green certifications for duvets and comforters here.
Recommendations and reviews
Putting it all together, we’ll provide our top choices for the best green duvets and comforters. Coming soon, we’ll offer:
- Reviews of popular duvet brands
- Recommendations for different sleep preferences
- Recommended duvets and comforters for different seasons.
We’ll also pit different types of duvets against each other and engage in a Battle of the Brands to see which companies offer the best options for safe, stylish, and sustainable duvets and comforters.
Final thoughts on duvets and comforters
A well-chosen duvet can upgrade your sleep from zero to Zzzz. The same goes for comforters, which are enjoying a renaissance thanks to a revived interest in a more layered bedding style.
Where there were once very few options for sustainable duvets and comforters, the choice is now much larger. With that, of course, comes the potential for confusion. Use our guide to duvets to make your next snuggle-buddy a keeper. And once you have your perfect new duvet, don’t forget a safe and stylish duvet cover.