Duvets are usually filled with down, down and feathers, or a down alternative. Down is a term for the soft and fluffy inner feathers that insulate ducks and geese from the cold. Goose down is fluffier than duck down and is the type most commonly used in duvets.
Some duvets may be filled with a mixture of down and synthetic fibers. If you want a duvet filled with down only, look for “All down” or “Pure down” on the label. A duvet can be labeled as a down duvet and only contain 30 percent actual down. If you are allergic to feathers, you may still be able to use a down duvet if it is filled with cleaned and sterilized down.
Comforters can also be filled with these materials, but it’s most common to find comforters with synthetic fibers between its outer layers. Synthetic fillings may be required if you have severe feather allergies. Whatever type of duvet or comforter you buy, make sure you follow the label’s care instructions, so you do not damage or compress the filling.