Comforter vs. Duvet

Main Difference

The main difference between Comforter and Duvet is that the Comforter is a type of bedcover, often not as thick as a duvet and Duvet is a type of bedding

• Comforter

  A comforter (in American English), also known as a doona in Australian English, or a continental quilt (or simply quilt) or duvet in English, is a type of bedding made of two lengths of fabric or covering sewn together and filled with insulative materials for warmth, traditionally down or feathers, wool or cotton batting, silk, or polyester and other down alternative fibers. Like quilts, comforters are generally laid over a top bed sheet (and sometimes also blankets). Duvets are another form of quilt, traditionally filled with feathers, though since the late 20th century often made of synthetic fibres or down alternatives.

  A comforter is sometimes covered for protection and prolonged use. Comforter covers are similar in principle to pillowcases, usually closed with zippers or buttons.

  In the United Kingdom the term comforter is not generally used. It is instead called a quilt (or continental quilt), duvet or an eiderdown. A duvet differs in that it is thicker and usually used without blankets or extra sheets.

  Sometimes a comforter is sold as part of a “bed in a bag”, usually a case of some sort with handles that contains an entire set of bedding in the same or a matching pattern: comforter and top sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcase(s), and perhaps pillow sham(s). Some sets have a duvet and duvet cover (more popular in Europe) in place of a comforter and top sheet. More deluxe sets may include a bed skirt and pillows.

  Comforters are usually used in the winter season when it is very cold, although a variety of different thicknesses means that they can be used in other seasons as well, with lighter examples being used in warmer weather. Due to the thickness of a comforter or the amount of down/feathers or other filling it has, a person is insulated against cold.

  Comforter sizes correspond with bed sizes: twin, full, queen, king, and cal-king. Comforter sizes run slightly larger than mattress sizes to allow for draping over the sides of the bed. Typical sizes in the United States for comforters are:

  Twin = 64″ (163 cm) width × 87″ (221 cm) length

  Queen / Full = 87″ (221 cm) width × 87″ (221 cm) length

  King = 101″ (257 cm) width × 90″ (229 cm) length.

• Duvet

  A duvet (UK: , US: ; from French duvet [dyvɛ], meaning ‘down’) is a type of bedding consisting of a soft flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, silk or a synthetic alternative, and typically protected with a removable cover, analogous to a pillow and pillow case. Sleepers often use a duvet without a top bed sheet, as the duvet cover can readily be removed and laundered as often as the bottom sheet. Duvets originated in rural Europe and were filled with the down feathers of ducks or geese. The best quality is taken from the eider duck, as its down is known for its effectiveness as a thermal insulator.

  In colloquial Australian English, a duvet is also called a doona (plural doonas). In American English, it may be called a comforter; however, a comforter is usually a slightly different type of bedding that is not as thick, does not have a cover, and is often used over a top sheet. In the United Kingdom a duvet is also known as a continental quilt (often just shortened to quilt).

• Duvet (noun)

  a soft quilt filled with down, feathers, or a synthetic fibre, used instead of an upper sheet and blankets.

• Duvet (noun)

  a thick down-filled jacket worn by mountaineers.