  thumb|a duvet, without a cover a duvet ( or ; ; from the french duvet  "down"), also known as a doona in australian english, or a continental quilt (or simply quilt) in british english, or a comforter in american english, is a type of bedding. it consists of a soft flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, silk or a synthetic alternative and protected with a removable cover, analogous to a pillow and pillow case. duvets originated in rural europe and were made from the down feathers of the eider duck, known for its usefulness as a thermal insulator. ==history== in the mid-18th century, thomas nugent, an englishman on a grand tour then passing through westphalia, observed with surprise: :"there is one thing very particular to them, that they do not cover themselves with bed-clothes, but lay one feather-bed over, and another under. this is comfortable enough in winter, but how they can bear their feather-beds over them in summer, as is generally practised, i cannot conceive." ==description== duvets reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the combination of bed sheets, blankets, and quilts or other bed covers. the duvet itself fits into a specially made cover, usually of cotton or a cotton blend. the duvet cover is removed and laundered as often as the bottom sheet and pillow cases. the duvet itself may be cleaned much more rarely, and depending on its contents, may require specialist dry cleaning. a modern duvet, like a sleeping bag, may be filled with down or feathers of various quality and cost, or silk, wool, cotton, or artificial fibers such as polyester batting. a duvet is not to be confused with a comforter, a us term for what was traditionally known in english as an eiderdown but is now only rarely used in the uk. while comforters go on top of the traditional sheets and blankets, duvets are used by themselves. ==regional variations== duvets are the most common form of bed covering, especially in northern europe. they became popular throughout the world in the late 20th century. originally this was the standard name used across australia. now, however, particularly in eastern regions, a duvet is often called a "doona", which is the brand name created
Blankets