What is a bolster pillow - and how can it improve sleep?
Bolster pillows are short, narrow pillows filled with a firm material such as memory foam. They are usually cylindrical or half-cylindrical in shape and have various uses such as joint and back support, general comfort, and support during yoga practice. It is usually associated with East Asian cultures.
Are you looking for ways to make sleeping - or relaxing - more comfortable? Looking at the list of pillow options and you wonder what a bolster pillow is?
If so, you're not alone. Bolster pillows have been around for a long time, but have recently grown in popularity. This is because people are realizing how great they are at providing comfort and stability, whether you're sleeping or awake.
And bolster pillows can also be a great addition to your bedroom.
History of the Bolster Pillow
Bolster pillows have been around for a long time. It may be centuries old.
Families in Asian countries such as Vietnam, Korea and Indonesia have been using them in their bedrooms or while traveling, so long that bolster pillows have become part of the national identity. Many times they can be found under a pile of other pillows. Other times, they serve as decoration to accent furniture such as beds and sofas.
These 'pillows' were often made of hard materials such as bamboo in the past, and due to their sturdiness, they provide good support for your elbows while relaxing or for cuddling while sleeping.
More recently, they have grown in popularity for sleep-related uses.
What Are Bolster Pillows Used For?
While bolster pillows are sometimes used as decorative pillows or for extra support, people also use them to aid sleep. Here are some specific ways it can help:
You can tuck a smaller pillow under your back or legs for lumbar support.
You can place it between your knees if you like to sleep on your side.
You can hug a bolster pillow to relieve joint pain or just for emotional comfort.
If the size is right, some people like to use a bolster pillow under their neck.
You can even incorporate it into your yoga routine and use it as support there.
Some of these are similar to the uses of body pillows, which can be a great tool for those who suffer from discomfort throughout the night or for those who want a little extra support.
Why Is It Called a Bolster Pillow?
The term 'bolster' refers to one object supporting another. This is one of the reasons why bolster pillows are so often used when sleeping alongside other pillows. They add extra support by giving your limbs a place to rest, or rest under another pillow, providing extra firmness.
This also helps explain why it's the perfect companion for those lazy Sundays where you want to maximize your time on the couch. Or, you know, when you want to get more active and use it as a yoga tool, like you can with our weighted blankets.
Bolster Pillow Design
In the past, bolster pillows were often made of hard materials like bamboo and wicker, but these days they are generally replaced with softer materials like foam and even cotton inside the pillowcase. Think of a foam roller, but a little softer.
These bolsters are also not as long as foam rollers - they are usually a little longer than a typical head pillow. However, some newer bolster pillows are slightly larger and have a slightly different design. Some even have clips that allow you to wrap them around your waist, for example.
The cases also come in just about every type of material you can think of, from cotton to leather.
How about it #LazySquad?
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