Meditation is a time for relaxation and self-discovery. In order to have a successful meditation session, you need to feel comfortable with yourself and your atmosphere.
A large element of comfort for a meditation session is a meditation cushion. Today I will help you find the best meditation cushion for your individual needs.
History of Meditation Cushions
Since you are into meditation, you can appreciate taking a minute to learn about the history of meditation cushions.
Originally called “Zafu,” meditation cushions are designed to help you sit in a way that is good for meditation.
You may be thinking that the way you sit is fine, but the cushion will allow you to sit in a way that knees to be lower than your hips, which helps to align the spine.
So where did the name Zafu come from? Even though meditation cushions are most commonly used in Japanese Zen, the name originated from China.
Do I really Need One?
You may be wondering if a meditation cushion is something that you really need.
The short answer is yes.
As mentioned briefly earlier, the meditation cushion can help your body be in the proper alignment while meditating. This can help you get the best results out of your meditation.
Additionally, if the body is left without support, it will rely on the surface it rests on and can cause you pain that can be distracting during meditation.
Qualities of a Good Meditation Cushion
Now that you know the history of the meditation cushion, we can discuss the elements that make up a good quality cushion.
The first (and most important) quality of the cushion is the level of stuffing. You want the cushion to have a little bit of flexibility to it, but not so much flexibility that you can easily flatten it out.
A few common types of stuffing or fillings for meditation cushions include buckwheat hulls, kapok fiber, and wool.
Buckwheat hulls feel just like sand when you are sitting on them. This means that they will shift beneath your weight to allow you to find a comfortable position while still providing the firmness you need to stay in place.
Kapok fiber is firmer than buckwheat hulls and is often preferred by individuals that meditate for extended periods of time or need more support.
If you choose a kapok fiber meditation cushion just remember that it does tend to settle over time so you may need to refill it eventually for the best results.
Wool is lighter than the former two options that were presented. As a filling, wool tends to be comfortable for the person meditating and allows more blood flow than the other options. Some even say that wool is an “insulator of energy.” Just keep in mind that wool is the softest (least firm) of the options listed here.
The next quality you want to look for in the cushion is the material that it is made out of. You will want something that is comfortable to sit on and is not rough or too textured.
When picking out a meditation cushion, it can be tempting to pick one that matches your decor in the room where you meditate. However, frequent meditators advise doing your research prior to choosing a color of cushion.
In general, red is said to elevate energy, yellow to lift your mood, black for intense focus, and green to create balance.
Can I Customize a Meditation Cushion to my Needs?
Definitely! You can of course choose the color of cushion you want and the material of the outer cover.
The real customization comes with what you choose to fill it with. The filling or stuffing will change how the experience is for you sitting on it, so be sure to think about what makes you feel the most comfortable.
Additionally, the filling will determine the height of the pillow which will impact how close or far away you are from the ground.
You can consider your personal preference here as well as your physical attributes such as your height to determine how tall or short of a meditation cushion would be best for your meditation practices.
What is Good Meditation Posture?
Simply purchasing a meditation cushion is not going to guarantee the perfect posture for meditation.
For successful meditation, you should feel stable on your cushion. This means that you should not be wobbling from side to side. Additionally, you should sit straight and be comfortable so that you do not need to readjust your body to get into a comfortable position.
Remember, if you are new to meditation this will take practice so do not get frustrated with your cushion if it does not work perfectly the first time!
15 Best Meditation Cushions Reviews for Your Meditation Session
#1 Peace Yoga Zafu Meditation Yoga Buckwheat Filled Cotton Bolster Pillow Cushion with Premium Designs
The Peace Yoga meditation cushion is a Zafu that is filled with buckwheat and covered with a soft cotton. This meditation cushion comes in five different colors and three different sizes each with a different design. If you are looking for a cushion that comes with a nice embroidered design, this is a good one.
The cotton cover on this cushion is removable so that you can throw it in the wash as needed. Additionally, this cushion has a handle on the side so you can grab it and take it with you anywhere you would like to go.
The major pros of this item include that it is stable enough to support your body weight and make you feel better while meditating or practicing yoga. This item also has fast shipping which is great if you are in dire need of a new cushion. The color of the designs that are embroidered on the bag is bright and contrast well with the background color of the cushion.
The potential cons of this cushion include that you can smell the buckwheat in the cushion which some individuals may not enjoy. Other cons include that the size may be too big or small depending on your personal preferences.
Overall, this is a great cushion because of its bright colors, a variety of sizes available, and the handle that makes taking it places easy as a breeze.
PROS:
- This meditation cushion is stable enough to support your body weight and make you feel better while meditating or practicing yoga
- This item has fast shipping so it is great if you are in dire need of a new cushion
- The color of the designs embroidered on the cushion are bright and contrast well with the background color of the cushion
CONS:
- You can smell the buckwheat in this meditation cushion which some individuals may not enjoy
- The size may be too big or small depending on your personal size preferences
#2 Seat Of Your Soul Buckwheat Hull Filled Yoga Meditation Cushion
The next cushion on our list is available in a traditional Zafu style and also a crescent style. Both styles are available in a variety of colors so you should be able to find one that fits your style. These cushions are also filled with buckwheat hulls and the covers are handmade out of organic cotton. The covers are removable so that you can throw them in the wash as needed. These products also come with a lifetime warranty.
The pros of this product include that it contours nicely to your shape after about a week of use. Additionally, this meditation cushion can help to improve your posture when paired with the tips we shared previously in this article. The cushion is also extremely durable and can still hold it’s shaping when under a lot of weight and helps individuals who are trying to meditate hold their pose longer without feeling fatigue in their muscles.
The potential cons of this product are that the sizes are not big enough. The other con for this product is that the drum shape may not be comfortable for sessions lasting more than a few hours. Keep this in mind when purchasing because you may want to opt for the other style. The label can also be a distraction from this product. If you end up going with this product and this is the case for you, you should be able to remove it without too much difficulty.
PROS:
- This cushion contours nicely to your shape after about a week of use
- Can help to improve your posture
- The cushion is extremely durable and can still hold it's shaping when under a lot of weight
- Helps individuals who are trying to meditate hold their pose longer
CONS:
- Sizes of cushion may not be large enough
- The drum shape may not be comfortable for sessions lasting more than a few hours
- The label on this meditation cushion could be considered a distraction
#3 Bean Products Zafu Meditation Cushion
If you like the idea of the meditation cushion mentioned above but do not think you need to have a pad under it, the same company makes a meditation cushion that is sold by itself. This cushion is available in a plethora of colors, some of which include designs on them. Bean Products has over thirty years of experience making products for meditation and yoga.
The major advantage of this product is that you can customize it to your liking. Start by picking the color that speaks to you and then choose the size of meditation cushion that you think will be best for your practice. Additional advantages of this product include that the canvas is thick and durable so it can sit on your floor without having to be stowed away when you are finished using it. The handle make it easy to transport.
The major downfall to this product is that you cannot wash the case easliy because all of the buckwheat hulls would fall out since there is not a separate bag or case to hold them. In order to wash you will have to take the buckwheat hulls out, wash the cover, and then funnel them back into the meditation cushion itself. This does however mean that you can adjust the amount of buckwheat hulls in the meditaion to your liking. Another potential downfall is this product not coming with enough filling for your personal desire.
PROS:
- You can easily customize this meditation cushion to your liking.
- Thick and durable canvas so you can set it on the floor
- Handle makes this meditation cushion easy for transport
CONS:
- You cannot wash the case easily
- This product may not come with enough filling for your personal desire
#4 YogaAccessories Round Cotton Zafu Meditation Cushion Pillow
This meditation cushion is only available in one size (15 inches diameter by 6 inches tall) but does come with beautiful images embroidered on the surface. There are a variety of colors available, each with a different image. This meditation cushion is different from most of the others that made this list because it is filled with cotton. If you have experience with Zafus and know that you do not like buckwheat, this may be a good option for you to try.
An advantage of this product is that you can sit straight comfortably without feeling like you have tense muscles. This product also has the right amount of stuffing to provide a soft feeling and has vivid colors. Another unique perk of this item is that it lasts forever! Some individuals have had this product for years and are still happy with it.
Some potential cons of this product include that it may go flat sooner than you would like it to if you enjoy its initial stiffness. Since this is a cotton meditation cushion, there is not going to be as much flexibility as there would be with a buckwheat cushion, which can be a con for some people.
Overall, this product stands out from the rest because of its vivid colors and the fact that it is stuffed with cotton.
PROS:
- You can sit straight comfortably without feeling like you have tense muscles
- This product also has the right amount of stuffing to provide a soft feeling
- This meditation cushion comes in a variety of vivid colors
CONS:
- This product may go flat sooner than you would like it to if you enjoy its initial stiffness
- There is not going to be as much flexibility as there would be with a buckwheat cushion, which can be a con for some people
#5 Waterglider International Zafu Yoga Meditation Pillow
The Waterglider Zafu is another great option if you are looking for a minimialist meditation cushion for your practice. This cushion comes in one size and you have six color options to choose from. This Zafu has the traditional round shape and has a sturdy cover on it. The cushion is filled with buckwheat hulls and can easily support your whole weight.
The advantages to this product include that they stay firm but you can adjust the filling to your liking if you think it is too stiff. It helps you maintain posture during your practice and looks great in any room. This product is also made of high-quality materials and has proven to hold up to years of use.
The potential disadvantages of this product include that the cover does not come off to wash it. This can be a problem if you think you will need to wash the meditation cushion regularly. If you are worried about things like dust or pet hair you could always use a dust bag or a sweeper to clean it. Other complaints include that the seams rip and it may be too small for what you are looking for if you have a specific size in mind.
If you are looking for a minimalist option available in a variety of colors this is a great option for you.
PROS:
- This meditation cushion stays firm but you can adjust the filling to your liking if you think it is too stiff
- It helps you maintain posture during your practice
- This product is also made of high-quality materials and has proven to hold up to years of use
- This product looks great in any room
CONS:
- The cover does not come off to wash it
- The seams on this cushion may rip after prolonged use
- It may be too small for what you are looking for if you have a specific size in mind
#6 REEHUT Zafu Yoga Meditation Bolster Pillow Cushion Filled with Buckwheat
The Reehut meditation cushion is perfect for the individual who is looking for a simple cushion without any fancy frills. The cushion is available in four colors and three different sizes. It is filled with organic buckwheat on the inside so it will give you the experience of sitting on sand while using it. The zipper is not exposed on this cushion and it comes with a cotton cover.
The major perk of this cushion is that it has the perfect amount of flexibility. It makes you feel supported without having that dreaded “stiff” feeling. This cushion makes it easier to sit in a cross-legged position for longer periods of time. The cushion is also soft enough to use with injuries and not cause excess pain. The cushion helps with joint pain as well because you will not have as much pressure on your joints. You can also access the inside pocket to adjust the filling level if needed, which is a major perk and can help you customize the feel of your meditation cushion.
The potential cons for this product is that it is not offered in large enough sizes and you may have to remove some of the buckwheat shells to reach a place where you feel comfortable with it. Although, you can remove shells by using the zipper in the cushion so keep that in mind when making your decision.
PROS:
- This cushion has the perfect amount of flexibility
- Makes you feel supported without having that dreaded "stiff" feeling
- Makes it easier to sit in a cross-legged position for longer periods of time
- Soft enough to use with injuries and not cause excessive pain
CONS:
- This cushion is not offered in large enough sizes
- You may have to remove some of the buckwheat shells to reach a place where you feel comfortable with it
#7 Zafu Crescent: Meditation Pillow with USA Buckwheat Hull Fill, Certified Organic Cotton
If the traditional round Zafu does not work for you or you simply want to try something different, a crescent shaped meditation is a great one to try. The crescent shaped pillow is availble in six colors and is filled with organic cotton. It is covered in organic cotton twill and the crescent shape is designed so that you can bring your feet closer to your body while meditating which should be easier on your feet and ankles than traditional round Zafus.
The advantages of this product include that they use buckwheat grown from farmers in the USA. The company does not cut corners in production to ensure that they deliver a quality product. Additionally, they use 100% refugee labor to make your meditation cushion. This means you can be helping refugees get jobs when you purchase one of these cushions.
Another advantage of this product is that it is loved by yoga teachers who use them frequently. Lastly, the cushion comes completely stuffed full of buckwheat so if you like a really packed cushion, you are set but you are also able to take some out if you need a little more wiggle room.
The disadvantages to this product include that the seams may rip after extended periods of use. If you have never used a crescent-shaped pillow, you may not like the different shape.
PROS:
- The makers of this product use buckwheat grown from farmers in the USA
- The company does not cut corners in production to ensure that they deliver a quality product
- This product is loved by yoga teachers who use them in class frequently
CONS:
- The seams on this product may rip or tear after extended use
- If you have never used a crescent-shaped pillow, you may not like the different shape
#8 BLOOM Zafu Meditation Pillow Cushion, Round Yoga Bolster
If you have not found a meditation pillow that is fancy enough for your liking, you may enjoy the Bloom Zafu meditation cushion because of it’s beautiful pattern. This meditation cushion comes in a white case with delicate blue designs covering the entire cushion. It is only available in one size and has a carry handle for travel. Additionally, the cushion has a zipper so that you can adjust the amount of buckwheat hulls that are inside to your liking.
The advantages of this product include that it is beautiful enough to use as a piece of decor in your home. This is like getting two products in one! This product is also machine washable so you know that you can keep it clean without a hassle. It also comes with a one year warranty. The ability to customize the amount of filling in the cushion is great because if you think it is “settling” as you use it you can always add more buckwheat hulls to your liking. This is a quality made cushion and is great if you are looking for a fashionable meditation cushion.
A potential disadvantages of this product is that it may be smaller than you are looking for.
PROS:
- This meditation cushion is beautiful enough to use as a piece of decor in your home. This is like getting two products in one!
- This product is machine washable so you know that you can keep it clean without a hassle
- Comes with a one-year warranty
CONS:
- This meditation cushion may be smaller than what you are looking for
#9 Zenjara Round Zafu Yoga Meditation Cushion
Another meditation cushion with a nice intricate design is the Zenjara Round Zafu Yoga Meditation Cushion. This cushion has a delicate circular pattern on the face of the cushion. It also comes with a carrying handle that has a delicate lotus design on it. The cushion comes in one color and two different sizes.
This cushion is made with mindfulness as the first priority from all sustainable materials and is filled with buckwheat hulls so you can maneuver to it to your liking.
A few advantages of this product are the attention to details and the quality of the construction. Additionally, it is also the perfect distance from the ground for many people. This meditation cushion also comes with a dust bag that can keep it clean from any dust or pet hair that may be in your home.
The only disadvantages to this product are that it may not be available in the specific size you need or if you do not like the color gray. Another potential disadvantage could be that it is filled with buckwheat hulls if you are looking for something stiffer.
PROS:
- The attention to details and the quality of the construction in this meditation cushion
- This meditation cushion is the perfect distance from the ground for many people
- This meditation cushion also comes with a dust bag that can keep it clean from any dust or pet hair that may be in your home
CONS:
- This meditation cushion may not be available in the specific size you need or if you do not like the color gray
- This product is filled with buckwheat hulls if you are looking for something stiffer
#10 Incline Fit Buckwheat Filled Round Meditation Cushion, Black
The Incline Fit Buckwheat Filled Round Meditation Cushion is a great option if you do not want any unescessary frills on your meditation cushion. This cushion is availble in one size and one color, which is black. It is filled with buckwheat hulls and you can adjust the amount of filling to your liking. You can also remove the outer case and throw it into the wash. This cushion also comes with a handle for convenient travel.
The advantages to this product include that the buckwheat filling works to hold your position on the cushion without feeling too stiff or soft. Additionally, the color is true to what is portrayed in the photo online. The material is heavy and durable so it should hold up if you are frequently using it or moving it! This is great if you take your cushion to meditation or yoga classes because you will not have to worry about it falling apart during your travels.
The disadvantages to this product include the limited color and size options. This cushion may not be big enough for your ideal meditation practice. This color may end up collecting and showing a lot of lint or dust that may be in your house which could result in cleaning it more frequently.
PROS:
- Tthe buckwheat filling works to hold your position on the cushion without feeling too stiff or soft
- The color is true to what is portrayed in the photo online
- The material is heavy and durable so it should hold up if you are frequently using it or moving it
CONS:
- This meditation cushion is only available in a limited number of color and size options
- It may not be big enough for your ideal meditation practice
- The color may end up showing lint or dust that may be in your home which could result in more frequent cleanings
#11 Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow
The Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Meditation cushion looks like a fancy decorative pillow you just snatched off of your sofa. This cushion features a gray exterior with an organic cotton cover that can easily be removed for washing. Additionally, the cushion is filled with buckwheat pillow fill and has a strap so you can easily take it with you on the go.
A few pros or advantages to this meditation cushion include that you can seriously up the amount of time you spend meditating if pain or discomfort has been holding you back. Additionally, since the pillow is filled with buckwheat you can maneuver it to use in a sitting or kneeling position. Another huge advantage of this cushion is its visual appeal. You won’t feel guilty if you forget to put this pillow away before guests arrive at your house.
A few potential cons or disadvantages of this pillow are that you may have to cut the tag out to experience the most comfort. Another potential con is that this cushion is not as big as others if you are in the market for a larger sized pillow.
Overall, if you are looking for a regular sized meditation cushion that looks great in your home and comes with a carrying strap, this is a good option for you.
PROS:
- You can seriously up the amount of time you spend meditating if pain or discomfort has been holding you back
- Since the pillow is filled with buckwheat you can maneuver it to use in a sitting or kneeling position
- This cushion has great visual appeal.
CONS:
- You may have to cut the tag out of this meditation cushion to experience the most comfort
- This cushion is not as big as others if you are in the market for a larger sized meditation cushion
#12 Trevida Organic Zafu Buckwheat Meditation Cushion
This cushion is yet another great option if you are just looking for a simple meditation cushion that gets the job done without being over the top. This cushion is available in four colors and comes in one size. This product comes with a five-year warranty so if you are not happy with it for any reason in the next five years, you can get your money back. This is great because it gives you a sense of security knowing that if you do not like it or if somehting goes wrong, you can easily return it and get your money back.
The advantages of this product include that it is covered with heavy canvas and is constructed with durable stitching. The zipper is also hidden behind the carrying handle so it will not snag or irritate your skin while you are practicing meditation. You can take the outer cover off and toss it in the wash whenever you need to. The colors availble tend to be calming and you can adjust the number of buckwheat hulls in the cushion to your liking.
Some potential disadvantages of this product inlcude that it may be short for you if you are looking for a very high meditation cushion. This meditation may not be the best if you are a really tall person because it could be uncomfortable and not give you the support that you were looking for out of a meditation cushion.
PROS:
- This meditation cushion is covered with heavy canvas and is constructed with durable stitching
- The zipper is also hidden behind the carrying handle so it will not snag or irritate your skin
- You can take the outer cover off and toss it in the wash whenever you need to
CONS:
- This product may be short for you if you are looking for a very high meditation cushion
- This meditation may not be the best if you are a really tall person
#13 Bean Products Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set
If you are not only looking for a Zafu but also a cushion to go underneath the zafu, this is a great set to check out. This set comes in a variety of colors and each set comes with one Zafu and one cushion. You can choose if you want a round or oval cushion and they come in three different sizes so you should be able to find one that is a good size for you. The zafu is filled with organic buckwheat hulls and the mat is filled with organic cotton. You can take the buckwheat out of the zafu if you need to adjust it. It also has a handle which is convenient for travel.
The major pros of this item include extra comfort while practicing your meditation. Additionally, this combo of cushion and mat can take the zen area of your home to the next level. I recommend having a space designated for meditation so that your mind can easily slip into meditation mode with visual cues from your calming area.
The potential cons of this item include that it will take up more space than just a zafu by itself. Another con of this item is that the colors may be darker in person than they appear online. This can be frustrating if you have your heart set on a certain color. Other cons include the filling levels of the zafu and cushion not being enough to provide comfort.
PROS:
- This cushion provides extra comfort while practicing your meditation
- This combo of cushion and mat can take the zen area of your home to the next level
- Allows you to have space designated for meditation
CONS:
- This cushion will take up much more space than just a Zafu by itself
- The colors of this combo may appear darker in person than they did online
#14 Zentra Yoga Meditation Cushion with BONUS Lavender Scented Eye Pillow | Made from Natural Eco-Friendly Materials
This meditation cushion is different from most others on this list because it comes with a bonus lavender scented eye pillow. This is great because lavender has been known to calm the body and you can place the eye pillow on your eyes to help clear your mind and keep you from thinking about other things.
The meditation cushion itself is available in three colors (each with a matching eye pillow) and comes in one size. This meditation is durable, dependable, and serves a variety of uses. For example, it can be used for watching tv on the floor, meditation, or yoga practices.
The advantages of this product include that it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as well as the fact that it is not filled with buckwheat, which can be noisy (and distracting) for some people. Additionally, this meditation cushion can be broken in in just about five minutes and is easy to carry if you need to take it to a class or on vacation with you!
A few disadvantages of this product include that the color range and sizes are limited. Additionally, the cushion may come with a smell so that you may have to wash it before use.
PROS:
- This product has a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- This meditation cushion can be broken in in just about five minutes
- It is also easy to carry if you need to take it to a class or on a vacation with you
CONS:
- The color range and sizes are both limited for this meditation cushion
- The cushion may come with a smell so that you may have to wash it before use
#15 Shastana XL Extra-Large Tall Meditation Pillow Floor Cushion Zafu Yoga Bolster
If you have looked through the options on this list and do not think that any of them are a good fit because of size, this may be a great meditation cushion for you. This cushion’s size sets it apart from the rest because it is 16 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height. You won’t have to feel like you are too close to the ground with this cushion.
In addition to the extra large design, this cushion also has a minimalist cover that will look great in any room in your house. It is easy to wash too! A few other perks of this cushion include a great customer service policy and that it is durable enough to practice meditation outside if you would like!
A few pros for this product include that it is the perfect amount of softness and stiffness. Additionally, if you are willing to share your meditation cushion, kids will love it too!
One potential con of this product is that the fabric can be slippery because it is so smooth. Another potential con is that this product is really large! If you are not looking for an oversized meditation cushion, you will not be happy with this product.
PROS:
- This meditation cushion has the perfect amount of softness and stiffness
- If you are willing to share your meditation cushion, kids will love it too!
CONS:
- The fabric on this product can be slippery because it is so smooth
- The product is really large so if you are not looking for an oversized meditation cushion, you will not be happy with this product!
And the Winner is . . .
With all of these options, it was difficult to choose just one winner. If you are looking for an all-around great quality cushion to use for your meditation practices, the >Peace Yoga Zafu Meditation Yoga Buckwheat Filled Cotton Bolster Pillow Cushion with Premium Designs.
It supports your body weight well and makes you feel better while meditating or practicing yoga. This item also has fast shipping which is great if you are in dire need of a new cushion. The color of the designs that are embroidered on the bag is bright and contrast well with the background color of the cushion.
The only thing to watch out is you can smell the buckwheat in this meditation cushion which some individuals may not enjoy.
There are plenty other options on this list that are great for individuals who are looking for a larger meditation cushion. On that note, you should know that these cushions made this list for a reason and you can’t go wrong with any of them!
In the end, you should make a list of things you are expecting out of your best meditation cushion, including the type of fill, the amount of support you need, the color that speaks to you most, and the material used on the exterior cover of the cushion.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.