The power of a good seat cushion should not be underestimated. Most of us spend so much of the day on a chair doing tasks and activities that we overlook the effects this could have in the long term.
Sitting for extended periods of time can lead to bad posture, discomfort, lack of focus and energy, and further increase pains in those already suffering from it.
That’s where a good seat cushion comes in. There are plenty of seat cushions on the market that claims to alleviate all these things, but how do you know which ones are the real deal?
This buying guide will discuss the basics and what you should look for in your next cushions, as well as provide some of the best ones among reviewers to start you off.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  ComfiLife Gel-Enhanced Seat Cushion
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| #2 |  Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion
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| #3 |  SOFTaCARE Seat Cushion
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| #4 |  LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Cushion
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| #5 |  Plixio Memory Foam Seat Cushion
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| #6 |  Purple the Ultimate Seat Cushion
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How Will a Seat Cushion Help You?
Seat cushions can help make long periods of sitting more comfortably. The best ones will be able to relieve certain back pains substantially, promote healthy posture, and prevent further pains.
Using a seat cushion on top of a flat, hard, or poorly designed seat can reduce the pressure on your coccyx (or tailbone) and hips that cause the dreaded pain and fatigue. Long term issues in the lower spine and hip joints can also be avoided by redistributing all that weight using a seat cushion.
If you use a lumbar seat cushion along with the seat cushion, this relief extends to the lumbar region of the spine. Ergonomically shaped to fit the curve of this part of your back, you can easily rest on this cushion with your vertebrae perfectly aligned.
This not only relieves pressure but makes it easier to sit for a long time with better posture. Not only will you feel better and more confident with good posture, but you can reduce the chance of chronic pains and discomfort in the future.
Better posture and less pain from sitting at work means you’ll feel better focused and more energized throughout the rest of the day. You’d be surprised at how much you can do outside of work when you don’t feel drained from sitting poorly.
Why Do You Need A Seat Cushion?
Lots of seat cushions are fairly versatile in purpose, though there are some models that cater to more specific needs such as car travel or arthritis. The difference in design can vary slightly yet provide dramatically different results.
In general, the cushion should support your back and relieve the compression on your tailbone. This does the bare minimum for a seat cushion yet relieves most of the issues you experience when sitting.
Features to Consider When Buying
Once you know what you’re getting a seat cushion for, you can look at the features that meet those needs, as well as what commonly goes into a good quality product.
Some people need to sit down for 8 or more hours in one go, so that’s why it is so important to find the one that is just the right fit.
Type of Cushion
Seat cushion: This is the most common type of cushion made to support your tailbone and pelvis on your seat. These are usually ergonomically shaped and designed to fit your posterior and relieve pressure points by providing an additional loft to your seats.
Back support cushion: This type of cushion attaches to the back of your seat to support your lumbar, relieving pain in that area and keeping you from slumping over. Back support cushions are sometimes sold as a set with regular seat cushions and using them together will definitely provide additional comfort and support.
Materials
The ideal material that makes up a good seat cushion is memory foam. Other cheaper cushions will just be made up of regular foam and though it’s sufficient in most cases, these types of cushions won’t last for longer amounts of time sitting.
Memory foam is better suited to work-related or longer periods of sitting, so that’s what you should look for. It remains firm, even after plenty of use and it reacts to heat to better mold to your body when used.
A gel is sometimes used in seat cushions for its heat dissipation and cooling effect. It’s made of the same basic stuff as memory foam, which is why it’s so easily infused in pillows and cushions. Cushions made of or including gel tend to be better at keeping neutral temperatures, but they also tend to be more expensive.
Shape
The shape of a seat cushion fits into two categories: contoured and non-contoured.
A contoured seat cushion is shaped to fit your bottom. They are u-shaped and are between firm and medium-firm to relieve pressure points.
The non-contoured versions are usually just rectangular shaped. They tend to be loftier and plusher in order to sufficiently cradle and support your form for a longer time. If you find contoured cushions don’t fit quite right, these are a good starting point.
Cover Type
The seat cushion cover should be made of something breathable and easy to wash, for the sake of comfort and good hygiene.
Memory foam on its own isn’t very breathable, so the cover should be made of breathable fabric or mesh to allow for sufficient ventilation and avoid a sweaty bottom.
Best Back and Seat Cushions Reviews
ComfiLife Gel-Enhanced Seat Cushion
Specs:
- Materials: Memory foam, Cooling gel, Velour
- Colors: Light grey
- Firmness: Medium
Best Overall
This seat cushion from ComfiLife is a bestseller and practically a fan favorite among buyers, with nearly 15,000 five-star reviews to back up its reputation. It’s the perfect seat cushion for many occasions, and an excellent starting point for anyone on the search for the perfect fit.
This is one of those seat cushions that features cooling gel and does it right. With the heat responsiveness of the memory foam and the layer of neutralizing gel, you get the perfect combination of support and comfort that won’t sit hot.
The foam is high-density and durable enough to rise back with ease, meaning it can last you years of regular usage before needing replacement.
The shape of the seat cushion is perfectly designed to support your tailbone and relieve pressure, alleviating problems such as sciatica and general lower back pain.
The compact size makes it easy enough to take with you and use anywhere: be it in the office or on a car seat, the ComfiLife seat cushion can provide much-needed comfort all day long.
The non-slip rubber surface on the bottom keeps it from skidding on any seat while the built-in handle means you can carry the cushion anywhere without hassle.
The cover is a zipper-removable velour, making it convenient to maintain and machine-washable.
On the off chance, you’re not satisfied with your purchase of the ComfiLife seat cushion, there’s no worry: this product is backed up by a lifetime money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Plenty of positive reviews from buyers and reviewers
- Cooling gel adds extra comfort
- Removable cover is easy to clean
- Excellent warranty and satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- May be too firm for some
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone can benefit from purchasing this orthopedic pillow if they spend a large part of their day sitting in a chair. Be it on an office chair or in a car seat, the ComfiLife seat cushion is your best choice for a seat and lower-back comfort.
Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion
Specs:
- Materials: Memory foam
- Colors: Black, Blue, Gray, Navy, Red
- Firmness: Medium
Best Pure Memory Foam
The Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion is designed to provide just that: everlasting comfort. Made solely with high-grade heat-responsive memory foam and no additives, you get a seat that molds perfectly to the shape of your bottom and relieves pressure points.
The u-shape and ergonomic grooves provide the right support in the right areas by hugging your figure, allowing you to sit naturally and with better spinal posture for longer periods of time. This combination of shape, design, and materials make for customized comfort that’s just right.
The cover is extra soft to the touch as well as both machine washable and dryer-safe. Easily remove the cover using the zipper and follow the washing instructions for easy maintenance. The cover also features a textured non-slip bottom to remain securely in place on any seating surface.
This seat in combination with Everlasting Comfort’s lumbar support makes for a great solution to a poorly made office or home desk chairs. You can feel more productive, focused, and relaxed doing tasks for hours at a time.
No matter where you want to maximize your comfort, the cushion’s light weight and portability makes it suitable for home, work, and travel.
Everlasting comfort includes a lifetime replacement policy with their products, assuring you you’re getting a well-made cushion or you’re replacing it for a better one.
Pros
- Machine washable and dryer safe cover
- Heat-responsive memory foam sinks nicely and rises back with ease
- Great return warranty and return policy
Cons
- Smaller users will find this cushion a bit lofty
Who Should Buy This?
If you find yourself sitting a lot and are in need of extra support on your seat, the Everlasting Comfort seat cushion is the perfect solution for fans of memory foam.
SOFTaCARE Seat Cushion
Specs:
- Material: Memory foam
- Colors: Black, Dark Gray
- Firmness: Plush
Best Seat and Back Duo
This two-piece set from SOFTaCARE offers you great value in one purchase. With it you get both their seat cushion and additional lumbar support, making it a perfect choice for users suffering from arthritis or herniated discs.
The set is designed to provide orthopedic support to the coccyx and lumbar region of the spine, helping you better align your back properly and relieve pain caused by compression between the lower vertebrae. As a result, you can naturally lessen the pain caused by sciatica, herniated discs, or tailbone injuries.
The lumbar support cushion includes plenty of useful features such as a breathable 3d mesh cover along the center to avoid a sweaty back, two adjustable straps for fastening on any size chair, and even a pocket to hold a phone or mp3 player in.
The seat cushion has a built-in handle for easy transport, and both cushions feature non-slip bases to stay in place without shifting around.
Both covers are removable and made of machine washable velour. The cushions are made of pure memory foam, durable enough to last you years without going flat.
With a lifetime quality guarantee, SOFTaCARE provides you with a risk-free purchase and will fully refund your product should you be unsatisfied.
Pros
- Lumbar support cushion and seat cushion sold together make for a great value
- Promotes healthy posture for users with arthritis
- Durable memory foam paired with breathable mesh cover
Cons
- Some find the cushions a bit soft.
Who Should Buy This?
Users who suffer from arthritis in the lower back can best benefit from buying this good value seat cushion set from SOFTaCARE.
LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Cushion
Specs:
- Materials: Memory foam, 3D mesh
- Colors: Black, Brown, Gray
- Firmness: Medium
Best for Office Chairs
Made for the lumbar region of the spine, this Memory Foam Support Cushion from LoveHome is a perfect addition for office chairs. Spending so much time hunched over at a desk really does a number on your posture, so why not alleviate this issue using a cushion perfectly shaped to properly align your back?
This medium-firm memory foam lumbar support can help relieve tightness in the back caused by long-time sitting. By supporting the curve in your lumbar, you can achieve better back posture over time and won’t have to worry about the foam flattening over time.
This lumbar support cushion is a chiropractor recommended for those recovering from surgery or users suffering from chronic lumbosacral pains or spondylosis.
Covered completely with a removable and machine-washable 3d mesh, the cushion can keep dry thanks to its breathability. Two adjustable straps make it easy to fasten onto your desk chair.
The LoveHome memory foam cushion features a 60-day trial in which you can return it if you’re not quite satisfied.
Pros
- Promotes healthy posture
- Breathable mesh cover reduces sweat buildup
- 60-day free trial
Cons
- Not made for vehicle use
Who Should Buy This?
People who spend prolonged hours working at an office desk will love this upgrade to their otherwise uncomfortable workplace chair.
Plixio Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Specs:
- Materials: Polyester mesh, memory foam
- Colors: Black
- Firmness: Medium
Budget Pick
This affordable memory foam seat cushion can give you the basic comfort that pricier brands offer, but at a more wallet-friendly price. It has all the features you need, but if you’re still trying to find your new favorite, this is a fairly risk-free purchase.
This medium-firm cushion is just lofty and supportive enough to keep pressure off the tailbone and lower spine as a result. You get orthopedic relief from sciatica and tailbone pains, allowing you to sit for longer.
The polyester mesh cover is removable and washable, featuring an anti-skid bottom and a carrying handle for versatile and travel-related use.
The cushions come with a full three-year warranty, which is plenty of time to receive a new replacement should anything happen to your old one.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great value and quality have given the price
- Versatile usage
Cons
- Some users find it a bit soft for their taste
Who Should Buy This?
This cushion is perfect for those who want to reduce their lower back and seat pain for less. Customers find that this cushion works just as well as the other brands with the basic features they offer at a better price.
Purple the Ultimate Seat Cushion
Specs:
- Material: Hyper-elastic polymer
- Color: Purple (cushion) and Black (cover)
- Firmness: Plush
Upgrade Pick
Purple is known for its line of (well, purple) seat cushions beloved for its premium quality build and design. The Ultimate is no exception and even steps it up from the classic.
Made of hyper-elastic polymer like the rest of Purple’s cushions, this unique material is comparable to memory foam in its comfort, support, and durability. What sets the Ultimate from the rest is its size: covering a large area and offering a substantial amount of lift, this cushion seat offers ample space for any sized bottom to fit right in. It will also last you extra-long sitting sessions of 8 hours and longer.
The breathable grid design creates ventilating air channels while simultaneously reducing pressure on your behind. The temperature manages to stay as neutral as possible to reduce seat sweat.
The Purple Ultimate also includes a stretchy cover with machine carrying handles. Everything including the cushion itself is machine washable for extra cleanliness.
Pros
- Extra lofty and effective in pressure relief
- High-quality materials and unique design
- Doesn’t sit hot
- Entire cushion is machine washable
Cons
- Pricey
Who Should Buy This?
Purple fans will love this larger version of their favorite cushion and won’t mind spending a little extra for this fantastic upgrade. Others who are looking for a larger-sized seat cushion will also appreciate its comfortable dimensions.
Conclusion
Whether you have issues with your back or not, you can always benefit from a good seat cushion if you spend most of your day in a seat. No matter your condition, there’s a seat cushion for you that can make a big difference in the health of your back and posture, so be sure to research the best one for you before making your purchase.