As hypoallergenic comforters go, the Linenspa Down Alternative Microfiber Comforter packs a lot into a very tiny price tag. With so many available options for a down alternative comforter, we were eager to see whether this polyester microfiber version would deliver in terms of warmth, softness, and washability. We sat, slept, and lounged on this comforter to bring you a first-hand account of how this budget down alternative comforter performs in real life.
Material: Practical polyester that lacks a luxe feel
This microfiber comforter is made of polyester inside and out. Synthetic fabrics like this one have the significant advantage of being machine washable, but they often sacrifice breathability. Even still, polyester is a popular and practical choice for budget bedding. Inside the comforter is 300 GSM (grams per square meter) of polyester fill, which makes it one of the lightest comforters we’ve ever tried. When spread out on the bed, it’s on the thin side, so you don’t get that plush, puffy feel, just pure practicality. If you like a dense, heavy comforter, this is not for you. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that this lightweight comforter isn’t warm. In fact, it tended to trap so much heat that it caused us to overheat a bit at night, resulting in us waking up sweaty. The stitching doesn’t look exceptional enough to justify the manufacturer’s 3-year-warranty, but reviewers vouch for its longevity. Box stitching is used for this comforter, which doesn’t keep the filling as evenly distributed as a baffle box method. On the plus side, it does have corner and side loops for attaching it inside a duvet cover, which is how we’d recommend using this comforter. Read more reviews of the best down comforters available to purchase online.
Texture: Prone to snagging
You can feel how pillowy soft the fill of this comforter is through the thin polyester shell, which unfortunately lacks in the softness department. You can’t run a hand over the face of it without snagging, which is a big negative in our opinion. The face of the comforter also has a shiny or slippery feel that lacks the soft, cool-to-the-touch sensation of high-quality bedding. For these reasons, we’d rather tuck this comforter inside of a quality duvet cover.
Washing: Easy to care for, but wrinkles easily
One wash according to the product care instructions (machine wash cold, tumble dry on low) yielded no major defects—the color, stitching, and fabric held up, although it’s easy to see that pilling is a distinct possibility with repeated washings. Wrinkling was by far the biggest issue, but at least the fill wasn’t bunched up and the comforter fluffed back to its regular (albeit slim) proportions. Take a peek at some of the best quilts you can buy.
Price: Budget price exceeds basic expectations
The queen size is available for around $30 online, and the quality is definitely more than the modest expectations you may have for such a basic comforter. There are some areas where this comforter skimps on quality or construction, like the thin, not-so-smooth shell or the basic box stitching. Still, it’s a good value if you’re stuck on the $30 or below price point for a queen comforter. However, you don’t have to pay much more to get a better quality comforter, so we’d opt to spend a little more and instead use this one as a duvet insert in a guest bedroom.
Competition: Better quality for the same price
While there are several reasonably priced competitors on the market, the Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert strikes the most similarity to the LinenSpa duvet insert in price, quality, and user satisfaction. Featuring a fluffy and luxurious feel, Utopia’s hypoallergenic fibers help resist dust mites and mold, and the fabric adjusts to keep you warm or cool at night. When we tested the LinenSpa on a hot evening, we found ourselves overheating throughout the night. For the same $30 price tag as the LinenSpa, the higher-quality Utopia will keep you comfortable all year round. Still can’t decide on what you want? Our round-up of the best comforters can help you find what you’re looking for. Know that you can do better (with just a small increase in price), but if finances are tight or this comforter is for a bed you won’t use every night, then go for it. You can’t beat the price and it has a three-year warranty, which is more than the assurance backing a lot of pricier bedding options.
