How to Choose the Right Yoga Bolster for Your Practice

Bolsters are the quiet heroes of yoga. They don’t get the same spotlight as mats or blocks, but ask anyone who’s ever sunk into a supported savasana — the right bolster can change everything. It’s the difference between fidgeting and fully letting go, between “almost comfortable” and truly supported.

But here’s the problem: not all bolsters are created equal. Many are so heavy you feel like you’re dragging a sandbag across the studio. Others are so flimsy they collapse the moment you lean into them. Neither option helps you deepen your practice.

So how do you find the bolster that’s right for you? Let’s break it down.

1. Firmness Matters

Think of firmness as the backbone of your bolster.

• Firm bolsters hold their shape and give strong, stable support. Perfect for restorative poses that require your body to stay lifted without sinking.

• Medium-firm bolsters offer a softer landing, with just enough give for comfort. Great for yin yoga, meditation, or anytime you want to feel both held and cushioned.

Ask yourself: Do I crave strong, structured support, or do I lean toward comfort and softness?

2. Weight & Portability

A bolster should move with you, not against you. If it’s too heavy, it becomes a distraction every time you transition. If it’s too light and flimsy, it won’t hold up.

The sweet spot? A bolster that’s light enough to shift mid-practice, but firm enough to stay reliable once you’re settled in. Bonus points if it has a handle for easy carrying.

3. Size & Shape

Bolsters come in different shapes:

• Rectangular bolsters provide broad, stable support — like lying on a supportive cushion.

• Round bolsters are more traditional and allow deeper chest opening because of their curve.

There’s no “one size fits all.” Think about what your body needs most: flat stability or curved openness.

4. Materials & Filling

Your bolster should last. Look for:

• Durable, breathable covers that can be removed and washed.

• High-quality filling that won’t flatten out after a few uses.

• Thoughtful craftsmanship — seams that hold, stitching that lasts.

A cheap bolster may seem fine at first, but it often loses its shape quickly, leaving you unsupported.

5. Your Practice Style

The “right” bolster depends on how you practice:

• Restorative yoga: Firm support to keep the body lifted for long holds.

• Yin yoga: Semi-firm comfort that allows you to melt in.

• Meditation: A bolster that supports the spine without tipping or collapsing.

• Everyday life: Don’t underestimate using bolsters outside of yoga! Leg elevation, back support, even cozying up for a book.

My Honest Take

After years of practicing and teaching, I realized most bolsters on the market forced yogis into a choice: heavy but functional, or light but useless. That’s why we created Bheem Bolsters — firm and semi-firm options, easy to carry, supportive enough for real practice, and handcrafted to last.

Because your rest, your recovery, your deep practice — it deserves better.