What Is A Bolster Pillow? Everything To Know

If you’re curious about what is a bolster pillow, it’s simply a cylindrical throw pillow. Homeowners often use bolster pillows as decorations because of their unique shape and size. However, these pillows are also useful in other ways

One can use a bolster pillow similar to how you can take advantage of a roll pillow. The cylindrical shape makes ideal support under the neck or back or even as an elevation for legs. Learn more about this versatile pillow below. 

 

What’s A Bolster Pillow?

A bolster pillow can be interchangeable with a roll pillow because of its cylindrical shape. Because of this exact shape, bolster pillows make excellent support in various regions of the body; hence the name bolsters or “to support.” You can also experiment with the stuffing you’ll use in a bolster pillow to find the ideal fit for your intended use. 

Remember that while bolster pillows can become supportive pillows, it’s also common for homeowners to use them as decorative pieces. Ideally, you want to have firm bolster pillows for aesthetic purposes. You can place these cylindrical pillows in sofas or beds as adornments and add a unique appeal to the setting. 

If you want to use a bolster pillow, you can treat it like a body pillow. Hugging it can help align the spine, and the act of cuddling can stimulate the release of feel-good hormones. And depending on the size, you can place your bolster pillow under the legs, back, or neck to maintain a good posture and alleviate pain or inflammation. 

 

Types Of Bolster Pillows

You can distinguish bolster pillows based on their sizes and materials. This could mean a different cover or stuffing, depending on the manufacturer or if you make one yourself. A common material for bolster pillows is cotton because of its soft texture, and you can also find it in decorative bolster pillows. 

Another material that is relatively easy to find is polyester, but you can select foam and microbeads instead if you want a more comfortable experience. Foam is highly durable, but some also like the tiny massaging feel of microbeads. More so, don’t be confused if you see pillows with a flat side marketed as bolsters even though they’re not a complete cylindrical shape. 

 

What Is A Bolster Pillow Used For?

As mentioned previously, bolster pillows are decorative pillows that you can also use for cervical, arm, and lumbar support. You can place them under your neck, back, legs, feet, and arms as you would with other roll pillows. Filling these gaps should help restore the right spine posture, whether you’re lying or sitting. 

Essentially, the loft, shape, and size of a bolster pillow make it versatile. You can add it to your decorative throw pillows to add more personality to the design, but it can also be a pillow for physical uses. Use it the same way you’ll use other pillow types like body pillows, wedge pillows, neck roll pillows, and even pregnancy pillows. 

You can even use bolster pillows to support you while you are working out. Incorporate these pillows in your leg raises and sit-ups for additional comfort and safety. And finally, a bolster pillow can work as a baby pillow and prop your little one during tummy time. 

 

Who Can Use A Bolster Pillow?

Anyone can use a bolster pillow as long as you know the ideal placement for it accordingly. For example, everyone can benefit from cuddling a cylindrical pillow as you would a body pillow. This can relieve stress and help straighten your spine while sleeping. 

Those who are sleeping on their back can add the bolster pillow under their backs, necks, or legs maintain a good sleeping posture, and avoid body pain. You can also elevate your head to alleviate breathing issues, or those suffering from pain due to inflammation can use a bolster pillow to improve circulation in feet and legs. Finally, pregnant women who need to sleep on their side can use the bolster pillow for support to keep them from rolling on their back. 

 

How To Clean Bolster Pillows

Cleaning bolster pillows are no different from cleaning other pillow types. What this means is checking the label first to know the recommendations for the material your pillow used. However, it’s common for a bolster pillow to have a removable cover that you can either hand wash or put in the machine. 

Use a gentle detergent and never harsh products to avoid damaging your pillow. More so, you don’t have to wash the pillow itself frequently. Vacuuming and exposing it to sunlight should help deodorize and remove any pathogens and dust that accumulated. And if you indeed washed your bolster pillow, it should dry thoroughly to prevent mold growth. 

 

Conclusion

Roll pillows, bolster pillows, or whatever you call them, their cylindrical shape makes them highly versatile. But what is a bolster pillow per se? You can think of it as a cylindrical throw pillow. 

It’s commonly used as a decorative piece, but you can also treat it like a body, roll, wedge, or baby pillow. You can maintain a straight spine by placing a bolster pillow under the neck or back, and you can also alleviate pressure by elevating body regions with this pillow. Some even use it for babies during tummy time, sleeping on the side while pregnant, and exercising.