Down comforters are constructed by sewing down and feathers between a top and bottom cover, usually made of cotton. Silk or polyester covers are also used, though less frequently. Down comforters were originally called duvets, a French word meaning a simple open fabric bag, filled with feathers and down. Today a top and bottom cover, stitched (quilted) together, keeps the down evenly spread out in small compartments referred to as baffles or boxes.

There are two main types of down comforter constructions: baffle box and box stitch (also called sewn through). A baffle box comforter has thin strips of material sewn between the top and bottom cover in a checkered pattern. The baffles are usually between 6" and 15" in size with an equal amount of down in each. A box stitch comforter is also sewn in a checkered pattern; but rather than using small strips of material to separate the top and bottom cover, the top and bottom cover are sewn together forming boxes. Boxes serve the same purpose as baffles: they keep the down evenly spread out across the entire comforter.

Which is better, baffle box or box stitch construction? Box stitch is more common and more expensive to create, so there is a common misunderstanding that baffle box is the better construction. Also, many retailers make inaccurate claims about their products that add to the confusion most customers have when tying to decide on a down comforter. The truth is that both types of construction serve a purpose and both are the best choice for certain kinds of comforters.

Myth: Only baffle box construction "locks" down in place.

Truth: Both baffle box and box stitch construction secure down in separate compartments that keeps the down evenly distributed across the entire area of the comforter.

Myth: Box stitch construction allows cold to come through at the points where the top and bottom covers are sewn together, causing "cold spots."

Truth: This would be true if the comforter was held stretched out across the top of your bed, but it isn't. In practice, the boxes push together and conform to the shape of your body, providing the same amount of down insulation as a baffle box construction.

Myth: Baffle box construction gives a comforter a fuller look than box stitch construction.

Truth: Baffle box construction actually does the opposite; it makes the top of the comforter look flatter. A box stitch comforter gives a more sculpted and puffy look because each square is pulled together at its edges.

Box stitch is generally the best choice for lighter weight comforters used in the warmer climates and seasons. But box stitch is also best for heavier comforters (using more filling) when you want a sculpted or puffy look. Baffle box is usually the best choice for heavier comforters used in colder climates and seasons. Baffles allow the down to expand fully in heavier comforters, maximizing the insulation value of the comforter.

If you are looking to purchase a new down comforter and wondering which type of construction you should get, first remember that both are excellent and serve the primary function of keeping the down from shifting or bunching up in the corners. Box stitch is probably the better choice for comforters below 30 - 40 ounces of down fill (depending on dimensions), and baffle box is most likely the smart choice for heavier and warmer down comforters above 30 - 40 ounces. The main exception is if you are really looking for a sculpted or puffy look, and your main concern is the look of the comforter. Then get a box stitch comforter with over 40 ounces of fill.

Fill Weight Down Comforter

The Natural Comfort Classic Heavy Fill White Goose Down Alternative Duvet Insert Comforter features a heavy loft to keep you warm and toasty while you sleep. Insert is 100-percent allergy free. Measures 89 by 95 inches with 82 ounce down alternative fill.

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Most helpful customer reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful.
WARM even in Chicago winter
By Candace Drimmer
Needed a new quilt/comforter, and we keep the house at 58 at night--so I wanted a warm one that didn't cost the earth or a mortgage payment. THIS one was noted as being VERY warm (and allergy resistant since for allergy reasons I cannot do down). IT IS. Bravo. Though it doesn't look heavy and isn't to sleep under, had to turn the heat in the waterbed down to a lower temperature (good for the winter heating bills). Fabulous item for it's price.

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful.
Well made, very warm
By Shoe Maven
I chose this to fit a queen-size platform storage bed because I didn't want the sides to overhang below the drawers. It is VERY warm, but not too heavy. Excellant loft. Baffel boxes keep filling from shifting.

69 of 77 people found the following review helpful.
Very warm, very puffy, very clean and soft
By Jennifer Farley
Did my homework before buying this, had some concerns about non-down but this is very very nice. You will still want an all-cotton duvet cover. Good for people who need a Siberian down type comforter but have money, allergy or pet issues. Me, I like down, but I have a rescue pup with a nervous bladder, and there is NOTHING I can do if the sirens drive by or the alarm goes off. SO....down did not launder well and I don't want to sleep with or pay for all that dry-cleaning solvent.....

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Microfibers possess a velvety and smooth texture that makes them suitable for sheets and bedding. The human hair is 100 times thicker than microfibers. They are microscopic synthetic fibers of polyester and polyamide.

The qualities of microfibers have given rise to them being called the fabric of the future. This material can be made to feel like silk, cotton, or suede.

They are able to retain their shape no matter how frequently they are washed. They are extremely strong and durable. Do not expect this fabric to tear even if it is used on a daily basis.

Fabrics made from microfibers are excellent for persons suffering from allergies. Not only are they synthetic materials but they are more durable, lighter, more breathable and softer than natural fibers.

The make-up of microfibers gives it an advantage over natural fibers.

The fibers are too tiny for any pollen grain to dust mite to get trapped inside as is the case with natural fibers. Allergy sufferers, therefore, are more likely to be healthier in an environment where microfiber fabrics are used.

The versatility of microfibers allows for the fabrics to be of any shape or form. They can to be used in the manufacturing of various items such as curtains, bedding, comforters, microfiber sheets, upholstering materials, mops, among other household items.

Microfiber sheets provide the answer you are looking for in this economy. The sheets can be double sided because they are extremely soft and light. They can be easily washed in a washing machine. When you are making your purchases you are able to choose from a variety of colors and patterns. Although they tend to be more expensive than cotton sheets, they are worth the buy as you get value for your money.

If you are in search of a material that will give you give the wow factor and liven up your bedroom then microfibers sheets is the way to go.

There are many great reasons for creating a gender-neutral nursery for your new baby. Whether it is because you're waiting to find out your baby's gender, you want a theme that can suit whatever other children come along, you're having twins, or if you're just not into the "baby boy" or "baby girl" themes, here are some great ways to create fun nurseries that work perfectly for a boy, or a girl.

Stripes

Striped nurseries are very modern and can be suited with a great selection of colors to welcome a little boy or a little girl. Some great color themes include turquoise, brown and white; white, red, and taupe, or yellow, grey, and white.

Jungle

A jungle themed nursery is very fun to create. Think rainforest! Bright colors, trees, and exotic animals like toucans, monkeys, and tigers. Whether you buy pictures for the walls, or paint the animals directly onto the walls, it is sure to be quite the sight.

Black and White

Simple and stunning, black and white nurseries are very easy to create. Whether you use stripes, patchwork, or just a combination of black furniture and white furniture, your black and white nursery will be beautiful.

Teddy Bears

So classic, and traditional, a nursery filled with welcoming teddy bears is perfect for any baby. You can include teddy bear pictures, teddy bear blankets, and an array of bears that are small and large placed throughout the room.

Stars

Creating a star-themed nursery can be very versatile. Whether you choose to go for the modern-looking 3-D tin stars, classic yellow stars, or white stars, you can find star-shaped lighting, star-studded bedding, and great wall decorations to be sure your child will grow up...a star!

Patriotic

Whether you choose the true American red, white and blue, patriotic theme, or your native land's flag and colors, creating a patriotic-themed nursery allows your little one to grow up with a full sense of heritage and patriotism.

World

You could also do a slight variation of patriotic and go for a 'world traveler' theme, with décor such as maps, globes, and pictures of landmarks from throughout the world

Circles

Another fun variation of the classic stripes, circles are becoming a nursery hit. You may consider a circle crib, circle decorations, or colored circles painted on the wall, along with a bold circle area rug, this nursery variation is sure to be a hit.

Under the Sea

Another nursery that includes lots of bright colors! Create an underwater themed atmosphere in your nursery, and fill it with tropical fish, seaweed, starfish, and soothing ocean blue.

Artistic

Imagine a nursery complete with an easel, crayons, pallets, and great works of art. Whether it's modern bright-colored art, or Picassos and Monets, your artistic-themed nursery is sure to inspire an artistic little one.

Numbers

Inspire a little mathematician by creating a nursery full of numbers. Maybe include an abacus, numbers on the walls, and numbered bedding.

ABC's

A slight variation to the Numbers theme, an ABC theme is sure to inspire a new little writer. Complete with baby blocks, wooden letters painted on the walls, and famous literary works, you'll have lots of fun creating this nursery

Whatever theme you pick, your new baby's nursery is sure to be stunning and perfect for a little boy, a little girl, or twins for years to come!

Unfortunately it is winter time again and with winter comes cold air and cold houses. Sure most of us are lucky enough to have heated homes but sometimes the ruler of the home gets to set the heat at his/her preference leaving us cold blooded folks still cold. In order to warm up, it would be smart to wear more clothing or find a suitable blanket to do the job.

At nights when you are trying to stay warm in your bed, there are some blankets that just work better at keeping you warmer than others. Here are a few words about blankets and what to look in ones that will do the best job in keeping you warm in a cold house.

There are many different brands, styles, and designs of blankets that you can use to keep your body warm. Most homes have a variety of different blankets that you can use depending on your comfort level. In my home, we have lighter blankets that we use in the summer months and heavier blankets for use in the winter. Electric blankets are also a nice addition to your bed that you can use to keep you warm as well. In my honest opinion, it is best to have a whole bunch of different blankets to choose from, especially if your house is occupied by a good number of family and friends.

When choosing blankets for your home, you'll first want to consider the different materials that the blankets are made out of. The two main categories of fabric are natural and synthetic.

Natural fiber blankets to me are the most comfortable and best choice. Of course since these blankets are made of real materials that last longer and keep you warmer, they will cost more as well. You can buy them standard in cotton, wool, and even down. These materials are breathable, wash easily, and will last a long time.

The down material may not be as easy to wash but uses a material from under the feathers of ducks and geese that keeps them warm. So it should come as no surprise that the down blankets are going to a great job in keeping your warm as well.

Some people find that the synthetic materials are better blankets for them because they are hypoallergenic, cheaper, and are just as soft. The only negatives of using a blanket made out of synthetic materials are that they don't breathe as well and won't last near as long.

Be a wise shopper and choose the best blanket for you and your family. Check online for price specials and packages of blankets that come as sets. You may be surprised at just how easy it is to find the right blanket online without even having t leave the comfort of your own home.

Keeping all your wedding papers and contacts organized is a must when planning a wedding. There are many computer progams available to help you do this, however, it's kind of hard to carry a computer along with you as you make your rounds visiting locations and meeting with vendors. As well, many people aren't all that comfortable using a computer for such things.

There are also many books and organizers available which you can purchase to help you with this organizing task. You can find these at book and stationary stores, however you can also quickly put together your own wedding planner, personalizing it to suit your needs. Not to mention, you will save yourself some money. With wedding budgets being fairly tight, this is an inexpensive alternative. Here's how you can make your own wedding planner.

Materials Needed:

1 three-ring binder

10 to 12 tab pages

Lined loose-leaf paper

10 to 12 clear, top-loading plastic protector sheets

1 to 2 clear, press-on laminating sheets (for the front & back covers)

Photos, lace, ribbons - whatever decorations you desire to dress up the front cover

White or tacky glue

How To Put It Together

1. After choosing your photos and other decorative mementos for your planning book, work out a pleasing arrangement on the front cover. You may also wish to use scrapbook paper to help you with the design. There are many beautiful papers available for this purpose and can be found at any craft store. Once you have your arrangement set, glue the pieces to the cover. Apply the laminating sheet over the top. Move your hand from the center out to the edges to push out any air bubbles and smooth out the sheet.

2. Taking your tab pages, label each one with the following labels:

• Calendar - create your own wedding countdown sheet or print one off from the Internet. Insert the countdown calendar in this location and check off each item as you complete each of the steps.
• Budget - keep your budget sheet here with estimated costs, actual costs, who's paying for each item
• Invitations & Thank You's - printing, guest list, postage, etc.
• Flowers - all flowers for both the reception and the ceremony, including bouquets
• Clothing - wedding dress, headpiece and veil, accessories, groom's attire, attendant's attire & accessories
• Wedding Ceremony - ceremony location, officiant, musicians, soloist, decorations, wedding programs, etc.
• Photography/Videography - engagement photos, wedding photos, newspaper announcements, albums, videotaping, etc.
• Reception - location rental, table setup, plates & cutlery, decorations, entertainment, wedding favors, labor, etc.
• Wedding Cake - wedding cake, groom's cake, cake topper, cake knife and server, etc.
• Food and Beverages - all food and beverages, serving tables, how it's to be served, etc.
• Honeymoon - transportation, accommodations, entertainment, clothing, etc.
• Miscellaneous - all the other stuff: transportation to and from wedding/reception, marriage license, blood tests, rehearsal dinner, gifts for attendants, any other expenses

3. Place your tabbed sheets into the binder. Place your budget worksheet under the budget section. Add several sheets of loose-leaf paper to all the other sections for making notes. You should copy the related budget information on the first paper sheet of each section for quick reference. Use the note paper to write down names, dates, meeting times, phone numbers, addresses and any other related information to that section. If you receive business cards (which you will), tape them to the pages.

4. Place a plastic protector sheet in each section as well. You will use these to hold contracts, receipts, price lists, pictures, clippings, brochures, and other related category information. Not only will you be able to quickly get your hands on a piece of needed correspondence or a receipt, you will also have a collection of mementos that can be used later for putting together a wedding scrapbook.

Keep cozy on cold nights under a comforter secured inside this luxury hotel-style duvet cover from Pinzon’s Hotel Banded collection of bedding. Available in Full/Queen, King, and California King sizes, the duvet cover adorns the surface of the bed with a solid color rectangle with a double-banded border in white and the same color. The outer overhanging edges of the duvet cover are a crisp white. Made in Portugal, the duvet cover was crafted in 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton for strength and softness. A four-over sateen weave enhances the cotton’s softness and gives the duvet cover luster. On the backside, a hidden button closure offers access to remove or secure a comforter. Machine wash the duvet cover separately in cold water and dry using a low-heat setting for the best care. To preserve the cover’s color and quality, avoid the use of chlorine bleach. The duvet cover requires the separate purchase of a duvet comforter. For coordination, Pinzon offers the duvet cover in several colors, along with an assortment of coordinating Hotel Banded bedding. This King duvet cover measures 92 by 106 inches.

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Most helpful customer reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful.
Great Duvet
By Mikal E. Belicove
I ordered this duvet because my Mother was coming to visit and I wanted her room to feel as much like a boutique hotel room as possible. Pinzon's banded duvet did the trick, and when matched with the "Hotel Banded 300-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton" sheets, was over the top. The only reason I didn't rate this item a five is because of the less than perfect way it comes out of the dryer. Ideally, the bands would lay flat and not require ironing but that's just wishful thinking. If you're Mom or in-laws or guests are coming to town and you want to make their stay more enjoyable, you can't miss with this product. Finding stuff to do with your Mom when she visits for a week or more; well, you're on your own there

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful.
Nice looking, but captures and holds lint
By Emma
This is really nice looking. However, we have a small dog and the duvet captures and holds her fur and lint. I would recommend it for anyone who doesn't have a pet.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful.
Feels like sleeping under a cloud!
By malteseheart
I have been looking for "hotel" style bedding for our new home & this product is outstanding. I bought the whole set including king duvet, skirt, sheets, euro shams, regular shams & throw pillows for around $300 - you just can't beat the price for the quality. It was more than 1/2 price of the boutique sites that I had been looking at. They are silky smooth, light to sleep under & hardly wrinkle at all. I would recommend getting one size up on your down insert so it fills the duvet to the corners. Could not be happier!

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The best way to get rid of fleas and flea eggs in your pet's bedding and your soft furnishings is use the vinegar and water mixture to wash them. But if you don't want to use the vinegar and water mixture there are other alternative that you can use to get rid of fleas and flea eggs in your pet's bedding and soft furniture.

Here are two suggestions:

• Wash your pet's bedding in scalding hot water. If you just want to get rid of the fleas you can always wash your pet's bedding in ultra hot water without soap. The heat of the water and the force of the water will kill any fleas in the bedding and dislodge any eggs from the bedding. If you do run your pet's bedding through the washer's hot cycle then run the washer once afterward with no clothes in it to make sure that the flea eggs that you rinsed out of your pet's bedding don't end up back on your clothes or bedding.
• Dry clean bedding and pillows that can't be washed in hot water. You can clean couch cushions, pillows and some types of bedding that can't go in the washer like fur bedding with a dry clean at home kit from the store. Usually this involves putting the item that you want to dry clean in a special bag containing dry cleaning solution and then putting it in the dryer on a very high temperature for a set period of time. So, anything that you can fit into your dryer you can dry clean. The high heat and the chemicals will quickly kill and fleas and get rid of eggs that might be embedded in your soft furnishings or in your own bedding

Bedding Products

Easy Clean All-Natural Corn Cob bedding contains a select, heat-dried portion of corn cobs.

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Most helpful customer reviews

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
HUGE Bag - Great Product
By Isa Harrison
I use this for my rabbit's litter box. I wanted a bedding material that is different from the recycled paper bedding I use in the rest of his cage. I will note that this stuff is not soft and cuddly, so I would recommend it for litter boxes or drop trays only. Rabbits cannot have clumping litter in their cage because it causes respiratory problems, so this is a great alternative. It does not clump, but it does soak up urine pretty well. I generally change it every other day. My hardware store had stopped carrying another brand of corn cob litter, so I looked here on Amazon. I was a little worried about spending $20 since I wasn't sure how much I would be getting and of what quality. I am happy to say that I was shocked at huge this bag was when it arrived. It filled an entire large plastic bin! It seems like good quality and has very low amounts of dust. Another big plus of corn cob bedding is that it is very environmentally friendly as it is a byproduct of corn production - which is the largest agricultural production in the US. I definitely recommend this product.

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5HTP, a natural health supplement, has shown itself to be generally safe during the past forty years of scientific testing. 5HTP seems to be tolerated better by a larger number of people than its pharmaceutical cousins, the SSRI antidepressant medications like Prozac and Paxil.

Of course, nothing is completely without side effects so anyone taking 5HTP needs to be alert to the possible side effects.

5HTP has been tested enough to reveal a distinct pattern of side effects. The most common side effect of 5HTP treatment is intestinal or stomach upset. This is because about 90% of the serotonin in your body is actually not in your brain, but in your intestines.

Among other things, serotonin helps regulate the involuntary contractions of the intestines, called peristalsis, which flush waste through your system. Your intestines are loaded with serotonin so any changes in levels can affect this entire process.

Specifically which digestive side effects you might experience by taking 5HTP will depend on your personal state of health. Anything within the gamut of digestive system complaints could occur, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, even vomiting. Some people report this side effect being less severe, or even disappearing completely, if they take their 5HTP with a meal.

About 3 to 5% of people who take 5HTP report digestive-related side effects. They can range from mild to severe.

Digestive disturbances due to 5HTP treatment are most likely to be extreme with people who already have chronic digestive disorders. So if you suffer with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, ulcers or any among a long list of digestive problems, perhaps 5HTP treatment is not a good option for you. Please consult with a health care practitioner in your area.

Another reported side effect with 5HTP is vivid dreams, sometimes escalating to nightmares. This side effect occurs because dreaming and sleep depend heavily on serotonin. 5HTP and sleep go together like a chilly night and a goose-down comforter. This is why 5HTP treatment is so helpful for people with sleep disorders. 5HTP can help set the serotonin level back to a healthy level for better sleep.

On the flip side, because the biological process of sleep is delicate, 5HTP might cause your sleep to become disrupted. Everyone is different in this regard and while some enjoy extreme dreams, others find it upsetting. Often, people report that their dreams return to normal once their body adjusts to having a higher level of 5HTP and serotonin. Rarely, people choose to stop taking 5HTP because this side effect bothers them.

As you would expect, digestive disturbances and vivid dreams are both commonly reported side effects with all treatments that affect serotonin levels, such as the SSRI antidepressants, like Prozac or Paxil.

For best protection against side effects when taking 5HTP, start with a low dosage, such as 50mg or less once per day, and increase gradually. Sometimes it's advisable to give your body periodic breaks from taking 5HTP. Taking breaks can lower the incidence of side effects too. Some people experience relief from side effects if they take 5HTP with meals.

The incidence of side effects from 5HTP is lower than it is with many other medicines. This is because 5HTP is a pure substance found already in the body. It isn't a complex substance with many components that break down, spread throughout the body and wreck unintended havoc. 5HTP functions in the body in a relatively straight forward manner.

The same can't be said for other most other medicines. Virtually every medicine known has some components that are beneficial and others that aren't. It's these unwanted components that lead to unpleasant side effects. The more pure a medicinal molecule is, the easier the body can assimilate it and this fact is to the benefit of anyone taking 5HTP.

When compared to the number of people who find the side effects of treatment objectionable, 5HTP generally fares better than its pharmaceutical counterparts. For example, in a study conducted by researcher Dr. H. M. van Praag, only 3% of the study group taking 5HTP quit, while 9% of the group receiving an SSRI left the study.

All medicines produce side effects people find intolerable, it's to be expected. The question isn't IF people don't like the treatment, it's how many people object to the point of discontinuation? With 5HTP, the answer is generally less than with comparable treatments.

All in all, 5HTP side effects are minimal or nonexistent for most people. The vast majority of people who take 5HTP report a positive experience. Dr. L.J. van Hiele, who has been one of the leading researchers of 5HTP, reported, "no contraindications or significant side effects in our series of tests...follow-ups of the blood pressure, living function, urine and EEG's revealed no anomalies."

Of course, this generally positive news does not negate the fact that some people find 5HTP side effects intolerable. All medications should be judged by weighing the benefits against the risks. Only you can determine where the line is right for you.