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You’ve been asking yourself: “Duvet or comforter for Airbnb?” You’re not alone. And the right answer is deeply personal.

We know that guests sometimes complain. For example, in a study conducted in 2020, researchers found that almost 5% of Airbnb customers wrote complaints about the air quality in their rentals in the reviews they wrote after the visit.

This article will help you decide if duvets or comforters are most likely to keep your customers happy and your reviews free of complaints.

Duvets or Comforters for Airbnb Compared

Sometimes, people use the terms duvet and comforter interchangeably. In reality, these two products are very different. This chart can help make the differences clear so you can choose the best bedding for Airbnb:

	Duvet	Comforter
Basic design	A bag-like material that is filled with feathers, wool, or polyester fibers	A layer of filling (typically polyester) that is surrounded by durable fabric
Benefits	Warmer and typically associated with luxury	Doesn’t bunch up and less expensive
Drawbacks	Some people are allergic to the filling; deep spills can enter the lining	The whole thing must be replaced when it’s damaged
Ease of cleaning	A duvet cover slips right off for easy cleaning; insides may be very difficult to clean	The entire piece can go in the wash as needed

What Is a Duvet?

A duvet is typically designed a little like a bag. It’s filled with something like goose down or wool fibers. High-quality duvets are finished with seams that keep the filling contained within sectors.

For example, your duvet may have stitching that segments the piece into eight different squares. The filling may slide around within the squares, but it can’t move from one section to another.

Duvets can come with stain-blocking linings and decorative linings. Both of these elements can be removed for cleaning. However, some products have no linings at all.

Some people suggest that duvets don’t need full cleanings regularly. However, that means your guests are (potentially) sharing germs inside the lining with one another. And deep stains (like wine or vomit) could soak into the filling of the duvet and require expensive dry cleaning to remove.

What Is a Comforter?

A comforter is one unified product that has a decorative outside and a warming inside. Comforters share much of their DNA with quilts, as they’re made in one solid piece with aspects that can’t be removed.

Comforters tend to lie flat, and they’re very easy to place on the top of the bed and smooth down. The entire product can be washed between guests, ensuring that guests don’t share germs. They tend to hold their shape between washings, but they can wear down with repeat wear.

Comforters tend to be more lightweight than duvets, as they have less filling. They’re also less expensive since fewer raw materials are required.

Why Should You Choose a Duvet?

In the comparison of duvet or comforter for Airbnb, a duvet might be the right choice. These are a few reasons people cite when they choose duvets:

Luxury

Researchers say women pay more attention to a hotel’s core products and comfort than men do. However, all of your guests might appreciate a luxurious getaway when they visit you.

A duvet signals that you’re willing to pay a little more to give your guests an ideal experience. It’s a touch your visitors might appreciate.

Warmth

If your Airbnb is located in an area known for chilly nights, a duvet could ensure that your guests stay warm as they sleep. The right bedding could also ensure that your guests don’t crank up the heat (and your bills) to keep warm.

Easy on the Washer

A duvet cover is lightweight and can slide into a standard washer for cleaning. It won’t put excess strain on washer belts as a comforter might. This makes for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Why Should You Choose a Comforter?

For some Airbnb hosts, a comforter is a much better investment for their guests. These are the reasons people often cite when they pick comforters:

Improved Hygiene

Customers often tie room cleanliness to high satisfaction. If you don’t wash duvet fillings between guests, they could smell things like perfume or sweat from prior visits. Since you can wash a comforter, you may not have this problem.

Cooler Experience

Almost 44% of customers say they’re occasionally too hot while they’re sleeping. If you put a duvet on the bed, especially if you’re in a warm climate, it could be too much for your guests. Since a comforter is cooler, it could be a better choice.

Fewer Allergens

Researchers say the down filling (often used in duvets) tends to become more allergenic with time. They become contaminated with microorganisms (like dust mites) with repeated use. If your guests have allergies, they might be triggered by their bedding. They might do better with comforters that are washed with hot water regularly.

Expert Help With Linens

Alsco Uniforms offers linen rental services that make managing an Airbnb easier than ever. With more than 135 years of service in linen service, we set the standard for cleanliness. Our methods keep your linens clean while using less water and producing less chemical waste.

We handle the whole process for you. If any linens become torn, soiled, or stained, we remove them from the rotation, ensuring your Airbnb linens always look, feel, and smell fresh. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help. We’d love to work with you!