How to Find the Best Eiderdown Comforter That Is Worth Investing In

Suppose you’re looking for unmatched quality, luxurious, year-round bedding that’ll last you a lifetime. In that case, eiderdown is exactly what you’re looking for. This ultra-soft, lightweight, and sustainably sourced material doesn’t come cheap due to the scarcity of the resource but is worth every penny.

Want to feel like you’re spending every night in a five-star luxury hotel, an eiderdown comforter is exactly what you need? Here’s everything you need to know about finding the best eiderdown comforter based on quality and construction.

Top Picks

If you just want to jump right to our top picks, here are the top eiderdown comforters out there right now:

Best Overall: Norvegr Norwegian Eiderdown Duvet/Comforter, Limited Edition

Best Quality: Icelandic Eiderdown Comforter

What is Eiderdown?

Eiderdown is the down (small, soft feathers from the belly/underside of the duck) of an eider duck. Eiderdown is sustainably sourced from abandoned nests of these eider ducks, so no harm comes to the animal, and animals are not bred/raised for the purpose of their down.

Most eiderdown is harvested in Iceland, with a smaller percentage being collected in Canada. It is an ultra-lightweight and soft material that does not contain quills or feathers, unlike goose or other downs. It is resistant to compression, so it easily holds its shape and clings to the body creating unparalleled warmth and temperature regulation qualities when used in bedding such as comforters.

Eiderdown is a scarce material, more so than many metals or gems such as gold or diamonds, and is very labor-intensive in its harvesting. This, in addition to the careful, often handmade production of products, contributes to the high cost of eiderdown.

Pros and Cons to Eiderdown Comforters

Why should you consider eiderdown over other types of down or down alternative comforters? Here are some of the pros and cons of eiderdown.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Soft and comfortable
• High-quality, can last a lifetime.
• Often have lifetime or long warranties
• High heat retention and temperature regulation
• Sustainably sourced
• Maintains its shape, compression-resistant

Cons

• Expensive
• While eiderdown allergies are less common, it is possible making them not entirely hypoallergenic.
• Animal-product

Eiderdown vs Regular Down

So, what’s the difference between eiderdown and regular down? In short, quality. The main difference between eiderdown and regular (goose) down is its quality and quality control.

Eiderdown is harvested by hand, and in many cases, the entire production of an eiderdown comforter is done by hand, meaning that quality control can be more specific and rigorous to ensure only the best quality products are sold.

Other downs do not have this process meaning it’s possible to get a down comforter with lots of quills or feathers that isn’t comfortable or doesn’t feel as warm or insulating.

Eiderdown is also sustainably sourced, whereas regular down can sometimes be harvested through live plucking or other inhumane means, and geese can be raised, kept in captivity, and farmed for the sole purpose of producing down and other products.

Eiderdown is collected from the abandoned nests of eider ducks in the wild or kept in sanctuaries. The ducks are not handled or harmed in any way to acquire their down. Regular down tends to be more affordable than eiderdown due to many of these practices and the overall scarcity of eiderdown.

Some similarities between eiderdown and regular down include:

• Comfort, both types of down are known for their comfort.
• Both are great for heat retention and temperature regulation
• Both make great fill for comforters, pillows, and other bedding.
• Both are easy to care for, and in most cases, machine washable.

How to Clean and Care for an Eiderdown Comforter

If you’re investing in a high-quality eiderdown comforter, you’re going to want to take the best care of it to ensure it lasts a lifetime.

To Care for and Maintain Your Comforter

1. Let it air out outside in fresh air every few months. Secure on a clothesline on a nice day, low-humidity day for best results.
2. Fluff your comforter daily by shaking it out.
3. Use a duvet cover to help minimize the need for washing the comforter.

To Clean an Eiderdown Comforter

1. Only wash when absolutely necessary. Consider a reputable dry cleaner when cleaning is necessary.
2. Use a front load, high-capacity washer.
3. Wash with warm (but not hot) water on the gentle cycle with a gentle detergent intended for down. DO NOT use Woolite, bleach, or any other harsh chemicals and detergents as they will strip the natural oils from the down.
4. Depending on the weight and size of your comforter, it may be helpful to wash the comforter a sehttps://quiltedrest.com/comforters/best-white-comforter/cond time with warm water on the gentle cycle but with no detergent to ensure all soap has been washed from the down.
5. When possible, air-dry your comforter completely. Do not use your comforter if there are any damp spots. Damp spots are bad for down – wait until it’s fully dry.
6. If absolutely necessary, dry your comforter on the lowest setting using a front-load dryer – it may take several hours. You can add a clean, new tennis ball or two to the dyer to help separate and fluff them down as it dries.

Storing Your Comforter

1. If storage is necessary, do not put your comforter in a plastic bag – store it in a cotton or breathable fabric bag.
2. Keep your comforter in a cool, dry place. Dampness causes mold and mildew and will ruin the down.

What to Look for in an Eiderdown Comforter

So, you’ve settled on an eiderdown comforter, but you’re not sure what to look for. Here are some of the most important things to consider when investing in an eiderdown comforter:

The Fabric

The outer fabric of the comforter (what contains the down) is not super important, but when you’re buying an expensive, high-quality item, you want to ensure you’re getting the best overall product.

In most cases, you’re looking for high-quality cotton or similar breathable fabric. Cotton is great as it is down-proof, durable, breathable, and washable. If your “eiderdown” comforter uses polyester or other similar cheap, synthetic fabrics, chances are you are not getting a true eiderdown comforter.

The Actual Fill

The fill itself should state that it’s 100% eiderdown (typically either Icelandic or Canadian). The weight of the fill will vary depending on what you purchased, but you should be looking for at least the following weights for a Queen size comforter:

• Light (Summer/warmer climates): 691g
• Medium (Suitable for most climates/all-year use): 1037g
• Heavy (Winter/Extra warm/for cold climates): 1383g

The Seaming

Eiderdown, like any down comforter, benefits from quilted or baffle-box compartments in the design of the comforter. This style of seaming/stitching ensures that the down, which is incredibly light, does not just fall and collect at the bottom of the comforter.

Baffle-box or quilted designs help evenly disperse the down throughout the comforter and keep it in place during movement, fluffing, washing, etc.

Construction

You will find that many eiderdown comforters are handmade and/or custom-made to order. This ensures the highest-quality comforter as it allows for proper processing of the eiderdown, an impeccable attention to detail, and rigorous quality control before the product gets to you.

When you’re spending the money that you are with eiderdown, you want to know that the construction is highly detail-oriented, there’s quality control measures, and that everything that goes into the product from the down to the fabric to the stitching is top quality.

Warranty

If you’re putting out the money for something as expensive as an eiderdown comforter, you want to know that you’re protected should anything happen when the comforter arrives. Luckily, in most cases, your comforter will come with at least a 5-year warranty but as much as a lifetime warranty against any defects or damages not connected to everyday use or improper care. The average warranty is about 10 years.

The Best Eiderdown Comforters

Eiderdown can be quite the investment, so you want to ensure you’re getting the best of the best when you go purchase one. We’ve found some of the top-quality options out there for you choose from:

Plumeria Bay Eiderdown Comforter

Best: Canadian-Made

With unrivaled softness and comfort, the Plumeria Bay Eiderdown Comforter is the ideal luxury bedding investment.

• Size: German size, Twin, Queen, King
• Fill: 100% Canadian Eiderdown
• Fabric: 100% Austrian Milled Cotton Batiste
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty against defects

With a variety of sizes and weights it’s easy to match your needs. You’ll have luxury hotel-quality bedding for years to come.

Pros

• 100% Canadian Made
• Antimicrobial treatment
• Variety of sizes
• Unmatched heat retention and temperature regulation
• Sustainably sourced
• Ultra-soft and comfortable

Cons

• Animal-product
• May not be good for those with allergies (though eiderdown allergy is uncommon)
• Expensive

Icelandic Eiderdown Comforter

Best: Quality

The Icelandic Eiderdown Comforter is the pinnacle of traditional workmanship. These handmade comforters are ultra-lightweight, soft, and sustainably sourced.

• Size: Twin, Full, Queen, King
• Fill:  100% Icelandic Eiderdown
• Fabric: 100% down-proof sateen cotton or 100% down-proof silk
• Warranty: 5 years free repairs due to manufacturing defect, partial refund within 60-days for returns

A worthwhile year-round investment to make your bed the epitome of comfort.

Pros

• Custom made
• Variety of sizes and weights
• Unmatched heat retention and temperature regulation
• Sustainably sourced
• Ultra-soft and comfortable

Cons

• May not be good for those with allergies (though eiderdown allergy is uncommon)
• Expensive
• Animal-product

Daniadown Eiderdown Duvet

Best: Quality for Price

Unmatched quality, the Dianadown Eiderdown Duvet brings you stunning, comfortable bedding with 100% Canadian Eiderdown.

• Size: Twin, Double, Queen, King, Double King
• Fill: 100% Canadian Eiderdown
• Fabric: Austrian Woven Fabric
• Warranty: 10-year warranty

Available in a variety of sizes, this duvet will bring you year-round coziness and warmth.

Pros

• 100% Canadian Made
• Antimicrobial treatment
• Variety of sizes
• Unmatched heat retention and temperature regulation
• Sustainably sourced
• Ultra-soft and comfortable

Cons

• May not be good for those with allergies (though eiderdown allergy is uncommon)
• Expensive
• Dry-clean only
• Animal-product

Norvegr Norwegian Eiderdown Duvet/Comforter, Limited Edition

Best: Overall

The Norvegr Norwegian Eiderdown Duvet/Comforter is luxury comfort at its finest. This premium eiderdown comforter uses only 100% eiderdown sourced from Svalbard and has the highest fill power.

• Size: Available in all sizes from Norwegian Single to Imperial King.
• Fill: 100% Eiderdown from Svalbard
• Fabric: 100% Egyptian Cotton
• Warranty: 10-year guarantee & restoration

Available in a variety of weights and sizes, it’s easy to pick the perfect eiderdown duvet for your needs.

Pros

• Washable
• Ten-year guarantee
• Highest fill power of all down
• Variety of weights and sizes
• Unmatched heat retention and temperature regulation
• Sustainably sourced
• Ultra-soft and comfortable

Cons

• Expensive
• May not be good for those with allergies (though eiderdown allergy is uncommon)
• Animal-product

Alternatives to Eiderdown Comforters

One of the downsides to eiderdown is that it is not hypoallergenic; if you are allergic to down, eiderdown may produce similar allergy symptoms to goose or other down.

Another consideration is that regardless of being cruelty-free, eiderdown is still an animal product, so if you are someone that prefers not to be a consumer of animal products in general, you may wish to look for an alternative.

Whatever your reasoning, be it allergies, that it’s an animal product, or price – if you’re looking for an alternative to eiderdown, we’ve highlighted some of the best options out there right now. Here are some great alternatives to eiderdown comforters:

Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter

That hotel bed feeling at an affordable price, the Utopia bedding Quilted Comforter is a hypoallergenic way to have that luxury bedding feel.

• Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
• Fill: 100% Polyester
• Fabric: Microfiber
• Warranty: 30-day free returns

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Machine washable
• Affordable
• Quilting helps keep fill in place
• Variety of sizes and colors
• Corner tabs help secure duvet cover

Cons

• Some reviews recommend dry-cleaning only, washing machine ruined material, and/or fill.

LINENSPA All-Season Down Alternative Quilted Comforter

A cozy and soft alternative to down-filled comforters, the LINENSPA All-Season Down Alternative Quilt Comforter is a great choice for year-round bedding.

• Size: Twin XL – Cal King
• Fill: Microfiber
• Fabric: Polyester
• Warranty: 30 days free returns

Machine washable, it’s easy to keep clean, and the quilting helps the comforter maintain shape, meaning it will always look great!

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Affordable
• Machine washable
• Quilting keeps fill in place and looking great
• Reversible
• Built-in loops to help secure duvet cover
• Warranty

Cons

• Just two-color options
• Only available in Queen

Wamsound All-Season Down Alternative Quilted Comforter

The Wamsound all-season down alternative quilted comforter is a great affordable option for those looking for an alternative to eiderdown.

• Size: Twin, Queen, or King
• Fill: Superfine Polyester Fiber
• Fabric: Polyester
• Warranty: 30 days free returns

With soft, superfine fiber fill, it keeps you just the right temperature no matter the season.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Machine washable
• Variety of colors available
• Affordable
• Quilting helps maintain shape

Cons

• Mixed reviews on the overall warmth of the comforter

The Bottom Line

In the end, if you’re investing in high-quality luxury bedding, you want to know you’re getting the best product out there. When it comes to overall quality, price, construction, and more, you can’t go wrong with the Norvegr Norwegian Eiderdown Duvet/Comforter, Limited Edition – you’ll never want to leave your bed!

Suppose you’re someone that’s allergic to eiderdown or you prefer not to be a consumer of animal products. In that case, you can still find great eiderdown alternatives out there, such as the Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter. If you liked this article, be sure to let us know in the comments down below. And if you’re looking for more tips and suggestions, check out our guide to the best microfleece blankets!