Not Your Regular Wool

Although plain wool blankets may be uncomfortable against the skin, a wool comforter doesn't have such a drawback. In fact, wool can be treated in a way to make a comforter that has loft like down with the same ability to keep you warm in the middle of winter. There are a number of benefits of using this fill.

Lanolin

Wool is moisture resistant, and regulates humidity for a sleeper. Sheep naturally secrete a substance called lanolin, which is a type of grease that helps protect their fleece against moisture. Anywhere from 5 to 20% of the entire weight of the shorn fleece of a sheep can be lanolin. Lanolin also gives the resulting woolen product considerable protection against water. Anyone who has worn a wool sweater in the rain or snow knows that despite the precipitation, the sweater remains largely dry and retains ability to keep the wearer warm. A wool comforter may not be exposed to rain much, but it covers the human body which gives off considerable moisture, which the lanolin helps to wick away.

Keeps Dust Mites at Bay

The dryness of wool plays a large role in being able to keep dust mites at bay. Dust mites are microscopic critters that live off dead human skin particles and secrete an allergen known as Der p 1. They thrive well in many types of comforter fill, but do not do so in the arid conditions of wool. If dust mites are unable to take hold, they can't secrete Der p 1 to irritate the inhabitants of the house. In the event of a fire disaster, household materials resistant to burning can help slow down flames and give residents precious time to escape. Wool is naturally a flame retardant material.

Chemical Free

The structure of wool fibers is distinctively crimped, meaning that it holds itself together without the need for addition of chemical binders. The absence of chemicals is another plus for individuals with sensitive skins. One downside is that no matter how its treated wool will not have the same loft and fluffiness as down.

Retains Its Shape

Although a baffle box construction will help fill retain its shape over a longer time, wool is already a resilient material that does not bunch or shift easily. Studies show that while it can't replicate the amazing resilience of down it does restore itself to 95% of its original volume after compression. Synthetic fills score much worse for this test.

Drawbacks to Wool

There are some drawbacks concerning cleaning which is problematic as wool is dry clean or spot clean only. Washing will cause it to shrink and shift. Some people suggest just hanging it to make them fresh again, although this won't get rid of stains or insults such as spilled drinks or bed-wetting.