Bolster

This article is about the pillow called a bolster. For other meanings of the word "bolster", see bolster (disambiguation).

Bed with pillow (right) and bolster (left)

This is an example of a bolster pillow.

A bolster is a long narrow pillow or cushion filled with cotton, down or fibre.

A bolster is also referred to as a cushion, a pillow and a prop.

In western countries, a bolster is usually placed at the head of one's bed and functions as head or back support. Bolster pillows are also used as bumpers in cribs and for lounging on the floor in family and children's rooms.

In the United States, "body pillows" resemble bolsters and are designed to be hugged when sleeping.

Southeast Asia

In south and southeast Asian countries, in particular Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh and Thailand, the bolster is designed to be hugged when sleeping. In Vietnam, it is called "gối ôm" meaning "hugging pillow." In the Philippines, many call it the "hotdog pillow" (or more natively, "tandayan") following the close resemblance to the food bearing that name.

In Chinese, it is (Chinese: 包枕; pinyin: bàozhěn; literally "hugging pillow"). In Cantonese, it is called a "Lam Chum". The Indonesian/Malay folks called it "bantal peluk" or "bantal guling". In the Indo-Pak Sub Continent, it is also called Gao-Takkiya or masnad or masland, and is used for back support as well as to hug when going to sleep.

Japan

It is called a dakimakura in Japanese. Tradition suggests that a wife would fashion the bolster out of bamboo and give it to her husband when he traveled away from home so that he would not be lonely at night, hence the name "bamboo wife," or "Dutch wife," or chikufujin ( 竹夫人 ) in Japanese.

Korea

In Korea, it is referred to as a JukBuin ( 죽부인 ) - "juk" stands for bamboo and "puin" stands for wife. Therefore, Jukbuin means "Bamboo Wife" in Korean. Jukbuin is used in the summer months to help you sleep when it gets too hot. These pillows are made by tying the strands of thinly cut bamboos into the shape of a large pillow. One has to hug the pillow tight with his arms and legs wrapped around it while sleeping. It is empty inside so air flows through it making the surface of the pillow refreshingly cool, thus reducing the heat when you are sleeping. Bolsters are also used for clitoral stimulation if a women so chooses a non-penetration alternative.

Etymology

The word is from Middle English and from Old English, akin to Old English belg bag. The first known use of the word bolster was before the 12th century.