subject: What The Heck Are Bolster Pillows Anyway? [print this page] Bolster pillows are long, narrow pillows whose name comes from Ye Olde English. They're not as common in Western countries as in Eastern but are becoming more popular all the time. They're typically filled with either natural or synthetic fiber (or feathers). They're usually found at the head of the bed and are used by Westerners primarily for head and/or neck support while lying on the bed. In the East they've come to provide an alternate function.
Asians define and use the bolster pillow as a 'hugging pillow'. The Japanese name, 'dakimakura', translates as 'bamboo wife'. It was traditional for Japanese wives to fashion a pillow (made from bamboo?) for their husbands to carry when traveling away from home. The name 'Dutch Wife' has also been applied to bolsters.
In China, the name 'bao zhen' literally means 'hugging pillow'. In Tagalog (Philippines), they're called 'tandayan', which is the name of a fruit which resembles bolsters in shape. The more common Filipino name is 'hot dog pillow', again, owing to the similarity in shape.
Looking for bolsters online you'll find numerous sites offering not only stock selections but also custom made options. Prices vary as do selection of styles, colors and materials. Some outfits offer to make custom items according to your exact specifications and allow you to choose from their assortment of materials or provide your own material (from which they'll produce your order).
You can find these pillows made for either indoor or outdoor use, depending on the specific materials used for both the outside covering and the inside filler material. Synthetic fillers made be the best option for outside pillows (no goose-down feathers here).
They say a bolster pillow is helpful for pregnant women (to help them become more comfortable while lying in bed). A recent movie featured a woman who preferred hugging her long pillow in place of her husband. He eventually ended up throwing the thing out a two-story apartment window into a dumpster below. She ended up digging it out and bringing back in!
Bolster pillows are quickly catching on in America and the market is growing. They seem to have more functionality than a normal bed pillow. They're also still somewhat unique and can add a special accent to the spaces in which they're used.
