7 Best Organic Cotton Comforters & Non-Toxic Duvet Inserts

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James Miller
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James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
Category: 
Updated: March 19, 2024

Many people in the US are waking up to the fact that traditional synthetic bedding, made using pesticides, chemicals, and flame retardants, can be harmful to their health. Considering we spend a third of our lives in bed, that is a significant problem.

That's why, in 2024, there's a considerable move towards organic and sustainable bedding.

As the resident sleep expert (it's what I do best), I was tasked to investigate the best organic comforters that are free from harsh chemicals, and made from non-toxic, natural, and eco-friendly materials.

It turned out there were quite a few great options that I think you're going to love...

Top Eco-Friendly & Organic Comforters of 2024

We Say: I had the pleasure of snuggling under the Avocado Alpaca Duvet Insert for a few weeks, and it quickly became apparent that it would be my overall winner!

This duvet insert is made from natural alpaca fiber sourced directly from the Peruvian Andes and encased in GOTS-certified organic cotton percale.

It's available in two weights...all season and lightweight. I opted for the all-season version, which has totally lived up to its name. Whether a chilly winter night or a warm summer evening, this perfectly breathable, thermoregulating, moisture-wicking duvet will keep you comfortable and cozy.

The alpaca fiber is lightweight, flame-resistant, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic, ticking all the boxes for safety and health. The organic percale casing adds another layer of breathability, surpassing synthetic alternatives by miles.

As an eco-enthusiast, the sustainability aspect of this duvet insert truly resonates with me. Avocado is a Climate Neutral Certified company that measures and offsets emissions.

A minor downside I've encountered is the care instructions. Spot cleaning only is recommended, which can be a bit inconvenient. But, considering the quality and durability of the product, it's a small trade-off.

Plus, a good quality machine washable duvet cover (like the Avocado Organic Cotton Duvet Cover) will keep your duvet fully protected from everyday wear and stains.

Verified Customer Reviews

  • Exactly What I Was Looking For

    Such an awesome alternative to the common duck down comforters. I wanted something more sustainable and cruelty-free as well as organic and this ticked all the boxes. Now I want to replace all the beds in the house with this duvet. Thank you for such a high-quality, thoughtful product!

    Lisa O
    ★★★★★

  • Cat Approved and Cozy

    Feels like a weighted blanket. It helps me regulate my temperature without feeling trapped. 

    My cat loves how cozy it is and naps on it regularly.

    The lightweight version is perfect for the humid climate of southeast USA

    TJ H
    ★★★★★

  • Never Going Back to Feather Duvet

    I love my alpaca duvet insert so much more than my old feather one. The material doesn't bunch and I stay comfortable at night.

    Cynthia H
    ★★★★★

We Say: I love PlushBeds products. So, when I was tasked with testing cotton comforters, PlushBeds felt like a perfect place to look.

I was initially disappointed that PlusBeds doesn't have an organic comforter option. However, this passed quickly when I got my hands on this goose down comforter. It's a thing of beauty! 

Soft, silky smooth (thanks to the 330 thread count 100% cotton sateen cover), and just the right level of warmth for me (I got a full eight hours of sleep and woke up feeling fantastic).

The down used in this comforter is of the highest quality and certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). So you can sleep easy knowing that the down that's keeping you cozy all night was obtained ethically and sustainably.

I love that PlushBed oversizes their comforters, so they work with any mattress depth (giving you plenty of overhang on both sides). No more fighting Mrs. M for full coverage!

Cleaning this comforter is also a breeze. It's machine washable and drier-safe. However, to save electricity, I recommend line drying and then giving it ten minutes in the drier to fluff it back up.

PlushBed is a Green America certified business that offsets its carbon footprint by funding clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction.

If you're searching for a top-of-the-line comforter with comfort, quality, and eco-credentials, look no further than the PlushBeds Sateen White Goose Down Comforter.

It might not be certified organic. But it is super cozy, packed with serious eco-credentials, and will surely be a great addition to your bedroom!

We Say: If you're looking for natural down and 100% organic cotton, a duvet insert from Boll & Branch is well worth considering.

They call this product a duvet insert (there are corner ties if you want to use a cover), but it works brilliantly as an uncovered comforter.

The down used is sourced from USA farms and is Responsible Down Standard certified.

It's also 2x cleaner than the government standard, thanks to the process of washing it in BLUESIGN-certified detergent.

I tested the Lightweight option, which was perfect for me (I like to sleep cool). However, if you prefer a little more weight/warmth, Midweight and Ultraweight options are available.

Either way, this is top-quality organic bedding at a reasonable price.

We Say: This is another organic duvet insert that I feel works brilliantly as a cozy comforter.

In fact, this is one of the best comforters I've ever slept under. But that kind of accolade doesn't come cheap! However, you do get a lot of eco-credentials for your money.

The entire comforter (cotton casing and natural wool filling) is organic, so you know it's of the highest quality and free of toxins.

I went for the 'Perfect Comfort' filling level, which was perfect for me.

If you like more weight/warmth, you might want to consider upgrading to the 'Great North Warmth' option.

If cost is not a consideration, and you want a certified organic comforter free of dyes and chemicals, this is the one for you.

Free shipping to Canada and the U.S. is available.

Takasa also offers a 60-day no-hassle return policy for extra peace of mind for this investment of a purchase.

We Say: Ok, I know this is supposed to be a list of cotton comforters...but this bamboo one is too good not to be included!

From the moment I unfurled this comforter, I was instantly drawn to its marshmallow-like softness. Crafted from organically grown bamboo, this comforter is luxuriously plush and kinder to the planet.

A standout aspect of this comforter is its breathability. It's like a personal AC unit for your bed, regulating your body temperature and improving your sleep quality.

As someone with sensitive skin (especially as I get older), I appreciate that this comforter is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended. The materials used are free of harmful chemicals (as certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100), which gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm wrapping myself in pure, clean comfort.

The comforter is also generously sized, providing ample coverage for all types of beds and sleepers. 

This comforter arrived in a reusable zippered tote bag, which adds a lovely touch and is perfect for gifting or travel. It's a testament to the brand's commitment to reducing waste and attention to detail.

We Say: Unboxing this comforter felt like Christmas morning. It arrived beautifully packaged in a reusable organic cotton bag, a thoughtful nod to Coyuchi's commitment to sustainability. 

The first thing that struck me was its raw beauty. The Crinkled Percale™ fabric (exclusive to Coyuchi) offers a unique aesthetic appeal...it's effortlessly chic and invitingly cozy.

The texture of this comforter is soft, breathable, and oh-so-comfortable, making it a perfect layering essential for your bed.

The double-needle diamond-shaped quilting is not only visually charming but also functional. It holds the organic cotton batting securely in place, ensuring consistent warmth.

One of the standout features of this comforter is its versatility. Thanks to the handy corner loops included for anchoring, it can serve as a stand-alone comforter or a lightweight duvet insert. It's like having two bedding options in one!

We Say: Mrs. M loves a throw quilt, so I had to try to get at least one into this article. So I turned to our friends at MadeTrade.

MadeTrade does a fantastic job of curating ranges of eco-friendly products made using eco-friendly materials by artisan producers and fair trade certified factories worldwide.

I tested a few MadeTrade options, and this throw quilt from Anchal stood out as the best.

Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, this quilted throw blanket is currently my weekend go-to when chilling on the couch watching Marvel films with my eldest daughter.

It's so comfy we sometimes struggle to get to the film's end. We've had to rewatch parts of Iron Man 3 at least four times!

Dry cleaning is recommended for this quilt, but I've machine-washed it on a cold program, and it came out fine. Definitely air dry, though. Don't use a tumble dryer.

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

Comforters

When I talk about comforters, I'm referring to those plush, quilted blankets packed with either synthetic or natural fillings designed to keep you snug as a bug in a rug during your sleep.

The beauty of comforters lies in their excellent insulation, ease of maintenance, and the range of designs and styles they come in.

Duvets

Duvets, on the other hand, are soft, flat bags stuffed with either synthetic or natural materials, serving as an extra layer of warmth on your bed.

Duvets usually come in two parts:

  • Duvet Insert: This is the main part of the duvet and is similar to a comforter
  • Duvet Cover: The duvet cover is a removable casing that is placed on top of the duvet insert for extra insulation and protection

Key Differences

While both comforters and duvets promise warmth and comfort, their construction, layers, warmth, weight, maintenance, and style differ in the following ways:

  • Comforters are stitched or quilted to secure the filling, whereas duvets live within a removable cover
  • Comforters are one-piece wonders, while duvets require a separate cover, making washing and customizing a breeze
  • Comforters are typically thicker and heavier, offering more insulation, while duvets allow you to adjust warmth with different covers
  • When it comes to style and design, comforters boast various patterns, while duvets let you switch up the look with changeable covers

Things to Consider When Buying an Organic Cotton Comforter or Duvet

Intended Use

If buying for use when sleeping, consider whether you're a warm or cool sleeper.

If you're a warm sleeper, you might get on better with a comforter.

If you're a cool sleeper (or just like to feel warm and cozy), a duvet might be more to your liking.

If buying for use as a blanket for when on the sofa watching TV or grabbing a quick afternoon nap in your favorite chair, then a thin comforter would probably be best.

Climate

A plump comforter might be best if you live in a cold climate.

A thinner, airy comforter might be better if you live in warmer climates but where sheets alone aren't enough.

Many people like to switch between a thicker wool duvet and a thinner organic cotton quilt, depending on the season.

Sustainable Materials

Responsibly sourced organic merino wool and goose down make very cozy comforters but are unsuitable for vegans.

Organic cotton is preferable to non-organic if you can afford it (see 'The Final Word' for more on that).

Trusted third-party certifications help give assurance that the sustainable comforter you're buying matches your eco-credentials.

Some of the better certifications to look out for include:

Ethical Production

Look to buy from manufacturers/suppliers with recognizable certifications (such as Certified B Corporation and Fair Trade) that guarantee they ethically run their business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is poly-cotton sustainable?

No - poly-cotton is made by mixing conventional cotton with polyester, which is a synthetic petroleum-based fabric.

Usually to reduce cost. If virgin polyester is used, then it's not eco-friendly. If recycled polyester is used, then it's better. Polycotton is less breathable than 100% organic cotton.

What is the most environmentally friendly bedding material?

As explained in my eco-friendly bedding article, my favorite fabrics and organic materials for sustainable slumber are:

  • Organic Cotton
  • Percale
  • Sateen
  • Wool
  • Linen
  • Hemp
  • Bamboo

Is organic eucalyptus more eco-friendly than cotton?

According to Eucalypso Home, eucalyptus is much more eco-friendly than cotton. I've not tested any for this article (it's an organic comforter review, after all), but I'll keep an eye out for eucalyptus fabric for future articles.

Do I need a cover for my comforter?

Although not essential, using a cover for your comforter is highly recommended. Investing in a sustainable cover will protect your comforter from spills and mishaps.

Is organic wool a good choice for a comforter?

Organic wool inside an organic cotton shell is an excellent alternative comforter option for improved sleep quality. I cover the subject in more detail in my wool comforter article.

Is lyocell a good material for a comforter or duvet?

Lyocell is made from a renewable resource (wood pulp) and has many of the same benefits as bamboo. I recommend reading up on lyocell to ensure it meets your needs.

Does Ettitude make organic duvets and comforters?

Ettitude does not make organic comforters and duvet inserts. However, it does make some excellent bamboo products.

The Final Word

In my sustainable fabrics article, I covered why most standard cotton is terrible for the environment.

So, ideally, we should only buy organic cotton (preferably GOTS-certified organic cotton).

However, it's not quite that simple as other considerations, such as price, come into play for most of us.

Eco-friendly and sustainable products usually cost more for a good reason, but sometimes, they're simply out of our price range.

Don't beat yourself up if you can't always buy organic.

You're doing your best if you buy the most sustainable product your budget can afford.

This definitely applies to eco-friendly cotton comforters. That's why I've included both standard and organic options.

It's just as important to ensure you buy from a supplier/manufacturer committed to ethical and green business practices (like fair pay, an ethical supply chain, and safe working conditions).

Every recommendation in this article gives you the peace of mind that you're doing your best for the planet…all while snuggled up under a super cozy comforter.

Get In Touch

Where do you buy your soft to the touch eco-friendly comforters and organic bedding? Have I missed your favorite brand?

Do you insist that your comforter is made of 100 percent organic materials, or are you happy to purchase a conventional lightweight duvet as long as it comes from a reputable manufacturer? Drop me a line and let me know.

James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.

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