Meditating can be challenging, but there’s one thing you can do to make the process a little easier: Use a meditation pillow. With a cushion beneath you, you’ll focus less on your tight hips and more on relaxing your mind.
The best meditation pillows also promote proper posture, keep your legs comfortable, and make longer periods of sitting possible—meaning they’re just as good for mindfulness as they are for working from home. Here’s how to pick the right pouf, plus tons of options to help you get your Om on.
What is a meditation pillow?
A meditation pillow, also known as a zafu, provides optimal support for sitting or kneeling while practicing. “Overall, they can help make the meditative experience more comfortable, which can be especially helpful for those who are just getting started,” says Jamie Fleming, founder of Black Mom’s Guide to Calm.
A meditation pillow can also help improve your posture while sitting and allow you to meditate for longer periods of time. “They help relieve pressure on your joints,” explains Fleming. “They’re also helpful if you deal with back pain or if you’re not very flexible.”
1. Peace Yoga Meditation Buckwheat Bolster
Peace Yoga brings several high-end cushion features to a super budget-friendly option. The Meditation Buckwheat Bolster uses buckwheat hull stuffing that provides a natural weight and support to make this cushion sturdy and firm, yet pliable and comfy. The zipper access to the filling allows you to remove some of the buckwheat if you want to make your own cushion a little softer. This bolster has a handle so you can move it from room to room, and the cotton cover is machine-washable so you can keep it spotless.
2. Hugger Mugger V-Shaped Cushion
When your back is giving you troubles—from low back tension to sciatica and beyond—you need a specific kind of seat to protect your posture and prevent pain. In this case, a v-shape cushion is your best option so you can sit cross-legged with comfort and ease.
The slanted shape slopes downward toward the knees, giving the right support where you need it and creating an optimal position for your body so you can focus on your practice. It’s filled with buckwheat hulls, giving it some solid weight and sturdiness for support.
3. Manduka Enlight Bolster
If you’re looking for lumbar support, or the flexibility to lay down on your cushion, you’ll want the Manduka Enlight Bolster. As one of the most premium brands in yoga, Manduka is known for its high-quality products, and Enlight is no exception.
With a fiber filling (no down, no allergies) that provides superfirm support, a plush “absorbent” microfiber encasing that zips off for cleaning, and a sturdy handle, this is the kind of bolster that will stand the test of time.
4. Xtreme Comforts Coccyx Orthopedic Cushion
Lightweight, flat, and easy to pack, this memory foam seat cushion makes for an ideal travel companion. It’s made from ultra-luxe memory foam and is “ergonomically contoured” to distribute your body weight evenly across the seat. The mesh cover keeps it breathable so you don’t get sweaty, and it’s machine washable with a zipper to remove it.
The grippy non-skid bottom ensures you can mediate without sliding around. If you suffer from back pain, sciatica, or an injured coccyx, you’ll want to try using this well beyond meditation time—like in the car or your office chair.
5. Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow Cushion
When it comes to design, this meditation cushion by the esteemed brand Brentwood is definitely my favorite. It looks amazing and better yet, feels amazing as well. Plus it is quite a versatile pillow that can be used for a variety of meditation and yoga postures, like for example the arched back pose, child’s pose and of course, all the different cross-legged (lotus) poses.
Best Meditation Cushion Buying Guide
Conscious meditation is beneficial, not only physically, but also spiritually. There are many ways to meditate and there are many settings in which people can meditate. However, an important point to note is that a meditation cushion, also known as zafu, can go a long way in getting rest and maintaining a healthy posture.
Type
There are two primary kinds of meditation cushions: Zafu and Zabuton. Zafu cushions tend to be smaller and taller, and they’re designed to elevate your hips as you practice. Zabuton cushions are larger and shorter, and they can offer your knees a comfortable place to rest as you practice. You can decide which cushion you want based on your needs and preferences. You can also buy both pillows and pair them.
Height
Zafu meditation cushions come in an array of different heights, with many hovering around the 5-inch mark. Consider your height and preferences when choosing the height of your Zafu pillow. If you’re on the taller side, you may prefer a pillow that’s taller as well.
Shape
Zabuton cushions are almost always large rectangular mats. But Zafu cushions may be round, rectangular, or U-shaped. Round Zafu cushions are the classic style, and rectangular Zafu bolsters can be used during yoga, as well as meditation. U-shaped and V-shaped iterations are typically designed to elevate the hips, making them apt choices for preventing hip, knee, and back pain.
Portability
Many meditation cushions come with a built-in handle, making it easy for you to bring them with you on the go. Some cushions are also inflatable or foldable, making them even more convenient to carry around and to store between uses.
Washability
Meditation cushions can be crafted from an array of soft fabrics, some of which are easier to wash than others. If you care about convenience and plan to clean your cushion regularly, look for options that are machine-washable.
Conclusion
There you have it. We searched far and wide to find the best zafu cushions on the market and I must say, it was fun! From buckwheat to kapok to cotton, each one made the list. However, buckwheat zafus tend to rank the highest. They hold up the longest, conform nicely and maintain firmness.
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