I am very happy with this comforter. Previously I had real down, but I decided to go with the down alternative because of the lower price for the queen size. It's a slightly different feel, but still comfortable and warm. The best part is that it's very easy to clean, which is perfect for anyone with dogs or kids. I don't know if there are official washing instructions, but I always wash and dry mine at home without any problems. (Though I probably wouldn't do that if you're going to use it without a duvet, because the stitching won't look as nice after.) This is a good value overall, and I recommend it.