I researched the best yoga bolster pillow as I wanted something more supportive and comfortable for my stretching and relaxation sessions. I’ve been experiencing lower back tightness and hip stiffness, especially after long hours of sitting, and my instructor suggested using a proper bolster to improve support during restorative poses. I went through reviews from trusted sources like Amazon customer reviews, Yoga Journal, and Well+Good, and after comparing many options these two kept coming up as the top choices:
Manduka Enlight Rectangular Yoga Bolster – Firm Support | Removable Washable Cover | Durable & Comfortable for Restorative Yoga
https://www.amazon.com/Manduka-Enlight-Rectangular-Bolster-Midnight/dp/B01LXIZM8B?th=1
Gaiam Yoga Bolster Pillow – Rectangular Meditation Cushion | Supportive & Lightweight with Washable Cover
https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Bolster-Rectangular-Meditation-Pillow/dp/B01ICBTPTK?th=1
However, I am having trouble deciding which one would be better for me and I would love to get your expert advice and hoping maybe some yoga practitioners or people who regularly use bolsters for restorative yoga can also share their advice.
I usually practice gentle yoga and stretching at home and need something supportive, comfortable, and not too bulky to store. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
These look fairly similar (though I couldn’t find specific measurements for the Gaiam bolster). I have both a cylindrical and rectangular bolster….plus two cute smaller bolsters that I like too…and I would say I probably get the most use out of my rectangular bolster. It’s a little more compact, easier to store, and easier to grab. Occasionally I do have a use for the larger cylindrical one too. (Mine came from Halfmoon in Canada..they actually make them there! bolsters, cushions, covers – b, halfmoon ) Maybe your instructor could give you a bit of input too? And at some point, you’ll just have to dive in and get one (or more). I bet you will love it/them.
1 Like
Hello! I agree that the more rectangular shape is generally more accessible and useful for classes. Both Manduka and Gaiam make solid bolsters in my experience, so you don’t have to worry about too little filling. One thing to consider is the environmental impact of these companies and the materials they are using. We (here at DYWM) quite enjoy https://slofloworld.com/collections/bolsters bolsters and you’ll see them in our videos as well. Ultimately it’s up to you—what fits with your values, price range, color choice etc! Just make sure you aren’t ordering one of the tiny thin ones, they’re very specific in their use and you won’t find that most classes or teachers use them.
Hope this helps!
Julia
1 Like
Oh wow - what a great source for bolsters! I did quite a bit of researching on environmental impact at the time (about 5-6 years ago) and felt good about my purchase, and while the Halfmoon bolsters still look quite good, it seems like the company has changed a bit since then. I would definitely go for the Sloflo World ones now (they are a bit more affordable too). 
1 Like