How to Choose the Best Comforter for Your Rental

Why comforter choice matters in a short-term rental

When purchasing or updating bedding for your short-term rental, the comforter is key. Since beds serve as the focal point of every bedroom, the comforter establishes the tone upon arrival and seals the deal with its comfort over the course of your guests’ stay. As a host, the comforter must also appeal to a large range of guests, hold up over time, and be easy to maintain. At FIX, our bedding experts have done their homework to provide a comprehensive guide in selecting a comforter that checks all the boxes for you and your guests. 

Comforter, duvet, or duvet insert: what’s the difference?

Before purchasing a comforter, it is important to understand that there can be a lot of confusing jargon associated with this word, as the terms comforter, duvet, and duvet insert can be used interchangeably. So, let’s put this confusion to bed. Technically, a duvet- also known as a duvet insert, is the filled layer that goes inside a duvet cover. Usually using the term duvet, or duvet insert, lends itself to a bedding layer that is not meant to be utilized on its own and may not include refined seams, closures, or finishes in its construction that make it an appropriate bed topping layer on its own without a cover.  Conversely, a comforter is often thought of as a filled top bedding layer that can be used on its own but also has the versatility to be used with a duvet cover. When shopping for a comforter, know that shoppers and brands alike use these terms loosely. As a host, it is important to focus on your property and bedding needs, as well as the construction, fill, shell, and care requirements, rather than the label alone. 

Why the duvet cover + insert system is often the best choice for STRs

When taking stock of the needs of a typical short-term rental, a duvet cover and comforter/insert system is really the best way to go. A duvet cover protects the comforter/insert from skin oils, spills, and general wear. This means comforters can be washed less often and will last longer.

In addition, using a duvet cover/comforter combo makes laundry and turnovers far easier to manage. Most comforters require industrial or commercial-size washing machines, and many are dry-clean only. Since duvet covers can be removed and washed quickly, hosts can clean them more often without putting unnecessary wear on the more expensive comforter/insert inside. This helps speed up turnovers while reducing the breakdown that can happen when comforters are laundered too frequently.

Put simply, it is far easier and less expensive to keep three duvet covers in rotation for each bed than to manage, store, and clean multiple bulky comforters.

Other Pros to consider

• Easier and quicker turn overs 

• Comforters need to be replaced less often 

• More flexible styling as covers can be changed out easily and with less expense

Special features STR host should look for in a duvet cover/ comforter combo 

Not all duvet covers and comforter pairings are created equally. As a host, it is essential to pay attention to the features that matter in a duvet insert. While some hosts have shied away from a duvet cover/comforter combination because of the time it can take to change the cover, purchasing a cover with a three-sided zipper closure, like the FIX Linens Triple Zip Duvet cover, makes change-outs a breeze.

Putting the COMFORT in COMFORTER: 3 Factors that Ensure quality and comfort. 

Beyond the comforter's aesthetic, the primary role of this part of a bedding system is to provide comfort and a good night's sleep for visiting guests. To achieve this, a comforter in the STR setting must be somewhat unique and not always what would work in a private home. For the Goldilocks of comfort, it's best to analyze your comforter/insert choices. Looking at the materials used in the construction will ensure that you make the very best choice for your property and guests. 

When purchasing comforters/inserts for your property, prioritize the following:  

• Quality lofty fill that stays in place

• Weight that appeals to a broad range of guests in varying climates and seasons 

• Breathable shell with high-quality construction

#1 -FILL

Understanding fill options: what’s out there?

We have all heard the adage that it's what’s inside that counts. This school of thought can definitely be applied when choosing a comforter. What makes up the fill of an STR comforter has a profound effect on the comfort, cost, and durability of the comforter itself. Let’s get down and dirty with a comparison of possible comforter fill options

Down: high luxury, high maintenance, and high price

Down is a traditional comforter fill because of its high insulation factor without the added heaviness. Natural down features loft, which, in layman's terms, is fluffiness. This fluff factory creates pockets of air, which increase breathability and wicking power. While these are all good features, there are some variables of down comforters that may not be ideal in the STR setting.

Factors to consider   

• Produces fluffy comfort with a high insulation factor

• Higher cost

• Requires daily fluffing to maintain loft and structure

• More delicate care required

• Does not endure well in moist environments, which can cause clumping or mildew over time

• Allergies and Guest sensitivities to animal products need to be considered 

Bottom line- although private residences might opt for this choice, a property with consistent turn-over may not be the best match for this fill type.  Down requires special care and tends not to preform well in humid climates. Without proper care, it can lose loft and begin to break down over time. In addition, no matter the weight of a down comforter, they are a mighty insulator, and some guests may find them less breathable as other fill options. 

Feather/down blends-lower price point, varying comfort

A feather down blend is created when traditional down is mixed with structured quilled feathers. The purpose of this blend is to increase durability. While this blend can be found in comforters, it is also commonly used in pillows and furnishings. Blends use different ratios; a higher down-to-quill ratio results in a softer fill. 

Factors to consider:

• More affordable than premium down.

• Should be fluffed daily to retain their shape and blend 

• Can offer warmth and substance.

• Loft is harder to assure and control with a bend, which may result in a heavier comforter that doesn’t offer as much warmth. 

• Quill ends can poke out of the comforter shell, resulting in discomfort during sleep or feather shedding. 

Bottomline- This can be a winning combination,depending upon the make up and ratio of the blend which can vary from  brand to brand and even comforter to comforter. This variance makes it difficult to streamline across your property and purchase exact replacements. 

Synthetic down alternative- STR targeted price point, enduring product with lower maintenance

A synthetic down alternative fill is made up of polyester based fibers- and more recently sourced from recycled materials such as RPET. This fill is manufactured to mimic the fluffy feel and loft of down with a lower price point and maintenance. 

Factors to consider 

• Less expensive than traditional down but may not last as long

• Manufactured for comfort and consistency.

• Environmentally friendly options (RPET)

• Often more practical choice for rentals because it tends to be lower maintenance, more broadly guest-friendly, and lower cost,  

Bottomline: For most hosts this is the most practical overall option. A quality synthetic down alternative comforter can offer affordability without sacrificing breathability. In addition this option tends to require lower maintenance and is allergen free.

*Because synthetic down can vary dramatically depending on the brand or manufacturer- we always recommend doing your homework on the materials that are utilized or ordering a sample piece before purchasing for your entire property.  

#2 - WEIGHT

Weighing In- why mid-weight, all-season comforters usually make the most sense for rentals

Whether you opt for down, a blend, or a synthetic fill, it is important to pay close attention to the weight of your comforter. Choosing a comforter that is mid- weight will ensure that guests are comfortable throughout the year and in any climate. This will also ensure that hosts do not need to swap out comforters with the change of season. A high quality comforter will be cool in the summer months and provide warmth and insulation in the cooler seasons. 

Bottomline: Versatility is key. Look for comforters labeled as all season and constructed of breathable materials- more on that later! 

Possible limitation

• In extreme hot or very cold markets, some hosts may still prefer a seasonal approach. If this is the case,  the duvet/ comforter combo is still the best option here as the comforters can easily be switched out and stored in your owner’s closet during the off season. 

#3 - SHELL

The shell matters too: why 100% cotton is often the best breathable choice

The shell is the casing that surrounds the fill. This shell can vary in construction as well as materials. Do not discount this element of the comforter as it can affect the benefits of the fill itself. If the shell is of low quality, the fill quality might be compromised. 

Materials- A shell of 100% cotton  is paramount to your guest comfort and for the durability of the comforter. Comforters with a synthetic shell tend to trap body heat and make even the lightest comforter feel much heavier than it actually is. If the heat cannot escape from the shell, it doesn’t matter what fill is used. This is why weather proof jackets are so warm- the down is encased in a non breathable fabric which traps air and heat. This is a great feature for a winter coat but not for a comforter. If heat is trapped within the comforter, not only will your guests feel overheated, the fill within the comforter will break down over time causing clumsiness, loss of loft and will need to be replaced sooner.  Look for cotton sateen and cotton percale shells as these are breathable and airflow-friendly, especially compared with less breathable synthetic exteriors. 

• For STRs, breathability matters because guests have very different sleep preferences, and overheating is a common bedding complaint.

• A quality cotton shell can also help the comforter feel softer and more elevated overall.

• Comforters that feature corner loops, which attach to ties inside a duvet cover, help reduce bunching and shifting of the comforter. This is a great added feature when opting for a duvet/comforter combo 

Construction- Whether down or down alternative, it is important to pick a comforter with baffle box construction. This is the way the comforter is quilted. If you have ever slept with a comforter where the filling has gathered in clumps or shifted to the bottom, you can see why not having baffle box quilting can be a problem. A baffle box quilting construction creates square pockets within and throughout the comforter, to help keep the fill evenly distributed. This is imperative for your guest's comfort, as well as the longevity and aesthetics of your comforter. 

Bottomline: A high loft fill combined with a 100% cotton breathable and comfortable baffle-box shell provides your guests with dream-inducing comfort and a comforter that will endure with relatively low maintenance.   

Final takeaway: the best comforter for STR is the one that balances comfort, care, and durability

Although there is no single perfect comforter for every host or market, choosing the one that best fits your property type, turnover rate, and target market is always the best choice. Look for options that bring affordability without sacrificing all-season comfort. Upkeep, comforter care, and maintenance should also be considered- especially for a larger property. 

The bottom line: For most short-term rentals, the practical choice is often a duvet/ comforter combo that includes these key features: 

• down alternative fill

• mid-weight, all-season warmth

• breathable 100% cotton shell

• corner loops

• box or baffle construction

• care requirements that fit real turnover operations

As a short-term rental host, the goal is to provide a bed that looks and feels comfortable. Choosing high-quality bedding ensures your guests will be satisfied and also helps to avoid an expensive replacement cycle of substandard linens. Being an informed consumer and a savvy host empowers you with making smart choices that will benefit you, your property and your guests. 

FIX Linens believes in supporting and connecting small business owners. To learn more about how to become an empowered savvy host, check out our other blog posts or check out our line of host-centric guest pleasing products. 

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Written by: Cary Ballard - Freelance Writer for FIX Linens