Two aphorisms come to mind:

When it comes to talking about yoga and rules, these aphorisms can be in opposition. Questions like "What should I be doing with my back leg in trikonasana" or "When I do bhastrika and hold both nostrils, air fills up my cheeks, is that normal" or "Which bolster should I get" the real answer is: IT DEPENDS.

IT DEPENDS, because personal preference and individual bodies are impossible to generalize. But we have gone with the LESS IS MORE approach below because we want you to have an easy time choosing your first bolster. (You might sense the IT DEPENDS sneaking in :) ).

So here you have it:

HOW TO PICK YOUR FIRST BOLSTER!

Based on Body

IF YOU ARE NEW TO YOGA:

•  and/or are inflexible we recommend a Flat or an Oval

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCED:

•  and/or are flexible, we recommend a Round

IF YOU ARE PETITE:

•  we recommend an Atlas

Based on Use

MOSTLY FOR RESTORATIVE:

• we recommend a Flat or Oval, with a slight edge for a Flat.

• we recommend a Round

MOSTLY FOR PRANAYAMA/BREATHING:

• we recommend an Atlas

MOSTLY FOR YIN (come on, you know it's different from restorative):

• we recommend a Round

MOSTLY FOR CHEST/SIDE OPENING WITH TIGHT UPPER SPINE:

• we recommend an Atlas

These bolsters act differently in terms of compression over time. And the sizes differ so be sure and take a look at how they compare  here.

And to see ideas on how to use each one, see our How To Guides here.

THE GOOD NEWS: Any choice will support you fully and you will love it.