International Bedding Terms Explained

A cross-border guide to duvet, comforter, doona, quilt, sheet, protector, pad and topper terminology.

Reviewed July 27, 2026

Bedding vocabulary changes across countries, retailers and households. Treat every term as a clue, then confirm construction and dimensions.

Usually a filled insert intended for a removable cover, although some retailers use the word for the covered assembly.

Common in North America for a finished filled top cover often used without a separate removable cover.

A common Australian term for a duvet-style filled bed covering.

May mean a thin stitched cover in North America, while some regions use it more broadly for a filled top layer.

A woven, knit or fleece layer without the loose fill construction of many duvets or comforters.

A flat sheet placed between the sleeper and top bedding; common in some countries and less common in others.

An elasticated bottom sheet shaped to grip the mattress. Pocket depth and actual dimensions matter.

A protective layer intended primarily to guard the mattress rather than substantially change feel.

A modest padded layer that can add slight cushioning and a washable surface.

A thicker layer intended to make a noticeable change to surface feel or height.

Size names are not measurements

A double, full, queen or king may differ across countries and manufacturers. Always compare width, length and depth in centimetres or inches.