The 10 Best Office Chair Cushions
Special Honors
Sharper Image Pressure Relieving Air Cushion If you'd like to avoid foam and gel while still alleviating pain in the lower back, tailbone and sciatic nerve, this pressure-relieving air cushion should do the trick. Designed to promote healthy weight distribution, it passively improves posture and spinal alignment as you go about your daily routine. It has durable, non-skid material to keep it firmly in place and includes a hand pump for easy inflation. sharperimage.com
Editor's Notes
October 27, 2020:
We've updated this list and removed some of the cushions such as the Sleep Restoration Comfy Cure, Cylen Home, and Vive Max because of availability issues. In their place, we've added some new options like the Purple Double and the TravelMate Extra-Large. In addition, we've also reviewed our previous picks and updated the listings on the Ziraki Protect & Soothe, the Purple Simply, the Modvel MV-102, and the U-Are Set.
December 18, 2019:
Because many offices offer substandard budget seating arrangements for their employees, creating an ergonomic workspace is largely up to the worker. Things like special keyboards, computer mouses and pads, and height-adjustable desks are all great for making the office a healthier place. That being said, building out an ergonomic workspace can get expensive fast, so if you're not willing to shell out on an entirely new chair, then a seat cushion could be just the thing. Regardless of how well-endowed your office is, it's still a good idea to take regular breaks from staring at your computer and to get up and walk around about every hour or so.
Today's update saw the removal of the Aylio Contour, Aeris Memory 016 Plus, and Kieba Coccyx. The Aylio model was scrapped due to its lack of special features to set it apart from similar items on our list. We took away the Kieba because the company removed its cooling layer of gel, which we felt was its defining feature. And while we still love the Aeris unit, we feel it pales in comparison to the newly-added Purple Simply, a high-end, technologically-advanced option made for the long haul.
We also added the Vive Max for those who need firmer support than high-density memory foam can provide, and the U-Are Set for people who want both seat and lumbar support without having to buy separate pieces.
Our main priorities while re-ranking this list included quality materials, comfort, reliable support, washable and removable covers, money-back guarantees or warranties in case of damage or loss, heat-dissipating elements to keep the user cool, and resilient padding to stand up to long periods of use for many consecutive days.
The Importance Of Maintaining Proper Posture
Regardless of whether the pain is in your upper or lower back, working on your sitting position can help reduce it.
You've got enough problems at work: that annoying co-worker, your boss breathing down your neck to finish that project by the end of the day, the vending machine that only ever has Lifesavers in it. So, it's understandable that the last thing you want to think about on top of all that other stuff is your posture while you work.
However, there are few things you can do that will have better long-term effects on your health and wellbeing than taking care of your spine.
Obviously, your back is one of the main areas that will suffer when you don't sit up straight. Putting your back in bad positions puts a lot of stress on your discs, and could increase the likelihood of injuring them. Regardless of whether the pain is in your upper or lower back, working on your sitting position can help reduce it.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, poor posture could be the culprit. When you hunch over, it puts undue strain on the muscles in the back of your neck. This leads to tension, and tension headaches are no joke. It can also trigger a migraine or cluster headache, and those can require hospitalization.
It's not just physical pain that you have to worry about, either. Poor posture has been linked to depression, so if you've been feeling down, you might want to sit up. Now, it's important to note that we are not suggesting that correcting your posture is all you need to do to overcome clinical depression, but simply that it may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Not only does posture affect mood, but it may also impact your motivation. Not slumping over can improve your confidence, as well as your willingness to get work done — so tell your bosses that doing whatever it takes to keep you feeling good is in their best interests.
While sitting on a cushion isn't all you need to do to repair years of stress on your back, it's a good start — especially if it helps you create better habits.
Easy Ways To Improve Your Posture On The Job
Now that you know how critical it is to keep your spine healthy, even after long hours slaving away at the computer, here are some ways to make it as simple as possible.
It's easier for many people to maintain proper posture when they're upright rather than sitting, so consider switching to a standing desk. There are many options on the market that let you switch between sitting and standing, so you're not limited to one or the other.
There are many options on the market that let you switch between sitting and standing, so you're not limited to one or the other.
If you can't get a standing desk, at the very least get up and move around every hour or so. It's easier to sit up straight in short bursts, so taking a break will help reset your body — and your willpower. It will also get your blood circulating, and reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Try to upgrade your chair as well. Many ergonomic chairs are specially designed to make sitting correctly a no-brainer, with curves to support your lumbar and arms that can be adjusted to whatever level you prefer.
Speaking of your arms, anyone who does a lot of typing is at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Don't pound your keyboard, as using excessive force is a risk factor. Also, take some time to stretch and do strengthening exercises for your hands, forearms, and wrists.
If your company offers any benefits like on-site massage or yoga, be sure to take them up on it. Many corporations either offer gym memberships or will reimburse you for yours, so check and see if that's an option. Even if it's not, the time you spend at the gym undoing all the stress you put on your body during the day will be worth every penny.
Of course, the alternative is to do nothing — and then all of your pennies might come in the form of a disability check.
Choosing The Right Office Chair Cushion
If your work chair has seen better days, or if you just suffer from sciatica or some other ailment that necessitates special accommodation, then an office chair seat cushion is a smart choice.
Naturally, one of the most important considerations is what, exactly, you want the cushion to do.
Naturally, one of the most important considerations is what, exactly, you want the cushion to do. If you just need cushioning to soften the impact on your butt, there are plenty of memory foam options that will be like sitting on a cloud. If, on the other hand, you need something firm enough to hold your legs in a certain position, then you may want to invest in something denser and sturdier.
Also, some have other features that may make them attractive to you. For example, you may be interested in cooling gel inserts to keep you from sweating, or a hole in the middle to take pressure off your tailbone.
Look for one that will stay in place, as well. There's nothing more frustrating than slipping and sliding around on your chair every time you make a move, and doing so will likely cause you to abandon the cushion altogether.
Once you find one you like, though, don't be surprised if you start to take it with you everywhere you go. They're great for reducing stress when you're stuck in traffic, taking some of the sting out of stadium seats at the ballgame, or even when you just want to veg out in front of the TV for a few hours.
After all, sitting down is one of the great pleasures of life, and if you can't do it comfortably, it's a real pain in the — well, you know.