Yoga Bolsters & Cushions – How Many Types Are There and Which One Should I Choose?
A Yoga Cushion Selection Guide from Yogikuti
Yoga pillows are popular yoga props found today in most yoga studios. Many practitioners choose to buy bolsters for their own practice and online yoga classes while at home.
There are 3 types of yoga pillows: Bolsters (round and rectangular), Pranayama Pillows, and Meditation Cushions.
The main features to look after are the following:
- Shape & Size
- Inner filling
- Sturdiness
- Outer cover
1. Shape & Size of Yoga Pillows
The shape of Yoga pillows can be round and rectangular.
There is cylindrical (round) bolsters of standard length (61cm x 23cm), cylindrical (round) bolsters of greater length (70cm x 23cm) και and rectangular bolsters (62cm x 31cm x 15cm).
Yoga roundbolsters when placed under the torso, they provide a lift along the spine, allowing the sides of the torso to stretch towards the ground. The chest expands and breathing becomes deeper and easier. In Savasana you can place the round bolster under your knees to relieve the lower back. Round bolsters can be used to achieve variations in yoga poses in all methods of Yoga, including Restorative Yoga.
Depending on the length of the torso you may choose between a bolster of standard length (61cm) or a longer bolster (70cm).
Yoga rectangular bolsters are 15cm of height and wider surfaced (62cm x 31cm), compared to round bolsters. When lying on them, a wider part of the torso is supported. Their shape facilitates seated poses, forward bends, and meditation practice. The wide surface and sturdiness provided by Yogikuti rectangular bolsters, makes them the ideal prop for prenatal and postnatal classes.
They are also ideal for the practice of Iyengar Yoga, Yoga in advanced age, Restorative Yoga, Therapy Yoga, and Yin Yoga.
Pranayama pillows are rectangular pillows that are lower in height and more narrow in size, compared to rectangular bolsters. The exact dimensions are: 66cm L x 18cm W x 8cm H.
They were originally designed by Guruji BKS Iyengar for the practice of Pranayama. They are still used to date for breathing exercises in lying position. Pranayama pillows provide support and a slight elevation to the thoracic spine, in order to facilitate breathing. Their shape makes them ideal for placing under the knees when practicing kneeling positions, or in Savasana, or in backbend practice.
They are also ideal for Children Yoga. Discover the range of Yogikuti Pranayama pillows here.
Meditation Pillow (Meditation Cushion)
Meditation cushions have either a round or a crescent shape. They support your sitting bones, while allowing for the pelvis to take a slight natural tilt. You may thus keep your spine erect for long periods of time, while practicing sitting Meditation.
Discover them here.
2. Inner filling
Yoga pillows inner filling varies as follows:
- Synthetic fibres: Poly-fill fiber, Recron Fiberfill
- Natural materials: cotton, buckwheat
Bolsters filled with synthetic fibres are lightweight, and easy to carry. They are also fairly cheap to buy, due to the low cost of materials.
The main disadvantage of using pillows filled with synthetic fibres, is the lack of sturdiness. When you apply weight, the pillow recedes and does not support the body as intended.
Bolsters filled with natural materials constitute an eco-friendly choice with many advantages.
These pillows are hypoallergenic and offer a sturdy base for your practice.
The best choice for natural material filling is cotton filling. Cotton filled yoga pillows keep their shape through use. They are 100% natural and skin friendly.
They will guide you through your practice for a lifetime, as natural cotton filling is firm and resilient.
Buckwheat filling does not last as long. This is because buckwheat shells break when practicing and putting weight on the pillow. Shells will soon need to be replaced in order to restore the pillow to its original shape.
3. Sturdiness
4. Outer cover
Make sure you read the composition of the outer cover of a yoga pillow before buying it.
As the outer cover comes in direct touch with your skin, it is always best to choose natural cotton materials.
Cotton covers featuring a zip, are easily removable.
Once removed, wash the cover in cold water.
Finally, covers featuring a handle are particularly practical to use and carry with you.
Discover the wide collection of Yogikuti Yoga Pilllows here.
