- Last updated on
- by Artem
If your are looking for the best seat cushion for things like home office, seat, office chair, back pain, lumbar spine, car, sciatica or any other possible situation, then you are in the right place.
In this update for 2021, I collected several orthopedic and ergonomic seat cushions for the purpose of this review, 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.
And here is our list – click on each of them for more information!
1. Best Orthopedic: Donut Seat Cushion for Office Chair
Best For: Sciatica, Coccyx/Tailbone, Hip Pain, Hemorrhoids, Prostatitis, 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, hemorrhoid, 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 (read the full donut seat cushion review here), 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.
The seat cushion comes in two versions – male and female. Both include a comfy velour cover.
PROs
- Overall high quality (like Tempur-Pedic)
- Lightweight (~1lb) and easy to transport
- Helps to reduce hip and back issues
- 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
2. Best Breathable: Honeycomb Gel Seat Cushion for Lumbar Support – Posturion
Best For: Lower Back Pain, Buttock Pain
Next on the list is the cooling gel seat cushion (full review) also sold by Posturion.
Unlike the previous cushion, this 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.
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 gel cushion certainly does help to reduce the strain and discomfort you would experience from prolonged sitting.
To summarize, I like and recommend this cushion as a breathable seat cushion for office chair that you can use every day. It is also a good option for the elderly.
PROs
- Adds comfort to prolonged sitting
- Breathable honeycomb cell design
- 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
3. Best For Lower Back Pain: PurenLatex Ergonomic U-Shape Seat Cushion for Pressure
Best For: Tailbone Pain, Sciatic Nerve, Lumbar Support
A high quality seat cushion 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 seat cushions list.
If you are not interested in shaping your butt (oh, well), then you can enjoy the other many features offered by this seat cushion.
PROs
- Corrects sitting posture
- Brings extended comfort
- Provides good back support
- 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
4. Best for Buttock Pain: Orthopedic Car Seat Pillow For Driving
Best For: Coccyx Pain, Long Drives
Next contender on our seat cushions 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
- Seat cushion 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
- The seat cushion comes in just the one size
5. Ergonomic Home Office Seat Cushion
Best For: Sciatica, Tailbone Pain
(click for more info)
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.
Cushion Features
- One of the seat cushions with 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
6. Best Portable: U-shaped Butt Pillow For Travel & Rest
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.
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
7. Best for Office Chair: Comfort Memory Gel Foam Cushion for Wheelchair
Best For: Hip Pain, Sciatica, Tailbone 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
8. Best for Overweight: Purple Double Seat Cushion
Best For: Lower Back Pain, Buttock Pain, Leg Circulation
Purple 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 seat 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
Seat Cushion Guide For 2021
With our best picks above you can be sure that you will get the cushion that is best for you and your specific requirement. However there is still some misunderstanding of the subject so in this section I address a number of frequently asked questions that are discussed during the purchasing process.
Are Seat Cushions Worth It?
The short answer is – YES.
However, there are some caveats.
First, you need to make sure that the cushion you are getting is right for your condition. For example, if you are experiencing hemorrhoids symptoms, then you will find relief with donut seat cushion.
Same goes for coccyx and LBP which is best addressed by either, wedge, U-shaped or donut seat cushion.
Second, the material and the quality of that material are important. Gel cushions naturally don’t hold any shape so they are technically not orthopedic, but…they are very comfortable (as I mention right below). They can also be used by overweight people.
Generally speaking, you would get a memory foam seat cushion for any pre-existing condition (e.g. back pain, sciatica, hip pain etc). Whereas gel cushion brings a lot of comfort to the table.
Which type of seat cushion is optimal for me?
The type of the sit cushion that is optimal for you depends on a number of factors and objectives.
- Type of Pain/Discomfort. If you experience tailbone pain, then wedge cushion is something you should look at first, followed by a donut cushion. However, if you suffer from hemorrhoids, then donut cushion is number one your list. And if you are looking to add comfort to your office chair and reduce lower back strain, go for gel cushion.
- Weight and Size. If you are bigger guy/girl, you would want to grab thicker cushions made out of memory foam.
- Type of Work. If you travel frequently, then opting in for a gel cushion (like egg sitter) or an inflatable seat cushion might be just enough. However, if you are looking for a seat cushion for office chair, then your best best is a memory foam (or plyfoam) seat cushion or a gel cushion.
What Is The Best Seat Cushion for Lower Back Pain?
Research in this area is limited, but…based on this study, gel cushions are best for dealing with LBP.
However, back pain is often a result of anterior pelvic tilt which increases lumbar flexion. This happens because of tight hips. This study shows that the wedge cushions were able to significantly reduce lumbar flexion which would contribute to LBP reduction.
You can expect the same benefit with any seat cushion that has some forward inclination.
What Is The Most Comfortable Cushion?
When it comes to comfort, the egg sitter gel cushion is a definite winner (another alternative is purple seat cushion).
In fact, research shows that gel cushions are effective at reducing LBP (at least, for drivers seated for a prolonged period of time).
Personally, after giving it a try, I felt how the soft, comfortable gel material helped to improve the blood flow in the buttock area keeping fatigue and discomfort away for longer. It reduces buttock pain too.
Read Next
Still looking for the right seat cushion? Here are a few other options for you…check them out!
Artem
- 7Shares