After using the cushions every morning for a week, I can confidently say that they have more than pulled their weight in making my A.M. meditation routine more pleasurable. I meditate with the lotus position, and the rectangular zabuton cushion lifts up my folded legs away from the floor, while the crescent cushion raises my butt above the height of my knees. This helped prevent any interruption of blood flow to my hips and legs, which is typically why I end up with aches and muscle cramps after my practice. My back is more straight, which means my breathing becomes deeper and longer-lasting.