Seat cushions are great options for the user to relieve back pain significantly and reduce the pressure felt on their tailbone. Constant sitting, that too in a wrong posture, would cause significant posture and health issues.
But the right seat cushion would let you maintain a healthy posture and provide ample spine support. From material to additional features, many qualities make an ideal seat cushion.
The article below provides enough information on the factors to consider when selecting a seat cushion for lower back pain. You can use the articles to compare the most popular seat cushion models currently available in the market and evaluate their effectiveness.
Contents
- 1 How do I choose a lumbar cushion?
- 2 What is the best pillow for lower back pain while sitting?
- 3 How do I choose a seat cushion?
- 4 Summary
- 5 FAQs
- 5.1 1. Which is better to relieve back pain: soft cushion or firm cushion?
- 5.2 2. What are the best methods, like a seat cushion, to relieve back pain?
- 5.3 3. Which sitting position creates minimum pressure on the back?
- 5.4 4. Can you take seat cushions with you while traveling?
- 5.5 5. What are the benefits of seat cushions?
How do I choose a lumbar cushion?
The best ways to choose a lumbar cushion are as follows.
Versatility
Versatility is critical when it comes to a lumbar cushion. These cushions are not supposed to be attached to your chair. They must be versatile enough to be taken with the user for constant lumbar support. So, a lumbar cushion with a lightweight build will be ideal for you as they have the best versatility.
Pure Memory Foam
Pure memory foam filling is critical for the lumbar cushion to be ergonomic. The pure memory foam shifts shape according to the user’s sitting position and posture, ensuring constant lumbar support. It also provides high durability to the cushion and significant relief from back pain.
Removable Mesh Cover
It is essential for a lumbar cushion to have an allergy-resistant removable mesh cover. Chances are high for the cushion to collect dust and dirt with constant use. The removable mesh color enables the user to remove, wash, and clean it to keep the cushion fresh for a long time.
Adjustable Straps
You can look for lumbar cushions that come with more than a single adjustable strap. Lumbar cushions are generally attached temporarily to the back of the chair for better stability. If you only have a single strap for that, the cushion may move around, failing to deliver ample lumbar support. Two adjustable straps are recommendable.
What is the best pillow for lower back pain while sitting?
The best pillows for lower back pain while sitting are listed below.
Lumbar Support Pillows
Lumbar support pillows are placed against the lower back portion of the user. These pillows help correct and align the posture of the human spine. They also help relieve lower back pain after using them relatively longer. In terms of the range of motion, too, lumbar support pillows are highly recommended by experts.
Inflatable Pillows
Inflatable pillows are the ones that you can adjust the thickness however you want. You can deflate and inflate these pillows per your preference and comfort level. The ability of these pillows to adjust the thickness makes them a great tool to relieve lower back pain, as they could provide just the proper support for the back.
Pillows with Cutouts
Thick pillows are available that come with a cutout at where the buttocks position. This design enables the lower back to push forward a bit, which promotes the naturally curved shape of the human spine. Using such cutout pillows eventually improves the natural spine shape and reduces lower back pain that results from bad posture.
Attachable Pillows
These pillows, as the name indicate, can be attached to your chair by adjustable straps. This gives the user enough support without having to adjust the pillow’s position throughout the sitting time. You also need not worry about the pillow sliding off the chair whenever you move, as it is correctly attached to the chair.
How do I choose a seat cushion?
The features that help choose a seat cushion are discussed below.
Use of the Chair
You have to consider your chair’s purpose before buying a seat cushion for it. Because depending on the time spent by the user on the chair, the selection of seat cushion changes.
For example, an office chair needs to have a seat cushion that is ergonomically designed and provides good lumbar support. But for dining chairs, which are not used for longer hours of sitting, rather than lumbar support or ergonomic design, the priority should be for ease of cleaning.
Another example is that weather-resistant material should be the first and foremost concern for an outdoor chair. So, understand the prior need of your chair and buy a seat cushion that caters to that need.
Size of the Cushion
Cushions in various sizes are available in the market. To determine the ideal cushion size, you have to measure the dimensions of your chair. You have to measure the depth of the chair seat and the width.
A seat cushion that goes beyond the chair seat would cause low stability. Generally, the chairs have a square shape, and so are the seat cushions. But if you have a circular or other-shaped chair, you may have to custom-order the cushion for the right fit.
Foam
Foam is a crucial part of any seat cushion. It determines the durability and comfort of any cushion. The foam ideal for outdoor chairs and indoor chairs is entirely different.
For indoor chairs, polyurethane foam is considered the best option. This is an affordable option and is available in cushions of varying densities.
But polyurethane foam may be a wrong choice for outdoor chairs, as they absorb water content and may get moldy. Closed-cell foam is considered the right choice for outdoor chairs. They prevent the influx of moisture content. But they are relatively a bit pricier.
Ease of Cleaning
Ease of cleaning is a significant feature of a seat cushion, as it can make or break its longevity. You have to consider the material and foam of the seat cushion closely to decide on its ease of cleaning.
Removable cushion covers would be an interesting addition, as it contributes to better cleaning.
Thickness
Seat cushions are available with numerous options of thickness. The most sought-after thickness for seat cushions is between three and eight inches. Cushions that are thinner than three inches cannot be considered a proper seat cushion, but only a seat pad.
Also, pay attention to the fact that the thicker the cushion gets, the higher the price will be. So, if you are planning to buy a bulk of seat cushions for a large number of chairs, it is ideal to pick a mid-range thickness to avoid spending an unreasonable amount of money.
The thickness needed for outdoor and indoor chairs is also different. Outdoor chairs use relatively thinner cushions, which would be the easiest to handle and clean. At the same time, indoor chairs need to have a reasonable thickness for the seat cushions.
Summary
From my experience, purchasing a good seat cushion would be ideal rather than consuming painkillers to prevent lower back pain. As I spent many hours in the same sitting position in my office, the stress on my back, especially the lower back, was relatively high. The lack of movements and the lack of any back support has been having an impact on my lower back.
Using a polyurethane foam-filled cushion on my office chair regularly has indeed become a solution for all my problems. It has adjustable straps and good lumbar support. It is easy to clean, reasonably thick, and highly comfortable to sit on. The entire body feels relaxed now, and the lower back pain has reduced considerably.
FAQs
1. Which is better to relieve back pain: soft cushion or firm cushion?
Soft cushions seem more inviting and comfortable, but only briefly. Using soft cushions that let your body sink into it cannot provide the support essential for longer hours. Due to the smooth and comfortable seating, chances are low for you to move or make any other movement throughout the sitting, which is harmful to your spine. Firm cushions are not uncomfortable or hard but strong enough to provide ample spine support to your body. It provides stability and motivates you to stand up or move about in between.
2. What are the best methods, like a seat cushion, to relieve back pain?
The best methods to relieve back pain are regular exercise, massage or acupuncture therapy, yoga & meditation, healthy body weight maintenance, supportive footwear, an adjustable bed for sleeping, etc. Seat cushions are the best way to provide enough back support to your body and relieve back pain.
3. Which sitting position creates minimum pressure on the back?
Maintaining a healthy posture while sitting would enable you to put minimum pressure on your back. Experts suggest that sitting straight on your chair with a seat cushion or similar support in the back is better. The feet should be placed flat against the floor. This sitting position takes off unwanted pressure from the shoulders and back and, thus, is considered the best sitting position that creates minimum stress on the back.
4. Can you take seat cushions with you while traveling?
You can take seat cushions with you while traveling as they are highly portable and, thus, are travel-friendly. They are lightweight enough to be carried with you anywhere and everywhere. Several manufacturers provide a convenient travel case along with their seat cushions for better portability. The seat cushions made for portability are significantly softer than the regular ones. If you are looking for a seat cushion exclusively for your office, getting a relatively heavier one is advisable.
5. What are the benefits of seat cushions?
Seat cushions are primarily known for the incredible back support that they provide and the gradual posture correction. But they do much more than that. Good quality seat cushions are proven to improve the blood circulation of the human body. They also help relieve pressure from the hips of the users. They are also helpful enough in reducing Coccyx injury.
Hi, I am Valerie. I love working out and trying out various products which help me maintain my fitness. I love reviewing products related to posture and pain relief that will help people in some way. I like to spend my extra time swimming, Running and Wall Climbing. I am a physiotherapist and have helped countless people lead a pain free life.
