You can reduce back pain and improve your posture while seated in the office or driving by using these cushions.
The good news is that lumbar support pillows can deliver essential comfort to help us deal with the day and sleep better at night. The flattening of your lumbar spine while sitting applies pressure to your intervertebral discs, leading to muscle strain in your spine. Lumbar support pillows are designed to uphold the normal curvature of your back when you sit, which relieves discomfort and supports your muscles and spine.
Everyone spends a considerable amount of time in a seated position—at the office sitting in chairs, while commuting by car or train, on the family couch for a movie, or in a reading chair with a book. The time we spend sitting may be largely beyond our control, and if your seating posture is bad, you could be experiencing frustrating back pain. Instead of giving in to the quick relief of slouching, having lumbar support can allow you to sit upright with no difficulty.
According to one study, staying slumped or slouched in a chair for a long time can elevate discomfort and pain in your lower back. A lumbar support pillow can furnish back support and improve your sitting posture, alleviating lower back pain and letting you stay physically active and pain-free in your later years.
Experts we consulted say that choosing a lumbar pillow ought to depend on aspects like material, shape, and the presence or absence of positioning straps. To identify the very best lumbar support pillows, we sought the best lumbar support pillows via testers of assorted ages who examined different options and supplied their insights on comfort, ease of use and back support throughout their nine-to-five.
Our Top Picks for the Best Lumbar Support Pillows
1
Best Overall Lumbar Support Pillow
Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow
PROS
- Mesh cover is breathable
- Provides proper posture support
- Memory foam is quite comfortable.
CONS
- May shift around occasionally.
This lumbar support pillow comes out well appreciated by the consumers who purchase through Amazon and testers, for two years they have appreciated its benefits for their lower backs. The foam was both cozy and supportive. I experienced fewer neck pain because it motivated me to sit upright at work.
The curved form supports better posture and the flexible foam is soft to lean on. The foam may hold heat; the mesh cover (available in five colors) allows for airflow and can be easily removed and washed. The cushion fit perfectly on Shahriar Rafi’s office chair, however over time it moved slightly and he needed to adjust it sometimes.
Product Details: Material: Polyester mesh cover and memory foam fill | Shape: Wedge | Positioning Straps: Yes
2
Best Value Lumbar Support Pillow
OPTP The Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll
PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Standard and firm support options
- Removable case for easy washing
CONS
- May be too large for some users
Although a cylindrical and oblong pillow may not immediately come to mind when you think of lumbar support cushions, this pillow is remarkably selected by physical therapists for its capacity to uphold spinal alignment. As owner of RafiCare Physical Therapy Shahriar Rafi always suggests the McKenzie lumbar roll.”
This pillow was recommended to Abdus Sami by his physical therapist as well. He used this pillow without the strap on his office chair so that it would slip down if she began to slouch. It inspired me to improve my posture actively.
Available in both standard and firm density variations with a single strap ideal for chairs or car seats and a cover for easy cleaning this pillow stands out for its value. A portable inflatable pillow serves well during trips and aids comfort on flights.
Product Details: Material: Polyester cover and foam fill | Shape: Cylinder | Positioning Straps: Yes
3
Best Lumbar Support Pillow for the Car
Sojoy 3 in 1 Foldable Gel Seat Cushion
PROS
- Made of durable neoprene
- Can adjust to multiple settings
- Fits easily into small bags or backpacks
CONS
- Takes some getting used to
- Thicker and firmer than average
Should you need a straightforward method to carry your lumbar support pillow from one location to another the Sojoy 3 in 1 Foldable Gel Seat Cushion delivers optimal lumbar support in a small size. This cushion is made with memory foam and a gel layer and can be folded to offer thicker support or unfolded to fit a bigger space; it comes including easy-carry handles.
We needed a day or two to feel comfortable with this seat; it’s thick and rigid with several options for use. We quickly noticed the benefits: It ensured our back and neck were properly aligned and enhanced our posture while working as a cushion under us or as lumbar support behind our backs.
Considering its versatility and usefulness this pillow’s cost is reasonable; it feels like you’re buying many pillows for the amount paid. To get the best usage from this pillow you will need patience to experiment with various methods since it is stiffer than many other pillows.
Product Details: Material: Memory foam with gel | Shape: Rounded rectangle | Positioning Straps: No
4
Best Lumbar Support Pillow for Sciatica
Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow
PROS
- Unique a shape
- Firm but comfortable
- Fits well and gives complete back support
CONS
- Costly
- Lacks direction on positioning
Recognizing that sciatic nerve pain can impact your back from mid-section to your feet we acknowledge that the Cushion Lab Back Relief Lumbar Pillow encompasses a larger back area while supporting the upper back and lower shoulders and the lumbar region. When we tested it the pillow’s fit around the spine felt comfortable and created a shelf-like support for our upper back.
This support for our upper back altered our alignment and minimized back pain. The pillow looks carefully designed well; and when it features a strap we frequently didn’t need it. To a large extent we judged that the pillow offered just the right amount of suppleness and not excessive hardness. Thicker foam may explain the pillow’s skill to comfort the curve of your spine and retain its shape.
This pillow’s design allows it to offer back support for extended periods. While it costs money this pillow may serve its purpose if you desire extra spine protection. This pillow is slightly more costly than some on our list. Although we liked it for its quality—consider waiting for it to be discounted.
Product Details: Material: Memory foam | Shape: Butterfly | Positioning Straps: Yes | Care Instructions: Machine washable cover
5
Best Lumbar Support Pillow for Posture
Samsonite Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow
PROS
- Side pockets have been added
- Slipless, secure straps
CONS
- Super not wide
Those who need a pillow for back support will prefer the Samsonite Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow due to memory foam’s just right firmness. Moreover the memory foam contours to your back and spine making it exceptionally pleasant. It features a single strap that secures it firmly so that you won’t need to readjust it frequently.
After using this pillow we saw a significant change in our posture and found ourselves more relaxed at the end of each day. The benefits are also progressive; so we enjoyed significant decrease in lower back tightness and discomfort during the period of observation. In addition the pillow preserves its form and support throughout its use thus adding to its overall great value.
This lumbar pillow can be cleaned easily with just a wipe. The fabric is relatively sturdy, and we never experienced any problem in pilling or stretching. Due to its thick design this pillow could be uncomfortable for taller peoples who might find it touches their dashboard and foot pedals.
Product Details: Material: Memory foam | Shape: Rounded edge rectangle | Positioning Straps: Yes
6
Best for Sweaty Backs
Purple Back Cushion for Ultimate Comfort
PROS
- The cushion
- GelFlex grid is more breathable than foam
- The pillow creates a massage effect on the back
CONS
- Can be difficult to set up
Purple back cushion is the best cooling pillows and one of our favorite mattresses in a box, according to our expert pros. In addition to the brand selling a back cushion, filled with its own GelFlex Grid, which is a unique ‘grid shaped elastic’ which is support, breathable and pressure relieving.
One tester who suffers from lower back pain and has been doing so for years said that this squishy-yet-firm cushion would come in handy if he were to have a flare up. He said, “This is what I have found easy to use, that was very comfortable to use. I like that these provide me with some extra support on my back, the type of cushion that the purple insert feels almost like a massage.
Testers were unhappy with the setup process that requires one to use a floppy gel insert to fit into a cover. One tester mentioned that the process was “a bit cumbersome, and another said that it was challenging to pull the adjustable strap around their chair. Testers called the product a ‘soft cushion pillow and our specialists appreciate that GelFlex Grid which helps to prevent sweat and maintain a cool back.
Product Details: Material: GelFlex Grid fill and Hyper-Elastic Polymer fill | Shape: Rectangle | Positioning Straps: Yes
7
Best with Seat Cushion
ComfiWorld Memory Foam Seat Back Cushion
PROS
- Non-slip cover
- Gel-infused memory foam
- Seat cushion and a pillow on the back
CONS
- Expensive, heavy
Lumbar support cushions are not the only support cushions that can help reduce lower back pain; in fact, seat cushions also offer some lumbar support particularly if you are experiencing lower back pain only. This cushion provides lumbar support at the sacral region and fits the contour of the bottom and thigh upper part, according to the director of the RafiCare Physical Therapy Md. Shahriar Rafi.
Whether you are at work sitting in an office chair or spending hours in a car, your comfort will greatly improve if you use this all-in-one cushion that is created using gel-infused memory foam. Contoured seat cushion will be comfortable to your tailbone, hips, thighs and legs while the back cushion will ensure that you have the right posture that supports your lower back.
This cushion comes in four different colours, although it is quite costly and quite large if you intend to tote it from one place to the other, the cushion provides great support to your bum and your back. Also, the bottom has a non-slip cover to ensure that the cushion does not twist or slide on your chair.
Product Details: Material: Memory foam with gel pad | Shape: Lumbar support pillow | Positioning Straps: No
How we selected the best lumbar support pillows
The Beauty Homes assess the mattresses, pillows and seat cushions by consulting with our specialists and also insights collected from the consumer analyzers. As for the best lumbar support pillows, our analysts suggested products they tried. We performed an analysis of different brands and reviewed customer feedback..
Having shortlisted our selections, we provided our testers with lumbar support pillows to use in their office chairs or at home. The testers completed a comprehensive survey regarding their experiences, we could assess the level of comfort, usability, lumbar support, quality, breathability, and pain alleviation provided by the pillows.
In addition to this, we talked to physical therapist Dr. Shahriar Rafi, he suggested using a lumbar support pillow.
What to look for when buying for a lumbar support pillow
The pros include determining the material, shape, firmness, size and many others, to know which type of pillow will suit you and your chair.
- Material: Our choices of the best pillows include memory foam, gel and latex fillings.These materials provide support for the back; however, certain types are more effective at alleviating pressure or improving your posture. The fill will also impact firmness, with memory foam being firmer than gel and latex as the latter is more bouncy. This is that a mesh cover could be more comfortable and less sweaty as compared to knit covers.
- Shape: Some of the most common shapes found when it comes to lumbar support pillows include the cylinder/roll, the curved wedge/rectangle and the contoured. Shahriar Rafi suggests consulting with a physical therapist or a doctor to assess the contour of the area where you sit to determine which shape of a pillow is appropriate for you.
In my opinion there is no universal solution. When selecting the shape and size of the pillow the following aspects should be taken into consideration, the setting ( whether it is a car or an office), the type of chair, your endowed frame and your height.
- Adjustable Straps: Some pillows buckle onto the backrest of your chair to make sure it is well positioned and does not move in any way. Those pillows that don’t have straps can be more easily transported from one chair to another and may encourage active sitting correction.
Shahriar Rafi says both options have their benefits: ‘Those with straps are probably designed to sit further up a chair and can be moved in relation to one’s physique, but straps do not firmly secure the support in position and are prone to shifting, as writing chairs can be greatly diverse from one another.
- Size: The height of the cushion also determines the measure of support, conforming and sturdiness of the cushion. Many of the contoured options such as the Cushion Lab Back Relief Lumbar Pillow, are fairly large and might not fit on more petite chairs.
These kinds of small rectangular shaped cushions such as Sojoy 3 in 1 Foldable Gel Seat Cushion might be a little thin and small for a tall person or a large office chair. The University Ergonomics Departments recommendation on backrests indicates that lumber curve depth for the backrest should be in the range of 0.6 to 2 inches, the height should be within a range of 5’’ to 9 inches.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether lumbar support pillows are effective?
Research has found that when people sit slouched or slumped for a long time they feel discomfort in the lower part of the back. Lumbar support pillows, which allow better correct positioning of the spine while sitting for hours at a desk or car, should alleviate back pain and discomfort in the back area.
The idea of the lumbar support pillow is to give you a signal that you need to sit in a proper position and to make you engage your postural muscles in order to maintain this proper sitting position.
According to Dr. Shahriar Rafi, using a lumbar support pillow prevents back pain because it ensures your lower back conforms to its natural shape. More studies are required to be conducted so as to be definite with the long-term impacts of the lumbar support pillows, but the true position and pain relief for the majority of consumers make the support cushions an essential tool in dealing with back pain.
What is the proper way to use a lumbar support pillow?
While giving instructions on the right way to use the lumbar support pillow, Dr. Shahriar Rafi advises placing the lumbar support pillow should be set to the lower back, which is just above the pelvis. If your bottom is touching the back of the chair, bend forward and put the support pillow just below your low back,” he says.
It should not be located in the area in between your buttocks and the back of the chair, so ensure you move it a little up if it is a small pillow with the straps. In its initial positioning, according to Dr. Shahriar Rafi, there should be a feeling as if your lower back has some curve to it supported by the lumbar support pillow.
Who should use a lumbar support pillow?
Anyone who sits in a chair would benefit from a lumbar support pillow and Dr. Shahriar Rafi points out that there are no drawbacks of using a support pillow over a long period. Those people who are involved in sitting most of the time will benefit from lumbar support since it eliminates slouching thereby reducing back pain.
This may include office employees from the corporate world during their daily work hours, truck drivers on long hauls, passengers on a long drive, and college students spending hours cramming for exams. Of course, you can try using a lumbar pillow, but if you have a constant back ache, it is better to consult your doctor. The pain may be due to another reason or an injury and it is especially true if your lifestyle does not involve lots of sitting.
Which type of material is best for lumbar support pillows?
There are mainly two types of lumbar support pillows and they are the memory foam and the gel-filled support pillows, but each has its own advantages and the disadvantages. Memory foam is solid in nature, but has been widely known to be very absorbent to heat and also contours to the body (your back will slowly sink into it).
Latex and gel cushions feel more elastic, feel soft and moist. Gel is a dense liquid, which is somewhat like the gel you may find in your shoe insert, while memory foam is a solid foam that displaces its cells rather than moving the fluid.
Shahriar Rafi says, most of the lumbar support pillows available in the market are made of foam. But as foam is used in the form of conforming to your body, especially the memory foam which is illustrious for offering pressure relief, ‘give’ is counterproductive. I suggest seeking out a continuous medium to firm lumbar support pillow as opposed to soft ones.
A lumbar support pillow will also keep reminding you to correct your sitting posture to the right postures. Shahriar says that the concept is to gradually acclimatize your body to assuming better, correct posture. The best material can be considered the one that is most comfortable and helps you improve your posture as much as possible.
