7 Best Meditation Pillows to Help You Restore Your Inner Peace

This article will help you find the most comfortable pillow to support you during meditation with its curated selection of options and tips on choosing one.
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
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Reviewed By
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Last updated: August 09, 2023
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Serenity and peace of mind are only achievable in an organized and well-equipped moment of relaxation. Beyond the total silence that must imperatively reign in the room, sitting on a comfortable pillow also provides this quietude. It is therefore important to choose the best meditation pillow that withstands intense stresses.

These accessories support your practice and put the odds in your favor to achieve your goals: reduction of chronic pain, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. After extensive research, we have selected and analyzed some of the top-rated models, which we will introduce to you in this article. Also, you’ll find in this guide practical information to find a meditation pillow perfectly suited to your meditation programs.

Quick Summary

Top 7 Meditation Pillows Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4384 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.9
Features
  • Shape: round
  • Size: 12 x 12 4.5, 13 x 13 x 4.5 or 16 x 16 x 4.5 inches
  • Weight: 4 lbs.
  • Material: cotton
  • Filling: buckwheat hull

More features: versatile; comes in a variety of colors; promotes proper posture; machine-washable cover; convenient handles

The cover of this yoga meditation pillow is made of hemp cotton, which promotes its durability. It is sufficiently sized to allow good cross-legged posture. Its zipper is hidden for great aesthetics. Suitable for both experienced practitioners and beginners, it is versatile due to its seat height of around 4.5 inches. Also, to guarantee you a greater level of comfort, you can, if you wish, match this pillow with a meditation mat. Likewise, it comes to you with a whole range of colors, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

This pillow is designed for yoga beginners and advanced practicers. The cushion relieves stress on knee joints and also supports the back. We, therefore, see this as the best meditation pillow for bad backs.

    What are its best features?
  • Stuffed with organic buckwheat, this meditation pillow is super comfortable, allowing you to concentrate to the fullest. We also liked the flexibility of this pillow. It offers great posture support during use. It is also machine washable and available in three sizes and five color options.
    What could be improved?
  • The processing of the materials requires better quality control. A few users report finding bugs. However, this is something common with buckwheat.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5205 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
Features
  • Shape: rectangular
  • Size: 25 x 14 x 5.5 inches
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs.
  • Material: eco-suede, produced sustainably from recycled 100% vegan materials
  • Filling: layers of recycled foam

More features: has a carry handle; machine washable cover; comes in a variety of colors; durable; dual-layer technology

This rectangular-shaped model offers you everything you need to enjoy your meditative practice in the best possible conditions. Filled with layers of recycled foams, it is fully covered in an eco-suede material that is sustainably produced from 100 percent vegan materials.  This silky and very light vegetable fiber gives it great stability while maintaining flexibility. With dimensions of 25 x 14 x 5.5 inches, the Ajna Yoga Meditation Pillow is bigger than most of the other models in our selection. Very light, hypoallergenic, and sterilized, it is also available in a wide choice of colors.

It is a pillow that designers, masseurs, and master yogas particularly appreciate because of its functional and elegant aspects. Padded with recycled foams, this model is relatively flexible to allow you to relax when the time comes. Also, thanks to this structure, it effectively stabilizes your seat to keep you in balance during your moments of meditation.

    What makes it special?
  • This yoga meditation pillow withstands the most intensive uses, thanks to its design with double stitching. In addition, the product is ideal for people with allergens. The composition of this model considerably limits the risks of hypersensitivity.
    What cons did we find?
  • It's considerably more expensive than other pillows in this review. However, there are no complaints from users about this product.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2582 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
Features
  • Shape: round
  • Size: 13 x 13 or 16 x 16 inches
  • Weight: 2.04 kg
  • Material: polyester
  • Filling: buckwheat hulls

More features: comes in a variety of colors; multipurpose; machine-washable cover; handles for portability; one year warranty

Perhaps the best yoga meditation pillow on the market, this is a round pillow that is covered in a polyester material. The filling includes buckwheat hulls. The product comes in several color varieties and two sizes: 13-inch and 16-inch diameters.

If you want to relieve stress, this pillow is perfect. Its ergonomic shape allows it to reduce compression in the spine. The pillow measures 13 and 16 inches in width for a weight of 2 kg. This makes it a very suitable product for meditation that is easy to transport. This model of yoga cushion is, first of all, very practical for a relaxation activity but is also interesting for other activities such as reading. Comfortable and resistant, it will make you feel comfortable sitting on it. It is also suitable for sitting in front of a low table to have an aperitif with friends.

    Why did it make our list?
  • We liked how highly comfortable this is. It is designed to prevent numbness in the legs during your sessions. The padding is made of buckwheat, which further enhances comfort while optimizing back support.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The stitching could be better. It's made in China. However, it's a very cheap pillow.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2552 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.3
Features
  • Shape: rectangular
  • Size: 14.29 x 11.85 x 6.97 inches
  • Weight: 2.56 kg
  • Material: cotton
  • Filling: buckwheat hulls

More features: eco-friendly; handmade; comfortable to sit on

The Monk & Llama pillow is also another rectangular pillow. However, this is filled with buckwheat hulls. The cover is made of cotton. The product is made of eco-friendly materials and is handmade and comfortable to sit on.

This model takes the best you can find in a yoga cushion with an eco-friendly filling material and guaranteed organic cotton cultivation. If you are looking for a yoga cushion that meets ecological requirements, you must look at this model. This pillow is ideal for sensitive people. We also liked that this model is also particularly pleasant to the touch and hypoallergenic.

    Why is it special?
  • Machine or hand washable, this cushion will naturally find its place in the living room or the bedroom for special moments. We liked that this model has all the qualities that one can ask for this type of pillow. Ergonomic, therapeutic, ecological, and practical, it will suit all members of the family. Note that it is also possible to choose from several colors, which means that this cushion can adapt to your style. The price is more attractive, which makes it a very good investment.
    What are the flaws?
  • We found nothing wrong with this product. Also, there are no complaints from other users. It is comfortable, made of organic materials, handmade, and of high quality.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4829 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.1
Features
  • Shape: square
  • Size: 22 x 22 x 3.94 inches
  • Weight: 2.14 lbs.
  • Material: linen
  • Filling: cotton

More features: comes in a variety of patterns; soft to touch; multifunctional

Our option of the best floor pillow meditation accessory is a flat, square, ergonomic floor pillow with multiple tufting. This pillow comes in one size of 22 x 22 x 3.94 inches, weighing 2.14 lbs. The pillow may seem large on the floor, but it remains lightweight. The cover material is made of linen while it’s filled with cotton. The linen material makes it soft to the touch. Very multifunctional, it comes in a variety of materials.

What differentiates this pillow from other models is its bohemian/Indian style. It’s ideal for yoga in the living room, balcony, and outdoor use. Even kids can use it in their playing room.

    What stands out?
  • The 100% cotton filling with nylon cover material ensures the pillow is soft and comfortable. This model of pillow is intended for people wishing to practice meditation at home in the best conditions. With a resistant and, at the same time, soft material, this cushion is a good starting point for learning yoga and meditation. Like the previous model, it is possible to choose the color of your pillow. Thus, you'll have a pillow that matches your personality.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • We think the pillow would be better appreciated if it was removable for ease of washing. You can't remove the cover, apparently because of the tufted design. However, while you can't wash it in the machine, it is still washable by hand.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4148 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
8.9
Features
  • Shape: round
  • Size: 12 x 12 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 2.06 lbs.
  • Material: organic cover
  • Filling: buckwheat hull

More features: washable cover; adjustable; GOTS-certified

A very popular product because of its excellent value for money, this model is obtainable in seven colors. This yoga pillow consists of a filling of buckwheat hull. The cover is 100 percent cotton, 100 percent organic, and very durable. Note that it is possible to wash this cover in the washing machine. In terms of size, this is a high profile with a height of 6 inches and a diameter of 12 inches.

This is perfect for starting meditation at home without hurting yourself. If you are looking for a bigger pillow, this is it! The pillow is designed for lotus position meditation. The weight of the set is 2.06 pounds, which is relatively small and allows children to handle the pillow.

    What are our favorite features?
  • What we like about this model is that asides from meditation, it can be used as a pouf to spend time with friends around the coffee table. We like the material the cover is made of. First, it is washable. Secondly, it is made of organic and hypoallergenic cotton and is certified by GOTS. Hence, it is ideal for people suffering from allergens.
    What could be better?
  • One of the only downsides we can think of is that it is only available in one color. However, this only size is regular: not too big nor too small. Other than that, we found no problem with this pillow.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2687 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.7
7
Best Travel Meditation Pillow

NOVO Wellbeing Zafu Meditation pillow

Features
  • Shape: circle
  • Size: 12 x 4.5 inches
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs.
  • Material: cotton, linen, and velvet blend
  • Filling: buckwheat hull

More features: comes in different colors; has a complimentary lavender eye pillow; optimal support; odor-free; removable cover

Filled with buckwheat hull, this meditation pillow blends very easily with the shape of your body while supporting you firmly. Thanks to the filling system, this device ensures the regulation of temperature and humidity. Also, it is woven from a blend of linen, velvet, and cotton fiber, which in contact with the skin presents less of a low risk of allergic reaction.

The height and diameter of this cushion are suitable for different relaxation situations. Ideal for yoga meditation, the pillow can be used for cold and hot aromatherapy. What differentiates this product is the free eye pillow that comes with it. This is ideal for applying pressure to the eyes and for relieving headaches.

    Why did it make our list?
  • We like the handle of the pillow. It is designed for transportability. The cover also includes a zipper which ensures the inner content can be removed. You can machine wash it in case of stubborn stains. We also like its all-natural filling.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The pillow could be bigger. It has a diameter of 12 inches and a height of just 4.5 inches. It will not be suitable, especially for those who have just had bum surgery.

Things to Consider

As more and more people adopt home meditation as their daily practice, the supply of meditation pillows continues to grow, making the selection more difficult. To be sure to make the right choices, you must take into consideration the posture you take when you practice your meditation. This will determine the type of pillow that will be ideal for you. In this buying guide, we’ll provide you with more information on meditation pillows, why you need one, and how to choose one.

Why do you need a meditation pillow?

7 Best Meditation Pillows to Help You Restore Your Inner Peace

The use of a pillow and other accessories is important to ensure your comfort while sitting in different postures while meditating. Most people are only interested in accessories like the yoga block or the mat. Many ignore the wonders that a good pillow can bring. If you are not yet convinced about the need for a meditation pillow, any of these five reasons might change your mind.

  • A practical accessory for yoga

Even without your yoga bolster, you can use your pillow for relaxing poses. It can be used to support the knees in inclined twists. You can also lie on it in the Bound Angle Reclining Pose or “Baddha Konasana.” The material will support the lower back.

  • They represent your meditation style

Each person can find the model that suits them according to the morphology of their body. The same goes for your mind and the movements you want to achieve during the session. By testing a pillow, an individual can automatically determine whether the item is right for them or not. A good pillow generates a good meditative vibration.

Each time you sit on this pillow, you will automatically feel the comfort and well-being that it brings to your body. Some yoga practitioners even claim that certain types of pillows can generate positive energies.

Features to consider before you buy a meditation pillow

From the size to the shape, filling material, cover material, and the possibility of washing it, in this section, we’ll see some of the features to consider in a meditation pillow.

Shape

Between the full lotus, half lotus (crossed legs), or the kneeling position (seiza), there are different meditation postures, and you can use more than one for your meditative practice.

And, depending on your personal preferences or the demands of your meditation program, some type of support is, in most cases, necessary to maintain proper alignment and comfort during sessions. You should therefore pay special attention to the shape adopted by the meditation pillow. Here are the different options:

  • Zafu

Shaped like a half-moon or round and featuring lateral expansion pleats, the Zafu meditation pillow allows the legs to rest comfortably, raising the hips and upper body. It is well suited to people of average height and who have fairly good flexibility. If you do not fall into these categories, avoid this type of meditation pillow, as you could expose yourself to problems with your balance. Finally, it should be noted that this type of meditation pillow is ideal for lotus or similar sits in which your knees are lying flat. The REEHUT Yoga Pillow and the NOVO Wellbeing Meditation Pillow are examples of good zofa pillows.

  • Cosmic

This is a variation of zafu that works well for almost everyone, but especially for taller people. Also, for those who are less flexible, the Cosmic Meditation pillow has extended sides to support the thighs.

  • Rectangular

Often preferred by more experienced meditators, the rectangular meditation pillow is suitable for people of average or smaller height but also those with greater flexibility. A typical example of this type of shape is the Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow and the Monk & Llama Pillow.

Size

When it comes to choosing your meditation pillow, you will need to know which height you need or which you prefer. It must be between 4.5 to 6 inches so that the knees are not too high in relation to the pelvis.

However, be careful not to choose a pillow that is too high as this could cause back pain. So you have to find a balance.

The width of the yoga pillow, it’s very simple: it must be adapted to the width of your buttocks. Also, consider that you might be taking your pillow with you everywhere or considering packing it in your suitcase for the holidays. If this is the case, it must have a more compact size and maybe a handle, like the NOVO Wellbeing Zafu Meditation Pillow. As regarding the weight, this should not be more than 2 pounds.

Cover material

7 Best Meditation Pillows to Help You Restore Your Inner Peace

Look for materials like cotton (or another breathable, easy-to-clean fabric) for the cover of your meditation pillow. It is also advisable that the cover be removable and machine washable.

Filling

Meditation pillows are made from a variety of materials, and you should take the time to think carefully about the material used for the padding. That being said, kapok and buckwheat hull are the two main options.

  • The kapok

This is a fluffy material similar to cotton. Kapok is an all-natural fiber harvested from the pods of the kapok tree found in Asia and parts of the southern United States. When incorporated into a meditation pillow, the kapok becomes dense and firm. This lightweight natural material has the particularity of not compressing like cotton, polyester fleece, and foam products.

The pillow is then very stable while remaining flexible. It also has the unique ability to retain its softness after many uses.

  • Buckwheat hulls

Dark and saucer-shaped buckwheat hulls are the outer husk of the buckwheat grain. When a meditation pillow is stuffed with buckwheat hulls, it provides an effect comparable to a pile of sand but with much less weight. This type of pillow, however, weighs more than those filled with kapok. On the other hand, buckwheat hull pillows have the advantage of being more stable and of adapting quite easily to the shape of the body, at the same time creating a feeling of being very anchored.

  • Spelled ball

Some mediation pillows are filled with cleaned and uncluttered, spelled hulls. This allows them to adapt perfectly to your body type and to support the spine. Among other known benefits, spelled husks also promote natural relaxation and ensure good temperature and humidity regulation. In addition, mediation pillows with this filling can be emptied or refilled according to your needs.

  • Airbag

Many meditation pillows are designed to be light and portable, but if these parameters are a big deal for you, you might be well advised to consider purchasing an inflatable model. These types of mediation pillows play the card of convenience. So, when you’re not using your pillow, you can easily fold it up and store it – or slip it into your bag to take with you for meditation practice on the go.

FAQ

What’s the best way to use a meditation pillow?

During meditation, the practitioner must maintain a posture called the lotus posture. This position is recommended to facilitate breathing and, above all, to keep the back straight during the session. For this, the use of a meditation pillow is essential to avoid unbearable back pain during meditation. Cross-legged sitting tends to round the back and therefore causes back pain. But also, some people can experience pain in the legs very quickly because of this posture, especially if the meditation is prolonged.

How to clean a meditation pillow?

To clean your meditation pillow, the first step is to empty it of its filling (buckwheat hulls, spelled husks, kapok, etc.). Most models are equipped with a zipper for this purpose so that you can access the interior. We recommend that you pour the filling into a clean bucket or large container, preferably outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and with a mask – especially when it comes to buckwheat hulls – to avoid inhaling the dust. Next, you will have to clean the cover. In general, it can be dry cleaned, or hand washed (in cold water and with a mild detergent) and dried at low temperature. For machine washing, it is recommended to use a liquid detergent and not to overload the appliance.

Our verdict

Rated 9.9 out of 10, the REEHUT Zafu Yoga Meditation Pillow has a cover made of hemp cotton. It is sufficiently sized to allow good cross-legged posture. Its zipper is hidden for great aesthetics. It is our overall best meditation pillow.

Our Premium Pick is the Ajna Yoga Bolster Pillow. Rated 9.8, this rectangular-shaped model offers you everything you need to enjoy your meditative practice in the best possible conditions.

Offering the best value, the Peace Yoga Bolster Pillow earns a 9.5 rating. This is a round pillow that is covered in polyester material and filled with buckwheat hulls.

9,9
Total Score
REEHUT Zafu Yoga Meditation pillow - Editor’s Choice
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