How to Choose the Best Meditation Cushion for You

Updated 7/2015

Main Types of Meditation Cushions or Pillows/Zafus (pr. Zah-foo):

There are two main types of meditation cushions, or “zafus” the latter term is used more in the Zen tradition. Basically we are talking about the cushion you put your butt directly on. And they are typically referred to as “cushions” not pillows ;-).

There are many styles/colors etc., but in terms of actual usage the filling is what matters, most are round. And actually there are some that are crescent shaped, they claim to allow you to fold the legs in more and tilt the pelvis more, but they are less popular.

A [amazon_link id=”B003M1VZP8″ target=”_blank” ]zabuton[/amazon_link];” pron. Zah-Boo-ton, is the bigger square cushion that goes under your meditation cushion. It protects your feet and ankles from pressure- but if you will be meditating on a rug then you only need the cushion.

Meditation Cushion Substitutes:

You don’t actually need to purchase any of these, if money is an issue now, just use a cushion from your sofa and place that on a carpeted floor or a little rug (to protect your crossed ankles from bare floor.) Or I’ve also just taken a thick blanket and folded it up to a height that feels comfortable, usually between 3-6 or more inch) and sit on that.

Proper Height of Meditation Cushion/Zafu:

But before I launch into actual cushions one more tip. If your cushion is too low, your knees will tend to be up in the air-that indicates you need more lift under the buttocks, so add another cushion or fold blanket higher underneath. If the knees are still high up in the air, it may get uncomfortable for you through the hips and thighs, then put cushions under each knee so they have support.  Otherwise your hips and knees may start to hurt, without that support.

Now if you want to buy a proper zafu or meditation cushion read on.

What are the Two Main (Materials used) Types of Cushions for Meditation?

1. Kapok, (a dense, cotton-like substance) or a cotton blend

The kapok type meditation cushion  [amazon_image id=”B00NG14GBO” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Zafu Round KAPOK-filled Meditation Cushion: 100% Organic Cotton Cover (Green Grass)[/amazon_image]is usually firm, and round. it tends to retain it shape for some time and over months will soften and flatten down under you. Like a shoe that you wear a lot takes the shape of your foot over time. Recommended for:

• If you want a higher/taller cushion these tend to hold their shape better. This is good if you are bit stiff in hips. Higher hips will allow knees to drop more comfortably down.
• You want a firm sitting surface

2. Buckwheat hull filled.

The round meditation cushion [amazon_image id=”B003M25KJY” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]round meditation cushion[/amazon_image] with buckwheat hull feels like sand, it shifts immediately under you. For example after sitting if you get up you will actually see the shape of your butt still carved into a buckwheat filled cushion!  So it immediately conforms to the shape of your body. If you pick up the cushion it sort of flops as the buckwheat hull shift inside.  You may also see ones with millet.  Recommended for:

• If you are pretty flexible and your knees drop down while sitting cross legged, the lower height of this type may feel more comfy
• You like to really shape the cushion under you rather than feeling a hard shape pushing back

The least you need to know: most meditation cushions come with a little built in handle, some allow you to put in more filling usually buckwheat hulls to make it fuller, (this is usually not needed)

3. Durability:

And honestly unless you spill something on your meditation cushion, it it should last you for decades. The links above take you to sets of zafu and the zabuton, its cheaper to buy them together than each separate. Hugger Mugger is a reputable company. They specialize in yoga and meditation items only. If you are traveling check out an inflatable travel meditation cushions.

Both major types (by filling) of cushions, range from really cheap to quite pricey if you get into organic stuffing or fancy cover for example! Typical is $80 or so dollars for a set-the [amazon_link id=”B00J3ZVH3M” target=”_blank” ]zafu and zabuton[/amazon_link] (buckwheat filled set.)

If you want kapok filling (like cotton) go to this set which comes in either filling type (go to “size” and choose!

Again you can find cheap stuff be aware the seams are likely to wear out or it will flatten prematurely (the kapok type or cotton) into a little rock!

Final comment:  I actually recommend ordering the two types try them out at home and return the one you don’t like!  Or if you meditate somewhere you will get to try the different types.

I’m a meditator too- read my bio or my cheeky:  5 Reasons Meditation is Better than Sex post. Its actually an intro to how to meditate.

Namaste.

Kala