Bolsters

Not sure if you need a fluffy, or full round bolster? How about an angle or peak? Let us help you make the right choice!

Colors

Many therapist forget that colors differ between manufacters. It's important to keep in mind that if you order a specific color bolster by one manufacter and your table is made by another manufacter, these colors are not likely to match, and, in some cases, may vary drastically. If you are intrested in matching your bolsters to your table then please consider these possibilities.

Vinyl

Most bolsters are covered with vinyl. Since our bolsters come from the same manufacturers who produce the massage tables we sell, this material is the same as the material that is used to cover massage tables. Cleaning and care instructions are the same... and these are included in our buyer's guide.

Covering

Vinyl - Most bolsters are covered with vinyl. Since our bolsters come from the same manufacturers who produce the massage tables we sell, this material is the same as the material that is used to cover massage tables. Cleaning and care instructions are the same... and these are included in our buyer's guide. Flannel Covers - Covering a bolster with a flannel cover is just like covering you table with flannel sheets. It will allow you to protect the bolster from oil, wear and tear. They can also, as long as you keep your covers meticulously clean, present a professional appearance. These covers can also hide color differences between your bolster and your massage table. Flannel covers are relatively inexpensive. You can see our collection of bolster covers here. Fleece Covers - This is a relatively new development in the massage industry. As you will read, most bolsters are fairly firm. Adding a fleece cover is like adding a mattress pad to a firm bed - you still get the benefits of the firm mattress, but you get the comfort of the fleece. Look for a complete selection of fleece bolster covers by June from Massage King.

Shapes

Bolsters come in a wide variety of shapes. In typical form meets function style, the shape of the bolster is generally a direct reflection of its purpose. The most common bolster shapes are round and half round. Other shapes include rectangles, triangles, or some combination of all of the above shapes. (For instance, the peak bolster is a rectangle topped with a triangle. No one has been able to tell us about the function of this bolster - if you know, please submit a ticket in our customer service section with the topic "website corrections.") The two most popular bolsters, round and half round, are generally used under the knees while the client is laid on their back or under the ankles while the client is on their stomach. This allows the massage therapist to keep the client comfortable in positions that would otherwise be uncomfortable. (In this respect, the headrest can be viewed as a bolster - it allows the head to be placed in a position that, if not for the headrest, would be quite uncomfortable.) For instance, a client laying on their stomach might be uncomfortable fully extending their feet, but a well placed bolster can support the ankles and avoid this problem, allowing the massage therapist to have optimal access to the legs. Derivations of the round bolster include the fluffy bolster, which is quite pliable and can be placed under the shoulder for some kinds of support. Another popular derivation is the neck bolster, which is the same diameter as a full round bolster but half as long. Round and full round bolsters each come in two sizes: Jumbo and Full. Of these four bolsters, the half round jumbo and the full round bolster are the most popular (and, not un-coincidentally, are the two "medium" sizes... the half round and the full round jumbo are a bit extreme in size.)

Handles

Bolsters commonly include straps that allow you to manipulate them - this would typically involve pulling them out from under clients. (Imagine trying to grab a bolster with oily hands and pull from under a firmly-placed client...) These straps are sewn into the seams of the bolsters but, if used roughly, can cause tearing. This isn't particularly attractive, so try to be as gentle as possible.