Choosing a bolster: What are the best fillings?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect bolster: thickness, dimensions, firmness or softness, round or flat shape, value for money, and so on. All of this depends on how the bolster will be used, the user’s sleeping position, and their personal comfort preferences.
However, when deciding which bolster to choose, there’s another factor to consider: the material used to fill the bolster. Manufacturers offer various types of fillings, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s an overview of the products available on the market and our tips for finding the one that best suits your needs.
The Importance of the Filling for a Bolster or Pillow
The material a bolster is made of affects how it feels to the sleeper. Whether it’s feathers, down, synthetic materials, plant-based materials, or sometimes a blend of several different materials, the result will vary in several ways:
- The padding affects how firm the bolster is;
- The filling may have varying degrees of insulating properties;
- The quality and durability of the product vary depending on the material;
- Some fabrics are easier to wash than others;
- Depending on the material and the amount used in the bolster, the filling provides varying degrees of loft and softness.
Finally, the choice of filling is particularly important for people prone to allergies, especially to dust mites and dust.
Good to know: You should also pay attention to the bolster pillowcase and the material it’s made of (cotton percale, cotton gauze, linen, polyester, etc.). This affects how much you sweat while sleeping, as well as the softness of the fabric and the potential presence of dust mites.
The Main Types of Pillow Fillings
Bedding pillows contain the same types of fillings as regular pillows. The choice of one type of filling over another therefore depends on objective criteria, but also on each person’s personal preferences.
The feather bolster: the most traditional style
Goose and duck feathers and down have been used for centuries to make pillows and bolsters. The advantage of this type of bolster is that it is natural and contains no potentially toxic substances, which are sometimes found in low-quality synthetic fibers.
A feather-filled bolster is also very comfortable, with a soft feel and good loft, while providing enough firmness to support the neck and cervical spine of sleepers who do not suffer from any specific pain. It’s also a particularly good choice for people who tend to sweat at night. This filling allows air to circulate and provides good thermal insulation. In the summer, it prevents you from getting too hot, and in the winter, it helps keep you warm.
On the other hand, there is one drawback to feather bolsters or pillows: they require more careful maintenance and must undergo anti-dust-mite treatment for people with allergies. It is important to wash a natural-feather bolster several times a year and to air out the bedroom thoroughly.
The polyester synthetic fiber bolster: comfort that keeps dust mites at bay
We were discussing the allergy risk associated with bolsters made from natural materials. However, bolsters filled with synthetic materials pose much less of a problem. Often made from polyester, they do not provide an ideal breeding ground for dust mites. That said, if you’re at risk for allergies, be sure to choose a bolster that’s certified hypoallergenic. A polyester bolster or pillow also scores points when it comes to price, as it is the most common type of bedding on the market and is inexpensive to manufacture. It is therefore sold at attractive prices.
However, synthetic fibers can be criticized for being less breathable than other materials. As a result, they can quickly become warm and cause you to sweat while you sleep, especially since they do not absorb sweat well.
We’ve also noticed that there is a wide range of quality levels among bolsters filled with synthetic polyester. It’s best to choose a bolster made from hollow fibers, which provide better fiber distribution and superior insulation.
The memory foam bolster: optimal support
Among synthetic pillows and bolsters, there are also those made with memory foam filling. They’re also known as “ergonomic bolsters”—and for good reason. These bolsters adapt to the shape of the sleeper’s body and their sleeping habits. As a result, they help maintain the health of the neck, cervical spine, and back. This is the ideal choice for those who often experience pain upon waking and need excellent support throughout the night.
Its drawbacks? It cannot be machine-washed, as this could cause it to lose its ergonomic properties. Therefore, you’ll have to settle for washing just the bolster cover.
In addition, memory foam does not allow air to circulate properly. As a result, the bolster retains heat and does not wick away sweat. To address this issue, you can purchase a sweat-wicking pillowcase, which provides a relatively cool feeling. There are also moisture-wicking products available for all types of bedding (mattress protectors, fitted sheets, etc.).
The natural latex bolster: the best compromise
To enjoy the benefits of natural bedding without compromising on comfort or ergonomics, a bolster made of natural latex is undoubtedly the best solution. While it’s true that it’s generally more expensive than the average bolster, its long lifespan makes it a sound investment.
Like a memory foam pillow, the natural latex bolster provides good support for the neck and cervical spine by conforming to the body’s contours. This is due to the material’s elasticity and firmness, which also contribute to its comfort.
Despite its density and relatively firm feel, a natural latex bolster also allows air to circulate freely. Thanks to this ventilation, you can enjoy comfortable nights without getting too hot or sweating. Since latex is also naturally dust-mite-resistant and antifungal, it is ideal for people with allergies, without the need for chemical treatments.
When purchasing a latex bolster, however, you should be cautious. In France, the law allows manufacturers to label a product as “100% natural latex” even if it contains only at least 85% natural latex. The best advice, therefore, is to check the pillow’s composition to ensure it does not contain any synthetic materials.
Finally, it's important to note that a latex pillow or bolster cannot be machine-washed; only the pillowcase can be washed.
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 you choose?
- How do you choose between a soft and a firm bolster?
- Why choose an ergonomic bolster pillow?
- Should you choose a memory foam bolster pillow?
- Bolster or pillow: how do you choose?