Pillow vs. Bolster — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
A pillow is typically used for head support while sleeping, featuring a soft, cushioned design, whereas a bolster is a long, cylindrical cushion used primarily for lumbar and leg support.
Difference Between Pillow and Bolster
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pillows are generally square or rectangular and are designed to provide comfort and support to the head and neck during sleep. Bolsters, on the other hand, are elongated, cylindrical cushions that are often used to support the back or elevate the legs.
The stuffing of a pillow can vary widely, including materials like down, memory foam, or polyester, aiming to enhance sleep quality by aligning the head and neck properly. Bolsters are usually firmer and are stuffed with materials such as cotton, polyester, or foam to maintain their shape and provide sturdy support.
Pillows are an essential part of bedding in Western cultures and are used universally in sleeping environments. Bolsters are more common in Asian cultures, used not just for sleeping, but also for comfort while sitting or lounging.
In terms of care, pillows often feature removable covers that can be washed regularly, ensuring hygiene. Whereas bolsters may have a fixed cover or a removable one, depending on the design, and require specific maintenance to keep them clean and intact.
Decoratively, pillows can easily be coordinated with bed linens and are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Bolsters, while also available in different designs, are often selected for their practicality rather than their decorative aspect.
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Comparison Chart
Shape
Square or rectangular
Long and cylindrical
Common Use
Head and neck support in sleeping
Support for back, legs, or as armrest
Stuffing Material
Down, memory foam, polyester
Cotton, polyester, foam
Cultural Association
Common in Western bedding
More prevalent in Asian cultures
Decorative Flexibility
High, varies with bedding
Lower, often more utilitarian
Compare with Definitions
Pillow
Used metaphorically to denote ease or peace.
He considered his easy job a pillow against financial worries.
Bolster
Used to support structures or provide reinforcement.
The engineer designed bolsters to strengthen the bridge.
Pillow
A soft cushion used mainly for supporting the head during sleep.
She fluffed her pillow before going to bed.
Bolster
A long, narrow pillow or cushion filled with cotton, down, or fiber.
She added a bolster to her bed to prop up her back while reading.
Pillow
A decorative element for sofas and beds.
The bright pillows added a splash of color to the room.
Bolster
In yoga, used to support the body during various poses.
He used a bolster under his knees for comfort during meditation.
Pillow
An absorber of sounds or shocks in various contexts.
The foam acted as a pillow in the packaging, protecting the contents.
Bolster
A means of giving a boost or support.
The policy was intended to bolster the economy.
Pillow
A support system or aid.
The community served as a pillow to her during tough times.
Bolster
Something that maintains continuity or provides stability.
His encouragement served as a bolster during her career transition.
Pillow
A pillow is a support of the body at rest for comfort, therapy, or decoration. Pillows are used by many species, including humans.
Bolster
A bolster is a long narrow pillow or cushion filled with cotton, down or fibre. Bolsters are usually firm for back or arm support or for decorative application.
Pillow
A cloth case stuffed with something soft, such as down, feathers, or foam rubber, used to cushion a part of the body, especially the head during sleep.
Bolster
A long narrow pillow or cushion.
Pillow
A decorative cushion.
Bolster
To support or prop up with or as if with a long narrow pillow or cushion.
Pillow
The pad on which bobbin lace is made.
Bolster
To buoy up or hearten
Visitors bolstered the patient's morale.
Pillow
To rest (one's head) on or as if on a pillow.
Bolster
A large cushion or pillow.
Pillow
To serve as a pillow for
Grass pillowed my head.
Bolster
A pad, quilt, or anything used to hinder pressure, support part of the body, or make a bandage sit easy upon a wounded part; a compress.
Pillow
To rest on or as if on a pillow.
Bolster
A small spacer located on top of the axle of horse-drawn wagons that gives the front wheels enough clearance to turn.
Pillow
To assume the shape of a pillow.
Bolster
A short, horizontal structural timber between a post and a beam for enlarging the bearing area of the post and/or reducing the span of the beam.
Pillow
A soft cushion used to support the head in bed.
Bolster
A beam in the middle of a railway truck, supporting the body of the car.
Pillow
(geology) A pillow lava.
Bolster
The perforated plate in a punching machine on which anything rests when being punched.
Pillow
(engineering) A piece of metal or wood, forming a support to equalize pressure; a brass; a pillow block.
Bolster
The part of a knife blade that abuts upon the end of the handle.
Pillow
(nautical) A block under the inner end of a bowsprit.
Bolster
The metallic end of a pocketknife handle.
Pillow
The socket of a pivot.
Bolster
(architectural element) The rolls forming the ends or sides of the Ionic capital.
Pillow
(uncountable) A kind of plain, coarse fustian.
Bolster
A block of wood on the carriage of a siege gun, upon which the breech of the gun rests when arranged for transportation.
Pillow
(transitive) To rest as on a pillow.
Bolster
To brace, reinforce, secure, or support.
Pillow
Anything used to support the head of a person when reposing; especially, a sack or case filled with feathers, down, hair, or other soft material.
[Resty sloth] finds the down pillow hard.
Bolster
A long pillow or cushion, used to support the head of a person lying on a bed; - generally laid under the pillows.
And here I'll fling the pillow, there the bolster,This way the coverlet, another way the sheets.
Pillow
A piece of metal or wood, forming a support to equalize pressure; a brass; a pillow block.
Bolster
A pad, quilt, or anything used to hinder pressure, support any part of the body, or make a bandage sit easy upon a wounded part; a compress.
This arm shall be a bolster for thy head.
Pillow
A block under the inner end of a bowsprit.
Bolster
Anything arranged to act as a support, as in various forms of mechanism, etc.
Pillow
A kind of plain, coarse fustian.
Bolster
A cushioned or a piece part of a saddle.
Pillow
To rest or lay upon, or as upon, a pillow; to support; as, to pillow the head.
Pillows his chin upon an orient wave.
Bolster
A cushioned or a piece of soft wood covered with tarred canvas, placed on the trestletrees and against the mast, for the collars of the shrouds to rest on, to prevent chafing.
Pillow
A cushion to support the head of a sleeping person
Bolster
A plate of iron or a mass of wood under the end of a bridge girder, to keep the girder from resting directly on the abutment.
Pillow
Rest on or as if on a pillow;
Pillow your head
Bolster
A transverse bar above the axle of a wagon, on which the bed or body rests.
Bolster
The crossbeam forming the bearing piece of the body of a railway car; the central and principal cross beam of a car truck.
Bolster
The perforated plate in a punching machine on which anything rests when being punched.
Bolster
That part of a knife blade which abuts upon the end of the handle.
Bolster
The rolls forming the ends or sides of the Ionic capital.
Bolster
A block of wood on the carriage of a siege gun, upon which the breech of the gun rests when arranged for transportation.
Bolster
To support with a bolster or pillow.
Bolster
To support, hold up, or maintain with difficulty or unusual effort; - often with up.
To bolster baseness.
Shoddy inventions designed to bolster up a factitious pride.
Bolster
A pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows
Bolster
Support and strengthen;
Bolster morale
Bolster
Prop up with a pillow or bolster
Bolster
Add padding to;
Pad the seat of the chair
Common Curiosities
What is the primary use of a pillow?
Pillows are primarily used for supporting the head and neck while sleeping to enhance comfort and align the spine.
Can pillows be used for purposes other than sleeping?
Yes, pillows can also be used decoratively on sofas and chairs, and for additional support in various sitting or lounging positions.
What types of materials are pillows filled with?
Pillows may be filled with down, memory foam, polyester fiberfill, or other materials.
What maintenance does a bolster require?
Depending on the material and cover type, bolsters might require spot cleaning, full cover washes, or professional cleaning.
Is there a specific way to sleep on a pillow to avoid neck pain?
Yes, aligning the pillow to ensure that the neck and spine are in a neutral position helps avoid pain.
Do pillows affect the quality of sleep?
Yes, the right pillow can significantly improve sleep quality by providing proper neck support and comfort.
How does the cultural significance of bolsters vary?
Bolsters have significant cultural importance in Asian households, often used in daily seating and sleeping arrangements.
What are bolsters commonly used for?
Bolsters are used for back and leg support, as well as for armrests or decorative purposes.
Are bolsters suitable for all sleeping positions?
Bolsters are not typically used for sleeping in the traditional sense but are great for additional support when required.
Do bolsters come in different sizes?
Yes, bolsters come in various lengths and diameters to suit different needs and furniture sizes.
Are there hypoallergenic pillows?
Yes, there are hypoallergenic pillows available for those with allergies.
Can bolsters help with pregnancy discomfort?
Yes, bolsters can provide excellent support for pregnant women, particularly for supporting the back or between the knees.
How often should pillows be replaced?
Pillows should ideally be replaced every 1-2 years for hygiene and structural integrity.
Can bolsters be used in seating arrangements?
Absolutely, bolsters are often used in seating arrangements to provide lower back support or as armrests.
What are some decorative uses of pillows?
Pillows are frequently used to add color, texture, and design to bedrooms and living areas, enhancing overall decor.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
