Best bolster pillows to support your body, tried and tested

As our bodies age, we begin to realise the importance of an adequate sleep routine.

This includes a proper wind-down period before bed that sees the reduction of screentime, perhaps the introduction of a meditative sleep cast, and the curation of an unbeatably supportive sleep environment consisting of a high-quality mattress, pillows and luxury bedding, which promise to lull us into dreamland with ease.

Yet one incredibly utilitarian type of cushion is often left out of the sleepscape equation, due to little knowledge surrounding its purpose and benefits: the humble bolster cushion.

What is a bolster pillow, and what are the benefits of using one?

Bolster pillows come in an array of sizes – from smaller options used for decorative purposes, to larger ones for lumbar support. Generally speaking, a bolster pillow is a short, narrow cushion usually realised in a cylindrical shape which is filled with firm materials like memory foam for joint and back support.

If you’ve ever joined a yoga class or had a professional massage, you’ve likely come across a large, supportive bolster cushion – to deepen a stretch while protecting your back during the former, and for additional comfort behind the legs during the latter.

Where should you place a bolster pillow?

Sliding smaller bolster pillows under your back or legs helps to provide additional lumbar support, popping one in between your knees is beneficial for sleep posture if you’re a side sleeper, and softer options can even be propped behind the neck to alleviate pain while sleeping.

It’s also widely agreed that using a bolster pillow can have positive psychological effects. In a similar manner to a body pillow, hugging a bolster pillow can provide joint relief as well as emotional comfort – thereby serving as a dual-purpose sleep aid for many.

What’s the difference between a bolster pillow and a body pillow?

Bolster pillows are always realised in a simple cylindrical or half-cylinder shape, whereas body pillows are designed to fit the contours of your body – resulting in various ‘J’ ‘V’ and ‘C’ shaped pillows. Body pillows are usually far softer than bolster pillows and provide full-body support rather than targeting a specific area.

No matter where it is that you require a little bit of extra comfort, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best supportive bolster pillows below.

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Utopia Bedding Pillow Roll (Pack of 2)

Offered in a value-for-money two-pack for you and your partner to enjoy, these 15x40cm bolster cushions are equipped with a 100 per cent polyester filling. Cover with a chic bolster pillowcase to add some decorative flair, or leave bare for some simple back, neck or knee support.

Buy now £9.99, Amazon

Linen Empire Super Soft Hollowfibre Bolster Cushion

Crafted from comforting and supportive, non-allergenic hollowfibre, this comforting bolster cushion is offered in three sizes: medium (15x45cm) large (20x60cm) and excel (25x75cm). The cylindrical, premium pillow is generously filled and offers ergonomic support by promoting better alignment of the cervical spine.

Buy now £13.99, Amazon

Leewadee Small Yoga Bolster

Bolster cushions designed for yoga tend to be significantly firmer than ones used for sleep support, and this stylish option from Leewadee is no exception. Filled to the brim with Kapok – a natural, organic, lightweight and breathable fibre that comes from the seed pods of the kapok tree – this shape-retaining bolster is great for support during meditation, restorative yoga, pranayama or simply for relaxation.

We love the fact that these generously sized pillows come in an array of unique, eye-catching designs.

Buy now £20.99, Amazon

M&S Velvet Piped Bolster Cushion

For a luxurious aesthetic and supportive edge, look no further than this chic velvet bolster from M&S, which is available in a variety of pastel and neutral hues. We love how the piped edges add a sleek finish, and how it can be placed anywhere from your sofa to an armchair or the bed.

Buy now £17.50, M&S

Myga Support Bolster Pillow

Featuring an easily removable cover completed with a zip closure, this bolster may be designed with yoga in mind but also offers ergonomic support during pregnancy, or for anyone with injuries. It has a plus, malleable cotton filling which moulds to the contours of your body while offering significant yet gentle support.

Buy now £30.99, Decathlon

Sissel Large Comfort Cushion

Ideal for supreme relaxation, this rather opulent and relatively heavyweight (1.2kg) V-shaped bolster cushion is machine washable up to 60°C – so you can use it every night of the week without worrying about how to clean it. It’s filled with warming, microbeads of polystyrene that contour to the shape of your body.

Buy now £49.95, Natural Living

Holly Co Hand Knitted Bolster Cushion

An incredibly supportive, handmade option which certainly doesn’t compromise on style, this beautiful, knitted bolster is available in two different sizes and 27 incredibly chic colourways. It’s knitted with completely natural cotton with a supportive hollowfibre filling.

Buy now £65.00, Holly Co

Hästens BEDDOC Therapeutic Pillow

One of the more unique therapeutic pillows we’ve come across, this option by luxury Swedish brand Hästens features two pressure-relieving cylinder pillows to help relieve neck pain while you sleep.

Filled with 85 per cent duck feathers and 15 per cent duck down, the 50x60cm pillow almost functions as a cushioned roller for your neck – supporting it as you move throughout the night. It also comes with Hästens’ signature blue and white check pillowcase.

Buy now £390.00, Hästens