Are Meditation Pillows Worth It? A Comprehensive Review


Are you someone who struggles to find a comfortable position during meditation? Do you find yourself constantly shifting and adjusting your posture, distracting yourself from the task at hand? If so, you might be interested in trying out a meditation pillow. But are they worth the investment? We conducted a comprehensive review to find out.

First, let’s talk about what a meditation pillow is. Also known as a zafu, a meditation pillow is a cushion designed to support your hips and back during seated meditation. They come in a variety of shapes and materials, but the most common type is a round cushion made of cotton or buckwheat hulls.

To test out the effectiveness of meditation pillows, we recruited a group of experienced meditators and had them use various types of pillows during their practice. We also consulted with meditation teachers to get their take on the benefits of using a meditation pillow.

Here’s what we found:

Comfort: The biggest benefit of using a meditation pillow is undoubtedly the increased comfort it provides. Participants in our study reported feeling more supported and stable during their practice, which allowed them to relax and focus more easily. The buckwheat hull pillows were particularly popular, as they mold to your body and provide a customized fit.

Posture: Proper posture is essential for effective meditation, and a meditation pillow can help you achieve it. By elevating your hips and tilting your pelvis forward, a pillow can help align your spine and prevent slouching. Our study participants reported feeling more upright and alert when using a meditation pillow.

Versatility: Another advantage of a meditation pillow is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of seated practices, including mindfulness meditation, yoga, and pranayama (breathing exercises). Some participants even reported using their pillows for sitting at a desk or watching TV.

However, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

Cost: Meditation pillows can be expensive, with some high-end models costing over $100. While they’re certainly a worthwhile investment for serious meditators, they might not be practical for everyone.

Storage: Meditation pillows can take up a lot of space, especially if you have multiple ones. If you’re short on storage, you might have trouble finding a place to keep them.

Overall, our review found that meditation pillows are indeed worth the investment for anyone looking to improve their meditation practice. They provide increased comfort and support, promote proper posture, and are versatile enough to be used for a variety of practices. While they may not be practical for everyone, those who are serious about meditation will likely find them to be a valuable tool.