From fluffy down to breathable wool to lightweight silk, here’s how each duvet insert stacks up — and which one is right for you.

When it comes to duvet inserts, most people think of down. And while it’s true that when it’s made of natural fibers and ethically sourced, this lightweight, feathery fill is an excellent bedding material, it’s not all that’s out there.  

At Avocado, our handcrafted down duvet insert is a beloved bedding classic. But sustainable sleepers looking for other fill options can choose our wool or silk inserts, too. 

Why the variety? As organic sleep specialists, we understand that everyone’s needs are different and materials can have a huge impact on your quality of slumber. So, we created a selection of duvet inserts with distinct fills that are handcrafted with every type of sleeper in mind. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between down, wool, and silk to help you find the perfect duvet insert for a better night’s sleep.

Avo Silk Duvet Insert

Photo courtesy of Avocado.

Read more: Want a Good Night’s Sleep? Incorporate These Colors Into Your Bedroom

1. Down Duvet Inserts

Stuffed with the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese, down duvet inserts are known for their lightweight, fluffy loft. Avocado’s is handcrafted with 650 power-fill down that’s ethically sourced and Responsible Down Standard certified. 

You don’t have to worry about bunching, either. Our Down Duvet Insert features a silky soft, 400-thread-count sateen cotton shell with baffle box stitching that keeps the fill in place all night long – no matter how much you toss and turn.  

Here’s what to consider when opting for a down duvet insert: 

Pros:

  • Billowy and soft-as-a-cloud
  • Warm and insulating without being heavy
  • Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking

Cons:

  • Can trap heat, so not ideal for very hot sleepers
  • Not suitable for those with allergies (unless labeled hypoallergenic)
  • Typically not vegan unless otherwise noted or certified

Best For:

  • Cold sleepers
  • People in colder climates
  • Those who love a dreamy, hotel-style feel

Shop Avocado’s Down Duvet Insert, available in lightweight and all-season comfort levels. 

Down Duvet Insert

Photo courtesy of Avocado.

Read more: The Benefits of Down Bedding

2. Wool Duvet Inserts

Most wool duvet inserts are made from sheep’s wool and breeds known for their super soft, dense, and delicate fibers. But at Avocado, we designed a more luxurious wool insert. Ours is crafted with one of the most sought-after fibers in the world – natural, renewable alpaca wool sourced from the Peruvian Andes. 

We enclose this high-performing fill in a GOTS-certified organic cotton percale case for an insert that’s extraordinarily breathable and functional. 

Here’s what to consider when opting for a wool duvet insert: 

Pros:

  • Naturally temperature-regulating, so it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer
  • Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites
  • Absorbs and releases moisture well (great for sweaty sleepers)

Cons:

  • Heavier than down or silk
  • Not as fluffy or lofty 
  • Some may find it too warm in hot climates

Best For:

  • Hot sleepers or those who sweat at night
  • Allergy sufferers
  • People who want a more breathable and sustainable option

Shop Avocado’s Alpaca Duvet Insert, available in lightweight and all-season comfort levels. 

3. Silk Duvet Inserts

When deciding on a silk duvet insert, it’s important to go over the label with a fine-toothed comb. Many so-called “silk” inserts aren’t 100 percent silk. Instead, they’re often filled with a blend of synthetic and natural materials, but still marketed as if they’re pure silk — and most buyers never know the difference.

At Avocado, that’s not how we do things. Our airy Silk Duvet Insert is filled exclusively with recycled mulberry silk, a renewable resource and one of the finest silks in the world. By choosing recycled silk, we’re reducing waste by keeping this premium fiber out of landfills and giving it new life as sustainable bedding. It’s also more ethical than virgin silk, which relies on domesticated silkworms for products. 

What’s more, the duvet insert’s recycled silk filling is encased with wondrously soft, GOTS-certified organic cotton and stitched in a lavish, 400-thread-count sateen weave for unparalleled comfort.

Here’s what to consider when opting for a silk duvet insert: 

Pros:

  • Naturally cooling, very breathable
  • Hypoallergenic — resists mold, mildew, and dust mites
  • Lightweight and soft with a luxurious feel

Cons:

  • Less insulating than down or wool
  • Can be more expensive
  • Requires more delicate care

Best For:

  • Hot sleepers or those in warmer climates
  • People with allergies or sensitive skin
  • Anyone seeking a light, cool, luxurious sleep experience

Shop Avocado’s Silk Duvet Insert. 

Of course, no matter which duvet insert you choose, be sure to pair it with a duvet cover that’s just as soft, sustainable, and snuggle-worthy. We have some ideas in mind. 

Alpaca Duvet Insert

Photo courtesy of Avocado.

Read more: The Best Bedding For You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

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Meredith is a freelance writer specializing in wellness, sustainability, and the outdoors. When she's not writing or brainstorming new content, you can find her barefoot in her backyard, cooking up a new recipe, and spending time with her husband, her beagle, and her cat.

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