Duvet

A duvet (UK: /ˈduːveɪ/ DOO-vay, US: /duːˈveɪ/ doo-VAY; from French duvet [dyvɛ] ^ⓘ 'down'), usually called a comforter or (down-filled) quilt in American English, and a doona in Australian English, is a type of bedding consisting of a soft flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, cotton, silk, or a synthetic alternative, and is typically protected with a removable cover, similar to a pillow and pillow case. Sleepers often use a duvet without a top bed sheet, as the duvet cover can readily be removed and laundered as often as the bottom sheet.

The term duvet is mainly British, especially in reference to the bedding. The term is rare in US English, where it typically refers to the cover, not the bedding itself.

Duvets originated in rural Europe and were filled with the down feathers of ducks or geese. The best quality feathers are taken from the eider duck, whose feathers are known for their effectiveness as a thermal insulator.

In Britain, prior to the 1970s, a similar form of bedding was called an eiderdown. The British eiderdown was thinner than its continental equivalent. It was placed on top of a sheet and blankets, for extra warmth, rather than being used instead of a sheet and blankets.