Down or down alternative, goose feathers or wool, baffle box or quilt stitching…there are so many different kinds of comforters, each with a different feel and comfort. Choosing the right one for your bed greatly determines how well you sleep.  

You don't want a comforter that makes you too hot, causes night sweats, leaves you chilly or makes your skin itch. It will not only be uncomfortable, it will also ruin your sleep. 

To make sure you get the best sleep each night, here’s how to choose the best comforter depending on what kind of sleeper you are. 

Types of Comforters

Let’s begin with a quick rundown of the different kinds of comforters you’ll come across. 

Comforters are categorized mainly depending on their fill material (the fluffy stuff inside). The most popular option is down alternative or hollow fiber. It’s made with synthetic polyester. 

If you prefer a natural comforter, you can get one filled with natural goose down. Some down comforters contain a blend of down and feathers. 

A Wool comforter is another natural option. 

Comforters are sometimes also identified by the cover material. You’ll find cotton, bamboo, polyester, and fleece comforters among other types. 

You will also find comforters designed for different types of seasons. Many comforters these days are all-season, meaning they stay comfortable through the year. There are lightweight summer comforters optimized for cooling and breathability and heavier comforters that provide better insulation during the colder months. 

The Best Comforters for Different Sleepers

Hot Sleepers and People with Hot Flashes

There is an entire category of bedding made for people who get too hot at night or experience hot flashes. These include cooling bed sheets like our very own Jax summer bed sheets, cooling mattresses made with materials like latex and gel memory foam, and cooling mattress toppers. 

You can also get comforters made specifically with hot sleepers in mind. These tend to be thinner and lighter, allowing heat from your body to escape easily. 

If you get really hot at night or you have severe hot flashes, look for a lightweight summer comforter. If you only get mildly warm, an all-season comforter like our own Jax comforter may be enough to keep you cool throughout the year. 

If your budget allows it, wool and down comforters are the best for hot sleepers and hot flashes. These natural materials have excellent breathability and will keep you cool no matter how hot it gets. 

I especially love wool comforters because of their temperature regulation. Not only will a wool comforter keep you cool in the spring and summer, it also insulates you and keeps you warm in the fall and winter. 

If you get a down alternative comforter, get one with a breathable cover made from cotton, bamboo, linen or some other cool fabric. This will reduce how much heat is trapped inside the fiber. 

Cold Sleepers

Some people have the opposite problem — they get too darn cold at night even during the summer months. Or maybe you live in an area that gets terribly cold. 

Down comforters are the best choice for cold sleepers. They provide excellent insulation while still being breathable, meaning you won’t overheat or get sweaty. When picking a down comforter, check the fill power as that determines how warm the comforter will be. 

A 400-600 fill power down comforter is meant for all-season use. It’s suitable for mildly cold sleepers. A 600-800 fill power comforter provides extra warmth and is great for winter or extra cold sleepers. An 800+ fill power comforter will be very warm and is suitable for extra-cold climates. 

Wool comforters are also good for cold sleepers, though they don't get quite as warm as the warmest down comforters. The biggest advantage of a wool comforter is that it will keep you warm in winter and help with cooling in the summer, so it’s a great pick if you struggle with cold only during fall and winter.  

Sleepers with Night Sweats

If you sweat more than normal at night, you need a comforter that doesn't make you too warm and one that absorbs and wicks away sweat. 

A wool comforter is the best choice for night sweats. Wool has really good cooling and it also quickly wicks away moisture. Just as importantly, it rapidly lets go of that moisture to ensure the comforter doesn't stay damp. 

A down comforter is also good for night sweats thanks to its excellent ventilation. It keeps you cool to reduce sweating and allows any sweat on your skin to evaporate. 

A down alternative comforter is not the best choice for night sweats. Polyester fiber traps more heat and can make you sweat more. If you have to get a down alternative comforter, get one with a breathable and moisture-wicking cover like cotton, bamboo or modal. 

People With Sensitive Skin 

For sensitive skin that’s vulnerable to rashes, irritation, and acne, we recommend natural comforters like wool and down. These are gentler on the skin. By reducing night sweats, they also keep your skin dry and less likely to get breakouts or rashes.   

Whichever type of comforter you get, make sure the cover is soft. Fabrics like bamboo and high thread count cotton make for the softest comforter covers. You can also get your own soft duvet cover that’s gentler on your skin. We recommend a natural silk cover if you want an ultra-soft feel.

People With Allergies

If you have allergies, we recommend getting a wool comforter. Because of its ability to stay bone dry, wool is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, bacteria, fungi and other allergens. 

But allergens can build up on any comforter. The most important thing is to launder it often or get a duvet cover that you can wash frequently.