Types of Fill Materials for a Zafu Cushion

Zafu cushions usually have an outer cover made from jute fabric and an inner cover made of poly fabric. The cushion also has a handle for easy transportation, and it is the inner fabric that contains the buckwheat hull or kapok filling. Kapok cushions are still available in the West, but buckwheat hull zafu cushions are more common and are less squishable than those made from kapok. It is important to have the right filling in a zafu so that the cushion is flexible enough during meditation but not so soft that it flattens and hurts the user’s posture.

Buckwheat hull cushions are consequently among the best because they can shift around in the zafu to mold against a user’s contours without getting crushed. Buckwheat hull is the part of the plant that covers the seed and is a readily available grain that is not as rare as the kapok filling. Even though it lacks the downy softness of a kapok zafu, the buckwheat hull zafu cushion offers vital spinal support because it is ergonomic to help people keep a healthy posture. Because they readily conform to body shape such as the neck or head, buckwheat cushions and pillows are recommended by chiropractors to help reduce neck pain and migraines. Zafu cushions made from this material make their users to have a feeling of sitting on a mound of beach sand, and this gives them stability during meditation.

Buckwheat hull zafu cushions are adjustable and have zippers that allow users to add or remove filling as they want to adjust the comfort and height. Additionally, they do not flatten or require fluffing up. However, users who prefer softer cushions should select the kapok zafu. Buckwheat zafu cushions are also much heavier than kapok ones and make a scrunching sound when a user moves around on them. Buckwheat zafu cushions also break down after a while but are easily replaceable by adding more filling through the zipper.

On the other hand, a kapok zafu cushions are fluffier and softer than buckwheat hull zafu cushions. Even though kapok cushions usually flatten with time, users can quickly plump them up by squeezing of fluffing them. The material is very lightweight and easily transportable. However unlike buckwheat cushions that can be refilled, a kapok zafu cushion cannot be refilled because the filling is usually blown into the cushion so it cannot be restuffed without professional help. Additionally, a kapok zafu cushion is spongy but firm and yet it can be inconsistent and wobbly if it is used as a seat cushion.

Therefore, when choosing a zafu cushion, a user needs to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the type of stuffing used so as to determine if it fits their needs and comfort. Although both fillings provide effective support, some users prefer the softer kapok filling to the more contoured fit of buckwheat hull filling. However, whatever a user’s preference might be, they must look for the one that gives them the best support, comfort and relaxation.