Those of us who have done a practice with a bolster know how incredibly effective they can be in adding that little something extra to our time on the mat. Whether it’s in a Yin or Restorative yoga class, during Yoga Nidra or even while meditating – a bolster can enhance our practice and leave us feeling even more relaxed, open and at ease. When it comes to choosing a bolster however, how do you know which one is the perfect accessory for you and your practice?
Here at Mandala Living we have four different types of bolsters available to choose from, with multiple fabric and filling options; so let’s break it down to help figure out which is the perfect bolster for you.
The perfect size and shape
Cylinder, oval, rectangle – which shape is right for me?
When it comes to bolsters, regardless of shape, all of them are going to aid in your practice, provide excellent comfort during relaxation and can also be great props to use while seated in meditation; the key differences lie in the sensations you’ll experience from the varying shapes and sizes.
We will break down the different sizes below, but keep in mind, if you’d like a different size than on offer, we do also customise and make to order!
Re-energiser Cylinder Bolster
Being our biggest bolster, the Re-energiser Cylinder Bolster provides the deepest aid in chest opening and those gentle back bends. Its shape allows for larger stretches along the front body though can also provide the most support to the back body – for example under the knees in savasana, or reclined butterfly. Measuring 77cm x 33cm x 22xm, those who are looking for a longer and larger accessory, the cylinder bolster may be the way to go!
Oval Bolster
Our Oval Bolster measures 70cm x 30xm x 13cm, making it long and low to the ground. This is ideal for those who are looking for a prop that enables them to be closer to the mat and for those who are looking for something perfectly shaped to place under the knees during Yoga Nidra. The oval form allows for a more gradual incline from the ground – ideal for Yin poses such as sphinx and swan. The oval bolster is also a popular choice for pregnancy, as it is an effective aid in allowing a comfortable sleep.
Restorer Rectangle Bolster
The Restorer Rectangle Bolster is the smallest of our full sized bolsters, measuring 66cm x 35xm x 15cm. While being an excellent yoga prop, the rectangular shape makes the Restorer a great option to use as a meditation cushion too, and they look just gorgeous on the sofa! Due to its smaller length, this size is great for those who find the other bolsters just a little too long.
Baby Bolster
Do you prefer a smaller support prop? Perhaps you’ve got kids who would benefit from using a bolster? Well that’s where our Baby Bolster comes in! Its smaller size is perfect for those who just need that little bit extra, however If using it as an adult, placing the baby bolster under the back will in-fact give you a deeper sensation in a chest opener, due to the smaller surface area. Our Baby Bolster – the original one of its size – is 50cm x 25cm x 25cm, making it ideal for under the knees and a great option for kids and adults alike whilst also being super easy to take to class with you.
The Perfect Outer Fabric
So you now know the difference between the shapes and sizes, but what about the outer fabric? We pride ourselves on our luxurious yet sustainable materials used here at Mandala Living, that’s why the majority of our fabric options are natural and eco-friendly. Where they don’t fall into the all natural category, like our velvet, we use dead-stock, end of the run fabrics, saving them from otherwise ending up in landfill. Choose from a range of different earthy tones in our linen/cotton blend, hemp and flax materials or multiple patterned options from our cotton canvas and Japanese cotton range. Our Re-energiser and Restorer bolsters can even be made using outdoor appropriate material so you can take your practice or relaxation outside without having to worry about damaging your fabric. Have a thing for velvet? You can even get our Baby Bolster in Mist, Charcoal, Dune or Blue velvet – enhancing your experience with the gorgeous feel of velvet on the skin!
The Perfect Filling
Now to the centre of your bolster decision making – which filling do I choose? Do you prefer a more dense feeling? Perhaps a more lightweight option? We offer three different filling options to choose for your ideal bolster.
100% Post Consumer Recycled Plastic Bottles
Priding ourselves on being eco-friendly and sustainable, we decided to put those old plastic bottles to good use and use them to fill our bolsters. For every 1kg of fibre used, we save around 70 water bottles from ending up in landfill. Our Recycled PET fibre is also 100% non-allergenic. A bolster filled with plastic may not sound conventional, but trust us – they’re incredibly comforting, are the perfect shape and are super light to carry with you to class! They bounce back into shape!
Australian Wool
Breathable, comfortable, bio-degradable. This zero micro-plastic filling will give you a more solid and compressed, yet organic feeling bolster – firm enough to retain its shape, yet soft enough to mould to your body.
Buckwheat Husks
Buckwheat Husks are a filling choice for those who are looking for a more mouldable bolster that squashes easily to shape. This Hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant and breathable filling is the most popular with our meditation cushions and neck pillows, however is a great option for any of our bolsters due to its ability to shape into the body’s curves and creases. They ensure ultimate comfort and support, promote airflow while also being eco-friendly! Having Buckwheat Husks in your bolster will provide a more fluid and moveable prop, while still ensuring you have the support you need.
The Choice is Yours
So now you know all about the different options you can choose from when selecting the perfect bolster, which combination will you choose? Do you prioritise comfort, or the look of your props? Are you looking to use it for a specific purpose? Which ever it is, find comfort in knowing that all of our Mandala Living products are hand made with love, right here in Australia.
P.S. Don’t forget! If your desired selection is unavailable online or you’d like a custom creation, simply get in touch at [email protected] to discuss further.
Why a Mandala Living bolster?
- Australian made
- Variety of options for desired design and shape
- Flexibility of fabric choice
- Custom choice filling
- Handy carry handle
- Removable cover for cleaning ease
- Handmade with love
Love tara
