What types of meditation pillows are there?
People who practice meditation and yoga often use meditation pillows to enhance the comfortability and support of their practice. A good meditation pillow can make the experience of relaxation a more enjoyable and comfortable one, as well as improve your wellbeing associated with deep relaxation. With different types of pillows and fillings available, understanding what types of meditation pillows are available is important for making sure that you take advantage of the many possible benefits.
Benefits of Meditation Pillows
By using a meditation pillow in your practice, you can reap huge benefits. One of the foremost is increased comfort as you position yourself into various comfortable sitting postures. Such a cushion can help to align and support your spine and provide relief to your knees, hips, and other pressure points. Additionally, the comfort provided by a meditation pillow can help to deepen your meditative experience by reducing distractions caused by physical discomfort. Furthermore, if you are someone who suffers from back pain when sitting on the floor for long periods of time, a meditation pillow can greatly help alleviate the associated pain.
Picking the Right Meditation Pillow
When choosing a meditation pillow, consider factors such as size and shape. Make sure that the pillow is a size and shape fit for your personal preferences and needs. If you plan to use it for yoga or any other physical activity, consider buying a specialized pillow for that purpose. Additionally, choose one that fits your budget and aesthetic. There are so many different colors and designs available, so make sure you find one that you both find comfortable and visually pleasing.
Types of Meditation Pillows: Buckwheat, Memory Foam, and Cotton
When looking for the right meditation pillow, you will come across three main types of fillings: buckwheat, memory foam, and cotton. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to consider which one will work best for you.
- Buckwheat pillows: Buckwheat pillows are filled with organic buckwheat hulls, which is why they are also known as buckwheat hull pillows. Buckwheat hulls provide support for your neck, head and back. They also contour to your body shape and provide cooling comfort through ventilation because the hulls are highly breathable. However, these pillows might make a rustling noise when repositioned so they’re not ideal if you’re looking for something that won’t disturb your partner from their sleep.
- Memory foam pillows: Memory foam pillows are made of foam that molds to your body shape and provides cushioning support to your neck, head, and back. Memory foam pillows provide contoured comfort but the foam is not breathable so these pillows can retain heat if used in warm climates. These types of pillows cannot be laundered.
- Cotton pillows: Cotton pillows are filled with either cotton or synthetic cotton fillings which can be molded to your body shape. They provide good support and ventilation, but don’t contour to your body shape as well as either buckwheat or memory foam. Cotton pillows are the most easily laundered type of meditation pillow.
Choosing the Best Filling for Your Meditation Pillow
When choosing a meditation pillow, it’s important to think about which filling will work best for you. Consider your meditating environment as well as your physical condition. If you tend to sweat under your neck when meditating, choose a filling with breathability such as buckwheat or cotton. If you suffer from back pain when meditating or want more support, consider a memory foam pillow.
Caring for Your Meditation Pillow
Your meditation pillow should be cared for properly to ensure it lasts and provides long-term comfort. If possible, follow the instructions that come with the meditation pillow regarding care and cleaning methods as these will be based on the type of filling. Generally speaking, if you choose a buckwheat or cotton pillow, these can be machine-washed but it’s also important to ensure they are completely dry before use. Memory foam pillows should only be spot cleaned with a damp cloth.
Tips for Using a Meditation Pillow
Start by finding a comfortable meditation posture for the pillow. If it’s too high or too low, it won’t be comfortable for your body or provide optimum support. Once you have found a comfortable position for the pillow, relax your body and move any pressure points so that your body can let go of tension and relax into meditation more deeply. Additionally, if you need more support or cushioning in certain areas such as your lower back or hips, consider using an auxiliary cushion such as a bolster to provide added comfort.
Alternatives to Mediation Pillows
If you’d like an alternative to traditional meditation pillows, try other items such as cushions or folded blankets. You can even use the clothing on your body such as jumpers or trousers to provide some padding for additional comfort when sitting on the floor. Alternatively, some companies now make special cushions designed for meditating with adjustable firmness settings to help you find the ideal level of support.
