Duvet inserts fit inside duvet covers to create a cozy, luxurious sleep experience. Keep reading to learn all about duvet inserts and how they compare to other bedding options like comforters.

What Is a Duvet Insert?

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A duvet insert is a blanket filled with either natural or synthetic fibers that goes inside of a decorative duvet cover. The purpose of a duvet insert is to keep you warm and cozy as you sleep. When it's time to wash your duvet, you only have to remove and wash the lightweight duvet cover, since the duvet insert never comes in direct contact with your skin.

Tip!

Check out What Is a Duvet Cover? to learn how to further distinguish the two.

Comforter vs. Duvet Insert: What's the Difference?

Duvet inserts and comforters are very similar in appearance, which is why it's easy to confuse the two. Here are the main differences between these two bedding options:

• The duvet insert is the large filled blanket that goes within the cover, while a comforter is a blanket with filling that is stitched closed as one single piece in order to act as the top layer of bedding.
• Duvet inserts are typically neutral in color since they're meant to go inside a decorative cover, while comforters can be all sorts of colors and designs since they're the main bedding layer.
• Duvets are easier to toss in the washing machine since you just have to wash the thin duvet cover, whereas you might have to wash a comforter as a whole (unless you're a fan of the top sheet)

Tip!

Need more help deciding between a duvet or a comforter? Review The Age Old Debate: Duvet vs. Comforter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Here are some of the most-asked questions about duvet insets to enhance your understanding.

1. What Is a Duvet Insert Made of?

A duvet insert ultimately consists of a quilted outer shell and a filler material for maximum comfort.

Shell

The outer shell of the duvet insert – also known as the ticking – is usually made from a durable cotton or synthetic material. This durability is imperative as the duvet insert is meant to last a long time. While it is the duty of the duvet cover to protect the duvet insert's shell from stains and damage and be washed frequently, the shell is washed only when necessary. Duvet inserts usually come in neutral colors like white and cream to allow the patterned duvet cover to be more prominent.

Filler

The duvet insert is filled with either natural or synthetic fibers to give it weight and warmth. Usually these fibers are held in place with a box stitch to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the insert. Each fill material has its own weight and breathability levels along with other advantages that you may want to consider.

Down: Down is a high-quality filling made from goose or duck feathers. It is fluffy, comfortable, and can be used during any season thanks to its breathability. These duvet inserts are lightweight and breathable but unfortunately cannot be machine-washed. Down is ideal for those looking for natural fill but are allergic to wool.

Cotton: Cotton is a natural plant-derived fiber that is breathable, hypoallergenic, and absorbent. It is light-weight but not as fluffy or lofty as other fillings. These duvet inserts are best used in summer to keep you warm without getting too hot.

Polyester & Microfiber: Synthetic man-made materials like polyester and microfiber are easy to clean, durable, lightweight, breathable, and warm. These fills are ideal for people with allergies to natural fiber, or who are looking for high-quality budget-friendly inserts. Although they are machine-made, these materials are just as comfortable as the natural ones.

Silk: Silk is natural, breathable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic, and makes for a lightweight duvet insert that can be used year-round.

Wool: Wool is a natural moisture-wicking fiber that is breathable and regulates temperatures unlike synthetic fibers. Wool is also hypo-allergenic, which is great for people who suffer from allergies. It is a fantastic and heavier fill material that works well for those colder months.

2. Can you use a duvet insert like a comforter?

Yes, you can absolutely use a duvet insert by itself as the topmost layer of bedding! You'll just have to wash or spot-treat it more frequently than if you had a cover.

3. Can you use a comforter like a duvet insert?

If you have a comforter and are looking for a little room refresh, it is entirely possible to place a duvet cover over it to add new color or patterns to your space.

4. What's the easiest way to get a duvet insert into a duvet cover?

It's actually super easy to put a duvet insert into a duvet cover! Review How to Put On a Duvet Cover to learn about the duvet roll method.

5. How do you pick the right size?

You simply need to pick a duvet insert that's the same size as the cover (twin, full, queen, king, etc.). The same goes if you're looking for a decorative duvet cover to fit an insert. You want the duvet insert to fill out the cover to prevent any gaps on the sides. You can also size down the cover if you want your bedding to look more full and cozy.

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