Bolster or pillow: how do you choose?

Bolster or pillow: How do you choose?

Sleep, which is essential to well-being, promotes good mental and emotional health. A bolster or a pillow—which should you choose for a restful night’s sleep?

People spend about one-third of their lives sleeping, yet a plethora of brands offer products made from petroleum-derived materials that are harmful to health. For quality sleep and restful nights, it’s essential to choose products made from natural materials. Memory, mood, behavior, and concentration all depend on the quality of sleep. However, going to bed at regular times and eating a healthy diet are not enough to guarantee a good night’s sleep. In fact, choosing the right pillows or bolsters is also very important. Pillow or bolster—which is better? Which bolster should you choose? Here’s an explanation.

The bolster: a true source of comfort

A bolster is unique in that it is long and narrow and spans the entire width of a bed. Used in various ways, a bolster can support the necks of two people at once, but it can also be used to elevate the legs. Its versatility allows it to adapt to different needs, as it can be folded in many ways. It is also highly appreciated for reading, propping oneself up to watch TV, or enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in bed. Sometimes, the bolster is used purely for aesthetic purposes, as it adds a touch of elegance to a bedroom.

Soft, firm, memory foam, or flat—and usually filled with feathers—bolsters come in a variety of shapes, firmness levels, and thicknesses.

Which firmness level should you choose?

Whether soft or firm, the bolster is designed to meet everyone’s needs and preferences.

People who usually sleep on their backs should choose a firm bolster, as it helps maintain proper alignment between the neck and the spine. It is therefore also suitable for those who sleep on their sides. On the other hand, people who sleep on their stomachs should opt for soft, flat bolsters to avoid raising their necks too high.

Maintaining the natural alignment of the cervical vertebrae is essential not only for a restful night’s sleep but also for waking up pain-free. It’s important to note that choosing the wrong pillow can lead to pain, such as:

• stiff neck;
• migraines;
• muscle tension;
• joint strain.

The Benefits of a Bolster Pillow

Many people prefer to sleep with their heads elevated, which is why a bolster is primarily used as a supplement to a pillow. However, it can also be used on its own.

More support

A bolster used with a pillow provides additional support. It allows people with a broad build to enjoy optimal support. It also adds height and compensates for the width of the shoulders of people who sleep on their side.

A bolster pillow is also very useful if you have a cold or a cough. In fact, sleeping with your head elevated helps relieve nighttime discomfort.

Additional lateral support

People who are used to sleeping on their side may experience lower back pain. And for good reason! This position causes pressure between the knees and twists the lower back. In this case, placing a bolster between the legs allows the pelvis to adopt a natural position and relieves tension in the lower back. This position is also recommended for pregnant women, as it helps alleviate the weight on the abdomen.

An ally against heavy legs

A bolster is ideal for people who suffer from poor blood circulation. Placing a bolster under your legs elevates them and promotes better blood circulation during the night. This advice is intended only for those who sleep on their backs.

The Drawbacks of a Bolster Pillow

Bolster pillows are not recommended for people with neck pain. In fact, sleeping with your head elevated can cause recurring morning pain. In this case, it is recommended to use an ergonomic pillow—or even a memory foam pillow—designed to relieve stiff necks, migraines, and muscle and joint pain.

If the bolster is being used as a pillow for two people, it is essential to make sure it is suitable for both of them.

The pillow: the sleeper's favorite support

Pillows, which are often rectangular in shape, are unique in that they cater to individual needs. In fact, pillows have the advantage of being versatile and can be chosen based on personal preferences. As a result, they offer unparalleled comfort.

The Benefits of a Pillow

Every sleeper’s night is different; indeed, some sleep on their stomachs, others on their backs, and still others on their sides, and some move around a lot while others don’t move at all. A pillow, therefore, has the advantage of being able to meet each person’s expectations and needs and adapt to their unconscious movements during the night.

Which pillow should I choose?

Depending on your sleeping position and body type, the right pillow is different for everyone.

People who usually sleep on their side should choose pillows designed to support the neck and cervical spine. U-shaped pillows help keep the head properly aligned and maintain a side-sleeping position throughout the night. C-shaped pillows offer the same benefits but are particularly well-suited for children.

For optimal comfort and restful nights, people who usually sleep on their backs should choose a thick pillow. In fact, to keep the back in a comfortable position throughout the night, the pillow should be at least 9 cm thick.

Unlike the pillows recommended for people who sleep on their backs, those who are used to sleeping on their stomachs are advised to choose a pillow that is no more than 8 cm thick. This ensures comfort and guarantees a good night’s sleep.

The Drawbacks of the Pillow

Pillows have been manufactured for decades and are widely available on the market. As a result, the manufacturing process, quality, and compliance standards for pillows can sometimes be overlooked. However, choosing the wrong pillow from the vast array of products available can lead to restless nights and long-term back pain. Furthermore, the majority of pillows sold are made from petroleum-based materials. Synthetic materials tend to contain chemicals and can increase sweating. It is therefore essential to choose healthy pillows made from natural materials that promote both your well-being and that of the planet.

In short, whether you choose a pillow or a bolster is up to you. Whichever you choose, to ensure it provides healthy and restful sleep, it must be suited to your needs and nighttime habits. It is strongly recommended to choose products made from natural materials, such as natural latex, which has anti-mite and antibacterial properties. A good pillow or bolster is one that provides proper support for the cervical spine and neck. Finally, for people who suffer from neck pain, it is highly recommended to choose an ergonomic or memory foam pillow.

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?
• What kind of filling should you choose for a bolster?