A comforter is a specific type of blanket. Comforters are intended to keep the user comfortably warm, especially during slumber, although they can also be used as mattress pads. Comforters are normally large and rectangular in shape, with a filling of natural or synthetic insulative material and encased in a shell/covering. Being similar also to quilts, comforters are generally used with a set of sheets.
Comforter sizes are built to correspond with bed sizes: twin, full, queen, king, and cal-king. Comforter sizes are normally slightly larger than actual bed sizes so it can drape over the sides of the bed. Typical sizes in the United States for comforters are:
A comforter is sometimes covered with a duvet (comforter) cover for protection and prolonged use. Duvet is French for “Down”. Comforter covers are similar in principle to pillowcases, usually closed with zippers or buttons. In the United Kingdom, they are only known as special types of padding Duvets.
Comforters are sometimes packaged in a set (e.g. purple comforter set) that also includes a bed skirt, pillow shams, and sometimes pillows.
Filling - Comforters are filled with layers of material such as polyester batting, down feathers, wool, or silk. Comforters also can be made out of fur, usually with a backing of satin or silk. The loft of the filling determines the weight as well as the level of insulation. The comforter is stitched or quilted to secure the filling and keep it evenly distributed.[citation needed]
Shell/Covering – The outer shells of comforters are typically constructed using cotton, silk, or polyester fabrics or blends, of varying thread counts. Comforter shells vary in design and color, often designed to coordinate with other bedding. Washing a comforter should not be done with a top loader; minimum capacity to wash a comforter is 3.7 m³.
Content Source: Wikipedia (see resources section)
Check out available purple comforter sets here, or solid comforter sets of other colors here.