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Adding a tool or a thing during yoga can level up your yoga practice. Yoga mats are great tools but sometimes they are not enough, also not the best one to experience comfort to a certain extent. That is when getting yourself a bolster especially designed for yoga practice comes into the picture.
A yoga bolster helps you to release more during yoga. It acts as the best support during your yoga and meditation too. Using yoga bolster also makes your body more comfortable and flexible, it helps to take pressure off from your lower back too.
Many times some people may be going through back and knee pain issues so using a bolster during yoga can be a cushion for you to easily and comfortably do all the exercises. You can experience utmost relaxation in your body because of using a yoga bolster. In this article, we will list some of the best yoga bolsters and also provide information on their benefits, types, and things to consider while buying one. So let us get started…
What is a Yoga Bolster
Yoga bolsters are dense and firm pillows that are available in a range of sizes and shapes which can be rectangular, round, thick, or thin suitable for various asanas to support different parts of the human body. These bolsters are made in different types of materials that are comfortable and easy to wash as well.
Bolsters are popularly used in restorative yoga classes and Yin yoga. They are suitable for almost everyone as they make sure to provide extra support and cushion, they are beginner-friendly, can be used by pregnant ladies, for people with joint, back, or knee pain.
Bolsters increase flexibility while practicing yoga. They provide comfort and strength to your body while properly aligning your body. Definitely a great assist during all your yoga sessions.
13 Benefits of Yoga Bolster
One of the prime use of yoga bolster or yoga pillow is that they add height from the floor that helps to stretch the muscles of your body. They also support you by giving firm cushioning to your body. There are various other benefits of using a yoga bolster including:
- Helps to open up the entire body
- Beneficial for beginners
- Provides amazing relaxation to your body
- Great for people with limited mobility
- They provide cushioning for your joints or bones against the floor
- Improve your posture
- Help to open your chest and back muscles.
- Supports and provides cushion to the spine
- Alleviates tension caused to your neck
- Improves stretching as it adds height from the floor
- Great for respiration
- Helps to boost blood flow to the legs and upper body when placed beneath you
- As the abdomen twists, it stimulates the digestive system
Best Yoga Bolster to Buy
1. Gaiam Yoga Bolster
Giam Yoga Bolster supports the body during yoga, meditation, or relaxation. When you use this, it brings the most comfort as it is filled with natural cotton batting for its cushioning. The cover of the cushion is made of 100% polyester material. This yoga pillow features a sturdy handle that lets you transport hassle-free whenever you want to go out for your yoga or meditation sessions.
You can easily wash as the cover is machine washable and the cover is removable which lets you toss it easily in the machine. The cushion is also available in 3 different color options which you can choose from. It is also lightweight and easy to use. This yoga bolster will be a great tool for you during your yoga practices.
Specifications
- Weight – 5.2 pounds
- Size – 27″x11.5″x7″
2. Hugger mugger standard yoga bolster
Hugger mugger is a great pillow for all your yoga sessions. It has a flat top and bottom which helps to create better stability during your yoga sessions. The cushion has great firmness that aids in maintaining the structural integrity of your body. The cushion is made of cotton cover and filled with foam core and cotton batting which is handmade in the USA with the best upholstery-grade fabrics.
It can help you to support the torso in various poses, twists, child’s pose, and seated forward bends. This rectangular bolster helps in elevating the hips in seated and complex yoga poses. You can easily wash as the cover is machine washable and the cover is removable which lets you toss it easily in the machine. You also get to choose from various color options. One of the great options to invest in is a standard yoga bolster.
Specifications
- Weight – 5.0 lb
- Size – 25″ x 11″ x 5″
3. Manduka Enlight Yoga Bolster
The yoga bolsters by Manduka are everything you could want as they have firm back support, silky soft covers, and give the best support. It comes in a rectangular shape that provides support to the spine, back, or your head. The fabric is very smooth, absorbent, and the covers can be easily removed for washing. The core is made of 30% recycled polyester. Its correct amount of firmness gives support and the cushioning is not too hard that provides comfort, although it is not too squishy and gets lumpy either.
This bolster also helps to save space. The brand produces high-quality and sustainable materials which make it popular. These bolsters are so easy to clean and they sustain for a good amount of time. You can remove the microfiber cover and wash it in the machine easily. The bolster core is said to be water-resistant and because of the durable thick cover, it protects from sweat. The handles can are well-stitched and can be used to move around swiftly. It is a great option to look at while buying yoga bolsters.
Specifications
- Weight – 5.2 pounds
- Size – 28″x11.75″x7″
4. Simian Yoga Bolster Pillow
Simians offer great functionality bolster at an affordable price. The bolster comes in a rectangular shape and has an ergonomic design. It helps to open your chest, gives support to your back, and provides knee support while doing yoga. It features a synthetic fill and a removable cover. The fabric is very smooth, absorbent, and the covers can be easily removed for washing. You can remove the microfiber cover and wash it in the machine easily. The bolster core is said to be water-resistant and sweat-free.
The Simian bolster does not compress or squish down under your body weight if applied pressure. It is compact and travel-friendly size yet still good for studio use. It also features a double sewn handle and a hidden zipper to make it easy to transport. Also comes at a super affordable price with great features, one can be happy to own it.
Specifications
- Weight – 1.2 kg
- Size – 27.6” x 9.8” x 4.5”
5. Bean Products- Yoga Bolster
Bean Products’ yoga bolster is designed for a variety of active and restorative positions. Made up of commercial-grade foam core which is wrapped in four layers of cotton batting for optimal support and the best firm long-lasting structure. Their premium natural materials are non-toxic, super soft, and have no chemical smells. The Bean Products yoga pillow is wide from the top and smaller in height. It offers deeper supported bends and gentler chest opening poses. The foam core is very firm, thick, and sturdy. These bolsters are built to last and include a 1-year warranty.
The bolster is designed by professional Yogis and handmade with eco friendly. The fabric is very smooth, absorbent, and the covers can be easily removed for washing. You can remove the cover and wash it in the machine easily. It has a unique concept where you can choose the cover of your choice from hemp, conventional cotton, or organic cotton. It is said to be suitable for Zafu meditation and massage therapy. Includes a strap at the top which makes it convenient to carry it anywhere.
Specifications
- Weight – 4.55 pounds
- Size – 28″x11.75″x7″
6. Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster
The Brentwood Home Crystal Cove yoga bolster is decorative, classy, and gives a luxurious feel. The certified organic cotton lining and buckwheat fill are ultra-sustainable and non-toxic. You can even customize the firmness by opening the organic liner to remove buckwheat or you can replace the fill after a few years. The perfectly stitched outer cover is very smooth, and the covers can be easily removed for washing. You can remove the cover and wash it in the machine easily.
The bolster is designed very well. It has shell-like patterned stitching that looks soft and feels classy, one can use this pillow not only for its functionality for yogis but also as a home décor item. The interior is a 100% sustainable buckwheat fill that is sturdy, firm, and durable. This buckwheat fill makes the Brentwood Home yoga pillow denser and heavier than many other bolsters. The carrying strap or handle of the bolster is extra tough, it is double-stitched, and embroidered with lovely tree emblems. These sturdy handles make it easy to carry around in spite of the weight.
Specifications
- Weight – 12 lbs
- Size – 25″x11″x6″
7. Giam sol round Yoga Bolster
The Giam sol round yoga bolster provides superior comfort to you during your yoga. A rounded bolster is the most versatile of yoga cushions because it can be used for various activities like a roller, under-spine support, or shoulder support. This bolster is filled with cotton batting and has a super stable center to give you support and keep you grounded. The fabric is very smooth, absorbent, and the micro-fiber cover can be easily removed for washing. You can remove the cover and wash it in the machine easily. The yoga bolster is easy to transport to and from the studio or keep as cozy support meditation, yoga, Pilates, or relaxation. This yoga bolster provides the full-body support which is needed and promotes a healthy posture and alignment that helps your body and mind to relax. These sturdy handles make it easy to carry around
Specifications
- Weight – 5.08 pounds
- Size – 25.5″L x 9″ Diameter
8. Buckwheat Meditation Cushion, Velvet Meditation Pillow
The Buckwheat Meditation Cushion comes in a round shape and is made of velvet that can be used as a meditation pillow. It is ergonomically designed meditation cushions that make it easy for you to achieve the optimal alignment of your spine. You can find comfort and it can calm your body with this meditation pillow, you can discover the tranquility that good posture can bring to your meditation using this. The multipurpose cushion can be used as a floor pillow or on a chair for working or learning, best for meditation.
This round floor pillow is filled with 100% natural buckwheat hulls, you do not have to worry about bugs as it is made under high temperature. The cover of this meditation cushion is a fully zip cotton cover. The fabric is very smooth, absorbent, and the micro-fiber cover can be easily removed for washing. You can remove the cover and wash it in the machine easily. The cushion also features grab-and-go handles for easy transport from one place to another. It comes with a bag to carry and you can choose from 6 different color options.
Specifications
- Weight – 5.2 pounds
- Size – 13”x 13” x 6” / 16”x 16” x 6”
9.Waterglider International Rectangular Pranamaya Bolster
The Waterglider bolster is the most comfortable for yin yoga or holding any poses for a longer period of time. The bolster is longer in size, thinner, and has an oblong shape which can be used as a body pillow, and yoga bolster. This bolster is made with 100% organic cotton batting that keeps the cushion firm and does not lose shape easily. They are stuffed with thick material and are stiff enough to provide the amount of support. The long and narrow design of this bolster is very popularly used by pregnant yogis and large-chested women.
The bolster helps to relax your body and improves your posture. People suffering from back pain may find relief because of using this bolster during their asanas. The fabric is very smooth, absorbent, and the cover can be easily removed for washing. You can remove the cover and wash it in the machine easily. Comes with a handle for easy traveling from studio to home or any other place.
Specifications
- Weight – 5.2 pounds
- Size – 27″x8″x5″
10.Florensi Yoga Bolster Premium Velvet Bolster Pillow
Florensi Yoga bolster is your perfect yoga tool for your restorative practices, yin yoga, prenatal yoga, meditation, and back massage. The yoga bolster comes with a premium velvet cover that is smooth, durable, and machine-washable. Made from high-quality, the bolster has a long-lasting fill that maintains its shape and firmness. It is stuffed with an extra firm and eco-friendly fill that is perfect to maintain its shape for all yoga practices and poses. This bolster is suitable for doing backbends, child’s pose, and elevated legs exercises.
When placed under the spine, chest, or shoulders, this yoga bolster helps to circulate the blood easily through the body, and supply the organs with oxygenated blood. You can remove the microfiber cover and wash it in the machine easily. The bolster core is said to be water-resistant and because of the durable thick cover, it protects from sweat. The handles can are well-stitched and can be used to move around swiftly. It is a great option to look at while buying yoga bolsters.
Specifications
- Weight – 5.2 pounds
- Size – 26″x11″x5.5″
11.YogaAccessories Pranayama Cotton Yoga Bolster
The YogaAccessories Pranayama yoga bolster weighs less and is significantly smaller than standard size bolsters that are available in the market. It is best as a travel yoga pillow especially for people with smaller body types. Made with 100% cotton cover and comes with an eco-friendly fill. The bolster is fluffy, soft, and firm, also great for pricing. The batting can be removed if needed so that you can adjust the firmness. This Pranayama bolster can be used for your breathing exercises; these are mostly laid under the spine to help open up the chest for deeper breaths. The shape is oblong and thin and lightweight. The bolster even though being smaller in size it has great firmness which does not bend or sag after use.
Specifications
- Weight – 2.6 pounds
- Size – 25” x 6” x 3”
How to Use Yoga Bolster
If you are a beginner, it might be confusing to understand how to use a yoga bolster while practicing yoga especially if you have never used a yoga bolster before to practice traditional poses. Do not worry we will be listing some of the uses of yoga bolster while practicing asanas below.
While supporting your backbends
Place the bolster on the floor behind you and sit on the mat. Lie down and push yourself backward using your hands, until you notice your back resting on the center of the bolster. Now raise your arms and stretch towards the sides above your bolster until they rest on the floor.
While performing supported child poses
Firstly kneel on the mat and place the bolster in between your knees. Now stretch your hands in front slowly until your entire body is on the bolster, while you are on the bolster try to relax and do breathing.
While performing seated meditation
To lower the stress caused on your back while meditating, place the bolster on your mat and cross your legs, now place your sit bones on the bolster and fold your knees for better posture. Keep your back straight, when you do this the yoga bolster helps to support your back because of the increased elevation of the bolster. Do your breathing and relax.
How To Choose The Best Yoga Bolster
1. Materials
Mostly the lightweight fabrics such as polyester and foam are used in yoga bolsters. You can also choose from eco-friendly or sustainable materials, like organic cotton and buckwheat hulls. An organic yoga bolsters are great for your skin and body, also good for the environment.
2. Size and Shape
Size and shape should be the first thing you focus on when buying a yoga bolster for yourself. For supported forward bend going for rectangular bolsters would be great, also good for supported shoulder stand. Round yoga bolsters are best as they are perfect for the fish pose, hero pose, and savasana as they support the natural arch. Consider factors such as your weight and height while buying one
3. Weight
The weight and the material used for filling the bolster are important factors one needs to consider. Go for a high-density foam or cotton batting interior for great support, firmness, and comfort. You may also go for bolsters with kapok and buckwheat fillings or a synthetic fiberfill.
4. Firmness
For maximum stability and utmost support yoga pillow or yoga, bolsters have to be firm enough to support your yoga asanas. Yoga bolster helps to support your back and relaxes the nerves and muscles. It also helps in alleviating the stress and tension caused in various parts of your body. That is why choose a bolster that features soft and firm cushioning which keeps you comfortable.
Different Types of Yoga Bolster
Standard Yoga Bolsters
For good elevation and to maintain the body’s posture standard yoga bolsters are a great option for you. They have a flat rectangular design that is great for your body. These bolsters can be used for seated forward bends. During meditation, these bolsters provide solid support to you.
Round Yoga Bolsters
For advanced yoga practice and sitting, postures round yoga bolsters are a great option as they are large, heavy, and best. Also, they give extra support and comfort when placed under the knees while practicing asanas.
Pranayama Bolsters
These are somewhat similar to standard bolsters just much leaner. They support your back and knees and improve your posture. Also, provide great relaxation to your body.
Meditation Pillows
These are round, square and some may even come in a V shape. These are mostly used during meditation to be placed under your sit bones. Because of the elevated height, these pillows provide good support to your back and help to keep the back straight while elevating your hips.
Conclusion
Including yoga bolster in your yoga session for asanas can be beneficial to you in various ways. They are great for strengthening your body and supporting your back while helping your body to relax.
Hope this article has given you a brief idea and information on a yoga bolster and how it can benefit you. Also able to choose the best yoga bolster from the list of 11 top products mentioned in the article. Thank you for reading.