April 13, 2025 | By DJ, Co-Founder of Sleeping Dove
“There has to be a natural way to adjust a blanket’s temperature, without plugs, apps, or engineered fabrics.”
That thought circled in my mind one summer morning in 2023, around 3 a.m., after waking up (again) from overheating in my midsection. I pushed the blanket down to cool off, but I couldn’t find the second throw I usually kept for my shoulders. It had slipped off during the night, as always. I knew I’d be getting cold in a few minutes without the throw, and I just felt desperate and frustrated. Next to me, James had one leg out from under the covers. His feet always ran hot. I reached for my phone and searched (again) for a blanket that could help people like us. People who didn’t want to charge their comforter or sync it to a phone just to get some rest. I didn’t want tech. I wanted a traditional, well-made comforter that actually helped.
And then came the idea: What if a comforter had windows?
After all, when your house is too warm, you open the windows. When it’s cold, you close them. Why not use that same logic in a comforter to cool off exactly where and when you need it? No gimmicks. Just thoughtful sewing and natural materials. Of course, James and I knew absolutely nothing about blanket-making. But I had worked in fashion production in my 30s, and James had a bachelor’s in engineering physics. I felt this was a small step toward figuring out the right natural, cooling design. Looking back, I realize how naive I was. This idea took us on a yearlong adventure, with way too many unexpected turns for two mid-life-aged people.
And yet today, on Friday, April 4, 2025, after dozens of prototypes, quiet brainstorms, and so much learning, we’re proud to say: The Sleeping Dove Comforter is officially born.
What makes it different?
Our design features adjustable “windows,” soft flaps that open to reveal a thin cotton layer beneath. When opened, the comforter becomes instantly lighter in that area. There’s no airflow, but the reduced insulation offers noticeable, targeted cooling, all while keeping you covered. No wires. No apps. No buzzing or blinking. Just clever construction, made from heirloom-quality cotton and premium down or down-alternative fill.
How did we approach the design?
We focused on simplicity and user-friendliness. The adjustable windows were a game-changer. They let you fine-tune your comfort naturally. At first, we considered using fasteners, but they didn’t align with our values of tradition and ease. In the end, gravity did the job best. The flap stays down unless you lift it, no fiddling required.
What does comfort in bed really mean?
To us, it means peace of mind. Knowing your body can cool off without leaving the safety of your blanket. Falling asleep without fussing around with buttons or apps. Being next to someone you care about and not having to pull the blanket one way or the other.
What do we hope Sleeping Dove gives you?
For couples, we hope it becomes a small but beautiful act of care: a way to stay close and help each other feel good under the same cover.
For solo sleepers, we hope it becomes a quiet comfort: a naturally adaptable blanket that works with your body, not against it.
We created this for ourselves. And now, we’re so honored to share it with you. Experience the difference with Sleeping Dove: a comforter designed with people like us in mind.