Finding the Perfect Yoga Bolster: What I Wish I’d Known Before Buying Mine
So you’re thinking about getting a Yoga bolster for your home practice? Good choice. But before you spend let me share what I’ve learned after 20+ years of teaching therapeutic and Yin Yoga.
Oh BTW this is only one post in a bunch of props video’s you can see: Bricks, Blocks, Blankets, Straps and Yoga mats.
If you would rather watch than read scroll down.
The Overwhelm Is Real
I remember when Yoga props were hard to find. Now? Everyone sells them, even department stores. The problem is that quality has gone way down. You can waste money on cheap stuff that won’t last, and honestly, that’s why I wanted to write this.
Round vs. Rectangular: Which One?
Here’s the thing: rectangular bolsters are easier to sit on for meditation or seated poses. They don’t have that whole “balancing on a log” feeling. Round bolsters are great if you’re mostly lying over them for heart openers or restorative poses, but they take forever to squish down enough for comfortable sitting.
Size ACTUALLY Matters
This is huge and people mess this up all the time. If you’re petite, those standard bolsters might literally swallow you up. Grab a friend and a tape measure. Check the dimensions online and measure:
- How high it sits (measure up from the floor on your body)
- How long it is (top of head to tailbone when you lie down)
- How wide it is across your torso
Some companies make mini bolsters (sometimes called pranayama bolsters) for smaller frames. If you’re tall, look for extra-long bolsters.
It’s What’s Inside Counts
Do NOT get a bolster stuffed with cheap pillow filling from a craft store. You want it stuffed with kapok (it comes from a tree and it’s firm) or similar dense material. Some have a foam core wrapped in stuffing. This is what makes a bolster last 20+ years instead of going flat in six months.
Features I Don’t Want To Live Without
After using dozens of bolsters, here’s what I look for:
- Two handles (trust me, reaching around to the other side gets old fast)
- Zipper on the side not the top or bottom (no zipper poking you or catching your hair)
- Sturdy, reinforced handles with good stitching
The Eco-Conscious Choice
If sustainability matters to you, look for organic cotton or hemp covers. I even saw a company once that made bolsters from repurposed saris, which was gorgeous. Just make sure the fabric is durable enough.
Game Changer: Wipeable Vinyl Bolster
If you sweat during practice or teach classes, wipeable vinyl bolsters By Love My Mat are amazing. You just spray and wipe them clean. No washing covers after every sweaty session. I use these for my studio classes and they’ve been a total game changer.
The Bottom Line
Yes, bolsters are an investment. But if you get a good quality one, it’ll probably last most of your life. Until you can afford one, accordion-fold a couple of firm Yoga blankets as a substitute.
Everyone I know who’s invested in a quality bolster has said the same thing: game changer.
What’s your favorite bolster feature? Drop a comment below! 👇🏻
xo
nyk
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