Meditation cushions support the body in a simple, practical way. They lift the hips, ease pressure on joints, and make it easier to sit still. A good zafu meditation cushion helps you settle into your seat, whether for a few minutes or an hour.
What are Meditation Cushions
A meditation cushion helps you sit upright without tension. It’s especially useful if you sit cross-legged or in a lotus or half-lotus position. By lifting your hips above your knees, the cushion lets your spine find its natural shape and reduces pressure on your lower back and ankles.
Zafus are round, supportive cushions used in traditional meditation and yoga. Many are filled with buckwheat hulls, but we prefer using spelt husk and organic cotton. These materials feel lighter and more breathable, while still holding their shape. They’re also better for the environment.
Cushions are designed to lift your hips above your knees, helping your posture feel steady and relaxed.
Types of Meditation Cushions
We offer a few different cushion styles, each made to support your body and suit different ways of sitting. All are filled with natural spelt husk or organic cotton, depending on the shape.
Zafu Meditation Cushion
The zafu is our round sitting cushion. It’s made to lift the hips and support the spine. Whether you're sitting in lotus, half-lotus, or simply cross-legged, the zafu gives just the right height and firmness to help you sit comfortably for longer. Ours are filled with breathable spelt husk and covered in soft, durable cotton or linen.
Use it on its own, or pair it with a floor cushion for more support under the knees and ankles.
Rectangular Meditation Cushion
Our rectangular cushions are lower and flatter than zafus. They're often used in Burmese-style sitting or as back support when paired with other props. These cushions are a good option if you like to sit closer to the ground with minimal lift, or if you need something to rest your hands or lean into.
Meditation Floor Cushion
The meditation floor cushion is a large, square base that supports your knees, ankles, and feet when sitting. Think of it like a soft mat that goes underneath your main cushion. It makes long sits more comfortable by cushioning the pressure points that often touch the floor. We offer floor cushions in natural organic cotton, with designs that match our zafus and rectangular cushions so everything works together.
Other Cushion Types
While we focus on cushions for sitting directly on the floor, you might come across a few other types:
- Crescent cushions are curved zafus that some people find more comfortable for their legs.
- Meditation benches are wooden seats used for kneeling, often in Zen or Vipassana practice.
- Yoga bolsters are long and rectangular, used more for reclining or restorative yoga than seated meditation.
Tip: Most people find that starting with a zafu and floor cushion combo gives them the most comfortable and balanced seat. It supports the hips, cushions the knees, and lets the spine stay upright with less effort.
Choosing the Right Cushion for Your Body and Practice
The cushion you choose depends on your body, how flexible your hips are, and how you like to sit. The goal is to stay upright without effort.
General suggestions:
- A standard round zafu or rectangular cushion often gives the right amount of lift.
- A higher zafu filled with spelt husk offers more support.
- While we don’t offer benches, a folded floor cushion or firm bolster can offer similar support.
Sit closer to the front edge of the cushion. This helps your pelvis tilt slightly forward, which encourages a natural spinal curve and allows your back muscles to relax.
Cushion Fillings and Materials
The materials inside your cushion make a real difference. Spelt husk is a soft, natural filling that gently shapes to your body. It’s lighter than buckwheat and doesn’t trap heat as easily. Organic cotton adds softness and durability.
Some common materials used in meditation cushions:
- Natural, breathable, and lightweight
- Hypoallergenic and soft
- Light and springy, great for crescent cushions
- Strong, breathable fabric that feels grounded and natural
Many cushions today skip synthetic materials altogether. Choosing natural, certified options like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabrics and organic fillings is better for your practice and for the planet.
Meditation Posture and Ergonomics
A meditation cushion helps you maintain good posture without overworking your body. The right height and shape can make a long sit feel much more doable.
Here’s how a good cushion helps:
- Lifts your hips slightly above your knees
- Allows a gentle forward tilt of the pelvis
- Reduces pressure on knees and ankles
- Opens space for the lungs and breath
- Lets you sit longer without fidgeting
Whether you're in lotus, half-lotus, Burmese, or cross-legged, a zafu yoga meditation cushion or rectangular pillow can help you find your seat with less strain.
How to Use a Meditation Cushion Correctly
Where you sit on your cushion matters. Sit toward the front edge, letting your knees angle down. This tilts your pelvis slightly forward, which stacks your spine naturally and keeps your core relaxed but engaged.
Try this setup:
- Place a floor cushion underneath for cushioning
- Choose a round or rectangular cushion, depending on how you sit
- Add a yoga bolster behind your lower back if needed
- Make sure your knees rest comfortably below your hips
Once your base feels steady, the rest of your body can let go.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Taking care of your cushion keeps it fresh and extends its life. You can read our full care guide here.
Simple care tips:
- If your cover is made from organic cotton, you can remove it and wash it cold, then air-dry
- Avoid washing the filling. Spelt husk and kapok should stay dry
- If needed, empty the filling and air it out in the sun now and then
Store your cushion in a dry, cool space. Rotate it occasionally to help it wear evenly. With basic care, most cushions last for many years.
The Role of Zafus in Meditation Practice
Zafus have been used for centuries. They’re simple tools with a clear purpose: to help you sit with ease and stay with your breath. You’ll see them in Zen temples, yoga studios, and quiet homes all over the world.
Why zafus continue to work:
- They raise the hips and open the legs
- They encourage upright posture without effort
- They reduce lower back strain
- They help bring a steady, grounded feeling to your seat
Round, rectangular, and square cushion styles each offer something different. It’s just a matter of finding what works best for your body.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth buying a meditation cushion?
Yes. A meditation cushion helps support your posture, reduces discomfort, and allows you to sit more comfortably and for longer periods. Many people find it easier to stay focused when their body is supported properly.
Is a meditation cushion better than a bolster?
Meditation cushions and bolsters serve different purposes. A zafu or meditation cushion is designed for upright seated meditation, while a bolster is usually used for reclining postures or restorative yoga. For sitting, a zafu offers better spinal support.
What is the difference between a meditation chair and a cushion?
A meditation chair includes a backrest and often sits higher off the ground. A cushion, like a zafu, is used directly on the floor and encourages a grounded, upright posture without external support. Cushions are more traditional and portable.
What height meditation cushion should I get?
Most people do well with a cushion height between 12 and 15 cm. If you have tighter hips or longer legs, a higher cushion can help keep your knees below your hips. Our spelt husk zafus offer adjustable height by adding or removing filling.
How do I know my cushion size?
Choose your cushion size based on your sitting posture and hip flexibility. If your knees are far off the ground when you sit cross-legged, go for a taller cushion. A floor cushion or zabuton under your main seat also helps create a balanced setup.
How to properly sit on a meditation cushion?
Sit near the front edge of your cushion. Let your knees drop lower than your hips, and allow your pelvis to tilt slightly forward. This supports your spine in its natural curve and reduces tension in your lower back and hips.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
A well-filled zafu cushion with spelt husk and a soft floor cushion makes a big difference in how your body feels during meditation. You don’t need anything fancy—just a seat that gives your spine space, your hips support, and your joints some relief.
A good zafu yoga meditation cushion made with spelt husk and organic cotton keeps you upright, comfortable, and connected to your practice.
What is the best type of meditation cushion?
The best meditation cushion is a round zafu filled with spelt husk and wrapped in organic cotton. It supports the spine, lifts the hips, and makes sitting more comfortable, without any extra bulk or synthetic materials.
