Kapok or buckwheat in your zafu

It’s the eternal question: Which zafu stuffing — kapok or buckwheat?

When choosing your zafu meditation cushion, what goes inside is just as important as the fabric surrounding it. Yes, you can put almost anything inside a zafu, and over the centuries, Buddhist monks have, but the two best options today are kapok and buckwheat.

Each offers a distinct sitting experience, depending on your body’s needs. Kapok and buckwheat are both natural materials, celebrated for their sustainability and ecological footprint. So, no matter which you pick, you can feel confident in your cushion.

What is kapok?

Kapok is a soft, fibrous material that comes from the seed pods of the kapok tree, scientifically known as Ceiba pentandra. Native to tropical regions in Asia, Africa, and South America, the kapok tree produces a light, fluffy fiber often compared to cotton. Historically, kapok has been used in a variety of applications, from life jackets to mattresses, thanks to its buoyant and insulating properties. Its softness and sustainability make it an ideal choice for natural upholstery and cushions, especially those used in meditation.

In Japan and China, kapok has a long-standing association with meditation cushions. In Zen practice, kapok-filled zafus have been used for centuries due to the material’s ability to hold its shape while providing a comfortable, yet firm, sitting surface. The fiber’s natural loftiness gives it a light feel, making the zafu easier to transport and adjust during meditation sessions.

What are buckwheat hulls?

Buckwheat is primarily known as a food grain, but Buckwheat its hulls — byproducts of processing— are a popular and sustainable material widely used in upholstery, including pillows, cushions, and mattresses. The use of buckwheat hulls in upholstery originated in East Asia and eventually spread worldwide due to the material’s durability and unique feel.

Buckwheat-filled zafus have become particularly popular in Western meditation communities for their adaptive qualities. Unlike kapok, buckwheat hulls create a dense, grounded cushion that molds to the shape of the body, providing customized support. The hulls shift slightly during use, allowing you to adjust your position without losing stability. As a result, many meditators find buckwheat zafus to be more comfortable for extended sitting sessions, as the cushion can conform to and support their specific posture.

Which zafu filling is right for you?

Choosing between kapok and buckwheat for your zafu ultimately depends on your personal preferences and meditation style. Each filling material offers distinct pros and cons, making them better suited for different types of meditators.

Kapok is incredibly light and soft, which makes it ideal for those who value portability and a plush feel. Its natural loftiness means that kapok-filled zafus tend to offer a higher, firmer seat, which can be beneficial if you have flexible hips or prefer a more elevated sitting posture. On the downside, kapok compresses over time and requires occasional fluffing to maintain its shape. Some meditators find that kapok-filled cushions don’t offer the same level of support as denser materials, which might lead to discomfort during longer meditation sessions.

Buckwheat, on the other hand, provides a denser and more grounded experience. The hulls conform to your body, offering tailored support, making it a great option for those who sit for extended periods or who have specific physical needs, like lower back support. Buckwheat zafus are heavier than kapok-filled ones, which might make them less convenient to transport. Additionally, the hulls can make the cushion feel firmer and more grounded, which may not be ideal if you prefer a softer surface.

Basic zafu care

Regardless of the filling, zafus require regular care to maintain their longevity. Our zafus have the option of removable covers that can be washed by hand or machine, depending on the fabric. The inner filling, however, needs attention as well.

Kapok-filled zafus are fairly low-maintenance but require occasional fluffing to prevent the material from becoming too compressed over time. Since kapok is naturally moisture-resistant, it doesn’t require frequent airing out, though it’s a good idea to keep it in a dry, well-ventilated space to prevent mildew. Eventually, as the material compresses, you may need to restuff the cushion with additional kapok.

Buckwheat-filled zafus require more attention to maintain their structure. The hulls may occasionally need to be replenished or replaced as they break down over time. Keeping your buckwheat zafu in a dry, cool place will help extend its lifespan. A regular cleaning routine — such as dusting off your cushion or vacuuming it — will also help keep it in good shape for years to come.

Further reading from Still Sitting: “Choosing the Right Zafu“

A note on our research and sources

Still Sitting is committed to writing and researching informative, engrossing, and accurate articles for our blog. We know there are many places to find information online. So, we work hard to ensure that we are a trusted source for all of our readers. Our blog is intended to help you learn about our products and the cultural and historical subjects that we hold dear. As part of this commitment, we include the sources we used to write our posts:

Britannica: Kapok
Kapok fibers structure and characteristics
Kapok sustainability
Buckwheat sustainability
Buckwheat in therapeutic pillows