Looking to deepen your yoga routine at home? A yoga bolster pillow could be just what you need to enhance comfort and support, even for beginners. Yoga bolsters, as Obe yoga instructor Lulu Soni notes, are perfect for all body types and practices, offering additional support for challenging poses.
So, what exactly is a bolster pillow? “It’s your new best friend,” says Soni. “A bolster pillow is like a mega pillow designed for use horizontally or vertically under your body in various yoga poses.” Often used in restorative or gentle yoga, bolster pillows can also support you in more active styles of yoga.
With a variety of yoga pillows on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of the best bolster pillows, praised by expert yoga instructors and satisfied users alike. For a full setup, consider adding foam yoga blocks, stretching straps, or comfort-enhancing yoga mats to your collection. “Investing in props is an investment in your well-being,” says Soni. Here are the top yoga bolsters for ultimate comfort and easy portability, each with an attached handle for transport.
Retrospec Sequoia Yoga Bolster Pillow – Premium Support with Washable Cotton Cover
Gaiam Rectangular Yoga Bolster & Meditation Pillow – Premium Support with Machine-Washable Cover
Manduka Enlight Rectangular Yoga Bolster – Premium Support Cushion with Ultra-Soft, Washable Cover
Manduka Enlight Round Yoga Bolster – Soft, Supportive Cushion with Washable Cover
Bean Products Rectangular Yoga Bolster – Firm Support for Yoga, Meditation & Relaxation
Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster – Premium Support for Restorative Yoga and Meditation
Florensi Buckwheat Meditation Cushion – Comfort & Support for Mindful Practices
Brentwood Home Pranayama Buckwheat Yoga Bolster – Ultimate Comfort for Your Practice
Sol Living Restorative Round Yoga Pillow- Premium Cotton Yoga Bolster Pillow for Ultimate Comfort and Support
GAYO Restorative Yoga Bolster Pillow – Luxurious Comfort for All Practices
Cushy Form Bolster Pillow for Lumbar and Leg Support – Ergonomic Relief for Lower Back, Legs, and Knees
Cushy Form Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers – Orthopedic Wedge for Leg, Hip, and Joint Support
1. Retrospec Sequoia Yoga Bolster Pillows
Elevate your yoga practice and relaxation with the Retrospec Sequoia Yoga Bolster Pillow. This bolster is designed to provide stability, support, and comfort in various poses, making it perfect for yoga, meditation, and stretching exercises. Crafted with high-density foam, it offers balanced support without losing shape. The removable 100% cotton cover is both durable and machine-washable, ensuring easy maintenance and long-lasting use. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, this bolster is an essential addition to deepen your stretches, improve alignment, and enhance comfort throughout your practice.
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2. Gaiam Rectangular Yoga Bolster & Meditation Pillow
Enhance your yoga and meditation sessions with the Gaiam Rectangular Yoga Bolster Pillow. Ideal for restorative yoga, meditation, and stretching, this bolster provides stable, firm support to deepen stretches and improve alignment. Made with a high-quality filling for lasting resilience, it also features a soft, removable cover that’s machine-washable, keeping maintenance easy. Its rectangular shape offers versatility for various poses and provides great support for the back, neck, and legs, making it an excellent addition to any home practice. Embrace comfort and durability with Gaiam’s reliable bolster pillow.
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3. Manduka Enlight Rectangular Yoga Bolster
The Manduka Enlight Rectangular Yoga Bolster is designed to enhance your yoga and meditation practices with balanced support and luxurious comfort. Crafted with high-density filling, this bolster maintains its shape while providing exceptional support for restorative yoga, stretching, and deep relaxation. The plush, ultra-soft cover is removable and machine-washable, allowing for easy cleaning and lasting durability. Its compact yet versatile rectangular shape helps align the body and deepen your poses comfortably. Choose the Manduka Enlight bolster to elevate your practice with uncompromising quality and comfort.
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4. Manduka Enlight Round Yoga Bolster
The Manduka Enlight Round Yoga Bolster is expertly crafted to provide balanced support and softness during yoga, meditation, and relaxation exercises. Filled with high-density, lightweight foam, this bolster maintains its shape while comfortably cushioning your body in restorative poses. The round shape allows for deeper stretches and targeted support, making it ideal for opening up the chest, back, and shoulders. Its soft, removable cover is machine washable, ensuring easy maintenance and long-lasting quality. Elevate your practice with Manduka’s premium bolster designed to enhance comfort, alignment, and relaxation.
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5. Bean Products Rectangular Yoga Bolster
Experience enhanced comfort and support with the Bean Products Rectangular Yoga Bolster, a versatile addition to any yoga or meditation practice. Made with eco-friendly, durable materials, this bolster provides firm yet gentle support for restorative poses, deep stretching, and relaxation exercises. Its rectangular shape ensures stability and balance, helping you achieve deeper poses and better alignment. The removable, machine-washable cover makes for easy cleaning and long-lasting use, and the bolster is available in a variety of vibrant colors. Perfect for yoga studios or home practice, this bolster brings durability, comfort, and style to your wellness routine.
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6. Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster
Achieve ultimate support and relaxation with the Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster, designed to enhance your restorative yoga and meditation practice. Known for its durability and comfort, this bolster is filled with firm cotton batting, providing reliable support to deepen stretches and aid in proper alignment. The soft, removable cover is machine washable, making maintenance easy, and its compact design is ideal for home or studio use. Available in rich colors like Plum, this bolster adds both functionality and style to your wellness routine, helping you achieve a calm and balanced state. Perfect for enhancing breathwork, relaxation, and restorative poses.
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7. Florensi Buckwheat Meditation Cushion
Elevate your meditation experience with the Florensi Buckwheat Meditation Cushion, designed for ultimate comfort and stability. Filled with organic buckwheat hulls, this cushion conforms to your body while providing excellent support, helping you maintain proper posture during long sessions. The removable, machine-washable cover features a soft, durable fabric that adds a touch of elegance to your meditation space. Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for home use or taking on-the-go for outdoor sessions. Enhance your mindfulness journey with this cushion, crafted to foster relaxation and focus as you find your center.
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8. Brentwood Home Pranayama Buckwheat Yoga Bolster
Transform your yoga and meditation sessions with the Brentwood Home Pranayama Buckwheat Yoga Bolster. This premium bolster features a fill of organic buckwheat hulls, offering customizable support that molds perfectly to your body, enhancing comfort during restorative poses. The soft, durable cotton cover is removable and machine washable for easy care. Lightweight and portable, it’s designed for both home practice and studio use. Experience the perfect balance of support and relaxation as you deepen your stretches and find your zen with this thoughtfully crafted bolster, making every moment on your mat a truly enriching experience.
9. Sol Living Restorative Round Yoga Pillow
Sol Living is famous for their budget-friendly yoga gear, and this cylinder-shaped bolster seriously holds up.
Made with cotton fill and an ultra-soft microfiber cover, it’s a comfortable, easy-to-maneuver option that won’t break the bank.
“It’s really comfortable and the color is beautiful color,” one Amazon reviewer, Lindsey, writes. “I lay with it under my knees to alleviate lower back pain or place it under my seat with my legs straight in the air to relax before bed. I love the size too; it’s the same size you’d see at a yoga studio.”
10. GAYO Restorative Yoga Bolster Pillow
Enhance your yoga experience with the GAYO Restorative Yoga Bolster Pillow, designed for ultimate support and comfort during your practice. Measuring 18x11x6.5 inches, this bolster is made from 100% cotton, providing a soft yet firm foundation for various poses. Its removable, washable cover ensures easy maintenance, while the lightweight design and convenient carrying handle allow for effortless transport. Perfect for restorative yoga, meditation, and everyday relaxation, this bolster pillow is a must-have accessory for yogis of all levels. Elevate your well-being today!
11. Cushy Form Bolster Pillow for Lumbar and Leg Support
The Cushy Form Bolster Pillow is crafted to provide ergonomic support and comfort for your lumbar, legs, and knees, enhancing sleep quality and relieving pressure. Ideal for side sleepers and those needing back or leg elevation, this half-moon pillow is made from premium memory foam for long-lasting support. The soft, breathable cover is removable and machine-washable, ensuring easy care. Perfect for both home and travel, this bolster pillow is designed to support better posture and reduce discomfort, helping you feel refreshed each morning.
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12. Cushy Form Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Discover the comfort of the Cushy Form Knee Pillow, designed specifically for side sleepers needing extra support for their legs, hips, and joints. This orthopedic wedge pillow helps align your spine, reduce back pain, and alleviate discomfort from pressure points. Made from premium memory foam, it adapts to your body for a perfect fit. The washable cover ensures easy cleaning, while the ergonomic design makes it ideal for home or travel. Improve your sleep posture and enjoy restful nights with this essential side-sleeping aid.
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Are Yoga Bolsters Worth It?
“Using a yoga bolster allows you to create more space and ease in postures that might be challenging to hold otherwise,” says Soni. It provides the necessary support to help you stay in poses longer, enhancing your overall practice.
Still not convinced? A yoga bolster can elevate your hips in seated postures, support your lower back and spine when placed under your knees in savasana, and help prop up your torso in restorative practices by bringing the floor closer to your body, according to Prieto. “Whether you are new to asana or a long-time practitioner, yoga bolsters can really help to support your body and mind while practicing and breathing,” Prieto explains. Bolster pillows are not just tools; they’re essential companions for a more comfortable and enriching yoga experience.
Different Types of Yoga Bolsters
✔️ Rectangular: These bolsters have two wider, flatter sides and two shorter sides, providing a great deal of stability when laid on the flat surfaces. “For most people, the standard bolster with a flat top and wide profile is good and easy to use for most restorative postures,” says McGee.
✔️ Round: Cylindrical in shape, round bolsters allow the torso or legs to curve around them easily. However, they lack a flat side, providing less stability. “Round bolsters can be used for those who find the edges a little firm or uncomfortable,” says McGee.
✔️ Pranayama: Similar to rectangular bolsters, these have shorter sides, making them appear flatter. They’re often placed under a person’s back when lying down to help open up the chest for breathing exercises.
✔️ Zafu: Also known as meditation pillows, zafu bolsters are small cushions designed for sitting on the floor. They elevate your bottom off the ground, alleviating pressure from your legs, ankles, and feet.
Whether you choose a rectangular, round, pranayama, or zafu bolster pillow, each type offers unique benefits to enhance your yoga practice and provide the support you need.
How to Choose a Yoga Bolster
Choosing a yoga bolster is a personal decision. “What feels good in my body might be different than yours,” explains Soni. “I prefer a softer bolster with more give, but I also love a firmer bolster when I need extra support.” When selecting the best yoga bolster or bolster pillow for you, consider the following factors:
- Shape: Determine which shape will work best for the poses you’ll use the bolster for—round, rectangular, pranayama, or zafu?
- Size: Consider the length, width, and height that will best support your body during yoga poses.
- Outer Material: Think about what feels best on your skin. Look for fabrics that provide comfort and durability.
- Inner Filling: Decide on the filling material that aligns with your comfort preferences and desired support.
- Firmness: Assess how much firmness you need for adequate support during your practice.
- Price: Establish a budget for how much you want to spend on a yoga bolster or bolster pillow.
“The best way to know which bolster is the right fit is to physically try one out if you can,” says Prieto. “Typically, the bigger the bolster, the better, because you’ll have more support and cushion, which is the primary purpose of using a bolster—maximum support and comfort.”
How to Use a Yoga Bolster Pillows
Here are some effective ways to incorporate a yoga bolster or bolster pillow into your practice:
- Savasana: “Lying down in savasana with a bolster underneath the backs of the knees is a favorite of mine,” says Prieto. This position helps relieve tension in the lower back and promotes relaxation.
- Restorative Fish Pose: “This is my absolute favorite,” shares Soni. “You just slide the bolster behind your back body and allow your chest to expand and release.” This pose opens the heart and enhances breathing.
- Seated Forward Fold: “I like to widen my legs and place the bolster between them so I can lie my chest on the bolster,” explains McGee. You can also prop the bolster at a slant (with a block under the front edge near your feet) if you don’t have the range of motion to lie forward flat. Alternatively, slide the bolster under your knees, keeping it parallel to the front of the mat, and then fold forward.
- Supine Twists: “I love to place the bolster between my knees and then drop them over to each side,” says McGee. You can also stack your knees and place both on top of a bolster underneath them for added support.
- Half Pigeon: “Sliding the bolster underneath your hips takes pressure off the front knee and pelvis, allowing you to drop in and relax,” explains Soni. This modification makes the pose more accessible.
- Restorative Child’s Pose: “Laying the torso on top of the bolster with one side of your face resting at the top in a child’s pose is another favorite of mine,” says Prieto. Just be sure to turn your head to the other side halfway through to maintain neck alignment.
- Heart-and-Chest Opener: Prieto recommends reclining on a bolster resting on two blocks arranged like a slope. Stand one block at its highest height and place a second block perpendicular to it, about 6 to 8 inches away, propped on its side at a medium height. Place the bolster on top and recline so the back of your head rests on the higher block and your shoulder blades rest on the lower block, all running parallel to your spine. This position opens the heart and chest effectively.
