How to Find the Best Cotton Comforter For Better Sleep [2022]

Are you in the market for a cotton comforter? There is a lot more to consider when buying one than you would think initially, even more so if you want the very best comforter. Getting a good night of sleep is essential for your health, concentration, and muscle recovery. Everybody likes to sleep well. The average person sleeps 6 to 10 hours a night. That is almost 40% of your life that you spend on a couple of square meters. Getting a great comforter is going to make those hours a lot more enjoyable. However, with the internet giving you access to thousands of comforters at the click of a mouse button, there is a lot of junk out there. 

In this guide, I will help you find the best cotton comforter. One that is going to fit your needs perfectly and is going to make your nights a lot better. The goal is to buy a comforter that is going to increase your quality of life right away! I am going to take everything into account and tell you everything you need to find that one cotton comforter that you are going to enjoy for years, if not decades. 

This article is going to start off by explaining what exactly a comforter (also called a duvet by some) is. Then I am going to explain why a comforter is so important and why you should consider doing some research before buying one. After that, I am going to compare the different types of fabrics that you can also choose from. 

neutral bedding and cotton comforter on bed

What is a comforter or duvet?

As said, some people also use the word duvet for comforter. They are basically the same thing. They are a pouch made of certain fabric, let’s say cotton. In that pouch, you can find down. Down is the filling that goes into your comforter or duvet. This can be synthetic fibers but also feathers. The down of the comforter is just as important as the material the pouch is made out of. 

You can get all kinds of cotton – or other fabrics- comforters. There is a design out there for everyone. You will also need (or at least it is strongly recommended by me) a cover for your comforter. This is going to be pretty important to make sure your comforter stays new and soft as long as possible. It also prevents sweat and other things from staining your comforter. 

Now, this guide is about cotton comforters, but that does not mean you won’t find any useful tips on regular comforters. I am going to make sure that you know everything about other comforters that there is to know. 

Why is picking a great comforter that is right for you important?

Quality of your sleep

Finding a comforter that is not too light or too heavy and feels easy on the skin is going to give you a much better rest. Being able to fall asleep faster and deeper is going to make sure you also have a better sleep in general. Getting a better quality of sleep is my number one factor when picking out a duvet. If your duvet is too thick, you might sweat too much and feel too warm to sleep well. If it is too thin, you will get cold. 

Hygiene

A good comforter is going to be more hygienic than one that is not fit for your body. A comforter that is too thick is going to make you sweat more. If you have picked out the wrong duvet, it is going to be a bad experience for you. You might not notice it at first, but sweat and mold are a lot more likely to form if your comforter is too thick and doesn’t breathe enough.

Allergies and health

Spending 8 hours a day on average wrapped around a certain fabric is bound to have some effect on your health. Some people have health issues due to certain foods, products, and so on. Sometimes without them having any idea. The fabric your duvet is made out of is no exception. 

Picking the right filling for your cotton comforter

Geese and ducks feather

This is the most expensive kind of filling you get for your cotton comforter. These are organic and made from real geese and duck feathers. So you might want to look for a manufacturer or brand that makes them ethically. Geese and duck feathers are very popular for a reason. They are great to insulate your body warmth and feel really light at the same time. These are a bit more expensive, however. So make sure you budget for this. 

Synthetic down

You also have a regular down. This is made out of synthetic materials. This is going to be a lot less expensive than geese and duck feathers, and you won’t lose a lot of comforts. These are a tiny bit heavier, and you will need a thicker duvet to make sure you are just as warm. A great additional benefit is that they are very easy to clean and very forgiving when you machine wash them. So a cotton comforter with regular down is going to be a lot cheaper and easier to clean. Also, this filling is very good for people with allergies.

Wool

This is a material you should only consider for your winter duvet. If you are going to use this in the summer, it is not going to end well. Wool is great to isolate body heat and is very heavy. So while it is perfect for winter, it is going to be horrible in the summer. Wool is pretty hard to take care of, so take that into account. 

family of three pillow fighting on bed

The advantages of cotton for your duvet versus other fabrics 

What is so good about cotton? 

Durable – Cotton is very forgiving. It is a fabric that you can use for years without it losing its softness. Some even say that quality cotton just keeps getting softer the longer you use it. Cotton is very durable, so you can machine wash it. This is going to save you a lot of time cleaning. 

Insulation – Cotton is pretty good to insolate the heath. While it is not as good as wool, it is a very good alternative. Cotton is a great fabric to use in the winter when the days are getting colder. For your filling, you can always pick a material that does not isolate as well if you also want to use it in the summer. However, I would suggest you pick a fabric like satin for your summer comforter

Hypoallergenic – Cotton is also a very good pick for people who are allergic to certain fabrics. While it is possible to be allergic to cotton, it is quite rare. High-quality cotton, which is 100% cotton and not a mix of other fabrics, is going to be a lot better than regular cotton that often has other fabrics or polyester mixed in. 

Price – Cotton is a pretty cheap material and ideal if you are on a budget. Combined with the durability, cotton is really a good idea if you want to save money in both the short and the long run. While polyester is a bit cheaper upfront when you buy it, it stains much easier and does not feel as good after a couple of years, so you will need to replace it sooner than cotton. 

Coarser feeling – Cotton does tend to feel a bit ‘harder’ than other fabrics when you start using it. Unlike satin, you need to use it a couple of times before it gets nice and soft. So your first nights with the cotton comforter might not be ideal. The higher-quality your cotton is, the softer it is going to be. 

Versatility – Cotton has so many patterns and styles. You will always be able to find a great cotton duvet that fits your style exactly. Even if you do not, there are thousands if not millions of different designs for duvet covers that are also made out of cotton. If you start to shop around, you will see that most high-quality designs for comforters are on cotton. People who want a duvet out of polyester and satin have a lot fewer options for awesome designs. 

Polyester vs. cotton

How it feels – Both fabrics feel pretty similar when you start using them if they are new comforters. Cotton does start to feel softer after a while. Polyester, on the other hand, just stays about the safe softness. If you have polyester comforters, you probably are going to need a cover. You can just sleep with a cotton duvet, and it will be soft enough. However, I do always recommend you to use a cover for your comforter to make it last longer. 

Durability – I am going to want a couple of years of use out of my comforter. Both cotton and polyester duvets are pretty durable. However, polyester does tend to get yellow due to sweat and other bodily fluids. Cotton, on the other hand, stays about the same color. If you take care of your cotton comforter, it can last up to 25 years. 

Cost – Both cotton and polyester are pretty affordable. You will be better off buying cotton. It is a bit more durable, and the upfront price is not that different between cotton and polyester. Polyester is a tiny bit cheaper. However, it is not a major difference, so I am going to say their price is equal since cotton lasts longer. 

Breathing – Polyester is awful if we are talking about breathing of the material. Cotton is much better in this aspect. It is going to be a lot more comfortable with a cotton comforter if you sweat a lot. 

Ease of cleaning – Both of these fabrics are very easy to clean. I recommend you use a cover that way, you need to clean the covers less often, and that is going to save you a ton of time. However, if you do need to wash either of the two, you can just clean them in the washing machine. They are both very forgiving when it comes to rough handling, including cleaning. 

young family cosleeping in bed

Satin vs. cotton

How it feels – Satin feels a lot softer on the skin than cotton does. Cotton can feel a bit rough in the beginning, just after you buy it. Satin, on the other hand, is nice and soft right away. Even when you use cotton every day, it is never going to feel the same as soft silky satin. 

Durability – Cotton is going to last a lot longer than satin will. Cotton stays perfect for years. You can get up to 25 years out of it, even if your machine washes it. Satin is a lot more prone to wear and tear. Even if you wash the satin by hand with good soft cleaning products, it is going to last for 15 years tops. So cotton is a lot more durable. 

Cost – Satin is a lot more expensive than cotton. It is also a lot less durable. So satin is expensive when you buy it and to keep using it. Cotton is a much better investment if you are looking for the cheapest possible option on the market. However, I do think that satin sheets that you only use during the summer that are of high quality are often worth the premium price you pay for them. 

Breathing – Some materials breathe very nicely. Satin and cotton are two that are amongst the top. This means they are great for people who sweat a lot or want to prevent foul odors. It also helps to stop bacteria and mold from forming if you forget to make your bed before you go on a trip. 

Ease of cleaning – Satin is hell on earth to clean. You need to wash it by hand or have it dry cleaned. Only some satin comforters are fit to be cleaned in the washing machine. However, these are often very low-quality comforters that you should avoid buying if you are going to spend money on a satin comforter. If you want an easy-to-clean comforter, you should definitely go for cotton. 

Wool vs. cotton

How it feels – Some people really hate the feeling wool has. It can be itchy and unpleasant if you buy low-quality wool. Cotton, on the other hand, feels a bit rougher but does not itch. I do enjoy the feeling of wool a bit more, even if the cotton has already aged and became soft after use. However, this really is a personal opinion. You should try out the wool comforter before you buy it, as you might hate it. 

Durability – Wool is really durable. If you take great care of it, you can enjoy it for decades. Cotton is also an extremely durable material that can take a lot of abuse, but wool is just a bit more robust. Getting any of these fabrics is going to be great for the future as you will enjoy them for years. 

Cost – High-quality wool is a bit more expensive than cotton. If you want organic wool, it is going to be around the same price class as satin. This is not cheap, but it is a much better investment than satin from a long-term viewpoint. Cotton, even high-quality organic, is more affordable, and some people prefer the feeling over wool. 

Breathing – Wool does not breathe as well as cotton. So if you sweat a lot and want to have a hygienic bed, you are going to be better off with having a cotton comforter. 

Ease of cleaning – Some people think that wool is hard to clean, but that is nowhere near true. It can be machine washed on a low-intensity setting and hot (but not boiling) water. You should use natural cleaning products to clean it for the best result. If you do that, it is just about as easy to clean as cotton. 

cotton comforter on bed with squiggled lines design

What to look out for if you are going to buy a cotton comforter

Just Using our Cotton Comforter

Having just your comforter and nothing else that is going to be between your body and the cotton is going to make sure the comforter gets stained and will give you a lot of extra cleaning work. I absolutely recommend you to use a cover when you are using a comforter of any kind. 

You can, of course, pick a different fabric for this cover. For example, if you want a softer material to touch your skin, then I would advise you to get something like satin or silk satin. This is going to give you the best of both worlds when it comes to comfort. The best idea is to pick a fabric for your cover that is very easy to clean. Polyester or cotton will be perfect if that is your main priority. 

Ordering a size that is too small

Nobody likes their feet sticking out from under your bedsheets. When it comes to comforters, you can’t go too big in my opinion. It is a much worse problem to have a size that is too small since that will affect the quality of your sleep, and you won’t be as well-rested if you wake up due to cold feet. 

Buying a cotton comforter that is only suitable for winters

Cotton comforters are great for use in the winter. They are pretty thick and isolate your body health very well. I do think that using a cotton comforter all year round is going to be way too warm in the summer. You should either buy a second thinner cotton comforter or a satin comforter. This is going to make sure you stay cool in the summer.

Cotton is very breathable, so a thin cotton comforter can be used in the summer, and you will prevent getting a sweat odor on your sheets. It is also more hygienic than a lot of other fabrics, like polyester. 

Buying, not 100% cotton

100% quality cotton can be quite expensive. That is why a lot of manufacturers use polyester to blend into cotton. While this does bring the price down, and you get some additional benefits from polyester, like cleaning. It does bring a whole lot of downsides too. Sheets will get yellow more easily due to sweat and other bodily fluids. The fabric will be less breathable. This means it is going to trap sweat and other things. 

You spend a lot of time in your bed, so I would not skimp out on the quality of your comforter. A comforter made out of high-quality cotton will last a bit longer than a blend of inferior fabrics, in my opinion. However, if high-grade polyester is used, it will be a bit more durable than just regular cotton.

Not Taking Proper Care of your Cotton Comforter

You need to make sure you wash your comforter properly and at least once a month. If you are not using a cover, you will need to wash it once a week or so. Of course, this is also dependent on how much you sweat and how much your skin sheds. 

Cotton comforters, for the most part, can be washed in a washing machine or by hand. You can use regular cleaning products to wash them, and you don’t need to do anything special. For the first few weeks, your cotton comforter will become softer and will feel much better on the skin after washing it. 

My 4 Favorite Cotton Comforters 

Kotton Culture 300 GSM Down Alternative Comforter

grey cotton comforter and pillows on bed

Why I like this comforter

This is a great comforter for the winter. It is going to help you insulate your body very well. Thanks to the stitching your down is not going to shift, which is great. The comforter feels very soft, but you will need to wash it a couple of times before it gets to the ideal softness.

Why I do not like this comforter

The only thing I do not really like about this comforter is that it is a bit too warm in the summer, so you can’t use it year-round. 

World Bedding Comforter

brown soft cotton comforter on bed

Why I like this comforter

This is a premium cotton comforter, but it is quite an expensive one. I do think it is worth the price if you are not on a budget. The cotton comforter is very easy to take care of, you can just put it in the washing machine and you do not need to use cold water. It is also a very soft comforter and has a nice 300 GSM microfiber fill. 

Why I do not like this comforter

It is quite an expensive purchase. If you are on a budget, I would recommend you get a more budget option. I also don\’t think this is a year-round comforter. It will be way too warm in the summer due to the thick filling.

WhatsBedding 100% Cotton Down Comforter

grey cotton comforter in peaceful bedroom

Why I like this comforter

This is my budget choice and one of the best comforters – not just cotton! – that you can get for this price point. It has a duck and goose feather down. Is made out of 100% high-quality cotton and is very affordable. The price for a quality comforter like this is pretty much unbeatable. If you are on a budget, or you just need a comforter for a guestroom, get this one!

Why I do not like this comforter

The only downside that I can find about this comforter is that it is a bit too hot in the summer. 

APSMILE Organic Cotton Goose Feather Down Comforter

white cotton comforter on unmade bed

Why I like this comforter

I love this comforter. It looks very luxurious, it is one you can use year-round in the summer. There is also the fact that it is made out of organic sustainable cotton, something I really like since cotton has quite an impact on the enviroment. The comforter is also very durable, so you will enjoy this comforter for quite a long time if you take care of it.

Why I do not like this comforter

The price is more than fair, however, there are cheaper options but not many are on the same level quality-wise. So, if you are on a budget, there are other options that you might want to consider. 

Final thoughts about Cotton Comforters

Cotton is a great pick for people who want to get a quality comforter that is going to keep them warm in the winter. However, You will need to get a different comforter for the summer if you live in a place with a hot climate. While cotton breaths very well, it does trap your body heat. You can also use a thin cotton comforter in the summer. However, it might be a better idea to just get a satin comforter for the summer. That is going to keep you cool in the summer and help you sleep a lot better.

Cotton is a great material that is both durable and inexpensive. You are going to enjoy your cotton comforter a lot. It is going to be a great idea to buy a 100% organic cotton comforter. This is going to last you many years, and it is going to be a great investment. 

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