Jessica C.

With the onset of wintery temperatures, lightweight bed coverings are no longer sufficient. The time has come to bring out the big guns, but what type of blanket is the best choice? Conventional wisdom is that a fluffy down comforter is best for achieving winter comfort. While I do not dispute the extreme levels of coziness a down comforter can achieve, it is my opinion that the more moderate and even coziness offered by a traditional, heavy quilt is superior.

The coziness index of down comforters is practically off the charts after a few hours in bed (Fig. 1), but they do take some time to reach that point. Unfortunately, they begin well below acceptable levels. Their fluffy, irregular shape is to blame. Down comforters do not lay perfectly flat (Fig. 2a) and this create many cold air pockets that require warming before an acceptable coziness level can be achieved. Also, due to this uneven arrangement, a simple shift in position will often cause a new deposit of cold air to be unleashed, resulting in dramatic dips in coziness.

In contrast, a traditional quilt tends to lay quite evenly (Fig. 2b). This results in less area requiring warming and fewer cold air pockets. For these reasons, a traditional quilt reaches acceptable levels of coziness much more quickly than a down comforter.

It could be argued that the extreme coziness eventually achieved by a down comforter makes some of the initial discomfort worth the trouble, but a high coziness index, while pleasant, can be dangerous. I would submit that many an individual has been late for their morning commitments due difficulty getting out of an extremely cozy bed.The more moderate, reasonable coziness provided by a quilt is far less likely to interfere with daytime activities.

I realize that winter blanket choices are personal and a matter of taste. Some may prefer the wild ride of a down comforter. Personally, I like the reliable and consistent coziness of a quilt.