If you've started shopping for a meditation cushion, two unfamiliar words come up almost immediately: zafu and zabuton. They sound interchangeable, they're often photographed together, and plenty of first-time meditators buy one when they actually needed the other.
The short version: a zafu lifts you, a zabuton cushions you. Most regular meditators eventually want both. Here's how they work, how they differ, and how to choose the right setup for your body and your practice.
Why sit on a meditation cushion at all?
Sit cross-legged on a flat floor and you'll notice it within minutes: your pelvis tilts backwards, your lower back rounds, your knees float up towards your chest, and your attention drifts from your breath to your aching hips.
A meditation cushion solves this by raising your hips above your knees. Your pelvis tips gently forward, your spine finds its natural curve, and your legs settle towards the floor. Less strain means longer, more comfortable sits — and a practice you'll actually keep.
What is a zafu?
A zafu is the round, firm cushion you sit on. The word comes from Japanese Zen tradition, where it has supported seated meditation (zazen) for centuries.
The NOLAVA Round Zafu Meditation Cushion measures 16" x 6" and is filled with natural buckwheat hulls — the most supportive and stable fill for meditation. Buckwheat moulds to your shape rather than pushing back like foam, so your seat stays grounded and steady. An internal zip lets you add or remove fill until the height suits your flexibility, and the cotton canvas cover zips off for washing.
What is a zabuton?
A zabuton is the flat, rectangular mat that goes underneath. It doesn't add height — its job is to cushion whatever touches the floor: knees, ankles, shins and feet. On a hard wooden or tiled floor, it's the difference between finishing your session and cutting it short.
The NOLAVA Zabuton Meditation Mat is made with a cotton cover and natural cotton filling, giving a soft, stable base for your zafu or for kneeling practice.
Zafu vs zabuton at a glance
| Zafu | Zabuton | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round, firm cushion | Flat rectangular mat |
| Job | Raises hips, aligns spine | Cushions knees and ankles |
| Position | You sit on it | It sits under you (and your zafu) |
| Best for | Posture and comfort in the hips and back | Protecting joints from hard floors |
Do you need both?
They're designed as a pair — that's why they're traditionally sold and used as a meditation cushion set. The zafu handles alignment; the zabuton handles padding.
If you're choosing one to start: on carpet or a rug, a zafu alone works well. On floorboards or tiles, or if your knees and ankles are sensitive, you'll want the zabuton too. You can explore both in our Zafu & Zabuton collection.
How to choose the right meditation cushion
Fill. Buckwheat hulls (like our zafu) are firm, stable and mouldable — the classic choice. Cotton (like our zabuton) is softer and best for padding rather than lifting. Foam is light but tends to bounce your posture around rather than anchoring it.
Height. The tighter your hips, the more height you need. That's why an adjustable fill matters: start full, and remove hulls as your flexibility improves.
Your sitting style. Cross-legged sitters get the most from the classic zafu-on-zabuton setup. If you kneel (seiza style), you can turn the zafu on its side between your heels, with the zabuton protecting your knees and shins. And if sitting on the floor isn't right for your body, a straight-backed chair with both feet grounded is a perfectly good meditation seat — no cushion required.
How to sit on a zafu
Sit on the front third of the cushion rather than the centre — this tips the pelvis forward naturally. Cross your legs comfortably, let your knees release towards the floor, and imagine the crown of your head floating upward. Rest your hands on your thighs, soften your jaw, and begin.
If you're new to meditation, start with five to ten minutes. The free NOLAVA mindfulness app has guided meditations and calming soundscapes to sit with — it comes included with every cushion.
Caring for your cushions
Both NOLAVA cushions have removable, washable cotton covers. Air the buckwheat inner in the shade occasionally to keep it fresh, and your set will support years of daily practice.
The bottom line
A zafu lifts your hips and aligns your spine. A zabuton protects your knees and ankles. Together they make floor meditation genuinely comfortable — which, more than any technique, is what keeps a practice going. Start where you are, sit a little each day, and live your best life everyday.
