Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster

Best Bolster Set: #8 Gayo Yoga Bolster

• Shape Rectangle
• Filling and Cover material Cotton
• Weight 4 pounds

The Gayo Yoga Bolster is produced from 100% organic cotton that has been certified. It helps with challenging poses when youre injured, has limited flexibility, or are pregnant. This moisture-wicking and breathable pillow are ideal for restorative yoga and deep breathing activities.

It includes a convenient travel bag as well as an extra bolster cover. Its fantastic for yin yoga, stress relief, and reducing lower back stiffness. This bolster is somewhat shorter than the conventional bolster, making it easier to transport.

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Best Versatile: #2 Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster

• Shape Rectangular
• Filling Foam and cotton batting
• Cover material Cotton
• Weight 1.88 pounds

If youre looking for a conventional or rectangular yoga bolster, this Hugger Mugger bolster is a good option. The shape and dimensions of this yoga bolster are ideal for most Restorative Yoga poses. You can also use this bolster for Yin Yoga and most other slow pace yoga styles.

This yoga bolster comes with a big and flat surface that will give you the support you need to keep your balance and stability in various positions. Its robust cushioning gives support without becoming too hard for any asana.

Its handcrafted in the United States and has a soft surface for maximum comfort while using it.

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Benefits Of A Yoga Bolster & How To Use It

Developed and introduced into the yoga practice by B.K.S. Iyengar, bolsters along with other yoga props were used to make yoga accessible to everyone including people with injuries, older practitioners and those with less flexibility. From helping yogis reach the proper posture and form, ease breathing and release tension, a yoga bolster now is a versatile yoga accessory that can be used in a variety of ways. And thanks to diversity in designs, a yoga bolster can even decorate your couch when not used as intented.

Here are some of the examples of how to integrate a yoga bolster into your routine.

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For Meditation & Breathing Practices

While trying to focus and concentrate on your breathing, the last thing you want to feel is discomfort in your lower body such as knees. Sitting on the edge of a bolster in Lotus Pose brings your hips higher than the knees making the posture more relaxed and more comfortable to hold a straight spine.

You can place the bolster between the thighs in the Hero Pose as an alternative to the Lotus to wedge the distance between the calves and the thighs. For a visual demonstration, check how the instructor is sitting on the yoga bolster in the video below. Alternatively, you can sit on the yoga block to reduce the distance, but it will be slightly lower and not as comfy as the bolster.

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Types Of Yoga Bolsters

Standard The standard pillow is a rectangular shape with a wide flat top thats used in most restorative yoga practices. They have a durable covering which is sometimes removable and washable. An important note is that because these are used in many supportive positions, the one you get must be firm so that it doesnt sag or droop when propped against something.

Round The round yoga bolster is a large cylinder pillow thats usually about 10 in diameter. They can be placed under the knees, theyre great for straddling , under your upper back for opening the ribs to deepen your breath and in a number of other positions. Theyre a versatile and comfortable alternative to a standard yoga bolster.

Pranayama Pillows These are just like a round bolster but smaller in diameter . This pillow is specifically designed for breathing exercises and doesnt offer the same versatility as the other bolsters.

Zafu Some people use the zafu as both a yoga bolster and meditation cushion. I personally prefer to use the round or standard bolster for yoga but if youre also a regular meditator you can see our review of the

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Best Economical: #3 Yogaaccesories Round Yoga Bolster

• Shape Round/Cylindrical
• Cover material Cotton
• Weight 6 pounds

Because of the cotton filler, this yoga bolster is solid, buoyant but fluffy. Its zipper cover is easily removable and machine washable. This cylindrical yoga cushion is entirely comprised of cotton fibers, with a cotton canvas for the outer cover and cotton blend batting filling.

A fantastic aspect of this comfortable yoga pillow is that you can add or remove the cotton batting to change the stiffness and height, by using the additional internal zipper for the bolster under the outer cover.

This yoga bolster is a great option for pregnant women, restorative yoga practitioners, and individuals who want to enhance their flexibility through at-home yoga practice.

A fantastic aspect of this comfortable yoga pillow is that it comes in ten different colors and two different styles, both of which have the OM sign embroidered on the sides in a lotus flower. A mandala pattern may be found on a couple of them, and others feature two carry handles, one on each side.

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Best Innovative Shape: #6 Half Moon Bolster

• Shape Half-Moon/Semi-circle
• Filling Memory Foam
• Weight 1.23 pounds

This therapeutic bolster has a semi-circular shape and can be used to relieve pain and enhance body alignment in four different positions between the legs, under the lower back, knees, and legs.

The top surface of this yoga bolster is high-quality memory foam with a subtle lemon aroma that allows relaxing use of the pad due to the pads replication of your bodys shape. While the bottom layer is a highly robust foam that acts as a stiffener to keep your preferred position in place.

It has a form-fitting outer cover that zips off and can be washed. This cushion with a semi-round form can be used in a variety of settings.

It is recommended to air out this pillow for 48 hours before using it, as a sudden drop in temperature can cause the pad to become stiff.

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New Ez Clean Standard Bolster

Hugger Muggerâs Standard Yoga Bolsters have set the standard for yoga bolsters for decades. Echoing the description of yoga asana in the Sutras, they are the perfect combination of firmness and softness. Their inner firmness makes them stable and unbendable in their support. Their outer softness makes them comfortable for Restorative Yoga practice. The only thing left to improve was washability. Now weâve tackled that conundrum as well. Weâre excited to introduce our new EZ Clean Standard Yoga Bolster.

One of the things that makes our bolsters so exceptional is the way we stuff the filling into the covers. Our bolster experts stuff our bolsters really, really tight. Thatâs what makes them so firm. The tight-fitting cover allows them to maintain their structural integrity during your practice.

If you use your yoga bolster simply for your personal home practice, you may never need to deep clean or sanitize it. But if you own a studio or teach public classes where everyone shares the same bolsters, they may need periodic deep cleaning.

However, we donât advise yoga teachers, practitioners or studio owners to remove the covers for laundering. Itâs nearly impossible to get a bolster back into its cover once you take it off. This means itâs not practical to remove the cover for washing. All our bolsters can be spot cleaned, but if you want to deep clean and sanitize your bolsters, weâve come up with a solution.

Our Top Picks: Best Yoga Bolsters

Short on time? Check out our quick list of favorites:

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Yogaaccessories Supportive Round Cotton Yoga Bolster

Yoga Bolster by YogaAccessories is one of the best yoga Bolsters in the market. It is supportive round in shape. This yoga bolster is made with soft cotton material. It is versatile and flexible enough that it provides 100% satisfaction to the user. This yoga bolster comes in different bright colors. Yoga Bolster by YogaAccessories is available at budget friendly price. Additionally, customers dont need to pay shipping charge it will be delivered by Amazon Prime shipping.

This yoga bolster is filled with 100% cotton. Moreover, its cover is also made of cotton material. Zippered detachable cotton cover allows removing the cover and you can wash it. It is durable and light weight yoga bolster. Overall it is high quality yoga bolster that is comfortable and durable.

How To Choose The Right Yoga Bolster

Bolsters come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials, and levels of firmness. It is important to ask yourself what you will be using the bolster for and what goals you hope to achieve. Do you want deeper stretches? More comfortable meditations? Longer yin yoga and restorative asanas? Support for pregnant yoga? Talking with a yoga instructor or trying a bolster in a studio class may help you dive deeper into which style of yoga bolsters is best for you.

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Best Stylish: #5 Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster

• Shape Lean
• Cover material Cotton
• Weight 12 pounds

The Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster by Brentwood Home is crafted of certified organic cotton. The buckwheat filling and certified organic cotton liner are both environmentally friendly and non-toxic. The hulls are held in place by a soft stretch-knit shell with exquisite embroidery and an inner cotton liner.

The filling of this yoga bolster is made entirely of sustainable buckwheat, which is robust, firm, and long-lasting. This yoga bolster is denser and heavier than conventional bolsters due to its distinctive filling. It comes with an organic liner zip to remove the buckwheat for adjusting the firmness or replace the fill after a few years.

The smooth and beautiful shell-like patterned stitching makes this pillow suitable for both yoga and home design. This bolster has a washable cover and carry handle.

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How To Choose A Yoga Bolster

Yoga bolsters are not just simple sofa cushions. While you can use a pillow or two in certain relaxing poses if theres no yoga prop at hand, they in no way would be able to substitute the bolster designed specifically for yoga practice. Firstly, because of their shape ordinary sofa cushions wont be suitable for the majority of the poses due to their square form that is too wide for chest openers and not long enough for full spine support. Secondly, because of their density the cushions and pillows are not firm/thick enough and too squishy to provide your body with the necessary elevation.

Choosing a yoga bolster for the first time can be tricky because they come in various sizes, shapes, and densities, all of which can influence the quality of your yoga practice. Here are a few things to take into account when deciding on a yoga bolster.

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The Perfect Yoga Bolster

The most essential tool for Restorative practice is a firm yoga bolster. Hugger Mugger began making and selling bolsters more than 30 years ago. Over the years theyve perfected the process. While you might accuse me of bias for writing this on HMs blog, its really true that their bolsters are the best Ive used. HM has perfected the process of creating bolsters that provide the perfect balance of firmness and softness. They are soft on the outside, so that theyre easy on your bones. But most important, they are firm enough so that they retain their shape no matter what kind of stressors are placed on them.

Supported Seated Forward Fold

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Tools For The Journey

Restorative Yoga is prop intensive. While Ive taught Restorative classes in situations where only a blanket or two were available to each student, its not ideal. The collective where I teach is fully outfitted with everything we need for a Restorative class of 20 people. In other words, there are enough props for everyone to have:

• yoga mat

This may seem like a lot of stuff, but all these props are useful in your regular asana practice too!

Yogaaccessories Round Yoga Bolster

• Large size: 28″ long x 10″ diameter 6 lbs.
• 100% cotton filling and cover

• round shape corresponds to the body curves
• handles for easy transport

• might have fabric smell out of the box
• collects lint & hair
• can be too rough against the skin
• too big for the short/petite yogis

If youre searching for a big and huggable yoga companion, YogaAccessories bolster might be an excellent option for you. The bolster is round-shaped making it super comfortable to sit on in the Hero Pose Virasana and use it as a back support for chest openers.

The bolster is made of 100% cotton, both the cover and filling and is available in the tons of colors from classic black to bright red and blue with a side mandala embroidery. The pillowcase is removable and can be machine washed on cold. There are handles on each end for extra comfort .

This bolster is very sturdy and firm. If you prefer softer surfaces, no worries. As the cotton settles, it will lose some firmness and become less bulky with use.

YogaAccessories offers an excellent price for this yoga accessory it is nearly twice cheaper than some of the bolsters from the leading brands. Yet, it performs well and will serve you for years to come.

Mind that the bolster is slightly bigger than advertised. It works wonders in restorative yoga but might feel uncomfortable in some poses or too large for short and petite people. Check out our other suggestions if youre looking for a smaller yoga bolster.

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Best Lightweight: #4 Manduka Enlight Yoga Bolster

• Shape Lean
• Cover material Microfiber Suede
• Weight 2.5 pounds

The fiber-fill in the bolster is meant to keep it firm and provide you with the support you need. This bolster is packed with 30% recycled fiber and covered in a soft microfiber suede-like fabric that is 100% moisture-absorbent. The cover can be removed for washing when necessary.

The bolsters smooth surface is maintained thanks to the hidden zipper design, which also allows you to remove the cover. It also features a carrying handle to make transporting it easier.

If youre looking for a traditional rectangular yoga bolster for support and relaxation, this is a remarkable medium-firm alternative.

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Manduka Enlight Yoga Bolster

Manduka yoga bolster is a rectangular in shape. It is of the best yoga bolster available in the market. It is very comfortable piece of fitness equipment to perform traditional and modern forms of yoga. It supports the body during yoga & meditation or fitness practice. Mandukas yoga bolster offer micro-fiber cover has a magnificent finish. You can wash the cover with cold water. It is recommended to use machine cold washing.

Its microfiber cushioning is best for daily yoga practice. While, plush fabric cover keeps you dry, supported, and comfortable throughout yoga session. Mandukas yoga bolster is made of 30% recycled polyester fiber for best support.

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To Add Support & Reach Deep Relaxation

A bolster comes in handy when you need to modify the specific yoga pose for additional comfort and complete muscle release.

A Childs Pose is an excellent example of how a bolster can provide extra support for your torso, making the pose more gentle for your back and more relaxing for your mind. Place a bolster between the thighs and in front of you to fully rest your body on it, soften, and rest as long as you want.

Check the video demonstration of the supported Childs Pose with a yoga blanket and a bolster below.

Enter The Ez Clean Standard Bolster

We cover our new EZ Clean Standard Bolster with a non-toxic, eco-vinyl fabric that you can easily wipe down and sanitize. Like all our other bolsters, this bolster is covered in high-quality, upholstery-grade fabric. So this bolster will last through many years of relaxing, Restorative yoga practice. Plus, like all the rest of Hugger Muggerâs bolster, our EZ Clean Standard Bolster is handmade in the U.S.A.

The EZ Clean Bolster is great for personal use, yoga teachers, studios, hot yoga practice, gyms, massage therapists, schools, healthcare facilities, spas, corporate yoga classes, and wellness centers.

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