Comforter

A comforter (American English) is a type of blanket. Comforters are intended to keep the user warm, especially during sleep. Comforters are generally large and rectangular in shape, filled with natural or synthetic insulative material and encased in a shell/covering. Like quilts, comforters are generally used with a set of bed sheets. Duvets are a form of comforter, traditionally filled with feathers though often made of synthetic fibres.

Comforter sizes correspond with bed sizes: twin, full, queen, king, and cal-king. Comforter sizes run slightly larger than actual bed sizes to allow for draping over the sides of the bed. Typical sizes in the United States for comforters are:

• Twin = 64" (162.56 cm) Width x 87" (220.98 cm) Length
• Queen / Full = 87" (220.98 cm) Width x 87" (220.98 cm) Length
• King = 101" (256.54 cm) Width x 90" (228.6 cm) Length.

A comforter is sometimes covered for protection and prolonged use. Comforter covers are similar in principle to pillowcases, usually closed with zippers or buttons.

In the United Kingdom the term comforter is not generally used. A Duvet differs in that it is thicker and usually used without blankets or extra sheets.

Sometimes a comforter is sold as a "bed in a bag". This term usually denotes an entire set of bedding, including either a comforter or duvet with its cover.

Comforters are sometimes packaged in a set that also includes a bed skirt, pillow shams, and sometimes pillows.