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Best Bolster Pillows

Candace Osmond

Bolster Pillows originate from the Asia, dating as far back to Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Wives would make them out of bamboo as gifts for their husbands. These bolsters offered support to necks, backs, knees and gave their husbands something to sleep with while they traveled. A bolster is a long narrow pillow that is filled with cotton, down or fiber. Bolsters are usually firm and used for back support or often used as a decorative accessory. Bolster pillows are sometimes called “hugging pillow” because of their unique shape. Most people use the pillows for added neck support, extra lumbar support, for their yoga practice or during pregnancy. Bolster is another term for support and that is exactly what most people are using these cylindrical pillow for, to help support the body of the user.  There is no classic size to these pillows and they vary depending on their use.  You may find a pretty bolster pillow sitting at the arm of a day bed or alongside a throng of throws.

1. Healthex Cervical Neck Roll Pillow – Editor's Choice

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  • Measures: 19 x 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 3 lbs

2. Saloniture Full Round Massage Table Bolster

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  • Measures: 26 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 3 lbs

3. Ajna Wellbeing Yoga Bolster Pillow

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  • Product dimensions: 25.6 x 10.2 x 5.9 inches
  • Product weight: 3.6 pounds

4. Squishy Deluxe Microbead Bolster Tube Pillow

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  • Cover Material: Nylon (85%)/Spandex(15%)
  • Interior: Microbeads
  • Dimensions: 13 x 6 X 6
  • Product Weight: 9.4 oz

5. Boppy Pregnancy Bolster Pillow

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  • Product size: 48 x 25 x 8 inches
  • Product weight: 5 pounds
  • Material: Slip cover cotton, interior polyester

6. 5 Stars United Half Moon Bolster

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  • Measures: 20.4 x 7.8 x 4.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.15 pounds

7. Resort Spa Decorative Bolster

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  • Measures: 20″ length x 6″ diameter
  • Weight: 2.05 pounds
  • Number of pieces: 2

Best Bolster Pillows

1. Healthex Cervical Neck Roll Pillow – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Measures: 19 x 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 3 lbs

Pros

  • Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Long Warranty
  • Zippered outer case
  • Machine washable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Memory foam interior

Cons

  • May be too large for smaller people

This highly rated bolster from Healthex will support your neck effortlessly while maintaining proper spine alignment relieving your body of additional small aches and pains.

This neck bolster for sleeping helps relieve the debilitating effects of sciatica, arthritis, back pain, post-surgery pain, helps the vertebrae stay relaxed, keeps the neck & shoulders aligned, and maintains the natural curvature of the spine. Wake up feeling fully refreshed as you sleep on this bolster made from the highest quality memory foam.

t’s hypos allergenic bamboo cover is eco-friendly, breathable, dust proof and soft on your skin. The cover is removable and machine washable. The manufacturer offers a 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee along with a limited 2-year product warranty.

2. Saloniture Full Round Massage Table Bolster

Highlights

  • Measures: 26 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 3 lbs

Pros

  • Oil and Stain resistant
  • Eco friendly faux leather fabric
  • Removable outer case
  • Handle for storing or transporting
  • Fits any full size massage table

Cons

  • On the expensive side

This high end looking round bolster for your massage table is a great pick as it is designed to take strain off the lower back and vertebrae by placing underneath your client’s knees, or ankles, and can be used as neck support.

The interior is made from eco-friendly high-density foam so you can count on the durability of the item and be assured it will not lose its shape, resistance or become compressed.  The outer cover is made from a rich synthetic leather that is both durable and soft.

The material is 100% vegan and it is oil and water proof as well as stain resistant.  The pillow has a fully removable cover outer case for ease of cleaning. This pillow can also be used for stretching, muscle support, arch and lumbar support by therapists and yogis. It comes with a convenient sewn in handle that makes for easy transport or simple storage on a hook.

3. Ajna Wellbeing Yoga Bolster Pillow

Highlights

  • Product dimensions: 25.6 x 10.2 x 5.9 inches
  • Product weight: 3.6 pounds

Pros

  • Ton toxic
  • Recycled fibers
  • Removable Vegan cover
  • Lightweight
  • Every purchase plants a tree
  • Multiple color choices

Cons

  • Expensive

The Anja Wellbeing Yoga Bolster is a must-have companion tool for anyone working through a restorative yoga practice. The bolster pillow provides optimal support while helping to alleviate pressure on your joints. Using the bolster will provide lumbar relief, deepen stretches, and bringing you to a deeper state of relaxation.

The yoga bolster is carefully crafted recycled dense level foam around a concentrated firm core that provides durability and lasting structure. The feeling of richness that comes from the eco-suede is entirely guilt free as the product is produced sustainably from recycled, 100 percent vegan materials and uses no harmful chemicals or toxic solvents.

The cover can be easily removed for cleaning, and the bolster features gold embossed carrying handles making it easy to transport. This bolster is perfect for Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Meditation, Breath work and even simple leg and back support.

4. Squishy Deluxe Microbead Bolster Tube Pillow

Highlights

  • Cover Material: Nylon (85%)/Spandex(15%)
  • Interior: Microbeads
  • Dimensions: 13 x 6 X 6
  • Product Weight: 9.4 oz

Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • Machine washable
  • Removable cover
  • Hypoallergenic
  • 1-year satisfaction guarantee
  • Assortment of colors
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Some reviewers found it too hard

Microbead bolster pillows are squishy but also supportive, they are comfortable for regular use, and firm for users with physical ailments as it supports relevant pressure points. The pillow is cylindrically shaped, 13″ in length and 6″ in diameter and is filled with tiny polystyrene squishy, microbeads that are soft yet supportive making them a great choice to use either as a neck pillow for sleeping, wrist support while writing or using a mouse, or as a travel pillow for back support.

They have a removable hypoallergenic cover that can be taken off and tossed into the washer for ease of maintenance. In inside of the bolster is made up of 90% high quality microbeads in the smallest size available (0.3 – 0.5 mm). The remaining 10% is filled with microfiber to make the pillows softer. If, for any reason you don’t absolutely love Microbead Bolster Pillow within your first year of using it, you can return it and receive a 100% no hassle refund.

5. Boppy Pregnancy Bolster Pillow

Highlights

  • Product size: 48 x 25 x 8 inches
  • Product weight: 5 pounds
  • Material: Slip cover cotton, interior polyester

Pros

  • All one piece
  • Machine washable
  • Can be used in various positions

Cons

  • Not organic cotton

As your body continues to change throughout your pregnancy your definition of comfort will do too.  A position that seemed to provide everything you needed to feel comfortable a week ago will no longer work for you this week.

That is why the Bobby Pregnancy Bolster Hugger pillow is exactly what you need.  As your sleeping positions shift dramatically during your journey this unique contoured shape will continue to support your full body no matter what position you (and baby) choose. It can provide total body support for your head, neck, back, hips and baby bump all within just one pillow.

Both the 100% pima cotton slipcover and the pillow and the slip cover are machine washable. The pillow can be used throughout your day, not just while sleeping as it a be a great comfort while you are sitting reading or watching T.V. You will love this Boppy Bolster pillow you will probably use it way past the birth of your child! It can be used as a nursing pillow or you can continue to use it just for yourself during those few quiet moments you.

6. 5 Stars United Half Moon Bolster

Highlights

  • Measures: 20.4 x 7.8 x 4.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.15 pounds

Pros

  • Memory foam filling
  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Removable cover
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Do not get it you are sensitive to smell

The 5 Stars United Half Moon bolster has made sure that every detail has been thought about.  Even the material helps with your relaxation by a lemon aroma that is used during the production that gives the soft cotton a slight lemony fresh smell!  The memory foam firm inner core helps to maintain the shape of the pillow while the softer outer layer gives a feeling of luxury.

The pillow boasts a breathable cotton cover that can be removed and cleaned in the washing machine. The half-moon shape perfectly preserves the contour of your head, neck, legs, knees and waist providing relief in all the main pain pressure points. The half moon pillow ensures that you have a more relaxed and neutral spinal alignment when you sleep on your side and place it between your legs, also helping to prevent knee and hip pain.

To support your lower back, you can use the pillow as a lumbar pillow, or place it behind your neck while sleeping, reading or watching T.V. for neck support. 5 Stars United offers a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee.

7. Resort Spa Decorative Bolster

Highlights

  • Measures: 20″ length x 6″ diameter
  • Weight: 2.05 pounds
  • Number of pieces: 2

Pros

  • UV treated outdoor fabric
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Comes in a pair
  • Classic look
  • Additional accessories to choose from
  • Durable
  • Great value

Cons

  • Cover is not removable

Take your outdoor living space to the next level with comfortable and stylish bolster pillows that are constructed to last season after season.  These smart black and white striped bolsters come in a pair and are made with 100% spun poly UV-treated weather and wear resistant fabric that resists water, fading and soil. The bolster filling is filled with a soft, premium, hypo-allergenic poly-fiberfill. Resort Spa has a bevy of other outdoor cushions and you can mix and match shapes to finish your look. While you relax outdoors make sure that you are comfortable and this bolster can support your lumbar, neck and knees while spending the day with a good book.

Things to look out for when selecting a bolster pillow

For some people, pillows are solely for neck support but these pillows are highly versatile so first know the primary purpose for your purchase. Are you planning to use your pillow for pregnancy, massage, yoga, sleep or just for decorative purposes?  This will help guide you to the right pillow choice for your needs.

The materials used in the pillow will be an important factor, especially if you are sensitive to different fabrics. Because you skin will be directly exposed for long periods of time to the pillow make sure it is a fabric that brings you comfort. Some of the best choices for material are organic cotton, bamboo, microfiber. You will also want to choose your filling depending on the amount of support you are looking for.  You will find pillows filled with down, cotton, microbeads and memory foam. The most common bolster are cylindrical. But with neck pillows, they are also available in a rectangular shape.

Bottom Line

Bolsters have so many uses be sure to start with your primary reason for adding a bolster to your household.  When you choose the right bolster for your needs you can add a whole new level of comfort to your life.