Down vs Synthetic: Which Duvet Is For You?

If you’re in the market for a new duvet and you’re wondering whether a down duvet or synthetic duvet is the best bed companion for you, we’ve got you covered with this handy buying guide.

Ready to find your perfect duvet?

What is a down duvet?

Ah… The down duvet is the epitome of luxury. If you want your bed to feel like a cloud of comfort – and who doesn’t – then the ideal duvet fill is 100% down. Trust us, it was a tricky job and we tried all of the options. But what is a down duvet and how is it made? We’ll explain...

Feather vs down: what’s the difference?

Down duvets are often confused with feather duvets, but the feel and quality can be very different. Feather is a cheaper alternative to down and here’s why… Have you ever been sleeping and found that you’re rudely awoken by the poke of a quill stabbing you through your duvet? Yep, that’s the trademark of a feather duvet for you.

Down, on the other hand, comes from the breast of a bird. It’s softer, fluffier and there’s no sharp quills to poke you through the night. Down clusters are much lighter than feathers, yet they deliver the same level of warmth – which means you get a comfortable duvet that you can truly sink into. It’s the ultimate cloud-like sleep experience, and we’re here for it.

Top tip: 100% down duvets are hard to come by (many companies will often market their products as ‘down’ as opposed to ‘100% down’ and they will contain a component of feather). At Bedfolk, we’re proud to promise only 100% down duvets so you can achieve that premium night’s sleep. Sounds dreamy and it is.

I'm ready to rest in the best

100% Down: all of the fluff and none of the feathers

What is a down alternative duvet?

A down alternative duvet (also known as a synthetic duvet) is yet another option to take to bed.

Down alternative duvets can have a range of fillings depending on where you purchase it from but most are filled with polyester. Sounds nasty but let’s park that judgement for a second. Here’s why…

At Bedfolk, our masters at the mill in Scotland have replicated the same soft-as-a-hug, fluffy feeling as down, using only recycled plastic bottles instead. What kind of cloud-comfort magic is this, you ask? We think they’re wizards too.

Sustainability aside, a down alternative duvet also has other perks…

Down Alternative: spun from recycled plastic that feels like down. Magic.

The advantages of a down alternative duvet

A synthetic duvet doesn’t carry the same premium price tag as a 100% down duvet so it is more affordable.
Some people are allergic to down products and a synthetic duvet is a great alternative. Top tip: all Bedfolk products are hypoallergenic so you can rest easy under the choice of both a down or down alternative duvet.
The vast majority of synthetic duvets are suitable for vegans (just make sure you check the casings first). Top tip: our casings are made from 100% cotton sateen.

I want to get super cosy in a super sustainable duvet

Is down better than synthetic fibres?

The great debate… Is a 100% down duvet worth the price tag? It’s a personal preference but we think so. Here’s why…

The advantages of a down duvet

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort factor, you can’t beat a 100% down duvet. It is one of the best fills you can buy for a premium night’s sleep.
At Bedfolk we’re all about bed companions that last and a good quality down duvet can last up to twenty years when carefully looked after. That’s longevity at its finest.
Down is a natural fill and very breathable for hot sleepers – so you can wrap up burrito style.