What Is a Yoga Bolster and What Is It Used For?


A woman using a yoga bolster in Childs Pose.

What Is a Yoga Bolster?


A yoga bolster is a supportive cushion or pillow used to enhance and deepen various yoga poses and relaxation techniques. Typically rectangular or cylindrical in shape, yoga bolsters are filled with materials like cotton, foam, or buckwheat hulls to provide firm yet comfortable support. They are commonly used in many types of yoga such as restorative yoga, yin yoga, and prenatal yoga practices to promote relaxation, relieve tension, and facilitate proper alignment in poses.

What Is a Yoga Bolster Used For?


There are many ways one can use a yoga bolster! Here are some of our favourites:

  • Restorative Poses: Bolsters provide support in gentle, passive stretches that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. They are often used in restorative yoga to support the body in poses like Supported Child’s Pose and Reclined Hero Pose.

  • Meditation: Bolsters can be used as props to provide support and comfort during seated meditation, helping you maintain an upright posture and focus on your breath. This reduces strain on your lower back and hips, allowing for a longer and more comfortable meditation session.

  • Backbends: Placing a bolster under the back in supported backbends like Bridge Pose or Fish Pose can help open the chest and shoulders while supporting the spine.

  • Hip Opening: Bolsters assist in hip-opening poses like Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) by providing support under the thighs, encouraging relaxation in the hips, and allowing the hips to open gently without strain.

  • Savasana: During final relaxation (Savasana), placing a bolster under the knees can relieve tension in the lower back and promote a deeper sense of relaxation.

  • Deepen Stretches: By placing a yoga bolster under the knees, back, or hips, you can deepen stretches and increase flexibility without straining or injuring your body.


Benefits of a Yoga Bolster


There are many benefits of using a yoga bolster, such as:

  1. Support: Bolsters provide added support and stability, allowing you to maintain proper alignment in poses and alleviate strain on joints and muscles.

  2. Comfort: The cushioned surface of a bolster adds comfort during seated, reclined, or restorative poses, making it easier to relax and hold poses for longer periods.

  3. Flexibility: Bolsters help improve flexibility by providing props for deeper stretches and assisting in achieving challenging poses.

  4. Relaxation: Bolsters promote relaxation and stress relief, especially during restorative poses and meditation, by supporting the body and allowing muscles to release tension.

  5. Alignment: Bolsters can be strategically placed to support specific body parts, such as the spine, hips, or knees, to encourage proper alignment and prevent injury.


cleaning your yoga bolster


Cleaning your yoga bolster is easy, simply remove the cover and wash using your washing machine. For the bolster itself, spot clean any stains with a mild detergent and water solution using a soft cloth or sponge.  Allow both the cover and bolster to air dry completely before reassembling.

For a more in-depth explanation of how to clean and maintain your yoga bolster, read more here: https://mobeco.com.au/avoiding-and-dealing-with-bugs-in-your-yoga-bolster-a-comprehensive-guide/ 


want a yoga bolster for yourself?


The MOBECO yoga bolster is the supreme choice for anyone who wants to maximise mobility or recovery because of its durable, eco-friendly materials, versatility, and stylish design.

Our bolsters provide exceptional support and comfort for your yoga practice. Our Yoga Bolster covers are made from high quality, GOTS Certified Cotton. Our bolsters provide exceptional support and comfort for your yoga practice. The premium Cotton material is not only soft and comfortable but durable and easy to clean. Our bolsters are filled with a quality and eco friendly ingredient called buckwheat. Buckwheat and cotton are hypoallergenic and mould to the contours of your body, allowing your body really relax and let go. They can be personalised by carefully removing some filling if you prefer it softer.

Invest in a MOBECO yoga bolster now and take your yoga practice to the next level.