14 Best Meditation Cushions Of 2023 for a Comfortable Meditation Session
The popularity of meditation is on the rise, with a variety of techniques to choose from, all aimed at achieving a calm, mindful state. The benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, make it appealing to many. Most techniques involve sitting, often cross-legged, which can be uncomfortable for extended periods.
This is where the best meditation cushion can enhance your practice, adding a new level of comfort. You can choose from a Zafu- or Zabuton-style cushion, designed to elevate the hips or cushion the knees. In this article, we’ve reviewed the 14 best meditation cushions, selected for their quality, comfort, and ease of cleaning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, you’ll find the top cushions that meet your needs.
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My Top Picks
14 Best Meditation Cushions for a Comfortable Meditation Session of 2023:
In this best meditation cushion review, I’ll be showing you the best zafu pillow, and zabuton cushions, to help you with proper posture and spine support during your meditation.
Best for Back Pain
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The Seat of Your Soul Crescent Meditation Cushion is a uniquely shaped cushion that provides support to your hips and lower back.
Made from eco-friendly materials, this cushion is designed to maintain its shape over time. It comes in a range of colors to match your style and has a convenient carrying handle for easy transport.
Key features:
Materials: Organic cotton cover with 100% buckwheat hull filling | Dimensions: 17” x 10.5” x 5” | Colors: 10 options
Best for Bad Knees
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The Hugger Mugger V-Shaped Meditation Cushion is designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles.
It’s made from organic cotton and has a buckwheat hull filling that can be adjusted to your desired level of firmness. This cushion comes in several colors and has a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Key features:
Materials: 100% organic cotton cover and buckwheat hull filling | Dimensions: 17” x 24” x 6” | Colors: 10 color options and 4 patterns
Best Large Cushion
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The Lotuscrafts Round Meditation Cushion is made from organic cotton and is filled with buckwheat hulls that conform to your body’s shape.
This cushion is designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles. It comes in a variety of colors and has a handle for easy transport.
Key features:
Materials: GOTS-certified organic cotton cover with 100% buckwheat hull filling | Dimensions: 11” x 8” | Colors: 7 options
Best Bolster With Bag
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The Gayo Yoga Bolster is a versatile cushion that can be used for various yoga poses as well as meditation. It’s made from eco-friendly materials and has a buckwheat hull filling that can be adjusted to your desired level of firmness. This cushion comes in several colors and has a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Key features:
Materials: 100% organic cotton cover and filling | Dimensions: Standard – 25” x 10.5” x 6.5”Travel – 18” x 11” x 6.5” | Colors: 1 option in each size
Best Premium Cushion
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The Sunday Citizen Crystal Meditation Pillow is a luxurious cushion that’s perfect for a relaxing meditation session. It’s made from velvet and has a crystal filling that’s believed to promote relaxation and reduce stress. This cushion comes in several colors and has a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Key features:
Materials: 100% microfiber cover and buckwheat hull filling, with amethyst and quartz crystals | Dimensions: 16” x 12.5” x 5.5” | Colors: 4 options
Best Zafu for Tight Hips
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The Florensi Meditation Cushion is made from high-quality velvet and has a buckwheat hull filling that conforms to your body’s shape.
It’s rated on Amazon as one of the best meditation floor pillows. This cushion is designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles. It comes in a range of colors and has a handle for easy transport.
Key features:
Materials: Velvet Cover, 100% Organic Buckwheat Filling, Padded Foam Disc | Dimensions: 16” x 16” x 5” | Colors: 6 options
Best Budget Cushion
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The Retrospec Sedona Zafu Meditation Cushion is made from eco-friendly materials and has a buckwheat hull filling that conforms to your body’s shape. This cushion is designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles. It comes in several colors and has a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Key features:
Materials: Cotton cover with buckwheat hull filling | Dimensions: Round – 13” x 4.5”Crescent – 17” x 10.5” x 5.5” | Colors: 6 options
Best Cushion Set
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The Leewadee Meditation Cushion Set comes with both a zafu cushion and a zabuton mat for added comfort. The zafu cushion is made from eco-friendly materials and has a buckwheat hull filling that conforms to your body’s shape.
The zabuton mat is made from cotton and is filled with kapok fibers for added cushioning so it’s one of the best meditation mats, even though it’s part of a set. This set comes in several colors and has a convenient carrying handle.
Key features:
Materials: Cotton twill cover and 100% kapok filling | Dimensions: Mat – 28” x 28” Cushion – 14” x 14” x 8” | Colors: 19 options
Best for kids
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The Sioloc Flower Pillow is a unique and whimsical option for those looking to add a touch of floral elegance to their home decor and get small kids interested in meditation. The flower-shaped pillow is designed to be used as a throw pillow, butt cushion, or floor pillow, depending on your preference.
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Materials: Cotton cover and Polypropylene filling | Dimensions: Mat – 15.7” x 15.7” | Colors: 12 options (various sizes)
Best for Travel
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The Carolina Morning Inflatable Zafu is a unique cushion that can be inflated to your desired level of firmness.
It’s made from eco-friendly materials and is designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles. This cushion comes in several colors and is lightweight for easy transport.
Key features:
Materials: Organic cotton cover | Dimensions: Medium – 12” x 6”Large – 13” x 7” | Colors: 14 options
Best Small Cushion
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The Waterglider International Zafu Yoga Meditation Pillow is made from organic cotton and has a buckwheat hull filling that conforms to your body’s shape.
This cushion is designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles. It comes in several colors and has a convenient carrying handle.
Key features:
Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 13.35″ x 13.3″ x 6.77″ | Colors: 10 options
Best Crescent Meditation Cushion
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The FelizMax Crescent Zafu Meditation Pillow is a uniquely shaped cushion that provides support to your hips and lower back. It’s made from eco-friendly materials and has a buckwheat hull filling that conforms to your body’s shape. This cushion comes in several colors and has a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Key features:
Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 7″× 11″× 5.5″ | Colors: 6 options
Best Long Bolster
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The Gaiam Yoga Bolster Long Meditation Pillow Cushion is a versatile cushion that can be used for various yoga poses as well as meditation.
It’s made from eco-friendly materials and has a cotton filling that provides comfortable support. This cushion comes in several colors and has a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Key features:
Materials: Microfiber cover filled with cotton batting | Dimensions: 28.7″ x 12.2″ x 7.8″ | Colors: 3 options
My Favorite Meditation Cushion
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This is the cushion that I personally use. The Mira Zafu Buckwheat Meditation Cushion is made from organic cotton and has a buckwheat hull filling that conforms to your body’s shape. This cushion is designed to promote proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles. It comes in several colors and has a convenient carrying handle.
Key features:
Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 24.65″ x 15.59″ x 10.83″ | Colors: Grey
Who Should Use a Meditation Cushion?
Anyone who practices meditation, whether regularly or occasionally, can benefit from using a meditation cushion. It’s especially important for those who meditate for long periods of time or who have back or knee issues.
A meditation cushion can provide support and comfort, making it easier to maintain a proper meditation posture for extended periods of time.
Additionally, using a cushion can help reduce the risk of injury or strain caused by sitting in an uncomfortable position. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, a comfortable cushion can make a significant difference in your practice.
What Makes a Meditation Cushion Comfortable?
A comfortable meditation cushion should provide support to your hips and lower back, promote proper spinal alignment, and reduce pressure on your knees and ankles.
It should also be made from high-quality, eco-friendly materials and have a filling that conforms to your body’s shape. Additional features like removable covers, carrying handles, and adjustable firmness can also make a cushion more comfortable and convenient to use.
What Are Meditation Cushions?
Meditation cushions, also known as meditation pillows, zafu pillows, or zafu cushions, are a type of cushion specifically designed to provide support and comfort during meditation practice.
They are typically small and round cushion or crescent-shaped and can be filled with a variety of materials, such as buckwheat hulls, kapok, or foam.
What Are Meditation Cushions For?
Better posture
The main purpose of a meditation cushion is to elevate the hips and provide a stable base for the spine during seated meditation.
This helps to maintain proper alignment and reduce discomfort and strain on the lower back, hips, and knees. Whether or not you need a meditation cushion largely depends on your comfort level and how long you intend to meditate.
Different meditation practices
Meditation cushions come in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials to suit individual preferences and needs.
Some cushions may be more firm or soft, while others may be filled with natural or synthetic materials. The cover material can also vary, ranging from cotton to silk to synthetic blends.
Better experience
In addition to providing support during meditation, many people find that a comfortable cushion can also enhance their overall meditation experience by helping to create a calming and relaxing environment.
Some cushions may also have additional features, such as carrying handles or removable covers for easy maintenance.
How to Choose the Best Meditation Cushion
Choosing the best meditation cushion is a personal journey, as what works best for you may not work as well for someone else. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your meditation cushion:
- Your Meditation Posture: The first thing to consider is your preferred meditation posture. Do you like to sit cross-legged, kneel, or sit in a chair? Your posture will determine the type of cushion that will be most comfortable for you.
- Your Height and Weight: Your physical attributes can also influence the type of cushion you need. Taller individuals or those with longer legs may require a higher cushion, while those who are heavier may need a cushion that offers more support.
- Your Flexibility: If you’re less flexible, a higher cushion can help. It can reduce the strain on your hips and knees and make it easier to maintain a straight spine.
- The Type of Meditation You Practice: Some types of meditation require movement (like Kundalini or Zen), while others are more static. If your practice involves movement, you’ll need a cushion that is sturdy and stable.
- Material and Filling: The material of the cushion should be durable and the filling should provide a balance between comfort and support. Buckwheat hulls are a popular filling choice because they conform to your body shape while providing firm support.
The Different Types of Meditation Cushions
There are several types of meditation cushions available, each with its own benefits. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Zafu: This is a traditional round cushion that is often filled with buckwheat hulls or kapok fiber. It’s great for cross-legged positions.
- Zabuton: This is a flat and rectangular cushion that is often used underneath a zafu to provide comfort for your knees and ankles.
- Crescent Cushion: This cushion has a crescent shape that provides more support for the thighs than a zafu. It’s a good choice for people who find the zafu uncomfortable.
- Bench Cushion: This is a cushioned bench that is a good option for those who prefer to kneel or have difficulty sitting cross-legged.
- Gomden: This is a firm rectangular cushion that is a good choice for those who meditate in a simple cross-legged position.
- V-Shaped Cushion: This cushion supports a wide range of postures and can be particularly helpful for people with back issues.
The Takeaway
Choosing the right meditation cushion can greatly enhance your meditation practice by providing a comfortable and supportive posture.
I hope that this list of the 14 best meditation cushions for a comfortable meditation session has helped you find a cushion that suits your needs.
If you’re asking “Do I need a meditation cushion?” or looking for the best meditation cushion for Vipassana, this list can guide you to the right product. Happy meditating!
