Editing Comforter (section)

{{short description|Type of bedcover}}
{{other uses}}
{{sources|date=April 2019}}
[[Image:summit silk bedding comforter.jpg|thumb|A white comforter]]
A '''comforter''' (in American English), also known as a '''doona''' in Australian English,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2016/jan/05/duvets-v-eiderdowns-the-royal-household-takes-it-to-the-mattresses |title=Duvets v eiderdowns – the royal household takes it to the mattresses |last=Cocozza |first=Paula |date=January 6, 2016 |work=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921021408/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2016/jan/05/duvets-v-eiderdowns-the-royal-household-takes-it-to-the-mattresses |archive-date=September 21, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> or a '''continental quilt''' (or simply '''[[quilt]]''') or '''[[duvet]]''' in British English,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lexico.com/definition/duvet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122140105/https://www.lexico.com/definition/duvet|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2022|title=DUVET &#124; Meaning & Definition for UK English &#124; Lexico.com|website=Lexico Dictionaries &#124; English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duvet|title=Definition of DUVET|website=www.merriam-webster.com|date=20 May 2024 }}</ref> is a type of [[bedding]] made of two lengths of fabric or covering sewn together and filled with insulative materials for warmth, traditionally down or feathers, wool or cotton batting, silk, or polyester and other down alternative fibers. Like [[quilt]]s, comforters are generally laid over a top [[bed sheet]] (and sometimes also [[blanket]]s) and used to cover the body during sleep. [[Duvet]]s are another form of quilt, traditionally filled with feathers, though since the late 20th century often made of synthetic fibres or down alternatives.

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.{{refn|group=note|In British English, the word 'comforter' is a dated word meaning a woollen scarf for winter. See [[wikt:comforter]].}} It is instead called a ''quilt'' (or ''continental quilt''), a ''duvet'' or an ''eiderdown''. A [[duvet]] differs in that it is thicker and usually used with a cover, and without blankets or extra sheets.

In Indonesia, the term comforter is not generally used. It is instead called a ''Bed Cover''. Usually bed cover is sold in packages containing sheets and comforter.

Sometimes a comforter is sold as part of a "bed in a bag", usually a case of some sort with handles that contains an entire set of bedding in the same or a matching pattern: comforter and top sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcase(s), and perhaps pillow sham(s). Some sets have a duvet and duvet cover (more popular in Europe) in place of a comforter and top sheet. More deluxe sets may include a [[bed skirt]] and pillows.

Comforters are usually used in the winter season when it is very cold, although a variety of different thicknesses means that they can be used in other seasons as well, with lighter examples being used in warmer weather.  Due to the thickness of a comforter or the amount of down/feathers or other filling it has, a person is insulated against cold.

Comforter sizes correspond with [[bed size]]s: twin, full, queen, king, and cal-king. Comforter sizes run slightly larger than mattress sizes to allow for draping over the sides of the bed. Typical sizes in the United States for comforters are: 
* Twin Bed = {{cvt|64|in|cm|0}} width × {{cvt|87|in|cm|0}} length
* Queen Bed &nbsp;/ Full = {{cvt|87|in|cm|0}} width × {{cvt|87|in|cm|0}} length
* King Bed = {{cvt|101|in|cm|0}} width × {{cvt|90|in|cm|0}} length