I have always had down comforters, and pillows. I wash them, and dry them with tennis balls, and sneakers. They take a long time to dry, but I will air dry them, and then fluff them up in the dryer. I also use duvet covers, or as Edie mentioned, I sew sheets together, and I'm good to go. I don't use a top sheet, as it ends up in a ball. I also have a dog that sleeps on top, so the duvet cover protects the comforter.