How to Choose Your Bolster and Bolster Pillowcase
Knowing how to choose your bolster is not always straightforward. There are many types of bolsters available on the market: firm, soft, flat, memory foam, polyester… To help you see things more clearly and find your comfort, Embrin answers all your questions about bolsters.
When it comes to bolsters, its pillowcase is never far behind. Essential for protecting it from stains and wear, a linen pillowcase also protects your skin, keeps bacteria at bay, and regulates your temperature. Among all the possible choices, Embrin helps you select the next ally for your nights.
What is the purpose of a bolster?
But first, what exactly is a bolster? It is a long, cylindrical cushion placed at the head of the bed. Paired with a pretty bolster pillowcase, it has an undeniable aesthetic appeal. It helps you prop up your pillows, making your bed more structured, more inviting, and more comfortable.
Is it good to sleep with a bolster? Absolutely! Not only is it the perfect companion for more pleasant nights, but it also offers many benefits:
- It can be a great help for pregnant women: placed on your side, it will help to reduce the weight of your bump.
- If you suffer from heavy legs, the bolster is ideal. Placed where you rest your feet, it will allow you to elevate them and improve blood circulation.
So, bolster or pillow? To raise your legs, the bolster is far more practical. For your head, the pillow is better suited, although placing a bolster under your pillow can help to elevate it. The two complement each other for your comfort: they form a dedicated team for your well-being, whether you’re drifting off to sleep or watching a series at the end of the bed.
The bolster or pillow are as important as a good mattress. Supporting your head correctly and finding a comfortable position makes it easier to fall asleep. It is therefore essential to equip yourself with the right bolster for you, and a quality pillowcase for your skin and comfort.
How to choose the right bolster?
Convinced by the benefits of the bolster, but unsure which one to choose? Embrin explains how to choose your bolster according to your sleeping habits and needs.
The material
There are many types of bolsters. Choosing the right material isn’t always obvious. If you are concerned about environmental protection, be aware that there are eco-friendly bolsters filled with recycled fibres, organic cotton or wool, and which contain no harmful chemicals.
If you suffer from allergies, there are anti-dust mite bolsters that will prevent you from sneezing or waking up with red eyes. In general, if you are prone to this problem, avoid feather bolsters and opt for a synthetic filling, which attracts fewer dust mites.
If you often have neck pain or suffer from cervical problems, choose a memory foam bolster, or an ergonomic one. This will perfectly mould to the shape of your body and prevent misalignment with your spine.
The firmness of the bolster
A firm bolster is not necessarily better quality than a soft one. It’s all about choosing the right density. If you usually sleep on your back, a firm bolster will help you avoid neck pain by keeping your cervical spine better aligned.
But then, which bolster for sleeping on your front? In this case, a soft model or a flat bolster will help prevent misalignment between your neck and your spine. This type of bolster is just as effective as an ergonomic pillow. Say goodbye to neck pain and give yourself the best chance for a truly restorative night’s sleep!
Finally, for side sleepers, choose a bolster that is soft, yet rather firm. It will help compensate for the width of your shoulders, so your head is well aligned with the rest of your body. It cannot be said enough: this is essential for a good night’s sleep.
The dimensions of the bolster
To know how to choose your bolster—especially its size—you need to consider the width of your bed. If you sleep alone in a single bed, opt for a bolster between 80 and 120 cm. If you share a standard double bed, choose a 140 cm bolster. For queen or king size beds, bolsters from 160 to 200 cm are ideal.
If the bolster is designed to be hugged, as is common in Asia, combine usefulness with pleasure: choose one long enough to fit between your legs. This will help relieve pressure on the hips when sleeping on your side.
For an aesthetic effect, we recommend choosing a bolster that is exactly the same width as your bed. This will bring a structured touch to enhance your bedroom and highlight the charm of your bedding.
What is a bolster pillowcase? How do you choose one?
Knowing how to choose your bolster is only part of the story. The pillowcase plays an equally important role. It is this that will be in direct contact with your body and will help you enhance your bedroom. The bolster pillowcase also allows you to protect it and extend its lifespan.
Choosing the material for your bolster pillowcase
The composition of your bolster pillowcase will determine the comfort level of your nights. Make sure to choose wisely! Not all fabrics are equal, and a poor-quality bolster pillowcase can turn your nights into nightmares, both in the short and long term.
Cotton is the most common material, thanks to its softness and durability. Unfortunately, it is rarely eco-friendly: the cotton industry is devastating for our planet. For the same reasons, sateen and cotton percale will appeal to those on a budget who want to care for their skin, but will not win over environmental advocates.
Silk is much more eco-friendly than cotton. It has many advantages: it is hypoallergenic, regulates temperature on the pillow’s surface, and does not make skin or hair greasy. On the other hand, it is much more expensive than cotton or linen bolster pillowcases.
Linen: the best friend of the bolster pillowcase
For a better night’s sleep, dress your bolster in linen: this fabric offers significant advantages on every level. Firstly, linen is very aesthetic: it brings a natural and authentic touch to your bedroom. Timeless, linen has a crumpled look that has charmed décor enthusiasts for centuries.
Contrary to popular belief, linen is a very soft fabric. It will help you feel comfortable, so you can drift off far from the stresses and worries of daily life. At Embrin, we use washed linen, a fabric that has been softened many times during its making. As well as being soft, it is also antibacterial and hypoallergenic.
To fall asleep, your body temperature needs to drop. Linen is thermoregulating, making it ideal for encouraging sleep.
Finally, one of linen’s main advantages is its eco-friendly nature. To grow, this plant requires very little: a bit of water, some sunshine, and that’s all! Once harvested, it can be used in many sectors, generating no waste. Most linen is grown locally in France, especially in Normandy, without any harmful chemicals.
Choosing your colour
For an aesthetic result, your bolster pillowcase can either be the same colour as the rest of your bed linen, or a different shade that goes well with it. The boldest among you might choose a saffron bolster pillowcase with navy blue sheets: this striking contrast will add a splash of energy to your bedroom.
As you can see: don’t be afraid to mix and match! If you feel your bed linen lacks a warm touch, don’t hesitate to add an apricot bolster pillowcase or fig red if your colours allow. For a harmonious note that inspires tranquillity, opt for light blue bolster pillowcases.
The Embrin Collection features a range of linen bolster pillowcases in every colour, to match your bed linen, with an envelope finish and adorned with elegant (and practical) ties at the ends. Warm or cool, understated or vibrant, green or yellow: the choice is yours!
