Silk comforters are ideal alternatives to down. They are filled with silk floss and enclosed in a silk or cotton cover. They provide insulation, are naturally hypoallergenic, and lightweight.
SilkComforter.info is a great guide for anyone wanting to know more...
We've been thinking of getting one to replace our down comforter, as it is old and has started leaving feathers all over the apartment. The layered silk fibers of a silk comforter kind of adhere together and don't leak or bunch up. For cleaning, silk comforters can be hand-washed and tumble dried.
To purchase, these two sites look like a good start: White Loft Silk, Blue Stone Home.
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silk is antimicrobial and good at wicking moisture and maintaining a comfortable temperature... well thats what the silk store in china said
There are some comments on silk comforters on AT:SF here:
http://sanfrancisco.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/112906/bedding-blankets/eileen-fisher-seasonless-silk-comforter-015165
If you have a duvet, it doesn't need cleaning. You can leave it outside in the sun for a few hours and that is supposed to freshen it up.
Alan, we must have gone on the same tour in China!
A silk comforter was THE ONLY thing I asked my parents for on their trips back to Hong Kong. I had an old fashioned (with a hideous bright pink cover, though it's always kept in a duvet) one for 20 yrs. I even took it to university with me. I only parted with it when the edges started bunching up. These new ones are warm, but are MUCH lighter than the old style. My relatives think I am nuts 'cause no one in Hong Kong wants the old style ones, however, they manage to find one store that can custom order it. Oh the cost... only around $60 USD! Be careful if you buy it in China, there was a "scandal" awhile back with silk comforters being filled with USED medical Gauze (ewww). Only get it from the official state stores and/or reputable manufacturers.
I love my silk comforter and use it all year round. If you're in NYC, there's a store in Chinatown that sells silk comforters. Summit Silk Bedding @ 97 Walker Street
Summit Silk Bedding has stores in NY and CA. If you aren't in any of those states then you can try purchasing their silk comforters on their website: http://www.summitsilkbedding.com