Choosing the best yoga bolster depends on your body, your favorite poses, and whether you practice Restorative, Yin, or general Hatha yoga.

Standard Bolsters are versatile studio favorites for most restorative poses, while Round and Pranayama Bolsters are great for chest openers and breathwork.

The Hugger Mugger Yoga Bolster Guide compares size, weight, and shape so you can quickly see which bolster will support your practice best.

• Standard Bolsters: Flat, stable surface with a firm core - ideal for most Restorative and Yin poses, including supported forward bends and gentle backbends.
  
• Round Bolsters: Softer, rounded shape that fits comfortably under the knees in Savasana and supports gentle heart openers.
  
• Pranayama Bolsters: Long and narrow, designed to run along the spine or support the chest for breath-focused practices and subtle backbends.
  

The Bolster Guide lays out dimensions and best uses so it’s easy to compare styles.

For Restorative and Yin Yoga, a Standard Bolster is often the most versatile choice. Its flat, firm surface makes it stable in supported backbends, forward bends, gentle twists, and Savasana variations.

Many studios rely on these bolsters because they keep their shape and provide consistent support over years of practice.

Most Hugger Mugger bolsters are designed to work for a wide range of bodies. Standard bolsters are sized to support the length of the torso in common restorative poses, while Junior Bolsters and Pranayama Bolsters offer more compact options for smaller bodies or more targeted support.

Hugger Mugger bolsters are filled with firm cotton batting that creates a stable core with a softly cushioned surface.

This combination keeps the bolster from collapsing under weight while still feeling comfortable and supportive in long holds - one reason they’ve become a yoga studio favorite.

Most Hugger Mugger bolsters feature upholstery-grade covers that make it easy to clean. It’s not recommended to wash the inner cotton core; instead, spot-clean the cover. We do not recommend removing the cover, it has a tight fit that is essential to the support the bolster provides.

Want to refresh your bolster? Try our Refresh Mist to give it a fresh & clean smell.

Hugger Mugger bolsters are handmade in Salt Lake City, Utah, with attention to firmness, durability, and long-term support. The company has been refining its bolster designs for decades so they can stand up to daily studio use and years of home practice.

You can absolutely start with one bolster—usually a Standard Bolster - and do most restorative poses. Over time, some practitioners add a Pranayama or Round Bolster for heart openers and pranayama, or a Junior Bolster for targeted support under knees, ankles, or the low back.

The Yoga Bolster Guide can help you see how each shape adds different types of support so you can decide if a second bolster would enhance your home setup.