Finding the right comforter for your bedroom’s temperature is an important step to getting a great night’s sleep, especially if your room is cold. When I am tossing and turning because I can’t get warm, it always means that I will be tired and cranky in the morning. Even though the optimal temperature to sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees, I still need a warmer blanket when the thermostat is set in that range.  The L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter (Warmer) is the perfect solution to those chilly nights. It is made for cold weather with a great insulator of goose down filling the comforter. If you are looking for a duvet or comforter to keep you warm, this is a great choice. L.L. Bean makes this comforter in “Warm” and “Warmer” styles. Warmer is the warmest. The L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter arrived packaged in a handy drawstring bag. I initially thought that the bag would make a great place to store the comforter when not in use during the warmer months. But after unsuccessfully trying to fold up the fluffy comforter and put it back in the bag, I realized it was too unwieldy for one person to manage. It is really tough to fold a 107-inch by 98-inch king-size comforter by yourself. The storage bag can be used for other household items, but if you plan to store it during the warm months, you’d be better off using a vacuum-sealed storage bag so that the comforter will take up less space in the offseason. The term “permabaffle” refers to the stitched boxes that divide the comforter’s entire surface into 20 boxes with a border all around. This keeps the filling from shifting. If you have ever used duvets without baffled stitching, you’ve probably noticed a pooling or uneven distribution of feathers or filling. I loved that the L.L. Bean Permabaffle line solves this problem. The down filling is heavier in the middle, where you need the extra insulation, and lighter around the edges.  It also has corner ties to use with a comforter cover, which is sold separately. You can use any duvet or comforter cover brand, as long as it is the same size as your comforter. It comes in four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. I recommend sizing up from your mattress to get the most luxurious experience. I am usually happy with L.L. Bean products and this comforter was no exception. The quality that the 100-plus-year-old company is known for was evident in constructing the Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter. If your comforter arrives with any defects, the one-year return policy and L.L. Bean’s outstanding customer service will make sure that you get a refund or a new comforter.

Is this a good comforter for cold temperatures?

Yes, this comforter is ideal for cold temperatures. While not rated for outdoor use, it is the perfect sleeping solution for most indoor spaces during cold weather. 

Do I need a cover with this comforter?

You can use the L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter without a cover. It is an off-white, natural color, which looks great with minimalist or natural decor. If you prefer a more coordinated look, L.L. Bean has numerous comforter covers available with matching pillow shams. The comforter does include a loop on each corner that can be used to attach it to the interior of a cover, making sure that it does not shift.

Is this comforter machine washable?

Yes, you can wash this comforter in the washing machine. L.L. Bean recommends washing and drying the comforter in a commercial machine, found at many laundromats. You can also wash them in a front-loading home washing machine, although this will still be hard to do with a queen- or king-sized comforter. L.L. Bean recommends washing your comforter twice per year. I prefer to wash my bedding more often. A removable comforter cover is a great middle-ground for keeping the comforter clean between washes.

How heavy is this comforter?

The king-size comforter weighs around nine pounds, eight ounces. The filling weighs 68 ounces. It is one of the heaviest comforters on the market, even among the “warmer” comforter category. I like a heavy comforter year-round, although my husband thinks it will likely be too hot for him during the warmer months.

Is this a good comforter for people with allergies?

The goose down filling is hypoallergenic; the only exception is people with feather allergies should perhaps look elsewhere. With this comforter, the feathers are close to the surface. When I was using it, a few feathers poked out. This is typical of most down comforters and didn’t bother me. Still, people with feather allergies will be better off looking for a comforter made of cotton or synthetic filling—although a comforter cover can serve as an extra barrier.

L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter vs. Brooklinen Ultra-Warm Down Comforter vs. Other L.L. Bean Comforters

At $599 for a king-size, the Brooklinen Ultra-Warm Down Comforter is comparable to the L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter. Both are made for cold nights. Both use a box design throughout the comforter, although the L.L. Bean boxes are slightly smaller and keep the filling a little bit better distributed overall.  One major benefit that the L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter has over its competitors is the company’s long-running history and exemplary return policy. Knowing that the company has a history of making high-quality items that they stand behind is enough to make me opt for the L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter over the equally comfortable and warm competition. If you like L.L. Bean but need a different material or weight, you can choose from one of their 15 other comforters, including a baffle-box design, cotton, organic cotton, PrimaLoft down alternative, or duck down comforters.  If you want a toasty comforter with great design from a reputable and reliable company, the L.L. Bean Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter is just what you need.