What are the different types of bolsters?
The bed or sofa bolster has stood the test of time to become an essential bedding accessory today, just like pillows, mattress protectors, fitted sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and so on. However, the choice of bolster varies depending on the user’s needs. Consequently, the market offers small bolsters for personal use and large bolsters designed for couples. It all depends on how you plan to use it.
When selecting a bolster, factors other than size come into play, such as the material and filling, as well as its thickness, firmness, and shape. The shape of the bolster is an essential selection criterion because it determines the sleeper’s comfort. Manufacturers offer a variety of models to meet the needs of an increasingly discerning customer base. Round, flat, U-shaped, or memory foam—which one should you choose?
The round bolster
The round bolster is the most common type of bolster. It is actually cylindrical in shape and extends lengthwise. The longest models can span the entire width of the bed. This type of bolster provides additional support to that of a pillow. It is very useful for people who need to sleep with their heads elevated to keep their airways clear.
The round bolster, however, has other uses. It can also be used as back support—while reading, for example—to help prevent lower back pain. It’s also very common to use it as a footrest. People suffering from heavy legs syndrome will find this product particularly useful. While it serves its support function wonderfully, the round bolster can also double as a pillow. In fact, in some parts of the world, particularly in Asia, the use of bolsters in bed is deeply rooted in tradition. Its cylindrical shape symbolizes family ties.
However, please note that this type of bed or sofa bolster is primarily intended for people who sleep on their side. The pillow’s thickness helps compensate for the width of the shoulders. This keeps the sleeper’s cervical vertebrae in a natural position, helping them fall asleep quickly. People who sleep on their backs can also use this type of pillow to keep their spine perfectly aligned while resting.
The flat bolster
The flat shape of bed or sofa bolsters is also very popular. It’s worth noting that flat bolsters serve the same purpose as round bolsters—that is, they provide back support while sitting. They’re also perfect for relieving heavy legs. The difference is that they’re smaller, but that’s not necessarily a drawback.
In terms of appearance, a flat bolster looks more like a pillow. As a result, it is often used for the same purposes. It is therefore very common to use a flat bolster as a pillow. The fact that it is not as thick actually offers a certain advantage for the sleeper. The sleeper can sleep in any position without worrying about their back or spine.
In addition, the flat, rectangular bolster is especially recommended for people who sleep on their stomachs. In this position, the spine must be perfectly aligned with the rest of the body so that the sleeper is not prone to various ailments, including:
- torticollis;
- reversals of cervical curvature;
- cervical hernias;
- osteoarthritis;
- muscle strains;
- pressure points;
- neck pain.
The reason a flat bolster is suitable for this sleeping position is that it isn’t very thick. It is the only accessory that supports both the base of the head and the upper neck. This ensures that the natural curve of the cervical spine is maintained, as is the natural alignment of the spine. This is not the case with a thick bolster.
As a result, the use of a flat bolster is also recommended for people who suffer from neck and back pain, as it provides significant support to the sleeper in those areas, which helps them fall asleep and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
The Bolster-Lectern
The desk-style body pillow is a new-generation model. Flat on the underside and sloping slightly, it takes the shape of a square or a rectangle, depending on the manufacturer. Its unique trapezoidal shape in no way detracts from its functionality. The lectern-style bolster serves functions similar to those of other types of bolsters. It naturally provides support for the back and feet, promoting better blood circulation.
This bolster also provides additional support to that of a pillow and can completely replace it. In fact, that is the primary purpose of the desk-style bolster. It can be used as a pillow, regardless of the sleeper’s sleeping position (on the back, stomach, or side). Versatility isn’t the only advantage of the bolster pillow. It also provides differentiated comfort for the head, neck, and shoulders.
Furthermore, the reason the pillow with a raised section is so popular among sleepers is that it is known to provide relief for sensitive necks. Thanks to the pillow’s sloped base, you can position your neck properly when lying down. Sufficient pressure in this area helps prevent stiffness upon waking.
The memory foam bolster pillow
In reality, a memory foam bolster is not just another type of bolster. It can be round, flat, or U-shaped. What sets the memory foam bolster apart from all these other models is its ability to conform to the sleeper’s body shape. It is the viscoelastic foam inside the bolster that gives it its stretchy quality. This material is used in the manufacture of bed and sofa bolsters because it makes them soft and provides effective, gentle support to the targeted part of the body.
As a result, the memory foam bolster perfectly conforms to the sleeper’s body shape, allowing them to maintain good posture in bed throughout the night. Furthermore, the fact that their muscles, back, and neck are completely relaxed provides a sense of well-being. This comfort helps you fall asleep. This is undoubtedly why this type of bed or sofa bolster is recommended for people who have trouble sleeping. It’s also worth noting that memory foam bolsters typically undergo a special treatment to prevent dust mites from multiplying on the cover.
However, it’s not always a good idea to buy a memory foam bolster. Viscoelastic foam is known for its thermoreactive properties—that is, it retains heat and changes in response to the ambient temperature. As a result, the bolster can cause night sweats in some sleepers. This issue is exacerbated for people who sweat a lot, as well as during the summer months. Under these conditions, the sleeper is uncomfortable in bed, which leads to a less restful night’s sleep.
Fortunately, memory foam isn’t the only material used. Manufacturers choose fillings from a range of natural materials (feathers, goose down, cotton, wool, bamboo, etc.) and synthetic fibers, primarily polyester. The type of filling generally indicates the quality of the bolster and influences its price. It’s important to note, however, that the best bolsters aren’t necessarily the most expensive. In fact, the intended use should be the deciding factor in choosing a model.
Ultimately, the shape of a bolster pillow—like its size—is designed for a specific purpose. Therefore, it’s important to make a wise choice to ensure optimal comfort every day. Comfort in bed also depends on proper care of the bolster pillow. Sleepers are therefore advised to choose a model with a machine-washable cover.
We recommend these other pages:
- How does a bolster pillow contribute to comfort?
- What size bolster pillow should I choose?
- How do you choose between a soft or firm bolster?
- Why choose an ergonomic bolster pillow?
- Should I choose a memory foam bolster pillow?
- What kind of filling should you choose for a bolster?
- Bolster or pillow: How do you choose?