Sleeping with a bolster pillow can relieve neck pain, backache, and other aches from poor posture. Over time, sleeping on the bolster counteracts the poor postural habits we form while sleeping in bed. This provides relief to those who suffer from chronic pain or discomfort throughout their day.
A typical night’s sleep contains an average of six different positions, which means our body is constantly being put through some degree of stress. We may not be aware of it until it starts to show up as pain or soreness in certain areas of our body due to overuse during the day.
What Is A Bolster Pillow Used For?
Bolster pillows are typically long and straight, but they can be found in a variety of shapes.
Made from cotton or wool, bolster pillows are often used for sleeping and resting because the long and cylindrical shape is comfortable to lean against. They can also offer an extra layer of support when placed between legs during meditation or yoga practice. Their design makes them ideal for additional back support during sleep, rest, or seated meditation.
The benefits
A bolster pillow can help with a number of issues such as:
- Sleeping in a side position
- Osteoporosis or other bone conditions that cause pain when lying down flat on the back.
A bolster pillow is also known as a therapeutic body pillow, which can help with:
- Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Gastroesophageal reflux is the movement of stomach contents back up into your oesophagus.
- Heartburn, acid indigestion, bloating after meals, burping and gas pains are all associated with GERD.
A bolster pillow can also be used for:
- Elevating the head during colds or allergies to promote drainage from the sinuses.
- Elevating the hips during pregnancy to support the back and keep weight off of major organs pushed into the front part of your body by uterus size.
- Lowering food babies (swollen areas caused by eating large meals)
- Supporting weak abdominal muscles or surgery incisions
- Sitting up in bed to read, watch TV, or eat a meal.
Drawbacks
There are no known side effects of using a bolster pillow. They can be used by virtually anyone who has issues with posture and wants to improve spinal alignment while resting or sleeping.
However, while bolster pillows are typically safe to use, there may be some side effects for those who suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. In these cases, a doctor should be consulted before using a bolster pillow during sleep and rest.
Many pillow users find that it helps alleviate pain and discomfort in the neck, back, and other areas while sleeping. This is because the shape encourages proper alignment of the head throughout sleep, reducing muscle tension and stiffness from poor posture while resting or slumbering. Also, there is potential for increased pain if the pillow is not used correctly, forcing your body into uncomfortable positions.
Pregnant women should also avoid using bolster pillows until a doctor has deemed them safe.