Meditation is one of the best alternative therapy for back pain relief, stress relief, and relaxation. However, many people struggle to maintain good posture and body alignment while meditating, resulting in discomforts. Discomforts, such as back pain, can prevent you from getting the optimum results of mindfulness.
To perform the sitting meditation and maintain proper posture without any back pain, you may need to use the best meditation pillow or cushion to support your back muscles, spine, and pelvis. To help you get started, we listed and reviewed our top five picks for the best meditation cushion for back pain – one that provides the support and comfort you need during your meditation practice.
Top 4 Meditation Cushions for Back Pain
1. Friends of Meditation Buddha Meditation and Yoga Chair
The Friends of Meditation Buddha Meditation and Yoga Chair is one of the best meditation cushions because it has curved back support that follows the spine’s natural arch. It keeps the back upright and relaxed throughout the session. It would be quite a consolation to be able to maintain such a position without any back pain and discomfort, especially if you’re fond of long meditations. The meditation cushion is manufactured using quality materials so yogis can use it for an extended period. The firm cushion is made of 40d foam that maintains its shape even after multiple uses. This travel-friendly chair is easy to fold, making it very convenient to carry. And since it is quite portable, you can also use it as a chair whenever you need one. The pillows on the chair are also adjustable and have a washable and removable cover.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24”x22”x4”
- Extra Backrest: 3” thick
- Shape: chair
- Color Options: Black, Brown, Green, Maroon
- Ideal for: yogis below 6 ft. 2 in.
Pros:
- Extra backrest
- Can fit anybody
- Minimizes numbness of the legs
- Lightweight
- Has a water-resistant bag
- Portable and foldable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy for a cushion
2. Alexia Meditation Seat
If you’re searching for an option that’s not just a cushion but also a seat, then the Alexia Meditation seat is perfect for you. This cushion supports the lower part of the body to provide a comfortable base foundation during meditation. It is designed to provide support to the hips, thighs, knees, and feet. The seat’s frame is manufactured from metal surrounded by soft foam, while the cover is made of leather. The seat comes in several colors, from black to orange and many others. It is designed to have a lower back cushion to provide support, keep the spine upright while preventing the yogi from getting too comfortable and falling asleep.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 26” x 32.5” x11.5”
- Shape: chair
- Colors: Multiple
Pros:
- Provides base support
- Very comfortable
- Durable
Cons:
- Lower back support only
- Dry cleaning only
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive
3. Buckwheat Zafu & Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set
The Buckwheat Zafu & Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set is another top pick of the best cushions for back pain. The set includes a Zabuton (rectangular mat) and Zafu cushion (round). The Zafu contains buckwheat hulls filling, making the cushion firm and comfortable. It has a zipper opening so you can adjust the filling to your desired size. The Zafu also has a double-stick which enforces its strength and durability. It also has a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry while traveling.
The Zabuton contains natural solid-packed Kapok material. This gives outstanding support while maintaining softness and comfort. The Zabuton’s cover includes a soft cotton twill fabric and a zipper for easy cleaning and removal. Also, the Kapok within the cover is placed within a case, making it durable and keeping it in place.
The Buckwheat Zafu & Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set comes in nine different colors – navy and cinnamon, burgundy, olive, red, brown, clay, red and black.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: Zafu – 14” X 6”, Zabuton – 30” x 28” x 3”
- Shape: Zafu – round, Zabuton – square
- Colors: Multiple colors
Pros:
- Comes with a Zafu and Zabuton
- The Zafu is well packed and sturdy
- The buckwheat is easy to adjust and remove
Cons:
- The cushions may require an occasional fluffing up
4. Conscious Life Shop Zafu Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set
The Conscious Life Shop Zafu Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set has a Zabuton and Zafu. The crescent-shaped Zafu contains buckwheat hulls. The square-shaped Zabuton contains cotton batting.
There are several exterior cover material choices, including the purely organic cotton cover canvas and purely jute fabric. The cushion’s inner lining in both materials is a nice blend of Lycra and bamboo. This meditation cushion comes in several colors. The built-in handle of the Zafu is manufactured from durable faux leather, making it easy to carry. The complementary incense holder, gift bag, and singing bowl are another bonus. These are also washable cover.
Dimensions: Zafu – 12” X 4”, Zabuton – 24” x 18” x 2.5”
Color Options: Black, white, gray, blue, green, purple, yellow, pink, red, orange, brown
Includes a Zafu and Zabuton
Well-made
Comfortable
Easy
Specifications:
- Dimensions: Zafu – 15” x 23” x 6.5”; Zabuton – 28” x 36” x 3”
- Shape: Zafu – crescent, Zabuton – square
- Color Options: Gray Print, Cotton White, Gray Eco-Friendly Jute
Pros:
- Organic and eco-friendly
- Modern look
- Crescent shape provides fantastic support
- Comfortable and durable
- Bonus complementary products
Cons:
- It may take a bit more time to get used to the crescent shape.
Characteristics of the Best Cushion for Back Pain
Provides Excellent Support and Comfort
The best cushion for back pain should provide support and comfort to your back during meditation. The cushion should keep you in a relaxed position while straightening your back even if you perform a cross-legged position. You should maintain multiple positions for a more extended period because of the soft yet firm padding.
Durable and well-made
The best meditation cushion is manufactured from quality materials well suited for prolonged use. It should give you the consolation to know that your investment was worth it since you can meditate with the cushion for many years. The cushions are durable and will still maintain their shape years after constant use.
Conveniently Portable
These meditation cushions should be easy to fold and stored into a bag for convenient portability. For most of the high-end meditation cushions, you can use them to meditate or as a chair. Part of the product’s great portability is due to its lightweight.
Adjustable
Like the My Zen Home Dhyana Meditation Cushion, many of these cushions are adjustable to suit your needs.
Versatile
You can utilize these cushions not only for your meditation sessions but also as an ordinary chair. Your back will still be straight, and you’d get the same support as you were meditating.
Easy to clean
These cushions should be easy to clean, maintain, and machine washable for convenience.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Meditation Cushion: Specifications
|
Product |
Dimensions |
Weight | |||
|
Length |
Width |
Thickness | |||
| Friends of Meditation Buddha Meditation and Yoga Chair – Extra Large and Extra Back Rest |
24” | 22” | 4” |
11.5 lbs | |
| Alexia Meditation Seat |
26” | 32.5” | 11.5” |
15 lbs | |
| My Zen Home Dhyana Meditation Cushion |
26” | 21” | 4” |
4 lbs | |
| Buckwheat Zafu & Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set | Zafu |
14″ (diameter) |
6″ |
Set: 13 lbs | |
| Zabuton |
30” | 28” |
3” | ||
| Conscious Life Shop Zafu Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set | Zafu |
15” | 23” |
6.5” |
Set: 11 lbs |
| Zabuton |
28” | 36” |
3” |
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Meditation Cushion for Back Pain: Designs and Prices
|
Product | Material | Design | Colors | Strength | Weakness |
| Friends of Meditation Buddha Meditation and Yoga Chair | Fabric, 40d foam | Rectangular | Black, Brown, Green, Maroon
| Relieves back pain by keeping it upright and comfortable | expensive
|
| Alexia Meditation Seat | Leather, neoprene foam | NA | 19 different colors | Provides lower body support
| the back piece is low
|
| My Zen Home Dhyana Meditation Cushion | Pure kapok | Square | Red/ Burgundy | Adjustable folding bolster, comfortable | Too small for some customers |
| Buckwheat Zafu & Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set | Natural Kapok, buckwheat
| Zafu – round, Zabuton – square | 9 different colors | Comes with a Zafu and Zabuton
| The cushions may require an occasional fluffing up
|
| Conscious Life Shop Zafu Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set | buckwheat hulls | Zafu – round, Zabuton – square
| Gray Print, Cotton White, Friendly Jute | Crescent shape provides fantastic support
| too small for some customers
|
Our Top Picks of the Best Meditation Cushion for Back Pain: Customer/User Impression
The five meditation cushions included in this review are the best on the market because they can provide ample support to the back to prevent or ease back pain. These cushions are also comfortable and durable to produce the optimum results of meditation without discomfort.
The Friends of Meditation Buddha Meditation and Yoga Chair is on the top spot because it is designed to provide full support of the back and hips comfortably. It is also portable compared to other meditation chairs, which are bulky and heavy. However, it is not made of eco-friendly materials. It is also heavy for a cushion but conveniently light for a meditation chair.
The Alexia is also a good alternative to the Friends of Meditation Yoga Chair because it gives ample lower back and lower body support while allowing yogis to sit upright, build up the back muscles, and practice proper alignment without dozing to sleep. It is made of leather and foam, which are not sustainable materials. It is also heavier than the Friends of Meditation Yoga Chair. It is appropriate for home use.
A lighter and softer version is the My Zen Home Dhyana Meditation Cushion. It is foldable and portable. It is made from eco-friendly materials and designed with beautiful prints. It is also budget-friendly. However, it is not as durable and as supportive as the meditation chair from Friends of Mediation and Alexia. It is ideal for those who want partial support of their back during meditation.
The other two products in the list, the Zafu and Zabuton meditation sets from Buckwheat and Conscious Life Shop are good alternatives to the meditation chair, which provides full or partial back support. This Zafu and Zabuton Set offers ample support to the lower back, hips, thighs, and knees. The Zafu in crescent shape provides a cushion to the lower back while the edges provide the thighs. The Zabuton serves as a cushion for sensitive knees and feet from the hard surface. These meditation sets also come in eco-friendly and beautifully printed materials. These are also cheaper options for meditation chairs.
Conclusion
Yoga meditation and relaxation are inseparable. However, if you have trouble sitting for long periods in Lotus posture during meditation, you need the best meditation cushion for your back pain. The best meditation cushions are designed as meditation chairs with ample backrest for a full-back, hip, and leg support. Other alternative cushions provide partial lower back support while providing comfort.