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The importance of the right meditation cushion first hit me during my first 10-day silent meditation retreat. I showed up with nothing but my sleeping pillow, a blanket, and an open mind, thinking I’d be fine.
The center had props like meditation pillows, mats, and bean bags, but they all felt too stiff for me. For the first few days, I struggled to find a comfortable position as my legs went numb and my back ached.
It wasn’t until I got creative and made a makeshift meditation cushion out of my blanket that I found my Calm.
This DIY solution wasn’t perfect, but even a small change like that transformed my experience—it taught me just how important the right support is in meditation, allowing me to focus more on the practice itself rather than discomfort.
While what you meditate on is important (especially in the beginning) - it can make or break your sitting experience - meditation is fundamentally about improving the performance of the mind. Just as we go to the gym to train our bodies and enhance physical fitness, meditation exercises our brains to make them sharper, more focused, and more resilient during stressful times.
Fortunately, meditating at home doesn't require investing in expensive tools. All you need is yourself, a quiet room, and a comfortable meditation pillow or zafu to sit on. We've put together this guide to help you find the best meditation cushion, comparing styles and features so you can choose the one that's right for your practice.
OUR REVIEW PROCESS
We tested the most popular meditation cushions on the market to help find the right one for your practice.
30 Models considered
40+ Hours of in-person testing
48+ Hours of research
625+ Reviews analyzed
5 Experts consulted
Our reviews are not sponsored by brands or manufacturers. We do our own research and purchase every product we review with our own funds. We put each model to a real life sitting test for at least an hour.
Our 60-minute meditation tests help evaluate products for meditators of various sizes, shapes and experience levels. We use it to determine in our first-hand experience whether a varied set of meditators would be able to sit comfortably and have sufficient support for back, hips and knees through the entire sitting period.
We use the Zen Score to measure the overall quality of meditation we had with each model between 1 and 10, with 10 being the highest. Below are the top 5 of our favorites, enjoy!
Waterglider Buckwheat Filled Round Meditation Pillow
What we loved about the Waterglider Zafu Meditation Pillow is that it did not give us any numbness and allowed us to meditate for a whole hour without switching legs or moving much at all. While our minds were racing, our bodies felt supported and grounded on the buckwheat-filled cushion. The stitching and organic cotton cover are high quality and will last for a long time. The buckwheat hulls are grown in the USA and come directly from the farm.
ZEN SCORE: 8
PROs:
- Great choice for longer meditations, 30 minutes or more at a time
- Made from natural and certified organic materials
- Great for posture, helps sit straight
- Easy to adjust the filling to make it comfortable
- Budget-friendly winner, best bang for the buck
CONs:
- May feel overly firm until broken in
Mindful Modern Crescent Meditation Cushion
We picked this meditation cushion for its clean and modern design with minimalistic vibe to it. Just having this zafu around the house made us feel more tranquil.
The construction is durable yet more lightweight compared to other cushions. The cover is made of white cotton with the mandala-style brand logo on top of the cushion, which adds a nice touch. It’s filled with natural buckwheat hulls inside the inner case with a zipper so you can easily remove or add more fill depending on how firm and tall you prefer your meditation cushion to be.
During the hour-long meditation test, this cushion felt fairly comfortable and easy on our joints. The crescent shape helps keep your hips above your knees when meditating to stimulate blood flow and gently open the hip flexors in a way that round zafu pillows cannot offer. We could use a bit more support for lower back to help maintain the upright spine position. The best part is the chic design compliments any modern home decor.
ZEN SCORE: 8
PROs:
- Beautiful, modern aesthetic creates instant zen in any room
- All-natural and adjustable buckwheat filling
- Crescent shape allows to bring feet closer when sitting cross-legged
- Convenient handle for carrying
CONs:
- Not everyone likes the firmness of buckwheat hull filling
Crescent Wedge Meditation Cushion
This half moon meditation cushion is filled with sustainably-grown buckwheat hulls that are bigger and uncrushed for better airflow. We found that this cushion has just the right amount of firmness while also maintaining its shape without squishing flat during meditation. We were able to sit comfortably and maintain a proper alignment in the spine with ease for about 30 minutes. Good quality of the construction and sturdy, durable fabric make sure you will use this cushion for a long time on your meditative journey. It’s built for everyday use and offers good fit around the buttocks for support and comfort.
The crescent shape works great for meditators looking for more room for the legs and hips. It is the perfect shape to get your legs in closer to your body while supporting the spine and hips. This meditation cushion did not seem to be stuffed as tight as some other ones we tested, which made it easier to shape and mold it to fit our preferred sitting pose.
ZEN SCORE: 7
PROs:
- Great value at low price
- Ergonomic design aligns your spine and eases strain
- Crescent shape allows to bring feet closer when sitting cross-legged
- Washable, 100% cotton cover
CONs:
- The black cotton fabric attracts lint easily
Zen Score: 7
Crescent Wedge Meditation Cushion
Great for meditators looking for more room for the legs and hips.
Natural Fiber Meditation Cushion - Zafu
This kapok fiber-filled meditation cushion feels a lot softer, more supportive, and better at conforming to the body’s shape than the traditional buckwheat meditation pillows we tested. Kapok, often referred to as silk cotton or vegetable cashmere, is an organic fiber harvested from the kapok tree, which thrives in some of the world's densest tropical forests.
The cover is sturdy and well-stitched, and the carrying handle adds a nice touch. Filled with premium kapok, this cushion offers a softer and bouncier alternative to denser buckwheat or rice fillings.
Ideal for those who experience tailbone or hip pain while sitting, this cushion helps to alleviate pressure on sensitive areas, making it a comfortable and supportive choice for meditation.
ZEN SCORE: 9
PROs:
- Great meditation pillow for both beginners and experienced sitters
- Soft yet supporting, comfortable for sitting for extended periods of time
- Used in meditation centers
- Provides support to the pelvic region by raising it and reduces lower back pain
- Promotes proper spine alignment to prevent slouching while meditating
- Lightweight
CONs:
- Can only be spot cleaned
- May slightly flatten overtime (after 1000+ hours of meditation)
Cosmic Wedge Meditation Cushion
We chose the Cosmic meditation cushion because of the slanted shape with a built-in slope and side extensions, which claim to improve spine alignment, reduce back discomfort and prevent numbness in the legs. This is especially helpful when you sit in meditation for longer periods of time, 30 minutes or more. How this works: the slanted design naturally tilts lower back (pelvis) forward to restore the spine’s natural S-shaped curve. It’s also easier to sit on a wedge-shaped cushion as you won’t be using your back muscles as much to maintain upright posture during meditation. This cushion comes in two options: filled with kapok (softer, cotton-like fiber) or buckwheat hulls (firmer). We tried the one with buckwheat hulls and felt this particular design might work better with kapok filling as it’s not as dense. We were able to sit still for about 28 minutes until our legs fell asleep, which is still pretty good for daily meditations.
ZEN SCORE: 7
PROs:
- Wedge design featuring downward slant encourages pelvis to tilt forward to restore the spine’s natural curve
- Hip Hugger: Side extensions help support upper thighs and prevent numbness in the legs
- Makes a great zen-style decor item with a minimal and tranquil ambiance
- Great for meditations that last under 30 minutes
CONs:
- Provides moderate lift, we would have liked it slightly higher
- Cushion weight is on the heavier side
- May feel overly firm until broken in
Zen Score: 7
Cosmic Slanted Meditation Cushion
Unique wedge design tilts lower back forward so body can naturally come into alignment.
In conclusion, one of the things we learned from our 10+ years of experimenting with meditation and yoga props (purchased as well as self made), having a comfortable seat with the right kind of support in all the right places makes all the difference in the practice of sitting meditation. Whichever meditation cushion you choose, remember that consistent practice makes perfect. Choose great products that will support and deepen your meditation, practice regularly - even 10 minute a day will help bring positive change - and soon you will start reaping the benefits of meditation.
Calm, Confident, Powerful. Happy Meditating!
Frequently asked questions
1. Why should I use a meditation cushion?
A meditation cushion helps improve your posture, provides comfort, and supports your back, hips, and knees during meditation. It allows you to sit for longer periods without discomfort, enhancing your overall meditation experience.
While you don't have to have a specific meditation cushion, as plenty of household items like folded blankets, rolled towels, or couch cushions can be used for meditation, having a dedicated meditation zone with a cushion that's always present and aesthetically pleasing contributes to the practice. It creates a special place in your home to plant and grow the seeds of your meditation practice.
2. What types of meditation cushions are available?
There are several types of meditation cushions, including Zafus (round meditation cushions), Zabutons (flat meditation mats), wedges and crescent-shaped meditation cushions. Each type offers different levels of support and comfort based on your sitting posture.
3. What is the best filling for a meditation cushion?
Common fillings for meditation cushions include buckwheat hulls, kapok, and cotton. Buckwheat hulls provide firm, adjustable support, kapok is soft and lightweight, and cotton offers a balance of firmness and softness.
4. How do I choose the right meditation cushion for me?
Consider your meditation posture, comfort preferences, and any physical issues you may have. For example, if you have knee pain, the cosmic wedge might be better. If you need firm support, a buckwheat-filled zafu could be ideal.
5. Are meditation cushions made with eco-friendly materials?
Many meditation cushions are made from sustainable and organic materials such as organic cotton covers and natural fillings like buckwheat hulls or kapok. Always check the product details to ensure eco-friendly options.
6. Can I wash my meditation cushion?
Most meditation cushions come with removable, washable covers. However, the inner filling, such as buckwheat hulls, should not be washed, but can be replaced. Always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
7. What are the benefits of using a meditation cushion?
Using a meditation cushion can help improve posture, reduce strain on your back and joints, enhance comfort, and allow you to meditate for longer periods. It also helps in achieving a more focused and relaxed state during meditation. Some say we "charge" meditation cushions with positive energy when we sit and practice on them.
8. Can I travel with my meditation cushion?
Yes, many meditation cushions are designed to be portable or even inflatable. Look for cushions with carrying handles or those that are lightweight and compact, making them easy to take with you on the go.
9. What is the difference between a zafu and a zabuton?
A zafu is a round cushion used for sitting, while a zabuton is a flat meditation mat placed under the zafu to cushion your knees and ankles. Together, they provide complete support and comfort for meditation.
10. How do I sit on a meditation cushion?
To sit on a meditation cushion, position yourself on the front third of the cushion, cross your legs comfortably, and ensure your knees are lower than your hips to maintain a natural curve in your spine.
11. Can a meditation cushion help with back pain?
Yes, a meditation cushion can help alleviate back pain by promoting proper posture and providing support to the lower back and hips. Choosing the right cushion for your needs can make a significant difference in comfort.
12. Are there meditation cushions for tall people?
Yes, there are meditation cushions designed for taller individuals, offering more height and support. Look for larger zafus or slanted wedge meditation cushions that provide adequate elevation to ensure comfort during meditation.
13. Can I use a meditation cushion for yoga?
Yes, meditation cushions can be used for yoga, especially for seated poses and pranayama (breathing exercises). They provide additional support and comfort, enhancing your practice.
14. What can I do if my meditation cushion is too tall for me?
If your meditation cushion is too tall, there are several adjustments you can make:
- Remove Some Filling: If your cushion has a zippered cover, you can remove some of the filling (such as buckwheat hulls) to lower the height and make it more comfortable.
- Adjust Your Pose: try sitting on the edge of the cushion rather than the center. This can lower your hips slightly and help align your spine better. You can also experiment with different seated positions, such as kneeling, to find what feels best.
15. Can I use a yoga bolster as a meditation pillow?
Absolutely! A yoga bolster provides firm support and elevates your hips for a more comfortable sitting posture. While bolsters are longer and rectangular compared to traditional cushions, experimenting with alignment can help you find what works best. Plus, they’re versatile and can be used for both yoga and meditation!