Zabuton are not only used for sitting, but these simple items are used in a number of ways, including folding in half to make a simple pillow, or as an alternative to a small futon for putting babies to sleep, or as protective gear for protecting the head from falling objects.
座る際に用いられる他、二つに折って簡易の枕にする・乳幼児を寝かせるための小型敷布団の代用品に用いる・落下物から頭を守る防具として用いる等、単純な道具だけに様々な活用方法がある。