A comforter is a type of blanket. Comforters are intended to keep the user warm, especially during sleep, although they can also be used as mattress pads. Comforters are generally large and rectangular in shape, filled with natural or synthetic insulative material and encased in a shell/covering. Like quilts, comforters are generally used with a set of sheets.

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

• Twin = 64" Width x 87" Length
• Queen / Full = 87" Width x 87" Length
• King = 101" Width x 90" Length.

A comforter is sometimes covered with a duvet (comforter) cover for protection and prolonged use. Duvet is French for "Down". Comforter covers are like a big pillowcase for your comforter, usually closed with zippers or buttons.

Comforters are typically packaged in a set that also includes a bed skirt, pillow shams, and sometimes pillows.

Construction

Filling - Comforters are filled with layers of material such as polyester batting, down feathers, wool, or silk. The loft of the filling determines the weight as well as the level of insulation. The comforter is stitched or quilted to secure the filling and keep it evenly distributed. Fact: date=April 2008

Shell/Covering - The outer shells of comforters are typically constructed using cotton, silk, or polyester fabrics or blends, of varying thread counts. Comforter shells vary in design and color, often designed to coordinate with other bedding.Washing a comforter should not be done with a top-loader, minimum capacity to wash a comforter is 3.7.

References

1. Sizing source: http://www.deanmillerprints.com USA manufacters of bedding since 1999.

See also

• Silk comforter
• Duvet