10 Best Yoga Bolsters (Rectangular & Round Bolsters)
Once you have all the must have yoga gear for your home practice, you may be interested in other props to enhance and support your practice. If you enjoy restorative yoga or want more ways to modify your poses, one of the best props to get is a yoga bolster.
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Features to Look for in Yoga Bolsters
Like most yoga gear, the yoga bolster you’ll like best will come down to personal preferences. Our favorite bolsters are sturdy and made of high-quality materials. Consider these features when you select the best yoga bolster for your practice:
- Cover – Pay attention to the material that the bolster cover is made of, especially if you want one made of natural fibers. Removable covers are considered a pro by most yogis since it makes it easier to clean your yoga bolster if you can remove it to wash by hand or in the washing machine. Many yoga bolsters are spot clean only.
- Filling – The type of filling used will determine how firm and supportive the bolster is. A more durable filling will make the bolster last through more yoga practices. Some cotton-filled bolsters will flatten out over years of practice.
- Shape – Bolsters generally come in either round or rectangular shapes. What you plan to use your bolster for may change which shape works best for you. Generally, round bolsters are taller than rectangular ones, meaning they can provide more heart and shoulder opening in reclining poses. With a shorter height rectangular bolsters are more comfortable to sit on for meditation. A rectangular bolster is a little more versatile because it can sit at two different heights, allowing for more variety. Round bolsters are a little less stable because they can roll, so you may feel more secure with a rectangular bolster.
- Price – If you’re new to yoga or experimenting with using a bolster in your practice, you may not want to spend a lot of money on a yoga bolster. Generally, higher-priced bolsters are made of higher quality materials and will last longer, so keep that in mind as you shop.
Now that you know what qualities to look for in a yoga bolster, check out our reviews for the best yoga bolsters.
5 Best Rectangular Yoga Bolsters for Home Practice
1. Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster
When I asked the other yogis in my class which bolster they preferred, Hugger Mugger is the name I heard the most. Found in many yoga studios, the Hugger Mugger standard bolster is firm and holds its shape over years of use. It features a foam core that holds the shape and it’s wrapped in cotton batting to make it soft and comfortable.
One of the biggest cons is even though the Hugger Mugger has a removable cover, the manufacturer actually recommends that you never remove it. The tight fit is essential to helping the bolster keep its shape, so you should only dry clean or spot clean this bolster. If you have pets or want to be able to wash your bolster cover, try a different brand. If you want natural fibers, make sure to pay attention to what color you order, some patterns are polyester instead of cotton.
Handmade in the USA.
Dimensions: 11″ x 25″ x 6″
Cover Material: Upholstery grade cotton or polyester (depending on color)
Filling: Foam core, cotton batting
Colors: Poppy (Red), Plum, Olive, Dark Blue, Gray, Black, Aqua
2. Manduka Enlight Yoga Bolster
Manduka is another staple of yoga studios and a great alternative to the Hugger Mugger bolsters. Most yogis I’ve asked agree that the Manduka bolsters are softer while still providing support. If you hate stiff bolsters, this is a better option. The carrying handle makes it easy to move around.
A big plus with the Enlight yoga bolster is the cover is made from an absorbent microfiber fabric, so it will easily soak up any sweat. It’s also removable via a zipper so you can wash it in the washing machine, keeping the bolster clean and fresh.
If you’re worried about sustainability, the eQua microfiber fabric is a recyclable synthetic material. The filling is made of a 30% recycled polyester core. It’s not quite natural fibers, but the washability of the cover may be worth it to some.
Dimensions: 28″ x 11.75″ x 5″
Cover Material: eQua microfiber fabric
Filling: 30% recycled polyester fiber core
Colors: Thunder (Grey), Midnight (Navy Blue), Surf (Blue), Deep Sea (Green), Star Dye Clear Blue, Star Dye Coral
3. Gaiam Yoga Bolster
If you’re looking for an affordable yoga booster to try out in your home practice, Gaiam’s standard bolster is a great option. At half the price of premium bolsters, you can experiment with incorporating the prop into your practice without a big investment. Some yogis do find it is not as firm as other options since the filling is a simple cotton batting.
The handle on the end makes it easy to carry and move between poses. The soft microfiber cover is removable for easy machine washing (line dry). Gaiam’s bolster is a great option for people who are new to their yoga practice and figuring out their preferences.
Dimensions: 25″L x 12″W x 5″ thick
Cover Material: Microfiber
Filling: Cotton batting
Colors: Teal, Purple, Black
4. Node Fitness Organic Cotton Rectangular Yoga Bolster
If natural fibers are important to you, Node Fitness offers this yoga bolster that is made from organic cotton. That means it’s created without toxic chemicals, solvents, or GMO seeds. The filling is also eco-friendly so you can feel good about the whole bolster. One thing to note: because it’s organic cotton the cover may have a smell to it that is common with untreated cotton. It will fade with time and you can remove the cover to air it out faster.
Compared to the other bolsters like the firm Hugger Mugger, this one is on the softer side which may be a problem depending on your personal preference. This bolster is also more affordable. Don’t worry about portability, the built-in handle makes it easy to move during and after practice. A big bonus: the cotton cover has a zipper for easy removal and it’s machine washable for easy cleaning.
Dimensions: 25″ long x 12″ deep x 6″ high
Cover Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Filling: eco-friendly poly fiber
Colors: Midnight Blue, Black, Burgundy, Gray, Natural (Beige), Purple, Teal
5. Bean Products Yoga Bolster
If you want more cover options that are eco-friendly and fit your lifestyle, Bean Products offers some premium yoga bolsters that stand out from the rest. The first thing you’ll notice is the cover options: cotton (both organic and not), all-natural hemp, or sturdy vinyl. All the covers are sustainable. Both the cotton and hemp are removable and machine washable. The vinyl can be sprayed to wipe down and is a fantastic option for a professional yoga studio or for yogis with allergies to dust mites. Bean also offers the most color options we’ve ever seen for yoga bolsters, so it’s easy to find one that matches your home decor.
Bean makes a firm and durable bolster, with a foam core wrapped in cotton batting. That helps it hold its shape better over years of use (but also makes it 1-2 pounds heavier than bolster that only have cotton filling). Luckily the built-in carrying strap makes it easy to move. The premium materials and construction are reflected in the price, making this more expensive than some brands.
Handmade in America. 1 Year Warranty.
Dimensions: 24″x12″x6″
Cover Material: Cotton, Hemp, or Vinyl
Filling: Foam core and cotton batting.
Colors: Aqua, Blush, Black, Burgundy, Cactus, Cobalt Blue, Cranberry, Deep Navy Blue, Denim, Earth, Fern, Forest Green, Lavender, Light Red, Natural (Beige), Navy, Orchid (Fuschia), Hibiscus (Pink), Plum, Purple, Red, Blue, Saffron, Sky Blue, Shadow Gray, Stone Gray, Sweet Potato, Tangerine, Tomato
5 Best Round Yoga Bolsters for Home Practice
1. Hugger Mugger Round Yoga Bolster
Featuring the same materials and construction as their standard bolster, the round Hugger Mugger Yoga Bolster is a durable option for your home practice. The foam core creates a firm and stable base for a variety of yoga poses. The core is wrapped in cotton batting to create a soft surface to make any pose comfortable. It also features handles on both ends, making it easy to reposition mid-practice.
Just like the rectangular version, Hugger Mugger doesn’t recommend you remove the cover. It also should only be dry cleaned or spot cleaned to prevent shrinkage of the cover.
Handmade in the USA.
Dimensions: 9″ x 27″ x 9″
Cover Material: Upholstery grade cotton or polyester (depending on color)
Filling: Foam core, cotton batting
Colors: Poppy (Red), Plum, Olive, Gray, Blue, Black
2. Manduka Enlight Round Yoga Bolster
Manduka’s round bolster is firm and supportive but feels softer than other brand’s bolsters. It’s great to place under the knees during savasana for an extra comfortable end to yoga class.
While Manduka’s bolster isn’t made from natural fibers, the eQua microfiber cover is recyclable, washable, and super soft. The cover is removable via a hidden zipper, making it easy to machine wash and keep clean.
Dimensions: 27″ x 9″ x 9″
Cover Material: eQua microfiber fabric
Filling: 30% recycled polyester fiber core
Colors: Star Dye Clear Blue, Star Dye Coral, Surf (Blue), Deep Sea (Green), Magic (Purple), Midnight (Navy Blue), Thunder (Grey)
3. Gaiam Round Yoga Bolster
At a more affordable price point than other round bolsters, Gaiam offers a firm cushion that is great for home practice. Made with a cotton batting center and a microfiber cotton cover, it has a soft feel. Some yogis may find it’s not firm enough, but it’s the right balance if you like soft support.
Unlike their rectangular bolster, this round bolster is not machine washable. Instead, they recommend spot cleaning for their microfiber cotton cover. It does include the carrying handle for easy portability.
Dimensions: 25.5”L x 9” diameter
Cover Material: Microfiber Cotton Cover
Filling: Cotton batting and stable center
Colors: Slate, Burgundy
4. Bodhi Organic Cotton Round Yoga Bolster
If you’re searching for a round yoga bolster made from organic cotton, Bodhi had a great option with midrange pricing. The cover is made from 100% organic cotton and it’s filled with kapok, a natural fiber similar to cotton that is frequently used in meditation cushions. Like many meditation cushions, you can “customize” the firmness of the bolster by removing some of the filling to make it softer.
The cover has a zipper and is easy to remove and wash by hand or in the washing machine. Use the carrying handle to enjoy restorative yoga poses anywhere in your home.
Dimensions: 25.6 x 8.3″
Cover Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Filling: Kapok
Colors: Anthracite (Gray), Aubergine (Reddish Purple), Dark Blue, Olive Green
5. Bean Products Round Yoga Bolster
Bean has brought all of their premium options to a round yoga bolster. Pick cotton (organic and not), hemp, or vinyl covers in a variety of colors. The cotton and hemp covers are removable for hand or machine washing. Easily clean the vinyl option with a wet cloth or spray (great for studios or yogis with allergies). All versions are locally made and sustainably sourced.
This round yoga bolster is firm and supportive thanks to a commercial grade foam core that is wrapped in four layers of cotton batting for comfort. The foam core makes it more durable as it can hold its shape better than just cotton stuffing will. Bean bolsters do come with a premium price tag, but are worth it for the years of enjoyment you will get out of them.
Handmade in America. 1 Year Warranty.
Dimensions: 27″ Long, 9″ Diameter
Cover Material: Cotton, Hemp, or Vinyl
Filling: Foam core and cotton batting.
Colors: Aqua, Blush, Black, Burgundy, Cactus, Cobalt Blue, Cranberry, Deep Navy Blue, Denim, Earth, Fern, Forest Green, Lavender, Light Red, Natural (Beige), Navy, Orchid (Fuschia), Hibiscus (Pink), Plum, Purple, Red, Blue, Saffron, Sky Blue, Shadow Gray, Stone Gray, Sweet Potato, Tangerine, Tomato
Uses for Yoga Bolsters
What are yoga bolsters used for? While you can get away with basic yoga gear for most parts of your practice, a yoga bolster is actually a useful tool to deepen and expand your home practice. Bolsters are great for modifying poses, exploring restorative yoga, and enhancing your meditation practice.
Modifying Yoga Poses with a Bolster
Yoga bolsters are a really useful tool for modifying yoga poses. Here are a few to try:
If you have a hard time sitting up straight in cross-legged positions like Sukhasana (Easy Pose), sitting on the edge of a rectangular bolster can help ease some of the tightness. That makes it easier to comfortably hold the pose and focus on breathing.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) can be challenging if you have tight hamstrings. Use a bolster under your knees to help you go deeper into the pose. Alternatively, a bolster laid across your thighs can support your belly and chest, turning this into a restorative pose.
Restorative Yoga with Yoga Bolsters
Compared to other types of yoga, restorative yoga is a slowed-down practice with a focus on holding poses longer to reach deeper, passive stretches. An hour long class usually features fewer poses that are held for long periods of time. Check out this full length restorative yoga class from Heartwood Yoga Institute to get a taste or practice at home. I enjoy restorative yoga when I’m sick, menstruating, or as a “rest day” from more strenuous exercise.
While you can certainly enjoy the benefits of restorative yoga without props or by using yoga prop alternatives from around the house, a yoga bolster is a fantastic way to enjoy a larger variety of restorative yoga poses at home.
Meditation with a Yoga Bolster
While meditation can easily be done sitting on the floor or a chair, many people enjoy utilizing meditation cushions or a meditation bench. This can make it more comfortable to sit for longer periods of meditation. Sitting on the edge of a rectangular yoga bolster can provide a similar experience to using a meditation cushion. Using your bolster for both yoga and meditation is a great way to save move and reduce the number of accessories you need to buy.
Looking for more ways to enhance your home yoga practice? Check out must have yoga gear and more advanced yoga benches and props. Save money by using these yoga prop alternatives you may already have around your house.