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The 7 Best Yoga Bolsters – [2020 Reviews & Guide]

Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.


Yoga is not always an easy practice, although many who haven’t tried it like to think it is. Even if you have a traditional yoga mat with you, the hard surface beneath can get uncomfortable.

You may need a bit of extra support to pull off certain poses and increase stretching during restorative, healing postures. For this, we recommend one of the best yoga bolsters.

We’ve spent the past few weeks testing and reviewing countless items to bring you the top products on the market today!

Best Yoga Bolsters

YogaAccessories Yoga BolsterPeace Yoga Bolster CushionAjna Yoga Bolster
Cover:CottonCottonEco-Suede
Filling:CottonBuckwheat HullsRecycled Foam
Shape:CylinderRound/CircularRectangle
Removable Cover:YesYesYes

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Yoga Bolsters For 2020

  1. YogaAccessories Supportive Round Cotton Yoga Bolster
  2. Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster
  3. Peace Yoga Yoga Meditation Buckwheat Bolster Pillow Cushion
  4. Seat of Your Soul 2019 Meditation Cushion
  5. Bean Products Best Yoga Bolsters
  6. Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow for Meditation and Support
  7. Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster

Our reviews of the top rated yoga bolsters with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right bolster for you.


Yoga Bolster Reviews

#1 YogaAccessories Supportive Round Cotton Yoga Bolster

To start things off, we have one of “Amazon’s Choice” products, the YogaAccessories Supportive Round Cotton Yoga Bolster.

YogaAccessories is one of the crowd favorite brands, due to their consistent dedication to delivering quality, affordable products. This one is no exception, as you’ll soon see.

Offering up 15 different color options, you can choose exactly the shade that suits your tastes or your yoga mat perfectly. Colors like Purple, Olive Green, Burgundy, Dark Gray and more all look elegant and earthy.

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The round cotton shape offers great support for an array of yoga postures. The cotton cover is removable and can be tossed in the washing machine for easy hygiene.

As the material is naturally breathable, it won’t promote the growth of bacteria, keeping it feeling and smelling clean for longer.

They’re also stuffed with a 100% cotton, weighing 6 pounds. This makes them relatively easy to transport, and are also hypoallergenic, which you’ll love if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Despite being so light, they’re very dense and firm so you can rely on it for more difficult, concentrated poses.

You’ll find a handle on each end as well, making it perfect for aiding in restorative poses, deep breathing poses, and prenatal yoga.

 

YogaAccessories Supportive Round Cotton Yoga Bolster at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Cotton
  • Filling: 100% Cotton
  • Shape: Cylinder
  • Removeable Cover: Yes

#2 Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster

Another one of the best yoga bolsters out there is the Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster. Instead of the cylindrical shape, this model is formed to a rectangle and is notably firmer.

If you need the added structural integrity and support, then don’t go anywhere.

Color options here are slightly more limited, though with 6 options it’s not bad by any means. Colors tend to be on the darker side, with Black, Gray, Dark Blue, and Plum.

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However, there are a couple brighter options, like Poppy and Aqua. The flat top and bottom of this bolster are great for really keeping steady and stable, as they don’t threaten rolling anywhere like the cylindrical models could do.

Filled with foam core and cotton batting, it’s very dense and quite firm, though not so hard that it will cause you discomfort or irritation. These are excellent for restorative yoga poses that really require patience and deep breathing.

The cover is also made of a soft, breathable cotton. As it’s removable, washing is easy and quick, as you can simply place it in the washing machine when you need to.

The convenient carry handle on one end makes transportation a breeze, and also helps pull off different poses, though many do prefer the double handles.

 

Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Cotton
  • Filling: Cotton Batting, Foam Core
  • Shape: Rectangle
  • Removeable Cover: Yes

#3 Peace Yoga Yoga Meditation Buckwheat Bolster Cushion

Quite possibly the best yoga cushion currently available for sitting poses and meditation, the Peace Yoga Yoga Meditation Buckwheat Bolster Pillow Cushion is something special.

Also ranked as “Amazon’s Choice” you don’t have to worry about the level of quality seen here. Moreover, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, seeing as it’s one of the most affordable at this high standard of performance.

Not only do colors vary here, but the design on the very top of the pillow.

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You get 6 different options to select among, like the geometry Gray which has a geometric design on top, the Peacock Purple, the Sun Blue, and the Mandala Turquoise.

The core is comprised of buckwheat hulls, which is all-natural for awareness of your health along with the planet’s.

The material offers the perfect balance of firmness and malleability and are sealed in their own pouch to make it clean and easy to remove and place back inside.

A cotton cover has a full zip to make it the easiest model for removing and cleaning. You’ll also see that there are grab-and-go handles on two sides for easy transportation and added usability during yoga.

Doubling as a yoga block, you can save money and use it for an array of purposes, avoiding numb limbs while improving your poses and comfort.

 

Peace Yoga Yoga Meditation Bolster Cushion at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Cotton
  • Filling: Buckwheat Hulls
  • Shape: Round/Circular
  • Removeable Cover: Yes

#4 Seat of Your Soul Meditation Cushion

Seat Of Your Soul 2019 Meditation Cushion

The Seat of Your Soul 2019 Meditation Cushion is quite a bit different from the others we’ve covered so far. The best yoga pillow comes in three different shapes: crescent, round, or zabuton zafu.

Everyone has their own preferences and intentions, and at least one will suit your needs well.

Achieving comfort while doing yoga isn’t always simple. You need the right pillow shape for your body type, along with the right size.

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That’s why we appreciated that Seat of Your Soul offers variation in both. Each one comes in the same color choices: Aqua, Navy, Red, and a few more others.

Made to perfectly form to your individual body’s shapes and curves when you’re sitting, it offers a blend of durability and flexibility.

This consistency helps to keep your spine in proper alignment, which will help in strength, circulation, comfort, and much more.

Much like our previous model, it’s also stuffed with buckwheat filling, which is long-lasting yet pliable. The removable cover is also constructed from soft, sturdy, and eco-friendly GOTS Certified Organic Cotton. When you need to wash it, simply zip it off and use a cold cycle on the washing machine!

With a 100% comfort guarantee, if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, you can rest easy knowing that they have your back with a refund or replacement.

 

Seat of Your Soul 2019 Meditation Cushion at a Glance:

  • Fabric: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
  • Filling: Buckwheat Hulls
  • Shape: Multiple
  • Removeable Cover: Yes

#5 Bean Products Best Yoga Bolsters

Drawing similarities to the Hugger Mugger we reviewed up above, the Bean Products Yoga Bolster is nice and sturdy and comes in an array of different shapes.

You can choose from either the Rectangular, Round, or Pranayama Shapes – the choice is yours. Made from the highest-quality fabrics, it’s going to be a bit more expensive than many others on here but is well worth it.

The removable cotton cover is very hygienic and breathable, though when you need to give it a wash, you can simply unzip and toss in the washing machine.

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It’s soft against the skin, though you can tell that it’s made to hold up against regular use thanks to the 4 different fabric layers covering the interior.

The rectangle yoga bolster comes with large flat surfaces ideal for supporting you during active and restorative poses. The cylindrical model allows for deeper poses and is a bit taller than the rectangle.

We liked this one for achieving a deeper forward supported bend and opening up the chest to stretch the muscles that often are so tight due to sitting at a desk all day.

Finally, the pranayama is a breathing bolster, working to keep your tailbone to neck supported.

Inside, you’ll find a 100% organic latex foam core which does have the slightest odor to it at first but will go away within the first few uses. It’s supportive and sturdy, offering just the slightest amount of cushiness.

 

Bean Products Best Yoga Bolsters at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Cotton
  • Filling: Foam Core
  • Shape: Multiple
  • Removeable Cover: Yes

#6 Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow for Meditation and Support

No doubt the most luxurious looking yoga bolster out there the Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow for Meditation and Support will have all your friends asking where you got it!

Coming in ethereal shades such as Rose Quartz and Celestite Blue, you don’t have many options to choose from, but both look stunning. However, this model is so much more than looks!

Just like with other rectangular models, this one is meant to stay put and stay sturdy to offer you the support you need.

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The ergonomic design will ensure your spine is in proper alignment for your health and to eliminate the risk of injury.

As it’s so versatile, you can use it for yin yoga, prenatal yoga, relieving back and neck pain, adding lumbar support, meditation, stretching, and so much more!

Upon first glance, you can tell that the cover is unlike any other, comprised of an eco-suede made from 100% vegan materials.

The cover is completely free of harmful or toxic chemicals as well, so keeping it around children or pets is no issue. The interior is made from recycled foam as well, which is great for the planet, and feels luxurious.

Finally, you’ll find two gold-embossed handles – one on each side that only add to the ease of portability and elegant aesthetics.

When you’re not using it, either keep it in the included matching cotton bag or place it on the bed or sofa – it will fit right in!

 

Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow for Meditation and Support at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Eco-Suede
  • Filling: Recycled Foam
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Removeable Cover: Yes

#7 Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster

Last but not least, we bring you the eye-catching Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster. This is another of the most beautiful designs out there, with a modern embossed pattern on the removable outer cover.

It is more expensive than the others on our guide, but it’s definitely not something you’ll regret!

Made to work with yogis and meditators from all walks of life and all experience levels, it’s ideal for restorative yoga poses and deep breathing.

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Only coming in a Deep Grey color, you don’t have many options in that regard, but it goes with any other décor you already have going on.

The cover is comprised of a GOTS certified organic cotton which is eco-friendly, soft, and hypoallergenic.

Holding the buckwheat pillow fill, it’s simple and quick to remove and replace if you’d like to change it out for something taller or firmer in the future.

To make transportation easier, you’ll find a durable carry handle on one side so you don’t have to awkwardly carry it under your arm or accidentally drop it!

Overall, if you’re in the market for a long-lasting, beautiful yoga bolster, than this one is hard to beat!

 

Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Bolster at a Glance:

  • Fabric: Cotton
  • Filling: Buckwheat Hulls
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Removeable Cover: Yes

Yoga Bolster Comparison Table

Yoga BolsterCoverFillingShapeRating
YogaAccessories Round Yoga BolsterCottonCottonCylinder4.4 / 5.0
Hugger Mugger Yoga BolsterCottonCotton Batting, Foam CoreRectangle4.7 / 5.0
Peace Yoga Bolster CushionCottonBuckwheat HullsRound/Circular4.9 / 5.0
Seat of Your Soul CushionCertified Organic CottonBuckwheat HullsMultiple Available4.7 / 5.0
Bean Products Yoga BolstersCottonFoam CoreMultiple Available4.6 / 5.0
Ajna Yoga BolsterEco-SuedeRecycled FoamRectangle5.0 / 5.0
Brentwood Home Yoga BolsterCottonBuckwheat HullsRectangular4.7 / 5.0

How to Choose the Best Yoga Bolster – Buying Guide

best yoga pillow
Seat Of Your Soul Meditation Cushion

By now you’ve gone through all of the yoga bolster reviews. Have you been able to narrow it down to just one? If not, then there’s no need to worry. Sometimes we just don’t know which features we should be looking for.

There are a lot of characteristics to consider when purchasing one of these pillows, so you should take everything into account before deciding on one. To help streamline the process, we’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to write up the user-friendly buying guide, below.

This guide will take you through each step of the process so that by the time you’re finished, there will be no doubt which is the one for you.

Bolster Shape

You probably already noticed that yoga bolsters come in a variation of shapes. The most common shapes are cylindrical, rectangular, and pranayama.

Cylindrical

These are a bit higher and can be used as props for poses like Legs Up The Wall, along with a variation of other restorative yoga poses. In addition, they’re commonly used for prenatal yoga as it offers a good amount of cushiness but still enough volume to make yoga poses safe.

Rectangular

These are also very popular. They feature less volume/height than cylindrical models, and are usually more dense and sturdy. They won’t roll away due to the flat sides and are perfect if you need more of a boost or stretch.

Pranayama

As you could probably already guess by the name, these are made for Pranayamic breathing exercises. They’re long and thin, perfect for opening and stretching the chest, and are usually placed down the length of the spine to facilitate long, deep lung expansion.

Cover Material

The material of the cover is important, as it’s what is going to make contact with your skin. With that being said, you want it to be soft and smooth, not causing any friction or irritation between it and your body. Cotton is definitely the most common as it’s hypoallergenic, very breathable, and easy to clean.

Not only that, but it is soft and smooth to allow you to feel comfortable. However, you’ll occasionally find another material like an eco-suede, which isn’t quite as easy to clean but looks more expensive.

You want to be able to remove the cover and clean it, as you’re likely going to be sweating and transmitting bacteria to it. Look for a cover that you don’t have to spend minutes wrestling to get it on or off.

Filling

Filling is quite possibly the most important factor when selecting one of the best yoga pillows, as this is what will give you the actual support and structure. Let’s take a look at the most common types of filling so you can choose which is best for you.

Cotton: Cotton is generally going to be the most affordable filling. It’s hypoallergenic, so if you have allergies or sensitivities, this could be the best option. It’s very lightweight yet can be packed quite densely to offer support, with a nice amount of give.

Foam: Foam varies in quality, but the models on our list come with foam that is free of any toxins and other harmful chemicals. It is notably denser and more durable than cotton and is typically found in rectangular bolsters.

Buckwheat: Buckwheat is nice and eco-friendly, while remaining sturdy yet pliable. This makes it the most versatile filling out there, and will come in its own plastic bag so you can easily remove and put it back in for simple cleaning.

Portability

If you’re planning on using your yoga bolster outside of your home, such as at a yoga studio, then you will need it to be easy to transport! Look at the weight of the pillow, first. They vary in weight typically depending on the size of the pillow, along with the type of filling they come with.

Not only that, but consider the size (if it can be slipped into a bag, etc.) and how many handles they come with. Some won’t come with any, others will come with one, and most on our guide will come with two!

Design

We know that you probably like things that fit your own tastes and personality – who doesn’t? We like picking out a yoga mat that we won’t mind using for minutes or hours on end, and many of us appreciate a choice in different colors and designs.

Some bolsters only give you one option while others offer literally dozens of shades and even fun designs and patterns to further express your personality!

Warranty

Think of a product’s warranty as the manufacturer’s way of stating how long they expect it to operate normally without any issues. With that being said, warranties vary widely. With yoga bolsters, you may see no warranty at all, while others come with a generous 1-year warranty!

You should always try to go with the model that has a longer warranty if it’s what you’re looking for, as you may just end up spending less money due to being covered.

Price

How much are you willing to spend for a good yoga bolster? It’s something we highly recommend – to come up with a budget for yourself before you start shopping around so you can avoid spending more than you originally planned on.

No matter what your budget is, we’re sure that we have at least one model on our guide that will suit it. When it comes to yoga bolsters, they fluctuate greatly in price points, however more expensive doesn’t always mean better!

The pricier models typically come with unnecessary extras like added embroidery or a more luxurious cover but it overall won’t affect performance much.

FAQs About Yoga Bolsters

Q: What is the best filling for a yoga bolster?

A: That all depends on your individual goals and preferences. Foam is going to be the hardest of the bunch, offering a little bit of give and a lot of support. Cotton is the lightest and offers the least amount of support, while buckwheat lies somewhere in the middle. With that being said, buckwheat is quite possibly the most popular option as it balances both nicely.

Q: What size of yoga bolster should I buy?

A: Small yoga bolsters are ideal for children or smaller yogis, offering support under the knees, thighs, and neck. They’re definitely the easiest to travel with as they’re the lightest and most compact.

Medium-size bolsters are the most popular and fit most yogis well. They offer a nice amount of support in the lower back, neck, and can help you to place your legs on the wall, along with other more challenging poses.

Large bolsters aren’t all that common, and are typically used during restorative poses to help further stretches and provide support during pre-natal yoga.

Q: How do you use a yoga bolster pillow?

A: There are essentially infinite ways to use a yoga bolster, but let’s talk about the most common way to use it!

  1. Place the bolster right under your knees and let your legs and feet go freely.
  2. Take a deep breath and exhale all air out of your lungs.
  3. Let all the muscles relax, from head to toe.
  4. Let all thoughts come and go, not holding or grasping onto them.
  5. Stay and enjoy for 5 – 10 minutes, depending on how you’re feeling and your goals.

They’re also commonly used for placement right under the lower back/lumbar spine for added support and lowered risk of injury.

Q: What are yoga bolsters used for?

A: They’re quite similar to a body pillow but tend to be more firm and either rectangular, circular, etc. in shape. They help provide support, lower the risk of injury, increase the stretch, help with deep breathing poses, help soften a posture, or aid in opening the body. They’re most commonly used in prenatal, restorative, and Iyengar based classes.

Tips For Choosing Yoga Bolsters

#1: If you’ll be taking your yoga bolster with you traveling or to a yoga studio, make sure it has its own bag.

There are many options on our guide which include a matching carry bag. This ensures that it’s clean and properly protected at all times when not in use! This will make it more hygienic for you and extend its lifespan.

#2: If you’re still trying to gain your balance, opt for a rectangular model.

These are much more sturdy than the cylindrical options, which can slide and roll. Rectangular pillows come with flat sides and are typically firmer to offer you more support and stability as you’re still getting your bearings.

#3: Make sure to wash the cover regularly.

As the pillow may be touching a dirty yoga studio floor that countless people have touched, may be sweat on by you, and so on, you must wash the cover at least once a month. However, it’s recommended that you wash it every other week or so for your own benefit.

Summary

Now that you’ve had the chance to go through each of the in-depth reviews above, we hope that you’ve been able to select the best yoga bolster for your body and experience level.

While each of the products on our guide are some of the best in the world, what’s most important is that you choose the best model for your individual needs and preferences. We hope that our guide has helped you do exactly that.

Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again shortly.

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The YogaAccessories is our Editor's Choice for the best yoga bolster with its support, comfort and value.

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Shayanne Weeks

Shayanne is a yoga instructor, freelance writer and personal trainer based primarily in LA, California. Describing herself as a traveler, she has lived in Seattle Washington, Guadalajara Mexico as well as Boise Idaho. As an extremely active person, she loves personal training, yoga instruction, and works part time as an in home health aide. She enjoys sharing her love for teaching others through her “how to” fitness guides, home health equipment and workout equipment reviews. In her free time Shayanne loves to surf, snowboard and practice yoga depending on where she is living.

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