Practiced for thousands of years, meditation is the act of taking the time to quietly muse or contemplate—or to simply allow thoughts to leave your mind to create a state of relaxation. The goal is to feel more centered, peaceful, and capable and to build a deeper understanding of the world around and within you. Certain items can help in this regard, such as the use of soft music, incense, proper lighting, and a comfortable place on which to lie or sit. Enter the meditation cushion, designed with these long, quiet moments in mind.
This guide will explore several of the most important features to look for when searching for the best meditation cushions and then take a deep dive into a review of some of the top-rated products to create an in-home oasis that delivers peace.
- BEST OVERALL: Florensi Meditation Cushion, Large Velvet Pillow
- RUNNER-UP: Waterglider International Zafu Yoga Meditation Pillow
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: REEHUT Zafu Yoga Meditation Cushion, Round Meditation
- UPGRADE PICK: Unique Wellness Buckwheat Meditation Cushion
- BEST COMBO SET: Leewadee Meditation Cushion Set: Round Zafu Pillow
- BEST DESIGN: FelizMax Crescent Zafu Meditation Pillow
- BEST FOR TRAVEL: Yoga Meditation Buckwheat Bolster Pillow Cushion
- ALSO CONSIDER: Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow for Meditation and Support
Features to Look for When Choosing the Best Meditation Cushions
One person’s ideal meditation cushion will be just a so-so option for someone else. Choosing the best meditation cushions requires understanding your needs and preferences and the features that each cushion provides to help you create a space for worthwhile meditation. From cushion type, height, and shape to portability and washability options, each feature will play a role in helping you to make a purchasing decision. Keep reading to learn more.
Posture & Cushion Type
There is a meditation cushion designed to be optimal for each posture. For instance, the zafu cushion works well for taller individuals who need more space for their hips and thighs while in a cross-legged pose. The zabuton cushion is flatter and can more easily handle the lotus position while still supporting the spine. Some users will opt for a set of cushions, with the zafu providing the height and the zabuton providing the comfort between the legs and the floor. This combination offers better overall cushioning and support during long meditation sessions.
Height
The height of a meditation cushion plays an enormous role in its comfort. Since the best meditation cushions are designed to hold a person steady for long periods of time, the height of the cushion should match what the user needs for both comfort and support. A cushion should allow your thighs to angle downward from your hips to keep your back in alignment without strain. Taller individuals will want a higher cushion; some users might find that adding a thick mat underneath a standard-size meditation cushion offers enough height for maximum comfort. For these taller individuals, a zafu cushion could be the ideal cushion for a typical cross-legged meditation pose.
Shape
The shape of the meditation cushion can also enhance your experience. Though the most common shape on the market is a round cushion, some cushions are shaped like ovals or rectangles—and there are even U-shaped options designed for more specific lumbar support and tailbone comfort. There are also combo sets, in which one cushion might be rectangular while another might be round or another combination of shapes and sizes. This allows for much more comfort and support—or simply the ability to switch up the cushions, depending on your setting and mood.
Portability
Many individuals will have a dedicated area for yoga, meditation, and other self-care routines. But for those on the go, having a portable meditation cushion can work wonders for their ability to tune out the world and tune in peace and relaxation while traveling. Portable meditation cushions often provide a sturdy handle that blends into the cushion itself, maintaining the pleasing aesthetic yet offering an easy way to carry it. Other cushions include a matching pouch or a bag with handles that makes transport even easier. Keep in mind that a lighter cushion will be easier to carry than a heavier one.
Washability
A meditation cushion shouldn’t be washed, as it contains dense fibers, foam, or buckwheat hulls, none of which do well in proximity to water. Spot clean the cushion, if possible. The cover should be easily removable and at least washable by hand, though one that can stand up to machine washing is preferred for convenience. If the buckwheat hulls do come in contact with water, dry them in the sun to prevent bacteria or mold from forming inside the cushion. For a more personal experience, consider hand washing the cover and, after drying, spritzing it with a favorite relaxing fragrance for an even more meditative quality.
Our Top Picks
Keeping the abovementioned features in mind, we checked out a variety of meditation cushions on the market today. Our criteria included not only these key features but also overall customer satisfaction and unique characteristics that made each product stand apart from the competition. Read on to discover our top picks for some of the best meditation cushions to make a home more quiet and peaceful.
Photo: amazon.com
At 16 inches in diameter and 5 inches in height, this sturdy meditation cushion from Florensi uses buckwheat hulls to provide optimal posture and comfort. This zafu cushion features a stylized image modeled after the mandala lotus flower, making it clear this item is meant to be used in a meditative, quiet space.
The removable velvet cover is machine washable. A pouch inside the cushion allows for adding or removing buckwheat hulls to adjust the firmness; 1 inch of pillow foam inside the cushion creates even more softness and comfort.
At over 7 pounds, this meditation cushion is substantial enough to provide comfort and support for years to come. It’s available in four color options to suit the aesthetic of most meditation spaces.
Photo: amazon.com
The traditional round shape of this 5-pound zafu meditation cushion from Waterglider International is available in six colors and features eco-friendly buckwheat hulls grown in the United States. The 14-inch diameter makes it a bit smaller than other cushions, but the 6-inch height is optimal for those who need a taller seat.
Remove the fill pouch to wash the cover; the zipper is underneath the sturdy handle. Adjust the firmness by adding or removing the buckwheat hulls to create a shape that’s just the right balance of comfort and support. The cushion is overstuffed, meaning there’s plenty of extra material to help with that adjustment.
Individuals who care about sustainability and fair wages will notice this cushion is made of organic cotton and assembled by 100 percent refugee labor in the United States.
Photo: amazon.com
Offering three sizes and four distinct colors, this REEHUT meditation cushion provides an excellent value. It is filled with buckwheat in a pouch, better for ease of adding or removing hulls to create the desired firmness. The zippered cover is made of breathable organic cotton, is machine washable, and features grab-and-go handles for maximum portability.
The smallest option is 12 inches in diameter, the medium choice is 13 inches in diameter, and the largest size is 16 inches in diameter. Each cushion is 4.5 inches tall. The round shape of this zafu cushion makes it suitable not only in a dedicated meditation area of the home but also as a couch cushion or even a supportive sleep aid.
Photo: amazon.com
This oval meditation cushion by Unique Wellness measures 17 by 13 inches, with a 6-inch height. This height provides more lift for taller individuals, thus offering more comfort for the spine. However, the buckwheat hulls can also be adjusted to achieve optimal firmness and support for different users.
The separate liner makes it easy to adjust this interior without mess or fuss. This lavender-scented meditation cushion boasts a removable and machine-washable cover, a convenient carrying handle, and a matching tote bag for easy transport. The cushion also includes a meditation ebook to further help the user along the journey to well-being.
Photo: amazon.com
Available in 23 colors, this combo pack by Leewadee includes a zafu meditation cushion that is 16 inches in diameter and 8 inches in height, making it one of the tallest on the market—as well as a rectangular mat measuring 27 by 31 by 2 inches. The pair makes for a comfortable arrangement to suit a variety of meditation poses.
Filled with new, untreated kapok, the cushion features double-stitched seams for durability, as well as a traditional Thai design meant to invoke peace and tranquillity. The cushion offers a convenient carrying handle, and the mat can be rolled up for easy transport. Take note that the cotton cover is hand-wash only, while the mat must be vacuumed or dry cleaned.
Photo: amazon.com
This crescent-shaped meditation cushion by FelizMax helps promote proper posture and reduces pressure on the back, knees, and ankles through the unique design, as well as the tightly packed buckwheat hulls inside the cushion. The buckwheat is treated by dehydration, high-temperature washing, and ultraviolet fumigation to ensure the hulls are flour-free, insect-proof, and low in water content.
Available in seven colors, this cushion features an organic cotton, machine-washable cover that can be removed by use of the hidden zipper. The carrying handle makes it easy to transport. At 4 pounds and measuring 17 by 11 by 5 inches, it offers the standard lift for those who need a meditation cushion that goes easy on the hips.
Photo: amazon.com
Measuring 13 by 13 inches, this meditation cushion from Peace Yoga features an easy grab-and-go handle to make meditating while on the road a breeze. Filled with buckwheat hulls, the height and firmness of this cushion are adjustable to provide the right level of support during meditation. It also serves well as a yoga bolster or block, helping to ensure proper positioning.
The outer cotton cover can be spot cleaned or simply tossed in the washing machine. Available in six colors, this cushion is 7 inches in height and weighs 5 pounds, making it easy to carry not only while traveling but also just to a yoga class or the meditation studio.
Photo: amazon.com
With a firm rectangular shape and a gold-embossed carrying handle, this meditation cushion from Ajna Yoga can be used for yoga just as readily as for meditation. The cushion is made of mixed-density layers of recycled foam, with a concentrated core that helps ensure it won’t lose firmness over years of use.
The eco-suede cover, made from 100 percent vegan materials and without toxic chemicals, can be removed and machine washed, if necessary. A matching, protective cotton bag helps keep the cushion clean between uses.
At just under 4 pounds, this cushion measures approximately 26 by 10 by 6 inches, making it versatile for users who want to meditate and perform yoga with one bolster aid. It’s available in a choice of five colors.
FAQs About Your New Meditation Cushions
Now that you’ve read up on several potential meditation cushions that might be best for your needs, let’s answer a few frequently asked questions about these popular relaxation aids.
Q. How do you sit on a meditation cushion?
A meditation cushion is designed to comfortably support the user when in the cross-legged pose. Simply sit on the cushion in a comfortable position, cross your legs with your thighs angled down from your hips, or opt for any other position that feels comfortable to maintain for a long period of time.
Q. What size meditation cushion should I buy?
The size of the cushion depends on your height, as well as the size of your hips. Taller individuals might want a cushion of 6 inches or more in height. The diameter depends on what feels most comfortable; try out a few cushions to find the sweet spot.
Q. What is a zafu meditation cushion?
A zafu meditation cushion is a round cushion stuffed with kapok or buckwheat hulls. The cushion is designed to allow the thighs to angle down from the hips in a typical cross-legged meditation pose, thus alleviating pressure on the spine.
Q. Why are meditation pillows filled with buckwheat?
Buckwheat is a versatile material that quickly conforms to your body shape and posture. This helps ensure a comfortable cushion for a longer meditation session. You can add or remove buckwheat hulls to adjust the firmness of a cushion.
