A down alternative duvet can be an affordable and hypoallergic replacement for natural down options. If you struggle with justifying the purchase of a pure down duvet, a down alternative option might be the best option for you. It’s also guaranteed to be ethical, so you don’t have to do in-depth research to feel good about your purchase. But which type of down alternative fill feels most like down? How do you know which duvet is best for you? We’re here to help you with those questions and more!
Our list of the best down alternative duvets in Canada was created through a combined effort by our test labs and our team of testers. We ran extensive tests in our lab, and our testers gave us detailed feedback to help us make our choices. We looked at areas like fill type, GSM values, materials, and construction to determine which down alternative duvet would be a great fit for your home.
Best Down Alternative Duvets for Canadians
- Best Overall: Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet
- Best Shell: Canadian Down & Feather Co. Down Alternative Duvet
- Best Recycled Fill: Casper Down Alternative Duvet
- Best Weight Options: Noa Home Down Alternative Duvet Insert
- Best Construction: Douglas Down Alternative Duvet
Why Did We Choose These Down Alternative Duvets in Canada?
Each of the down alternative duvets on our list was chosen for a reason. These reasons became apparent to us during our extensive testing phases, and our tester feedback helped reinforce the special aspects of each duvet. Here is why we chose each of the best down alternative duvets in Canada.
The Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet is the best down alternative duvet in Canada overall. This option has three weight options and is made with recycled microfill. The result is a simple, comfortable duvet that is environmentally conscious.
If you’re looking for one of the best shell options on our list, consider the Canada Down & Feather Co. Down Alternative Duvet. This 100% cotton shell is standard, but it offers amazing softness and durability on this duvet.
Another eco-conscious option is the Casper Down Alternative Duvet. This duvet is made with recycled polyester microfibre, which is sourced from recycled plastic water bottles. The Tencel cover also helps you sleep a little cooler, so you can rest easy.
The Noa Home Down Alternative Duvet Insert has the best weight options on our list. It offers a Lightweight fill option as well as an All Season version. These options are distinct, but they provide perfectly cozy feels for those who have a preference.
Finally, the Douglas Down Alternative Duvet has the best construction on our list. While most of our duvets use a baffle box construction, they usually have larger boxes. This duvet uses smaller boxes to provide a more even fill spread without shifting or leaking.
Best Overall
Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet

Features:
- Fill Type: Down-like Microfill
- GSM: 175 (Lightweight), 375 (All Season), 500 (Winter)
- Shell Material: 100% Cotton
- Construction: Baffle Box
- Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want to choose the weight of their duvet
- Those who sleep hot and those who prefer extra warmth
- Eco-conscious Canadians
- Those who prefer simple care
The Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet is the best down alternative duvet in Canada. Rather than choosing an entirely different duvet based on weight, you have three different weight options to choose from. You can choose the Lightweight option if you sleep hot, with a GSM of 175. The All-Season option has a GSM of around 375, meaning it’s warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. Finally, the 500-GSM Winter weight offers the best insulation and heat retention for those cold Canadian nights.
No matter which weight you choose, the duvet is created with the same materials. A 100% cotton shell provides softness and breathability. It’s a great option if you need a little more airflow throughout the night. Inside is a down-like microfill, which is a great hypoallergenic alternative to real down. It creates the same kind of loft without the additional allergic reaction.
The duvet is made with a square baffle box construction, which creates little pockets for the microfill to shift around. You won’t find the fill all shifting to one side, so you’ll get balanced and well-spread fill no matter where you sleep. This means that you won’t get hot spots or cold spots throughout the life of your duvet. Worried about the duvet shifting around inside your duvet cover? There are durable built-in corner loops, allowing for the proper installation of a cover.
If you aren’t sure which weight option is right for you, you can take advantage of the 100-night sleep trial. During this time, you can return the duvet for a full refund if it isn’t right for you. You can also exchange the duvet for one of the other weight options if you find that it’s too cold or too warm.
The Highlights
The Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet offers three weight options, including lightweight, all-season, and winter weights. These options have different GSM values, so you can choose the one that works for you. The baffle box construction helps keep the fill from shifting over time, preventing clumping sometimes seen with other duvets. You can machine wash and tumble dry this duvet for the best results while cleaning. The breathable cotton shell and hypoallergenic fill make this duvet comfortable and clean.
- Three different weight options, including lightweight, all-season, and winter weights
- Baffle box construction keeps filling from clumping up or shifting over time
- Machine wash and tumble dry for best cleaning results
- Breathable cotton shell and hypoallergenic fill
From the Test Lab
“We loved choosing our weight for this duvet. It was easy to care for and extremely comfortable throughout the night.”
Best Shell
Canadian Down & Feather Co. Down Alternative Duvet
The Canadian Down & Feather Co. Down Alternative Duvet has a great shell. It’s made with 100% natural cotton fibres, which are extremely breathable and soft. The thread count of 260 allows for more breathability than some of the other options on our list. If you want a warmer blanket but worry about overheating, this might be a great choice.
Inside the duvet, you’ll find polyester microfibre fill. It’s a plush fill that mimics the softness and loft of down. It takes a lot of this fill to reach the same level of insulation as a natural down duvet, which means that your duvet looks plusher and softer than some down options. Some Canadians may love the additional plush fill. Despite this, it’s extremely easy to care for this duvet.
You can wash this duvet at home, but it’s also possible to get it professionally cleaned. Choose the option that works best for you. However, cleaning it at home is simple. After machine washing the duvet, you can put it right into your tumble dryer without any negative effects. The duvet re-lofts well after washing, so it doesn’t clump up or become flattened over time as some duvets might.
It’s easy to anchor the duvet inside your chosen cover with four corner loops. These are very securely connected to the duvet, so you don’t have to worry about straining them. This affordable duvet is a great option for most sleepers looking for all-season comfort and durability.
The Highlights
The Canadian Down & Feather Co. Down Alternative duvet features a thread count of about 260, meaning that the natural cotton is breathable and comfortable. This duvet is completely machine washable and tumble dry safe, though you can also choose to have it professionally cleaned if you wish. It’s easy to take care of at home, and the fill re-lofts well after it comes out of the dryer. You don’t have to worry about it clumping or compressing. This duvet is generally filled, lending the duvet a soft, plush look and feel.
- 260 thread count on the breathable cotton shell
- Machine washable and dryable
- Generously filled with a plush look and feel
- Re-lofts well after being washed
From the Test Lab
“This duvet was perfectly comfortable and didn’t make us too hot. The cover is soft and the fill is very plush, so we were pleased with it overall.”
Best Recycled Fill
Casper Down Alternative Duvet

Features:
- Fill Type: Recycled Polyester
- GSM: Unspecified, Two Weight Options
- Shell Material: 100% Lyocell Tencel
- Construction: Channel
- Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
It's Great For:
- Eco-conscious Canadians
- Users who sleep hot
- Those who want to choose their weight options
- Canadians who need a liner for their duvet
The Casper Down Alternative Duvet is the best down alternative duvet in Canada to offer recycled fill. The recycled polyester used inside this duvet is made from recycled water bottles, so you’re helping the environment while you get cozy. Though it might seem recycled plastic wouldn’t make for a comfortable duvet, it’s nearly indistinguishable from pure down in the way that it lofts and feels.
This duvet comes in two different weight options. The Mid Weight option is best for all-season use. It’s cooler in the warm weather but still retains heat in the winter, which is great if you aren’t dealing with the coldest Canadian winters. This duvet thrives in milder temperatures. The lightweight option, however, is great for those who sleep hot. No matter what time of year, this duvet will help you stay comfortable without overheating.
The cover is made from breathable Lyocell Tencel, which creates the best conditions for moisture-wicking and airflow. While this helps keep you cool and prevents sweating, there’s also a liner inside the duvet to help protect it from moisture. This Olefin liner is durable and ensures that your duvet lasts for years to come.
When it’s time to wash your duvet, you can put it in the machine at home on a gentle cycle. You can tumble dry it on low. The duvet will retain its loft after it dries! This duvet uses a channel construction that makes it work much like a puffy jacket. These quilted channels help prevent too much shifting, but they still allow some fill movement to retain a natural feel. You can try the Casper Down Alternative Duvet for 30 nights after your purchase. Their risk-free sleep trial allows you some time to get used to your duvet before you decide if you like it.
The Highlights
Casper’s Down Alternative Duvet offers two different weight options, including an all-season Mid Weight option and a Lightweight choice for those who sleep hot. The shell is made with 100% breathable Tencel, with an Olefin liner and polyester fill made from recycled plastic. The duvet is easy to care for at home, as you can machine wash and tumble dry it without affecting the way it works.
- Two weight options, including a midweight all-season design and a lightweight option
- Includes a breathable Tencel shell, as well as an Olefin liner and recycled polyester fill
- Fill is made from recycled plastic
- Machine wash and tumble dry
From the Test Lab
“This duvet was plush and comfortable. The channel design was unique but comfortable.”
Best Weight Options
Noa Home Down Alternative Duvet Insert

Features:
- Fill Type: Microfibre
- GSM: 250 (Lightweight), 350 (All Season)
- Shell Material: 100% Cotton Sateen
- Construction: Baffle Box
- Sizes: Queen and King
It's Great For:
- Canadians with allergies
- Those who want weight choices
- Users who prefer professional cleaning
- Larger beds
The Noa Home Down Alternative Duvet Insert has the best weight options on our list. This duvet comes in two weight options, including Lightweight (200 GSM) and All Season (350 GSM). These options are distinct and make a difference when it comes to how the duvet feels and performs. The Lightweight option is great for humid climates, summer nights, and those who sleep hot. The All-Season design is a bit more universal. It’s extra-fluffy for those colder nights but is still cool and breathable throughout the year.
Both options are made with hypoallergenic microfibre fill, so your allergies won’t suffer when you sleep with this duvet. The shell is made with 100% cotton in a sateen weave, meaning it’s soft and gentle on your skin. When you use a duvet cover, it slides easily inside. It’s simple to install, making it great for those who prefer to get this task finished as quickly as possible.
This down alternative duvet comes in two sizes, including Queen and King. The weight options come in either size. Regardless of which option you choose, this duvet is light, airy, and comfortable. The smooth, crisp exterior translates well when you put it under a duvet cover, helping to maintain its shape and feel without taking away from the natural benefits of the sateen cotton shell.
Noa Home’s Down Alternative Duvet Insert carries the highest industry standard certification, which is OEKO-TEX Class 1. This means that it’s extremely durable, made at the highest quality, and isn’t made with any chemicals that might be harsh on your skin. It’s gentle for all users, even those with sensitive skin or allergies.
The Highlights
The Noa Home Down Alternative Duvet Insert comes in two different weight options, including Lightweight (with a GSM of 250) and All Season (with a GSM of 350). Both options are available in both King and Queen sizes for larger beds. The soft cotton sateen shell helps duvet covers slide over this duvet easily, so installation is simple. This duvet carries an OEKO-TEX Class 1 certification, meaning it’s a high-quality duvet that is gentle and safe.
- Two weight options, including Lightweight and All Season
- Available in King and Queen sizes for larger beds
- Soft cotton sateen cover slides smoothly into a duvet cover
- OEKO-TEX Class 1 Certified
From the Test Lab
“This duvet was soft and comfortable. You can see the attention to detail throughout the blanket, and it worked well with our favourite duvet covers.”
Best Construction
Douglas Down Alternative Duvet

Features:
- Fill Type: Microfibre
- GSM: Unspecified
- Shell Material: Microfibre
- Construction: Quilted
- Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep hot
- Vegans and eco-conscious Canadians
- Those who want to use a duvet cover
- Beds of all sizes
Douglas’s Down Alternative Duvet uses a lightweight weight option to provide great all-season comfort for most Canadians. This affordable option uses down alternative microfibre fill alongside a soft microfibre shell to provide a lofty, luxurious experience. You can choose one of the three available sizes to get started. All materials are completely vegan and eco-conscious, so you don’t have to stay awake worrying about environmental impact or animal welfare.
This duvet’s outer shell is extremely breathable and soft. You might not want to use a duvet cover, but we do recommend using one. As long as your duvet cover is the same size as the duvet, you’ll have a simple time installing this duvet insert. It slides easily into most covers and provides durable corner loops for easy installation.
While some duvets have the potential for fill to pool or clump up in certain patterns, you can avoid these issues with this duvet. The baffle box construction is great, but this option offers smaller boxes to provide a more even distribution of fill. The smaller pockets rarely allow the fill to clump up or shift, so you’ll get the same feel from the first night to the last. The quilted design allows for more fill control overall, which is a great perk for many Canadians.
When your duvet needs to be washed, it’s simple to do it right at home. You can machine wash and tumble dry this duvet easily. There are no complicated care instructions like other duvets might offer. Instead, you can get your cleaning done at home.
This duvet is comfortable and smooth, with enough options to keep you comfortable. The all-season design is great for most users, as it provides a warmer feel in the winter and stays cool in the summertime.
The Highlights
The Douglas Down Alternative Duvet features a baffle box construction. While some of the other baffle box duvets on our list use large boxes, this duvet uses smaller boxes to allow for even fill. This lightweight option works well for those who overheat easily. When it’s time to wash your duvet, you can machine wash and tumble dry it at home. The strong corner loops make installing a duvet cover simple, so you won’t struggle with it.
- Smaller baffle box construction allows more even fill placement
- The lightweight option works well for those who sleep hot
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Strong corner loops make it easy to attach a duvet cover
From the Test Lab
“This lightweight duvet was just what we needed. We loved the design and the feel of this duvet.”
Why Trust Us?
Years in the sleep industry have helped us choose options that work for every sleeper. From in-depth mattress reviews, bed sheets, and beyond, we’ve tracked changes in the market and developed key testing methods to help you choose options that work best for your lifestyle.
To determine which options would make it onto our list of the best down alternative duvets in Canada, we tested each option through an extensive testing process at our lab. After our tests were done, we sent duvets home with our team of dedicated, detail-oriented testers. Their feedback and our test results combined helped us make an informed decision.
During our tests, we looked at some of the following categories.
- Fill Type. Since down alternative duvets offer a diverse range of fill options, it’s essential to let you know what is inside your duvet. We’ve noted what fill is used in each duvet to help you make a choice.
- GSM. Grams per Square Meter is a fill measurement that determines how full the duvet is. Higher values will be warmer, while lower values are better for all-season comfort and cooling. We’ve included the GSM (if available) for each of the duvets on our list.
- Other Materials. The shell and other materials used in your duvet can greatly impact how well it works. We’ve included information about the materials used in the shell, so you know what you’re getting.
- Construction. The construction of your duvet can determine how effective it is. We’ve outlined how each duvet keeps the fill right where it should be, so you can enjoy balanced, even fill placement throughout.
Why Choose a Down Alternative Duvet in Canada?
Why should you choose a down alternative duvet instead of the real deal? There are a few reasons that down alternative fill is superior, especially with allergy and animal welfare concerns. Here are a few reasons to choose a down alternative duvet instead of a pure down option.
- Animal Welfare. While most down duvets are certified by several companies that ensure ethics when gathering down and feathers, you can never be sure. Since natural down is harvested from ducks and geese, knowing how they are treated is important. If you are concerned about the practices of these companies, a down alternative duvet is a great way to ease your mind.
- Cooling. Down duvets and comforters can get extremely hot. Down retains heat better than any synthetic material that might be used in its place. If you sleep hot or prefer year-round comfort, you might want to opt for a down alternative duvet.
- Allergies. If you are allergic to animal down, feathers, or any other animal products, you might want to choose a down alternative duvet. They are hypoallergenic for the most part, meaning your allergies will allow you to rest rather than flaring up right as you get comfortable.
- Affordability. Down is expensive, and down duvets can be pricey. While they last a long time, standard down options can break the bank. A down alternative duvet can be just as comfortable without the higher price tag associated with pure down options.
Down alternative duvets provide accessibility and better ethics to the duvet space, particularly for those who have allergies or need a more accessible option. They also provide an alternative for those who are wary of using animal products and want to promote the ethical treatment of animals. Finally, down alternative duvets can be cooler and more affordable than their 100% real down counterparts.
Should I Use a Duvet Cover?
Whether you use a duvet cover is a personal choice. However, we recommend that you use a duvet cover with any type of duvet, regardless of whether it’s filled with natural down or not. A duvet cover has a few important benefits, including:
- Easy Installation. While it may seem intimidating to install a duvet cover, it’s easier than you might think. Many duvet covers use easy-access loops and closures to help make the process simpler than it appears.
- Easy Care. Duvet covers are easier to wash and care for than your duvet itself. When you use a duvet cover, it will get dirty – but it’s easy to take it off and wash it. Since many duvets can suffer when washed too much, a duvet cover is a perfect way to keep your duvet clean when you can’t wash it.
- Protection. Duvet covers protect the exterior of your duvet. Most duvet covers can protect your duvet from standard damage like spills, rips, tears, and fraying. The duvet cover can also prevent the duvet fill from escaping and covering your bed. This isn’t a major problem with down alternative duvets, but it still helps.
- Cooling. Some duvets can be extremely warm. The fill can retain heat, which is great for some sleepers. Still, most need some relief to avoid waking up too hot. A duvet cover can provide heat and moisture-wicking properties, additional airflow, and other temperature control features to keep your bed cooler.
How to Choose a Down Alternative Duvet for Canadians
Now that you are ready to purchase a down alternative duvet, what should you look for? Before you commit to a purchase, make sure to keep these important factors in mind.
Duvet Fill
Down alternative duvets, all use some form of synthetic fill. Options include materials like polyester, microfibre, rayon, wool, or even cotton. There are so many different options, and all work in similar ways. The key takeaway is that down alternative duvets use mostly hypoallergenic materials. Unlike down from ducks and geese, these materials won’t trigger allergies. You also don’t have to worry about the welfare of the animals the down comes from.
Down alternative fills can be diverse, and each has its benefits. Within each of our reviews above, we’ve highlighted the benefits of each particular type of down alternative to help you make a better choice.
GSM
There are a few different ways to measure the fill inside of a duvet, but most down alternative duvets use GSM. GSM stands for ‘Grams per Square Metre’. It refers to the weight of the fill, measuring the average among in each square metre of the duvet.
If you want a thick, durable duvet that generates a lot of warmth, choose a duvet with a higher GSM. If you need a more lightweight option because you sleep hot or prefer all-season comfort, a duvet with a lower GSM is the right option for you.
Shell Materials
Most of the best down alternative duvets in Canada use cotton shells. The shell is the exterior of the duvet, which is the part that you’ll be interacting with most. Some duvets have a thread count listed for the shell, but this is less important here than it would be in sheets or other bedding. The thread count shouldn’t be more than 300, as you probably won’t be sleeping directly under the duvet. This is especially true when you plan to use a duvet cover.
While cotton is the most common shell material, you can also find options that use synthetic alternatives or other materials. You can find linen duvets, silk duvets, and even polyester blends. While they might not be as common as cotton shells, each of these materials can provide different benefits.
Sizes
What size duvet should you choose for your bedroom? This is a trickier question than it appears. While it’s simple to choose the duvet that matches your mattress and sheet size, it might not be the best option. Do you prefer your duvet to hang over the sides of the bed? Do you want a little bit of extra blanket to work with when your partner hogs the duvet? If so, you might want to choose a duvet that is one size up from the size of your mattress. If you have a Queen-sized mattress, for instance, you could choose a King-sized duvet to create some lush overflow.
Of course, you may not prefer to have an extra blanket hanging around. Whatever size you decide on for your bed, you must make sure that you purchase a corresponding duvet cover. Keep in mind that some duvet covers aren’t measured to mattress standards, so double-check the dimensions to ensure that you are getting a duvet cover that fits.
Construction
The way the duvet is constructed can determine how effective it is. The construction of the duvet refers to the way that it is stitched together. Since the duvet has loose fill, there are some measures required to keep the fill from sliding around inside the duvet. Without any interior construction, all the fill can pool on one side of the duvet, or clump at the edges.
There are a few different types of effective duvet construction to consider.
- Baffle Box Construction. The baffle box is one of the most common construction types when it comes to duvets. It uses interior fabric ‘baffles’ to separate fill into smaller pockets. The fill can still move around within these pockets, but there won’t be a huge shift to one end or the other. The baffle box also provides a loftier feel than the other options.
- Quilted Construction. A duvet with quilted construction doesn’t use interior fabrics to keep the fill separated. Instead, you’ll find quilted lines that go all the way through the duvet. This keeps the fill in place effectively, but it works best for lightweight duvets.
- Channel Construction. Channel construction is like baffle box and quilted options. Instead of having square pockets, it is stitched to have long channels full of fill. These can run the entire length or width of the duvet, which allows some shifting to one side or another. If you prefer your fill to settle more naturally over time, this can be a good option for you.
The construction of your duvet might not be the first thing you consider, but it’s important to note. Choose the option that sounds most appealing to you based on your sleep needs.
Temperature Control Features
Duvets can get hot. If you usually wake up overheating, choosing the right duvet is essential. If you want to get a good night of sleep without waking up or becoming too hot, you should aim to choose a lightweight duvet. Lightweight duvets have a fill power of 400 or less. If the duvet measures fill in GSM, you should choose the lowest GSM possible. The interior of the duvet in these options isn’t as thick as standard options. They won’t retain as much heat.
There are two material types to consider when it comes to the breathability of your duvet. You should consider the shell material first. Breathable materials are best, as they can determine whether the duvet allows for essential airflow. Cotton is best for this.
Second is the fill itself. Pure down duvets are usually very hot, but down alternative options can avoid using materials that retain heat. Look for looser materials like polyester fill, but your best option is to choose a duvet that has a lower fill power or GSM.
Care Instructions
Caring for your duvet doesn’t have to be difficult. Because down alternative duvets can come in a range of fill types, following the care instructions is especially important. Most duvets are machine washable, but some might require very specific instructions. Following the instructions ensures that the duvet will last a long time. If there are special care instructions, you should follow them as closely as possible to extend the life of your duvet.
The best down alternative duvets in Canada are machine washable for the most part. There are a few options that are recommended for dry cleaning only and finding out which option is best for you can be daunting. If you don’t have the time or resources to have your duvet dry-cleaned, you should steer clear of those that need professional cleaning. While you can go a few months without washing your duvet, cleaning it is essential to maintaining the freshness of your sleeping space and the integrity of the duvet.
If you choose to use a duvet cover with your duvet, you can wash the duvet less often. However, you will still need to wash it a few times a year.
Sleep Trials
When you purchase a duvet in a retail store, you can see how it feels for yourself. You can touch it and experience the materials before you decide to take it home. When you purchase online, you don’t have these opportunities. Thankfully, many online retailers use sleep trials to help you try the duvet before you commit to a purchase.
You’ll buy the duvet first. When it arrives at your door, the sleep trial will start. Sleep trials may last from 30 nights to 120 nights depending on the retailer, so make sure to read over the terms and conditions of your sleep trial.
During this time, you can return the duvet for any reason. You’ll get a full refund of your purchase price. It’s a risk-free option that allows you to test the duvet before you decide to keep it. While some companies offer sleep trials, others might not have this option. Make sure to check to see if the duvet you want has a sleep trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a down alternative duvet last in Canada?
Down duvets can last as long as ten years, but down alternative duvets wear out faster. You should expect to replace all but the best down alternative duvets in Canada every four years or so.
Should you use a duvet cover for a down alternative duvet?
Yes, you should use a duvet cover on any type of duvet. While some users choose not to use them, they can be extremely convenient. A duvet cover extends the life of your duvet by reducing wear and tear, as well as reducing how often you have to wash it.
Can you wash down alternative duvets?
You can wash most down alternative duvets. However, it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s care instructions to see how you should wash the duvet and how often it should be washed. Following these instructions is important to ensure your duvet lasts a long time.