If you’ve dipped your toes into meditation—or you’re already knee-deep in mindfulness practice—you’ve probably come across the meditation cushion. Maybe you’ve even sat on a rolled-up towel or folded blanket and wondered: Is a meditation cushion actually worth buying?
Here’s the short answer: yes, for most people, it is. But let’s take a closer look.
1. Comfort = Consistency
One of the biggest barriers to meditating regularly is discomfort. Knees ache, backs slouch, feet fall asleep.
TAKE PRESSURE OFF YOUR JOINTS
A well-designed cushion, like a zafu or meditation bench, helps support your spine and take pressure off your joints. When your body isn’t screaming at you, it’s a lot easier to stay focused—and come back tomorrow.
2. It Supports Better Posture
Posture matters in meditation—not because you’re trying to look like a monk on a magazine cover, but because alignment helps keep your mind alert and relaxed.
YOUR BREATH FLOWS MORE FREELY WHEN SITTING UPRIGHT
A cushion elevates your hips above your knees, allowing your spine to stack naturally and your breath to flow more freely.
3. It Signals “This Is Sacred Time”
There’s something powerful about ritual. Unrolling your mat, lighting a candle, or yes, sitting on your dedicated meditation cushion, tells your brain: this is my time to drop in.
YOUR NEW CUSHIONS REMINDS YOU; TIME TO DROP IN.
Even a small physical cue like a meditation bench can help create a sense of space, intention, and calm.
4. But Can’t You Just Use a Pillow?
You can—especially when you’re first starting. But most people need something a little sturdier, (cushions are filled with this magical all natural fill called buckwheat hulls which are very biodegradable) and a little taller than a pillow. But if you're suuuuuper flexible than maybe a pillow could work.
CUSHIONS HAVE AN ERGO SHAPE + THEY ARE 5 - 8 INCHES HIGHER
Pillows, however, don’t offer proper support, and often lead to slumping. If you’re practicing regularly, switching to a cushion designed for meditation is usually a noticeable upgrade.
So… Is It Worth It?
If you meditate once in a while and it’s just casual, maybe not. But if you’re someone who wants to make meditation a consistent part of your life—yes, it’s worth it. Comfort, alignment, and ritual all help you show up more often and stay longer. And ultimately, your meditation practice is only as strong as your ability to return to it.
Ungloo has several different seating arrangements that are extremely supportive.
