Down Alternative Blanket vs. Comforter

The distinction between a blanket and a comforter will be in the eye of the person using them. A comforter is defined as a cover that is bulked up with the addition of down or other fill inside. A blanket can be similarly constructed, but is thought to end up being lighter, thinner for warmer

seasons or times. Moreover, a blanket can even be made of a single layer of woven fabric like wool or cotton. For the purposes of the following article, we'll think of a blanket in the first sense, as a lighter version of a comforter. Such blankets can be filled with down or down alternatives, the latter making up the category of bedding known as down alternative blankets.

Hypoallergenic Down and Down Alternatives

There are actually two ways to make a blanket hypoallergenic. One way is to fill it with something called hypoallergenic down. This fill is still made from the same goose plumules that line traditional blankets, but it's also been supplemented with something like syriaca (better known as milkweed) which seems to reduce dust mite infestation. Dust mites release the allergens that cause asthma and allergies. Another way is to fill the blanket with a synthetic material, better known as a down alternative. As far as down alternatives go, one has a choice of natural fibers such as wool or silk, or synthetics such as polyester. Not all polyesters are the same. Primaloft is an example of a trademarked and branded down alternative used in many kinds of products.

Buying a Down Alternative Blanket

Where can you get a down alternative blanket? There are actually many retailers both online and brick-and-mortar who carry them. Since it may be hard to get started, we will list here a few possibilities for you to get started on your own search. Expect to pay anywhere from $29.99 (the low end) to $152.99 (the high end) for these down alternative blankets, depending on the size, quality of construction, and brand name.

Cuddledown 400 Thread Count Oversized Synthetic Blanket

This blanket is modeled after the famous Cuddledown down alternative comforter which has a popular following as well as enthusiastic reviews from people who exclusively use down alternative comforters. The fill is from Cuddledown's proprietary line that is amongst one of the lightest and softest synthetics. Buyers can select from a number of colors.

MicroMax Down Alternative Blanket

The online retailers allergybuyersclubshopping.com and others carry MicroMax's down alternative blanket. The claim is that MicroMax uses a proprietary microfiber technology, based on a polyester fill that approximates down as much as possible. The company claims that their blanket is not prone to clumping, extremely lofty, easy to wash and has been processed to withstand dust mite infestation.

The Company Store Supersize Primaloft Deluxe Blanket

The famous Primaloft polyester down alternative fill has made its way into this blanket. The Company Store also manufactures a natural version of this down alternative blanket. THe fill is well-known for having a high warmth-to-weight ratio approaching that of natural goose plumules.