If your are looking for the best seat cushion, then you are in the right place.
In this update for 2021, I collected several orthopedic and ergonomic seat cushions, tried them all out and shared my findings right below.
Each chair cushion has a special mark for what is it best for.
Let’s get right to it!
Best Seat Cushions for Your Office Chair in 2021
Posturion’s Memory Foam Donut Seat Cushion
Best For: Sciatica, Coccyx/Tailbone, Hip Pain, Prostatitis, Back Pain, Postnatal Recovery
First on the list is this donut-shaped orthopedic seat cushion. .
Unlike inflatable donut cushions, this one is made from memory foam (similar to what Tempur-Pedic has been doing) which acts as an excellent support for anyone struggling with wide range of issues including coccyx/tailbone pain, hip pain and sciatica. It is best used with ergonomic chairs and cars but it can also be considered as a seat cushion for pregnancy, wheelchair and even stadiums!
As my tests showed, the memory foam is just about right – it’s firm enough to not get flat even after long sitting hours, nor is it too hard to make sitting uncomfortable.
The ergonomic design is great too – it has indentations for thighs and coccyx. This reduces hip, lower back pain and sit bone pain.
This ergonomic seat cushion comes in two versions – male and female. Unlike some of the other memory foam cushions, these include a comfy velour cover.
PROs
- Overall high quality donut pillow (like Tempur-Pedic)
- Lightweight (~1lb) and easy to transport
- Helps to reduce hip and back issues
- High quality memory foam
- Female OR male ergonomic design
- Comes in 4 different colors
- With machine washable anti-slip cover
- Free global shipping
- Additional discounts if 2+ are ordered
CONs
- Doesn't have a carrying handle or adjustable straps
Posturion’s Honeycomb Gel Seat Cushion
Best For: Lower Back Pain, Buttock Pain, Back pain
Next on this list is the cooling gel seat cushion also sold by Posturion. Right away – it’s one of the best travel seat cushions because it’s just so comfortable.
Unlike the previous memory foam option, this is one is a gel enhanced seat cushion. When I first got the cushion I really thought that this gel seat pad is a gimmick because it’s not really orthopedic, nor is it ergonomic (I mean, there is no memory foam at all!). To my surprise, I soon discovered that I am using it just about all the time (I’m actually sitting on it now that I am writing this).
I really like how this honeycomb gel design works when I sit on it in my ergonomic office chair. It promotes blood flow and I don’t get tired from sitting as much as I would have without using this gel cushion (full review).
It also has spectacular breathability – the honeycomb cells put through as much air as possible! I really like for when driving around and it’s definitely a lifesaver for my lower back when I travel for a few hours in my car. It doesn’t provide any real lumbar support but somehow it feels good anyway.
Even though it wouldn’t necessarily help to improve extreme cases of hip, coccyx or tailbone pain, this cushion certainly does help to reduce the strain and discomfort you would experience from prolonged sitting. It acts to relieve pressure and offers pain relief.
To summarize, I like and recommend this cushion as a breathable seat cushion for office chair, dining room chair or a car seat that you can use every day. It is also a good option for the elderly.
PROs
- Versatile cushion that adds comfort to prolonged sitting
- Breathable honeycomb cell design
- Helps to maintain good posture for long periods
- Holds the shape and doesn't flatten
- Helps to reduce fatigue
- Anti-skid cover (rubber bottom)
- Machine washable cover
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Free global shipping
- Additional discounts if 2+ are ordered
- Great for office chairs (all of them)
CONs
- It could be a bit bigger
- Can melt and deform at high heat (don't leave it in the car on a hot day!)
- No carrying handle or adjustable straps
PurenLatex U-shaped Lower Back Cushion
Best For: Tailbone Pain, Back Pain, Sciatic Nerve, Lumbar Support
A high quality model which is specifically designed for anyone with coccyx/tailbone pain (e.g. fracture, nerve irritation or damage).
Well, if you think your buttocks are flat and you wish it was better shaped, I have some good news for you. Aside from all the benefits that this butt pillow offers, it promises to leave you with a better shaped butt after a period of continuous use which is why it’s on our list.
If you are not interested in shaping your butt (oh, well), then you can enjoy the other many features offered by this high density memory foam seat cushion. It can also benefit from an additional lumbar cushion or back cushion (something like a lumbar support pillow would fit it nicely).
And now let’s look at this one closer and check out the other options next.
PROs
- Corrects sitting posture
- Brings extended comfort
- Provides good back support
- Soft foam that helps shape the buttocks
- Relieves pains & aches from extended sitting
- Removable velour cover is hand-washable
- Offers gender specific usage guide
- Anti-slippery cover with rubber bottom
CONs
- Cannot be used in sunlight
- Depending on your location, delivery may take a while
- Cover not machine washable
Ergonomic Home Office Coccyx Seat Cushion
Best For: Sciatica, Tailbone Pain
(click for more info)
If you are looking for the best coccyx cushion, then this is the one…
Do you want to know what I found intriguing about this seat cushion? Comfortable memory foam!
It’s also unisex – when it is to be used by a man, the U design should face forward.
When however it is to be used by a woman, the U design should face backward.
The memory foam on this thing is of great quality and guaranteed to hold its shape for longer unlike with some of the other seat cushions.
Cushion Features
- Unisex design
- Takes 5 seconds to rebound to original shape
- Made with faux fur and memory foam
- Has a removable cover for easy washing
- Measures 17.7 x 13.7 x 2.7 inches
PROs
- Provides comfort on any chair
- Offers gender specific application
- Easy to maintain memory foam
- Can be used in different settings
- Promotes good posture
- Made from breathable material
- Simple to use
- Machine washable
CONs
- Delivery may take a while
- Material may have a very synthetic feel
- No carrying handle
Amavio’s U-Shaped Cushion for Long Drives
Best For: Back Pain, Coccyx Pain, Long Drives
Next contender in our general list…that is also a top rated cushion from our best seat cushion for long drives list.
For one, it is a common design that has proven to be effective in providing a number of benefits which include increased comfort and reduced lower back pains among other things.
This is one memory foam seat cushion for cars, office chairs, wheel chairs and practically any kind of chair.
It is adjustable, allowing you to lock it unto the kind of chair you want to use it on at any time.
Cushion Features
- “Use it anywhere” design
- Made of 100% polyester and HQ memory foam
- Comfortable material
- Elastic belt for adjustability
- Breathable material great for long sitting hours
- 17.7″ x 18.5″ x 2.7″
PROs
- Great for back & pelvic area
- Offers relief from back pain & stiffness
- Easy to wash with its removable cover
- Easy to store with included hook
- Machine washable surface
- Can double as a booster seat
- Memory foam provides additional comfort
CONs
- For some, this may not be the right size for car use
- Comes in just the one size
U-shaped Butt Pillow For Travel
Best For: Travel, Tailbone Pain
(click for more info)
Whenever you see a seat cushion described as a “travel” this or that, the implication is usually that it is portable enough for you to travel with (a great feature for any butt pillow).
This orthopedic seat cushion has been designed to match the contours of the human buttocks and inner thighs to efficiently absorb the weight, spreading it effectively across the seat.
This ensures a more comfortable sitting experience devoid of aches, stiffness and other discomforts usually associated with extended seating. Definitely deserves to be one of the best seat cushions!
Cushion Features
- Weighs 1.1 pounds
- Dimension – 17.7 x 13.7 x 2.7 inches (fits a office chair)
- 50D density
- Non slip washable cover & quality memory foam
- Available in black, blue, grey, coffee and purple
- Durable inner material and breathable outer cover
PROs
- Portable and lightweight
- Promotes increased sitting comfort
- Relieves aches from sitting
- Aids blood circulation even while seated
- Comes in various colors
- Non slip cover can be removed
- Machine washable
CONs
- May not be very effective for anyone weighing over 120 pounds
Comfort Memory Gel Foam for Office Chair
Best For: Hip Pain, Sciatica, Tailbone Pain, Back Pain
(click for more info)
If you are looking for a seat cushion for lower back pain, then you may want to take a close look at this seat cushion.
U-shaped design helps to remove pressure from the tailbone area which you might be experiencing issues with (and sitting certainly doesn’t help it).
It offers additional comfort through the cooling gel sponge design which is especially great on the hot summer days.
Features
- Made of foam and gel film
- Dimension – 18.11 x 14.16 x 2.7 – suits a standard seat
- Offered in black, grey, blue and pink colors
- Unisex design
- Ergonomic learn design that molds to your shape
- Durable and breathable mesh seat cushion
PROs
- Offers a choice between foam and gel cushions
- Color options make it easy to match with your interior
- Improves sitting comfort and lumbar support
- Keeps you cool during the summer and warm in winter
- Can be used for long periods of sitting
- Machine washable mesh
CONs
- Comes in just one size
Purple Double Seat Cushion for Obese/Overweight
Best For: Lower Back Pain, Buttock Pain, Leg Circulation
Purple seat cushion has been on the market for a while and their premium Purple Double seat cushion can be a great option for you if you are only looking for an additional amount of tremendous comfort.
You can use Purple double cushion for just about any sitting surface – kitchen chair, car seat, stadium seats and even motorbikes! Their cushions are made of quality, lasting gel material that doesn’t break with time.
Features
- Made with Purple’s cooling gel material
PROs
- Original Purple double chair cushion
CONs
- Pricey for what it's made of
What to Look for in a Seat Cushion for Office Chair
There are many different seat cushions for office chairs out there, and choosing the best one can be tricky, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
It’s important to ensure that you match your specific sitting needs with the beneficial features of the seat cushion.
Here are the 7 essential things you should look for when buying the best seat cushion for your office chair:
Material
The material used to make a seat cushion determines the cushion’s durability, responsiveness, and ability to support and keep you comfortable.
Some of the best seat cushion materials include memory foam, latex foam, poly-foam, and Gel.
Seat cushions also come with a soft and breathable cover, affecting how the cushion lasts. You don’t want to go for too hard or too soft materials.
The materials used play a significant role in weight distribution and providing comfort. In this case, different materials deliver distinct performance.
Memory Foam
Seat cushions made from memory foam are known to be highly responsive and supportive. This is because it has superior viscosity and density.
Memory foam seat cushions are usually covered with other materials like copper, Gel, or graphite to prevent heat build-up when in use.
Latex Foam
Latex seat cushions are bouncy and very supportive. Although it contours less than memory foam, it keeps you free of back and buttock pain.
Most latex seat cushions may be slightly expensive than the other options, but their durability is unmatched.
Poly-Foam
Poly-foam is almost similar to memory foam but comes at a more affordable price. It also has high density and viscosity, which means it quickly turns back to its original shape when not in use.
While it relieves pressure and pain effectively, poly-foam may wear down faster than the previous options.
Gel
Seat cushions made of Gel are effective for cooling and are affordable. However, they may not offer the same support you get from memory and latex foams.
So, if you are looking for something to cool you down and reduce pain, gel-infused or poly-foam cushions will do the job.
But if you are after durability and more support, you can’t go wrong with latex or memory foam seat cushion.
Size and Weight
Size and weight are also crucial features to look for in a seat cushion. Some cushions are made for large chairs, while others fit well in small chairs.
Hence, it’s important to check the dimensions of a seat cushion before buying to see whether it suits your needs. If you have a large office chair, you will want to go for a larger cushion.
Generally, seat cushions come in about 17-inch by 14-inch dimensions, but this doesn’t mean that this is your ideal size.
Cushions are usually lightweight, weighing only a few pounds, and they are easily portable from home to the car or the office.
Nonetheless, some materials that offer more firmness, like Gel, make the cushion a bit heavier.
Thickness
The average thickness of a seat cushion is about two to three inches. If a cushion is designed to be too soft and thin, it may compress too much and wear out quickly.
Thin cushions may also fail to deliver the bouncy benefit a seat cushion is expected to offer.
Thicker cushions like the PurenLatex can provide extended comfort to anyone and help shape the buttocks.
However, thicker cushions can affect the setup of your workspace and how your feet step on the floor. Thus, you’ll want to adjust your chair’s height before using a thick cushion.
You should also consider the type of your body when choosing the right cushion thickness. A thin person may need more cushioning to reap more benefits and ensure their hip bones are protected.
Shape
If you want to reap the full benefit of a seat cushion, you need to go for the shape that makes your pelvis tilt forward.
A standard rectangular shape may not prevent back pain effectively. There are many crafted seat cushions with ideal shapes for varied cushioning needs.
For example, if you use a wheelchair or are pregnant and want to prevent hip or lower back pain, a donut seat cushion may do the magic.
U-shaped seat cushions also increase comfort for healthy persons and those fighting back pain. You don’t want to buy a basic seat cushion that will soon become a pain in your butt.
Back Support
The right seat cushion should offer adequate back support to prevent back pain. Choose a cushion that will relieve pressure on your lower back and help you achieve the correct posture.
Good posture will also fight neck pain, arms strain and ensure that your spine is not stress. To get the best out of the cushion, ensure that your knees are below the hip bone when sitting.
You also want to ensure that the seat cushion offers stability to avoid sliding around. It should have a non-slip base or at least fastening straps.
Cover
Some seat cushions come with covers while others don’t. It’s wise to go for the cushion that has a cover to enjoy more benefits.
The best seat cushion cover can keep the cushion clean without limiting your comfort. The cover should be easily removed and machine washer-safe for quick cleanup.
A removable and washable cover will help keep your seat cushion clean with a new, appealing look.
It should also have a suitable color like navy blue, black, red, or grey, that doesn’t force you to clean it daily.
Price
If you are paying for the office chair cushion out of your pocket, it’s essential to consider the price. You can check out a few different designs and compare their prices.
As you compare the costs, it’s also important to keep in mind that premium-quality cushions will deliver superior performance than the cheaply made products.
After all, a seat cushion is an investment not only for comfort but also for your health and overall wellbeing. You don’t want to take your back health lightly, so you need to go for a high-quality seat cushion.
Conclusion
Depending on your needs, the option you’d go for would be different.
If you are looking for a orthopedic cushion that would address a specific issue (e.g. hemorrhoids), then your best bet is this donut seat cushion.
If you are simply looking for a seat cushion for comfortable sitting, then go for this gel seat cushion.