To learn more about what to look for in a meditation pillow, we enlisted the help of meditation expert, yoga teacher, and reiki master Susy Markoe Schieffelin. Below, find our picks for the best meditation pillows of 2023, along with expert advice on how to use them, who can benefit from them, and what to look for when shopping for your own. Meditation pillows generally fall into one of two categories: Since your meditation practice is meant to be a nurturing, supportive experience, your pillow should enhance that by keeping your body in alignment. Regardless of your age or meditation style, a cushion can make your meditation much more comfortable. There are even meditation pillows designed specifically for children, so kids can get in on the Zen time, too. This cushion supports people up to 350 pounds and features double stitching for more durability. A subtle carrying strap makes it easy to carry from room to room or to your yoga studio. As the buckwheat conforms to your shape, it encourages healthy posture and spinal alignment. The crescent shape gives more support to the thighs while accommodating different positions, although a few users felt it was a bit narrow. Some people also used it as a bed pillow or between their knees while sleeping. With over 1,100 ratings, most of them 5-star, the Seat of Your Soul Crescent Meditation Cushion has proven to be a fan favorite, especially for those with back pain. An enthusiastic buyer says, “I bought this for casual floor sitting since our new luxury couches were killing my back…my lower back and hips would just ache and make me hobble…This one is super well made…It gets my back straight, keeps me on my sitz bones, and my legs take much longer to fall asleep.” Another fun perk, the cushion has a carrying handle for easy movement (which comes in handy because it is on the heavier side). Due to the soft, absorbent nature of the cover, this cushion should be used indoors. The handcrafted, organic cotton cover comes in a huge variety of colors. It contains natural buckwheat hull filling that can be removed for comfort customization, but while many cushions have an inner pouch for the filling, this one does not. To clean it, you’ll need to dump the buckwheat hulls into a bowl and hand wash the cover. With a removable, GOTS-certified organic cotton cover and natural buckwheat hulls, this pillow checks many sustainability boxes. It has a firm, supportive feel that can be adjusted to your preference by removing or adding filling as needed. For ease of movement and storage, a carrying handle is built into the side. Both the mat and cushion have non-removable cotton covers that must be hand-washed. The zafu is filled with kapok, a lightweight tree fiber often used in bed pillows. Durable, double-stitched seams guard against leakage and ensure its longevity. The mat rolls up, and the zafu has a carrying handle for easy portability. The bolster comes in a standard and travel size, the travel option being seven inches shorter. Each size is only available in one color, and the additional covers come in coordinating patterns. For an added bonus, your purchase will include a carrying case that makes traveling with this bolster a breeze. People love this cushion for its firm support and impressive durability. Customers say it is “totally worth every penny,” and even those who use it daily say “it’s still as firm as when I got it.” Its oval shape accommodates various positions and growing bodies. Children will feel more comfortable on the slightly-shorter profile, while enjoying the posture support of natural buckwheat. Parents can rest easy knowing their little ones aren’t exposed to any harmful materials. Plus, 1% of every purchase is donated to Sustainable Surf, an ocean conservation non-profit. With a combination of style, comfort, and durability, it’s no wonder this meditation pillow has an abundance of 5-star reviews. One parent writes, “I bought the oval meditation cushion three years ago and have been using it for meditation ever since. It’s a beautiful, comfortable, versatile, thoughtfully designed, and well-made cushion.” The Crystal Meditation Pillow features a plush, microfiber cover that unzips for machine washing. It’s filled with a natural buckwheat hull that helps the pillow conform to each person. For an extra touch, a package of amethyst and quartz crystals is included, ready to be mixed with the buckwheat hulls. This cushion is available in four muted colors, to fit any color scheme. A textured basketweave appearance adds a touch of class and comfort, which many people (and their pets) enjoy. One pleased customer writes, “Absolutely love this meditation pillow. I literally use it everyday. I feel like it really helps with my posture when I meditate.” Others say that it is “super comfortable,” “stylish,” and helps them stay consistent with their meditation practice. Keep in mind, there is no accompanying pump, so this pillow must be inflated manually. The medium size is 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide and accommodates people up to 6 feet tall. The large size boasts an extra inch of height and width, great for people who need a little extra space. Even though this pillow does require a bit more balance than others, it is beloved by travelers for its durability and comfort. One person who used this pillow “all day every day” on a three week vacation writes, “I didn’t even have to add air to it. I was thrilled." Another reviewer declares, “Recently, I’ve injured a knee. I can’t sit on any other cushion…It provides the perfect amount of height, and it’s amazingly comfortable.” Comfort: Your physical size and flexibility will determine which pillow works best. When it comes time to shop, Schieffelin says, “Have fun with it and know that your comfort is ultimately what matters most.” Materials: According to Schieffelin, you should find a cushion that attracts and inspires you. She tells us, “Choose a material that feels attractive and comfortable to you.” Longevity: If meditation is part of your daily routine, you want a pillow made to last. Schieffelin’s recommendation is “a pillow made of natural materials that are sustainably sourced. Many are made of cotton or canvas.”
