What is a bolster on the pillow good for?
Author: Lars Reimann Date: Nov 29, 2022
In this article we want to take a closer look at the bolster on the pillow. Many of us have seen or used them before, but do not really know what they are actually good for. The bolster has many positive properties and can significantly increase our well-being.
What is a bolster on the pillow?
A bolster on the pillow is an additional pillow element that you place under your neck area. Conventional pillows do not have a bolster. Important distinction: you put the whole pillow under your head. Unlike a classic neck pillow, which you place around your neck. As a rule, a pillow with bolster is about half as wide as a conventional pillow. It is also often referred to as a neck pillow or even a contour pillow. A pillow with bolster can be a good alternative to avoid too much stress on the neck area. These stresses, if not reduced, can lead to shoulder or back problems.
How to use a neck pillow?
If you want to use a pillow with a bolster (here: neck pillow), first determine the correct position of your head on the pillow. It is best if your head is slightly tilted forward and downward. In this position the natural curvature of your neck is preserved. In some cases, such as cervical spondylosis or cervical disc herniation, many place the neck pillow, with the bolster facing down, under the head. This way, the cervical vertebrae are properly supported and the stress on the disc is reduced. If you have neck or back pain, it's best to lie down on a soft surface and adjust the pillow to comfortably support your neck.
Advantages of a bolster on the pillow
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Better sleep quality
If you use a pillow with bolster properly, you can sleep better. The pillow supports the natural curvature of the neck and prevents it from bending too far forward or backward. This way you can often fall asleep more easily and sleep all night long.
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Less pain in the neck and upper back
The neck pillow with bolster helps maintain the natural curve of the neck and prevents the neck from being bent too far forward or backward. This makes it easier to maintain good posture during the day and avoid or reduce excessive stress that can cause pain in the neck and upper back.
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Reduce headaches in the morning
Particularly susceptible to Tension headaches due to neck tension are people who already work a lot and for a long time at the computer. Subconsciously, they often adopt an incorrect posture that can lead to permanent pain in the neck and shoulders, which then radiates into the head. But also the choice of the pillow contributes to whether we are torn from sleep by headaches or get up in the morning with a pounding in the head.
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Ergonomic workplace due to a bolster on the pillow
You can also use a pillow with a bolster when working at the computer. This prevents you from tilting your head uncomfortably to one side or the other, and provides better posture. The improved posture reduces the risk of neck and back pain and makes your daily work easier.
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Additional support for women
Women often have a higher risk of developing neck and upper back pain than men. This is because the female body is slightly more curved than the male, and a woman's center of gravity is lower than a man's. A bolster pillow can help reduce the strain on the neck and upper back. Less strain provides relief or prevention of pain.
How often should you use a pillow with bolster?
You should use a neck pillow with bolster whenever you are in a position where we tend to adopt an unhealthy posture. For example, if you work at a desk or computer, you can use a bolster pillow to avoid or reduce strain on your neck and upper back.
You should also use a pillow with a bolster when you lie down (in bed or on the sofa). In this way, you can also avoid or reduce stress in the neck and upper back, regardless of whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach.
Tips for buying a neck pillow
So how can you tell if you're buying the right pillow? Here are some things you should look for when buying a pillow:
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Support: The pillow should support the natural curvature of the neck. If you use a neck pillow, the individual parts of the pillow (main chamber and bolster) should be able to be filled differently to ensure optimal support.
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Firmness: Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules for this. Usually you have to test and try out several pillows to find the best pillow for you. But you can cleverly avoid this: look for a pillow with a neck roll that you can fill individually and which, in the best case, also offers different fillings. This way you can adjust the pillow to your needs.
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Durability: The material of the cushion should be durable enough to withstand regular use.
- Cleanability: The pillow should be easy to clean. It should be washable at least at 30 degrees in the washing machine. This is especially important if you suffer from allergies or are sensitive to dust mites. Because dust mites, dust and other allergens often collect in the pillow. Tip from the expert: try to pay attention to an anti-allergenic filling, so dust mites and other allergens have no chance.
Summary
Many people suffer from pain in the neck and upper back. These can be caused by too much strain, incorrect posture or the wrong sleeping position. A pillow with bolster can help prevent and reduce these strains. It supports the natural curve of the neck and prevents the neck from being bent too far forward or backward. When buying a pillow with a bolster, look for the pillow's support, firmness, durability and cleanability. Also make sure that you can use the pillow like a "normal" pillow. This means that you can put it under your head and not have to wrap it around your neck.
