When it comes to successful meditation, the body needs to be relaxed. Hence, meditation pillows are necessary for anyone who regularly practices meditation techniques. An enormously helpful meditation pillow can help the body to be relaxed and comfortable and to make the meditation experience successful. Know and choose from the different types of meditation pillows available in the market.
Zabuton:
A round zafu pillow is traditionally placed over a zabuton so that practitioners can sit on the round zafu with their knees falling on the soft square zabuton. If you don't have the space or budget for two pillows, you can only buy Zabuton. Zabutons are large and have an integrated knee support compared to the other pillows.
Your knees can easily rest on the padded surface when you are in a lotus, comfortable seat, or cross-legged position. However, your knees must be resting on a blanket, mat, or floor when choosing other options.
A hidden advantage of Zabuton is that it can also act as a yoga cushion. You'll need to fold the helpful meditation cushion in half and use the built-in strap to secure it properly. It can be used as a pad under the knees for practicing Shavasana at home or as a temporary pad for practicing yoga.
Zafu:
Placing a zafu on top of a zabuton can add adequate height to your pelvis and provide adequate cushioning for your knees. You can also use Zafu on its own as a helpful meditation cushion. Fold it in half for more cushioning. Or, put a blanket or something similarly supportive so that your knees can easily rest on it. You'll love it when your spine gets 6 ½ inches of elevation this way. Again, it would be helpful if you sat on the front half of the zafu for effective spine alignment, rather than in the middle.
Zafus are also available as temporary pillows that can be used in any situation, be it watching TV on the sofa or stretching on the floor at home.
V-shaped yoga pillow:
This type of helpful meditation pillow, as the name suggests, is in the shape of the English alphabet "V". It can support the pelvis and thighs, which makes it ideal for anyone with knee or back problems, and is already flexible when sitting cross-legged on the floor looking for more comfort.
If you have a low, rounded back and your knees are raised 6 inches or more on the floor, the pillow's thigh support won't be particularly useful for you. Like the zabuton, it's useful for anyone who is comfortably seated on the floor and just looking for more padding and support.
This is also an extremely helpful meditation pillow as it is small enough and can be placed over a chair. You can sit cross-legged on this pillow while working at your desk.
Zen Yoga Pillow:
This is a rectangular pillow and extends a 6 ½ inch slope – like the zafu. But it feels higher because of the shape and fullness. Such a type of pillow will allow you to reach the maximum height. This makes it a helpful meditation pillow for anyone who has difficulty sitting on the floor, has tight hip problems, or has "really stiff" hips.
Due to the rectangular shape, the stability is higher. Taller practitioners can get more stability, size, and support with the Zen Yoga Cushion. Use the zabuton with the Zen yoga pillow for a more chic arrangement and extra knee support.
Related article: Morning meditation