What to Buy Therapy Subscriptions & Telemedicine The 11 Best Meditation Pillows for All Types of Bodies and Yogis Get the most out of your sessions with these meditation pillows that ease pain and help you focus. By Isabella Ubaldi Isabella Ubaldi Isabella has 10 years’ research and writing experience covering topics that range from how ‘femtech’ helps to fill the gap in our medical understanding of women’s bodies to the best moisturizing body washes. Her curiosity about the world feeds her keen interest in helping people reduce the shopping noise and simply make better decisions. health's editorial guidelines Updated on June 15, 2023 Medically reviewed by Melissa Bronstein, LICSW Medically reviewed by Melissa Bronstein, LICSW Melissa Bronstein, LICSW, is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist with a virtual private practice specializing in supporting young adults who want to manage anxiety, improve their relationships, and navigate life transitions. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected Meditation Pillows What to Know About Meditation Pillows Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / David Hattan Meditation can be a daunting word, let alone practice, for some. But while the idea of sitting in silence on a meditation pillow may seem jarring, the benefits of regular meditation are widely known. Lindsay Monal is a meditation guide, yoga teacher, and sound healer who says that meditation has been shown to reduce blood pressure, stress and anxiety, and even inflammation. And studies suggest meditation may increase focus, concentration, and contentment. Meditation pillows are ideal for reducing pressure on your joints, which allows you to maintain comfort throughout your session. Similarly, a relaxed posture creates a smoother, more relaxed breathing experience and the sheer fact of seeing your meditation pillow in your room may remind you to take a moment to practice. Francesca Valarezo, a Latinx yoga therapeutics, breathwork, and meditation healer, agrees that meditation pillows are helpful as they raise your hips above your knees and angle your pelvis. This change in position creates a sturdy posture by stacking the spine and engaging crucial muscles. The result is the ability to practice mediation for longer periods of time without becoming uncomfortable. To help you go deeper with your meditation practice, we’ve rounded up the best meditation pillows accounting for factors like comfort, size and shape, materials, durability, and care. Read on to discover our list based on research and expert recommendations. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Avocado Yoga Meditation Pillow at Avocadogreenmattress.com Jump to Review Best Budget: DEDEMCO Hand-Woven Natural Floor Pouf at Amazon Jump to Review Best Large: Ajna Cushion Floor Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Small: Waterglider International Yoga Meditation Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Crescent: Florensi Crescent Meditation Cushion at Amazon.de Jump to Review Best Bolster: Jade Yoga Cylindrical Bolster at Jadeyoga.com Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Jade Yoga Meditation Cushion at Jadeyoga.com Jump to Review Best Set: Halfmoon Linen Mod Sit Set at Everydayyoga.com Jump to Review Best For Tight Hips: Florensi Bamboo Meditation Bench at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Knee Pain: Maya Lumbini Meditation Mat at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Avocado Organic Yoga Meditation Pillow Avocado View On Avocadogreenmattress.com View On Refinery29.com Why We Like It It’s handmade in LA with all natural, organic, and vegan materials. It’s Worth Noting The seams may break with repeated use. We love this meditation pillow as it comes recommended by Lindsay Monal who uses it herself for her meditation sessions. This pillow was crafted with a lot of intention. The vegan buckwheat filling, sourced from North Dakota, makes the inside malleable enough to adjust the height as needed. Meanwhile, the GOTS-certified organic cotton on the outside material means that your pillow was made in a more eco-friendly manner. From a functional point-of-view, it’s a great all-rounder for meditation newbies and pros alike. The integrated handles make it easy to move your pillow to wherever you plan to get your Zen on. One downside to this pillow is that the seams are a little weak and may break with repeated use. The good news is that Avocado's customer service is very attentive and responsive, so if the seams on this pillow break, contact the company right away. The pillow comes with a 30-day trial and a 1-year warranty. A quick spot clean with a damp cloth is all you need to keep this pillow fresh. Price at time of publication: $79 Product Details: Outside Material: GOTS-certified organic cotton Filling: Buckwheat Shape: Oval Best Budget DEDEMCO Hand-Woven Natural Floor Pouf Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It This pillow doubles as a feature for your interiors. It’s Worth Noting The straw outer may not be soft enough for some. This pillow blends the best of both worlds with its straw outer material and cushioned inner, which makes it a perfect low budget option for indoor and outdoor use. This handwoven number also comes recommended by Valarezo who likes it “because it's sturdy while being comfortable for meditation. The handmade straw weave gives a beautiful, natural vibe to any space and is inexpensive.” It’s a relatively low pillow and is slightly less elevated than some other options on this list, which may be a problem for those with particularly tight hips or back pain. But when it comes to cleaning, a simple wipe with a damp cloth is enough to maintain it. Price at time of publication: $29 Product Details: Outside Material: Straw Filling: Sponge Shape: Round Best Large Ajna Velvet Zabuton Meditation Mat - Luxurious Meditation Cushion Floor Pillow Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It It has a velvet finish available in 5 colors. It’s Worth Noting It may not be high enough for some. As the name suggests, meditation mats are the largest of all of the options on this list. They’re great because they support your knees as well as your lower back. This is made from 100% organic cotton batting, which is a process that layers cotton between the outer fabrics, sandwich-style. A machine-washable protective case makes this an easy pillow to keep clean and look after. The cotton filling means that depending on your needs, this pillow may be too soft for you especially compared to some others on the list. And for those with lower back pain, you may feel more comfortable elevating yourself higher than your knees in which case you could sit on a cushion on top of this mat. Price at time of publication: $60 Product Details: Outside Material: Velvet Filling: Cotton Shape: Square Best Small Waterglider International Zafu Cushion Yoga Meditation Pillow Amazon View On Amazon View On Waterglider-meditation.com Why We Like It It’s small and available in 10 colors to suit any sized room and decor. It’s Worth Noting Those with sore knees may need something bigger to lift the knees higher off the ground. This apartment-friendly sized option is a great entry-level pillow at a palatable price. It’s filled with eco-friendly, 100% American buckwheat, which makes the footprint of this product slightly lower. The Waterglider will nicely lift your hips off the ground without taking up too much space in your preferred meditation area. If you have sore knees, you may need something higher or wider to offer more support to your joints and knees. To clean the cotton outer, use a damp cloth. Or, for a deeper clean, remove the buckwheat filling and pop it in the washing machine. Price at time of publication: $40 Product Details: Outside Material: CottonFilling: Buckwheat Shape: Round Best Crescent Florensi Crescent Meditation Cushion Amazon View On Amazon.de View On Florensi.com Why We Like It It’s height is adjustable for superior comfort. It’s Worth Noting The mandala pattern may not suit everyone’s tastes and spiritual creeds. Crescent-shaped pillows are a better option for those with lower back issues. The wide, stable base means you can choose to sit cross-legged with your feet on the pillow or have your feet on the ground and your hips slightly elevated. This one is filled with buckwheat husks and topped with a foam insert for extra comfort and support. It also has a subtle zip within it so that you can adjust the height as needed. This cushion is particularly practical because it also doubles as a yoga prop, so you can support your knees and spine in twists. Likewise, it has a built-in handle which makes it easy to carry around the house, in and out of the car, or on the way to your yoga or meditation class. And, when you’re ready to give it a wash, remove the cover and wash it directly in the machine. Price at time of publication: $45 Product Details: Outside Material: VelvetFilling: BuckwheatShape: Crescent Best Bolster Jade Yoga Cylindrical Bolster Jade Yoga View On Jadeyoga.com Why We Like It It’s a classic shape from an iconic brand. It’s Worth Noting These bolsters come both in rectangular and cylindrical shapes. Bolsters are perhaps some of the best-known shapes for meditation pillows because they’re effective for both yoga and meditation. They’re particularly great for yoga because they allow you to sink further into your postures and create more space for openness. With a bolster, you can sit comfortably with your hips elevated above your knees or lie down with your spine running vertically along the length of the pillow. Doing so will mellow your breathing exercises and open the chest for deeper and longer breaths. Price at time of publication: $85 Product Details: Outside Material: Organic cottonFilling: Cotton/poly blendShape: Rectangular and round cylinders Best Sustainable Jade Yoga Meditation Cushion Jade Yoga View On Jadeyoga.com Why We Like It It’s available in two shapes: Zafu (round) and Zabuton (rectangular). It’s Worth Noting The round and rectangular pillows can be stacked for extra support. It goes without saying that the most sustainable way to purchase is to buy second-hand. However, if you’re not comfortable with that or are in the mood for something new, then it’s good to know that several brands listed in this roundup are sustainably-minded. That means they follow protocols to make their products as kind as possible to the planet and Jade Yoga is an established brand within this category. They have several styles of meditation pillows, bolsters and yoga products to cater to a range of needs. Their round and rectangular cushions are made from an organic cotton outer meaning the cotton harvest is less harmful to the surrounding ecosystem. The rounded shape has a standard buckwheat hull while the rectangular shape features a cotton/poly blend. One great thing about this brand is that they partner with the International Anti-Poaching Foundation to support an all-women anti-poaching unit dedicated to protecting elephants and other African wildlife from poaching. Price at time of publication: $65 Product Details: Outside Material: Organic cotton Filling: Cotton/poly blend or buckwheat husk depending on style Shape: Round and rectangular Best Set Halfmoon Linen Mod Sit Set Everyday Yoga View On Everydayyoga.com View On Shophalfmoon.com Why We Like It It’s a set that is chic and serene at the same time. It’s Worth Noting The price may not fit everybody’s budget. This set came recommended by one of our experts, Lindsay Monal. Available in three linen colorways, the mat & round pillow invite a sense of timeless serenity just by looking at them. They’re also functional, of course. They include a flax linen outer which uses less water than other types of fabric production. Meanwhile, the rounded pillow includes a classic buckwheat filling, so you can adjust the height of the pillow as needed. Sets are a great way to take your practice further. By setting one up in your room, you are creating a dedicated space that fosters more frequent and longer practices. Naturally, you are getting a range of pillow options, but one of the main benefits is that you can stack the rounded pillow on top of the mat. This elevates and creates space within your hips while further supporting your knees and joints. Price at time of publication: $214 Product Details: Outside Material: LinenFilling: 100% Canadian buckwheatShape: Round and square Best For Tight Hips Florensi Bamboo Meditation Bench Amazon View On Amazon View On Florensi.com Why We Like It It’s foldable, lightweight, compact, and you can meditate without crossing your legs. It’s Worth Noting It may take up too much space for some. Monal recommends considering your individual needs before buying a meditation pillow. She suggests considering how easily you can sit down and get up from a low level. If you struggle with this movement, she recommends meditating in a chair. However, this meditation bench is a great inbetween option. Made from bamboo, this bench folds up and has sturdy hinges on legs that tilt at 5 degrees. This means that you can elevate your hips off the ground without having to cross your legs and experience pain and numbness. It also comes with a removable, velvet cushion for added comfort without sinking your posture. Plus, it leaves you open to practicing in a variety of postures such as seiza, lotus, cross-legged or with your feet under the bench. Price at time of publication: $70 Product Details: Outside Material: Bamboo, velvet outer, velvet caseFilling: None listed Shape: Oval stool Best For Knee Pain Maya Lumbini Meditation Mat Amazon View On Amazon View On Mayalumbini.com Why We Like It It’s available in two sizes to accommodate taller people. It’s Worth Noting This mat might not suit everybody’s budgets. A meditation mat is great because it allows you to sit with support under your knees, ankles, and joints. This Maya Lumbini option is filled with kapok, a fluffy natural material that’s often used as an alternative to cotton. It’s naturally hypoallergenic which makes it a great alternative to pillows with buckwheat fillings. This is a durable option with an especially thick cushion and heavy-duty double seams. The GOTS-certified organic cotton cover is easy to wash on a cold setting and can be tumble dried separately. Price at time of publication: $89 Product Details: Outside Material: 100% certified organic cotton Filling: Kapok Shape: Square Best for Back Pain Xtreme Comforts Seat Cushion 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It It’s perfect for meditating in a chair. It’s Worth Noting The fabric may start to pill after extended use. This little seat cushion has a multitude of uses and will allow you to meditate at home or on vacation, while working on a laptop or even while sitting in your car. The pillow has a memory foam, ergonomic U-shaped design which makes it ideal to support your lower back and lumbar spine. The fact that it’s memory foam makes it lightweight and easy to transport, especially with the included travel bag. Meanwhile, the removable and machine washable cover means you can keep this pillow from harboring bacteria wherever you take it. Price at time of publication: $40 Product Details: Outside Material: Breathable mesh Filling: Memory foam Shape: U-shaped How We Selected Meditation Pillows To select the best meditation pillows, we researched the top options on the market. We also asked meditation instructors which brands they recommend along with their insight on what shoppers should look for when choosing a meditation pillow, as well as what they should avoid. Additionally, we made sure to include products that suit a variety of physical concerns and home needs. The experts we spoke to include: Lindsay Monal, a sound healer, yoga teacher, meditation guide and Reiki master Francesca Valarezo, a founder of Shamanek, breathwork teacher and meditation healer We compared picks based on filling, outside material, price, size, and style to bring you the top options available online today. What to Know About Meditation Pillows Comfort and Materials When it comes to meditation pillows, there are several things that will determine your overall comfort. The filling could include memory foam, buckwheat, polyester or cotton batting. Each of these fillings has their own benefits. A buckwheat filling, for example, is more malleable (it’s similar to a bean bag) and you can push certain sections of the filling to support certain parts of your body. For the outer, you could find anything from organic cotton and linen to soft velvet types. Finally, it’s important to learn what kind of height will benefit your body. Monal says, “When selecting a cushion, make sure it fully supports your seat, and allows your knees and ankles to fall lower than your hips. This will encourage a tall spine throughout your practice and help you feel ease along the hips, lower back, and legs.” Size and Shape There are several sizes, shapes and heights available for meditation pillows and each has a slightly different benefit. A bolster, for example, can double as a yoga prop helping you stretch deeper into certain postures. Whereas a bench is tilted to a certain degree, which will take the most pressure off your lower back. Monal recommends finding a cushion that supports you enough that you won’t feel the need to slouch throughout your practice. Durability and Care With proper care, your meditation pillow should last you several years. This means it’s worth paying a little extra attention to your needs and investing in something that you know you’ll enjoy for a while to come. Many of the meditation pillows listed here are made with intention, meaning they’re made with high-quality, locally sourced materials. Some of them come with a washable carrying case or dust cover, most will wash up clean with a damp cloth. As always, check your pillow’s instructions for best care advice. Your Questions, Answered How should you use a meditation pillow? How you use your meditation pillow will come down to your individual needs or preferences. While it’s recommended that you sit upright and avoid slouching, laying down is perfectly fine if you find you’re in pain sitting up. The goal of a meditation pillow is solely to promote comfort so that you can hold a painless, supported, elongated position in order to get the most out of your meditation sessions. Is it better to meditate sitting or lying down? Many meditation guides and teachers suggest that sitting and kneeling fosters a deeper meditative state. However, “It's important to listen to your body and find out what works for you. If meditating lying down, I recommend doing so right before bed since it will help ease you into sleep,” says Valarezo. Why should I use a meditation pillow? A meditation pillow will make you more comfortable while you practice and may deepen your meditative state. According to Monal, “Sitting up on a pillow can help you find a tall spine throughout your practice, reduce tension in the hips and shoulders, and allow you to maintain a steady breath while meditating.” This means you can remain focused during your meditation session because you’re not worried about pain in your joints and pressure on your knees or lower back, Monal explains. Who We Are Isabella Ubaldi has 10 years of research and writing experience that includes covering how to shop for the best personal products online. Her curiosity about the world feeds her keen interest in helping people reduce the shopping noise and simply make better decisions. She has a personal interest in yoga and meditation and has been practicing both for 10+ years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 1 Source Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Norris CJ, Creem D, Hendler R, Kober H. Brief mindfulness meditation improves attention in novices: evidence from erps and moderation by neuroticism. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018;12:315. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00315