Meditation has become a cornerstone of wellness for many people, offering peace amidst the chaos of daily life. Central to a comfortable and effective meditation practice is the zabuton, or meditation mat.
These meditation mats provide necessary support and comfort, helping you to sit comfortably for longer periods. In this article, we’ll review our top-five zabutons to help you find the perfect mat for your practice.
If you’re looking for a great zafu, or meditation cushion, some of the options below conveniently come with one, but, if not, look no further than our Top 6 Zafus for the Perfect Meditation Session.
How to Choose the Best Zabuton
A zabuton is a traditional Japanese cushion used for sitting meditation. Its purpose is to provide cushioning and support for your knees, ankles, and feet and typically lays underneath a round or crescent-shaped zafu cushion on which you sit. The right zabuton can help your meditation practice by providing a comfortable and stable base.
Choosing the best zabuton depends on several factors, including size, material, filling, and overall design. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Size: The size of the zabuton should accommodate your body size and sitting posture. Larger zabutons offer more space and are ideal for taller individuals or those who prefer cross-legged positions.
- Material: The cover material should be durable, breathable, and easy to clean. Cotton and hemp are popular choices.
- Filling: The filling should provide a combination of comfortable cushioning and firm support. Common fillings include cotton batting, buckwheat hulls, kapok, and foam.
- Design: The design should complement your meditation style and aesthetic preferences. Some zabutons come with additional features like removable covers or matching zafus.
Now with that out of the way, let’s dive into the reviews of the top five zabutons.
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Florensi Meditation Cushion
The Florensi Meditation Cushion gets the nod as the first cushion on this list because it is an ideal, standard zabuton and it actually comes with a matching zafu too, all for a fairly reasonable price.
- Size: The meditation mat measures 32″ x 32″ wide and 3″ thick, providing ample space and cushioning for comfortably sitting cross legged.
- Material: The cover is made from high-quality velvet, which is soft to the touch and adds a luxurious feel to your meditation space.
- Filling: The zafu cushion is filled with buckwheat hulls, known for their ideal firmness and ability to conform to the body’s shape, offering excellent support.
- Design: The set comes in a variety of colors and features a mandala pattern on the zafu, adding a touch of visual interest. The cover is removable and washable, for easy maintenance.
Pros:
- 3″ height provides support for your knees and ankles on any surface.
- Luxurious and soft velvet cover.
- Ample space for different sitting positions.
- Zafu has a buckwheat hull filling and is 5″ tall, which is an ideal height for a cushion.
- Attractive design with a mandala pattern.
Cons:
- Velvet cover may attract dust and lint.
- Cotton batting in the zabuton mat may not retain its shape over time.
All in all, the Florensi Meditation Cushion is good choice for those seeking a blend of comfort, support, and style in their meditation practice.
Secret Garden Large Meditation Mat
The Secret Garden Large Meditation Mat is a spacious and comfortable zabuton, ideal for longer meditation sessions.
- Size: This large zabuton measures 36″ x 28″ and is 2.6″ tall, offering plenty of room for various sitting postures and good height for greater comfort.
- Material: Like the Florensi Meditation Cushion, the cover is made from soft velvet, which is comfortable and luxurious.
- Filling: The mat is filled with kapok, providing firmer support than cotton yet more comfort than buckwheat hulls.
- Design: The simple design of the Secret Garden Large Meditation Mat makes it a versatile addition to any meditation space. The cover is removable and machine-washable.
Pros:
- A good, affordable, no-frills zabuton.
- Large size provides ample space for various meditation postures.
- Soft and luxurious velvet cover.
- 2.6″ of Kapok filling provides an ideal balance of support and comfort.
- Removable and washable cover.
Cons:
- May be too large for smaller meditation spaces.
- Not much visual interest.
At a reasonable entry-level price point, the Secret Garden meditation mat is a great zabuton for beginner meditators.
Mindful Modern Zabuton Meditation Mat
The Mindful Modern Zabuton Meditation Mat made the list for its modern design combined with both comfort and functionality in mind.
- Size: This zabuton measures 36″ x 28″ wide and 2.5″ thick, making it suitable for most meditation postures.
- Material: The cover is made from cotton, which is both durable and comfortable.
- Filling: The mat is also filled with 100% cotton, offering a comfortable base when used on softer surfaces.
- Design: The Mindful Modern Zabuton Meditation Mat has a minimalist, modern design that blends well with most decor. The cover is removable and machine-washable.
Pros:
- Minimalist, contemporary design.
- Easily washable, comfortable cotton cover.
- Reasonable price.
- Removable and washable cover.
Cons:
- 2.5″ cotton filling may not be thick enough to be comfortable on harder surfaces.
- Cotton filling may lose its shape over time.
The Mindful Modern Meditation Mat is a great choice for those who want to incorporate contemporary, modern style into the ancient practice of meditation.
The Practice Meditation Cushion Set
The Practice Meditation Cushion Set includes a modern-style zabuton and a matching zafu, offering a complete meditation cushion solution.
- Size: The zabuton measures 23.6″ wide and 2″ thick, and the zafu has a diameter of 13.7″ and a thickness of 6.3″.
- Material: The Practice touts that its covers are made from “high-end fabric that exudes both luxury and durability.”
- Filling: Both the zabuton and zafu are filled with buckwheat hulls, providing excellent support and comfort.
- Design: The set features a simple and functional minimalist design.
Pros:
- Minimalist design will look good in most meditation spaces.
- Includes both a zabuton and zafu.
- The zabuton is filled with buckwheat hulls helping to retain its shape and firmness.
Cons:
- Smaller zabuton size may not be suitable for everyone.
- Less easy to clean than other options on the list as it’s recommended to spot clean the cushions.
- A bit pricier than the other options, but still within reason.
The Practice Meditation Cushion Set is a good choice for those looking for a complete meditation cushion solution with both a zabuton and zafu, and the buckwheat hull filling in the zabuton is unique among this list.
Degrees of Comfort Meditation Floor Pillow
The Degrees of Comfort Meditation Floor Pillow is a versatile and comfortable zabuton suitable for various uses beyond meditation.
- Size: This cushion measures 22″ x 22″ wide and 3.15″-3.94″ thick after it’s been removed from its air-tight packaging and fluffed.
- Material: The cover is made from soft and durable corduroy and has nine stitching points to help retain its shape.
- Filling: The pillow is filled with plush cotton polyfill synthetic fiber, providing a comfortable and supportive base.
- Design: The Degrees of Comfort Meditation Floor Pillow features a unique tufted design, which makes it appear welcoming and cozy.
Pros:
- Thickest option on this list, making it comfortable on any surface.
- Filling, along with the tufted design, allow it to retain its shape well over time.
- Versatile use beyond meditation.
- Most affordable option on the list.
Cons:
- Small cushion size may not fit everyone in all sitting postures.
- Not machine washable and needs to be spot cleaned, which is more difficult with the corduroy covering.
The Degrees of Comfort Meditation Floor Pillow is a good option for those looking for a versatile and comfortable cushion that is likely to last a long time.
Conclusion
Choosing the right zabuton can significantly enhance your meditation practice by providing extra comfort and support. The mats in this list are all excellent options, each with its unique features and benefits.
Remember that meditation is for everyone, in any place, at any time. If you prefer to save your money, you can always just fold up a blanket and use it as a comfortable mat or even use a yoga mat.
Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the best solution for your practice, and enjoy the enhanced comfort and focus it brings to your meditation sessions.