What are the benefits of an ergonomic bolster pillow?
What are the key elements for a better night’s sleep? A healthy, comfortable mattress; a sturdy, well-fitting box spring; and a pillow that meets the sleeper’s needs. The bolster is also an essential piece of bedding. Whether used to complement or replace a pillow, the bolster is designed to be both practical and decorative. There are many different types of bolsters, which are categorized by size, material, and intended use.
For those who suffer from neck, back, and lower back pain, an ergonomic bolster is the way to go. What are the benefits of an ergonomic bolster? What type of filling should you choose? Why should you treat yourself to an ergonomic bolster?
What is an ergonomic bolster pillow?
A bolster is a type of long, cylindrical pillow. It is placed across the width of the headboard. The ergonomic model provides additional comfort, particularly support for a sore neck. It thus improves sleep quality, promotes blood circulation, reduces headaches, and more. Over time, the bolster has also evolved into a decorative accessory. There are several models of ergonomic bolsters available.
The flat bolster
This bolster pillow is essential for sleepers who suffer from neck or back pain. It can be used in addition to or in place of an ergonomic pillow.
The round bolster
The round bolster can be used both as a pillow andas back support for reading or watching TV. Pregnant women can use it to support their belly at night.
The desk-shaped bolster
The desk-style bolster is also suitable for sleepers who experience neck pain. Their head rests on the bolster’s triangular, slanted base to improve blood circulation.
Why use an ergonomic bolster pillow?
Like a pillow, an ergonomic bolster is primarily designed to provide greater comfort. But it also adds a touch of style to your bedding and bedroom.
An ergonomic bolster pillow to relieve back and neck pain
Ergonomic bolsters help people who suffer from back and neck pain. Like specialized pillows, they correct the sleeper’s posture throughout the night. These types of bolsters aren’t too high and, most importantly, they conform to the contours of the head. They raise the head slightly, ensuring that it remains perfectly aligned with the spine. With the help of these bolsters, sleep finally becomes restful.
A bolster for side sleepers
Because of their sleeping position, people who sleep on their side often experience lower back strain. Placing an ergonomic bolster parallel to their body, with one leg resting on top of it, prevents them from adopting an awkward sleeping position. For this type of use, the bolster complements a comfortable pillow. It also supports the abdomen of pregnant women in this position.
Ergonomic bolster pillow: to relieve the sensation of heavy legs
Many people experience the sensation of heavy legs: pregnant women, overweight individuals, older adults, and others. One way to alleviate this unpleasant sensation is to place a bolster under your legs while sitting or lying down.
A bolster for reading or watching TV
When sitting, the bolster serves as back support during an evening of reading or while watching a TV series: a comfort feature that neither a pillow nor a cushion can provide.
The decorative bolster
Finally, the bolster also serves as a decorative accent for the bed or sofa. It adds a touch of elegance to the bed and the bedroom. To achieve this, make sure the bolster’s dimensions match the width of the bed. The cover on the bolster should match the rest of the bedding. Generally, the bolster is covered with two pillows.
Ergonomic bolster pillow: the different filling materials
There are several types of fillings available for bolsters. All of these materials provide comfort, but some do not meet all health and environmental standards. Down, polyester, memory foam, or latex: which filling is the best choice for an ergonomic bolster?
The goose feather and down bolster
The bolster pillow made of goose feathers and down is renowned for its comfort. Most often, it contains a blend of both: 70% feathers and 30% down. Not only does it perfectly conform to the contours of the neck and adapt to any body type, but it also lasts a long time—between 5 and 10 years— depending on how well the owner cares for it.
Feathers and down allow for good ventilation in the bolster and effectively absorb moisture. However, several chemical treatments are sometimes necessary to achieve this. Over time, the effects wear off and dust mites eventually take over, which is a problem for people with allergies. Similarly, some sleepers are allergic to goose and duck feathers.
Finally, the origin of the feathers is not always specified. This means that this filling, used in pillows and bolsters, may potentially travel thousands of kilometers before ending up in a bed.
The silicone-coated polyester bolster
Silicone-treated polyester filling is considered high-end. The fibers glide over one another, providing completely uniform padding. This allows for optimal air circulation and ensures a high level of comfort. The main issue stems from the numerous chemical treatments applied to synthetic materials to make bolsters and pillows flame-retardant and hypoallergenic. Over time, the filling releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) directly into the sleeper’s nostrils.
From an environmental standpoint, all synthetic materials used in bedding are disastrous. Polyester is derived from petroleum: its extraction and subsequent processing alone require tons of fossil fuels and water.
The memory foam bolster
Memory foam also comes fromthe petrochemical industry. While it offers comfort, the filling doesn’t meet all expectations when it comes to breathability. It undergoes numerous questionable chemical treatments to make it dust-mite-resistant, but time takes its toll. After a few years, these tiny creatures take over, and the bolster also tends to sag.
The 100% Natural Latex Bolster Pillow
The ergonomic bolster made of 100% natural latex is crafted from natural fibers. Free of any chemical treatments, the latex has antibacterial and anti-dust mite properties. The ergonomic bolster does not release any endocrine disruptors or VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Finally, it is also much more breathable and better at regulating temperature than a synthetic foam bolster.
Thanks to natural latex, it’s possible to combine comfort, quality sleep, and environmental consciousness. Made entirely from plant-based materials, the natural latex bolster is biodegradable. In fact, its lifespan easily reaches 10 years. It’s best to choose products that carry a certification label, such as Eurolatex and Éco Institut. Finally, the natural latex bolster is covered with a machine-washable cover. Opt for natural materials, such as cotton or Tencel.
We recommend these other pages:
- How does a bolster pillow contribute to comfort?
- What type of bolster pillow should you choose?
- What size bolster pillow should I choose?
- How do you choose between a soft or firm bolster?
- 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?