What is the Difference Between a Duvet and an Eiderdown Comforter?
When you have your own place for the first time, you get to choose how to decorate it. For many, outfitting the bedroom is the best part! You make your own little escape and respite from the world. But whether you want a romantic space, a cozy space, or a space where you chill with your pet cat, you need to choose the right bedding. Should you go for a duvet? Or should you choose an eiderdown comforter? Let’s look at how they differ.
What is a duvet?
A duvet is, essentially, a type of comforter. They can be enclosed in a pillowcase type structure called a duvet cover. Duvets can be filled with a number of different materials, but one of the best fillings is down. For the purpose of this article, we will consider a down duvet verses an eiderdown comforter.
What is down?
Down, contrary to popular belief, is not feathers. Down is the protective layer on ducks and geese that sits just under the feathers. The down is fluffy, light, soft and moisture wicking. Sounds ideal for a comforter doesn’t it? It sure is! Down comforters are renowned for helping you maintain a cool body temperature while you sleep, wicking sweat, and keeping you cozy and warm without being too hot, or the blanket being too heavy.
But I’m allergic to down!
You may not be. What many consider a down allergy is actually a dust mite reaction. It is very important that the down be enclosed in the comforter in a tight weave cover to prevent mites. Properly cleaning the duvet also prevents mites. They don’t stand a chance against a cover of carbon fiber woven evenly with German microfiber.
What is eiderdown
It would be easiest to describe eiderdown as “a little piece of heaven” but let’s get into a more scientific description. Eider ducks like to supply nothing but the best for their nests. So, they pluck their own down and use it to keep the eggs safe and warm. After the ducklings hatch, the family goes on its way, leaving behind the soft, eiderdown “mattress.”
Although eiderdown is one of the most insulating natural materials on the planet, it is also one of the most lightweight. This juxtaposition is incredibly unique. More than 70 percent of eiderdown comes from Iceland. If it can keep duck eggs warm and cozy in the elements of Iceland, just think of what eiderdown can do for you as a comforter!
Since eiderdown is so delicate, it is carefully harvest by hand. That’s right – farmers gently find the nests and even more gently remove the down. It takes quite a lot of down to make one comforter, but that comforter is by far the most luxurious, softest, warmest comforter you will ever experience.
This is why eiderdown truly is a “little piece of heaven.”
Should I choose a duvet or an eiderdown comforter?
Whether you choose a down duvet or an eiderdown comforter, you can’t go wrong – as long as you are purchasing from a company that has dedicated itself to providing the best quality down comforters in the market. Choose a company that sustainably and ethically sources down and eiderdown, and teaches you how to care for your purchase.
The choice will come down to lifestyle, too. A down comforter is an affordable luxury that takes your bedroom from “sleeping space” to oasis. You will never regret buying a down comforter and with the proper care, it will last you for years. When the years do catch up, you can refurbish it. What incredible value.
An eiderdown comforter is a true investment piece. It requires extra special care, but it will be with you for a lifetime. If cared for properly, it can be passed down as a treasured heirloom. The high price of an eiderdown comforter reflects the incredibly unique nature and harvesting of this treasured natural material. You will never need to buy another comforter when you choose eiderdown.
So, which one will you choose? A duvet or an eiderdown comforter? Either way, you are making a great choice.
