Finding a versatile comforter that works in all seasons is a challenge. A blanket that remains cool in the summer may not keep you warm and toasty in the winter. Pottery Barn’s HydroCool Down-Alternative Duvet Insert offers the best of both worlds. It’s supposed to deliver luxurious comfort and the perfect amount of warmth. It has moisture-wicking fibers that draw away excess heat, which is ideal for hot sleepers. I put this duvet insert to the test to see if it delivers on these promises. When I removed the duvet insert from its packaging, I was amazed at how soft and lightweight it was. It has a plush luxury hotel texture. The full/queen weighs three pounds. It’s easy for one person to carry and set up. I didn’t think a comforter so thin would be able to keep me warm during a Northeast winter. The HydroCool Duvet Insert doesn’t have the heft of comforters I reserve for cold weather. I was pleasantly surprised. This comforter kept me warm on nights when temperatures dipped into the 40s and 30s. On an occasional extremely cold night—with temps in the 20s—the comforter didn’t provide quite enough warmth, and I needed an additional blanket. But most nights, I was comfortable and cozy. I like that the duvet insert has moisture-wicking fibers to regulate temperature and remove excess heat and sweat. On warmer nights, I felt cool and completely dry. It’s intended to be a duvet insert, so it’s only available in white. With a subtle damask stripe and pillowy texture, the comforter is nice enough to display on its own. Because it’s white, I know it’s more prone to stains and getting dirty quickly. The good news is that the comforter is machine-washable and safe for the dryer. I prefer a pop of color in my bedroom, so I opted to use it with a duvet cover. The comforter takes on a lot of water in the wash, making it significantly heavier and more challenging to maneuver when wet. It’s still more manageable than heavier down comforters that I own. To get the duvet insert completely dry, I ran it through the drying cycle several times, taking about an hour and a half. It helps if you take it out between cycles and smooth the clumps. The comforter was noticeably softer after laundering. It maintained its shape and did not shrink. My only complaint with the Pottery Barn HydroCool Duvet Insert is the sizing. The full/queen was a little too big for my full bed. At the bottom corners, the extra material touched the floor. If I folded the top portion over and pulled the comforter farther up on the bed, it looked a little neater. But, I would have preferred a comforter tailored to the specific bed size.
What is the material?
The Pottery Barn HydroCool Down-Alternative Duvet Insert features a 100% cotton cover with a 300-thread count. The down-alternative fill is made from 100% polyester. Both materials are hypoallergenic, making this duvet insert the right choice for allergy sufferers.
How well does it regulate temperature?
The comforter features moisture-wicking fibers to keep you cool and dry while you sleep. Even in warmer weather or when I had the heat cranked up, I never felt hot or stuffy underneath it. Using baffle box construction, the blanket’s filling remains evenly distributed and provides all-over warmth throughout the night.
What are the care instructions?
Machine-washing this duvet insert requires cold water on the gentle cycle. Only use non-chlorine bleach when needed. You can tumble dry on low heat.
Is this duvet insert worth buying?
Retailing between $219 and $269 depending on the size you choose, the Pottery Barn Down-Alternative Duvet Insert is on the pricier side—especially when you consider the fact that it’s not true down but a polyester down alternative. Regardless of the fill, I loved the incredibly soft and fluffy texture of this comforter and think it’s well worth the money. If you’re not happy, you can return it to Pottery Barn within 30 days of delivery.
Pottery Barn HydroCool Down-Alternative Duvet Insert vs. the Competition
If you prefer real down, the Brooklinen Down Comforter is available in three weights to best suit your needs: Lightweight, All-Season, or Ultra-Warm. Brooklinen’s down is ethically sourced from a Canadian farm. Users praise these high-end comforters, saying they have an incredibly soft and luxurious feel. Retailing between $149 and $599 depending on size and weight, Brooklinen bedding certainly isn’t cheap. However, these comforters are built to last and come with a five-year warranty. If you’re looking for a down alternative that’s more budget-friendly, the Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert is a great choice. Users say this comforter is very warm during the winter, and the siliconized fiberfill is ideal for all seasons. Retailing between $20 and $50 depending on size and color, you can’t beat the affordable price tag. The Utopia Comforter is available in five sizes and nine solid colors, offering more variety than Pottery Barn. The Pottery Barn HydroCool Down-Alternative Duvet is pricey for a comforter made with a down-alternative. However, its lightweight, luxurious feel and moisture-wicking properties are worth the splurge. Aside from a few sub-freezing nights when I needed an extra blanket, this duvet insert worked well as an all-season comforter.
