The best meditation cushions do more than just help you get into the Zen zone. They can facilitate good posture, keep your legs comfortable, and allow you to sit longer, which means they’re equally well-suited for mindfulness and working from home.
Meditation is one of the most direct ways to center, breathe and connect, according to meditation expert and yoga teacher Joanna Rajendran, who advises imagining that each of your breaths is like a wave in the ocean. “We use our meditation to increase the space between each thought,” she says. While this may seem easy enough, Rajendran concedes it can be a challenge to master, which is why she says she recommends adding a meditation pillow to your process.
Meet the experts: Angela Maharani, meditation expert and yoga teacher; Fico Stevenson, founder of Black Mom’s Guide to Calm, to find the best meditation pillows.
With a cushion under your feet, you’ll focus less on your tense hips (or your to-do list) and more on relaxing your mind. We present meditation cushions that cushion your buttocks, support your back, and make your meditation practice more comfortable. And since we’ve found options for every price point, you will find something you’ll love without breaking the bank.
Our top picks
Now that you’re ready to quiet your mind, check out these top meditation pillows that will keep you comfortable during your practice, no matter what your experience level.
1. Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow
With hundreds of five-star reviews and a cult following, this buckwheat-filled pillow from Brentwood Home is ideal for most meditators. Designed by Los Angeles yoga teacher Angela Kukhahn, the cushion is dense enough to promote good posture, yet soft enough for hours of sitting. The outer cover is also machine washable.
Buy: Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow
2. Reehut Zafu Meditation Pillow
Meditation pillows and sets can cost well over $100, but this buckwheat-filled option costs less than a third of that, but you won’t notice. With three sizes and four colors, it’s also very versatile. “It’s filled just right and my spine is so aligned,” says one Amazon reviewer. “I would even take it on a plane.”
Buy: Reehut Zafu Meditation Pillow
3. Florensi meditation cushion
Florensi’s buckwheat-filled option is 16 inches in diameter, which means it fits any size seat bone. It also comes with a luxurious velvet cover and carrying strap, making it convenient to take to class.
Buy: Florensi meditation cushion
4. Yoga Meditation Pillow
Crescent-shaped pillows give your legs more room, allowing for a deeper stretch and more flexibility in the hips. This premium, buckwheat-filled option is available in six unique colors, each with an embroidered design on top.
5. Yoga Bolster - Long Meditation Cushion in Black
The rectangular bolster is a tried-and-true option, according to Rajendran, and has the advantage of being both reliable and affordable. “This style offers solid back support, holds its shape and can be used as a yoga accessory. Its microfiber cover is machine washable. It also fits all sizes, as my 10-year-old daughter and 6-foot husband use it comfortably.”
Buy: Yoga Bolster - Long Meditation Cushion in Black
6. Seat Cushion
Made from memory foam and ergonomically designed with tailbone support in mind, the Xtream Comforts Ortho-Seat offers unparalleled comfort, according to Rajendran. “If someone has specific issues with sitting (i.e., joint problems, pregnancy, sciatica, etc.), it’s worth a try because the consistent seat support will provide the most correct orthopedic alignment,” she says. “If you are the person who is always looking for the cold side of the pillow, this could be for you.”
Buy: Seat Cushion
7. Inflatable meditation pillow and travel pillow in brown
If you like to meditate on the go, you might benefit from the compact nature of the Meditator Inflatable Meditation Cushion and Travel Pillow. “The size is customizable, and we can wash it with a mild detergent and a soft cloth,” Rajendran says of the 15-ounce pillow. “Why not take your meditation practice with you?”
Buy: Inflatable meditation pillow and travel pillow in brown
How to choose the best meditation pillow
Choose the right filling. We stuffed most meditation pillows with buckwheat hulls, a traditional filling that is eco-friendly, comfortable and durable. Best of all, you can remove or add buckwheat hulls to adjust the height and density of your pillow. Buckwheat can be heavy, though, so if you plan to move your zafu or take it to a studio, a cotton filling option might be more suitable for your needs - be aware that cotton loses its shape faster than buckwheat.
What is a meditation cushion?
A meditation cushion, also known as a zafu, provides optimal support for sitting or kneeling during practice. “Overall, they can help make the meditation experience more comfortable, which can be especially helpful for people who are just starting out,” Fico says.
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,” Fico says. “They’re also helpful if you suffer from back pain or are not very flexible.”
How do you use a meditation cushion?
There are two key places to sit cross-legged on a zafu, Fico says. The first is in the center, keeping your knees over or on the cushion; the second is at the edge, letting your knees rest on or near the floor. Over time, you’ll find the position that works best for you: “To meditate, sit up straight, relax your shoulders and place your palms on your legs, up or down,” Fico recommends. “Close your eyes or focus on a still object. And, of course, play with original positions to find what works best for you.” After that, do your best to clear your mind (or follow the advice of an app).
How we chose
We spoke with meditation expert and yoga teacher Angela Maharani, Rush Guy Guide to Calm founder Fico, combed through countless online reviews and tried a few products ourselves to find the best meditation pillows available.
Why you should trust us
For over 5 years, DeliverItX has been a leading provider of trusted health information, offering readers practical strategies to improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Our editors interview experts to help us select health-focused products. In addition, Prevention also reviews hundreds of reviews - and often conducts personal testing by our staff - to help you make informed decisions.
