It has an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 18,000 reviews on Amazon. If the size isnt an issue and you want a soft cushion for your chair, you could try it out for as long as a year to see if its a fit for your workstation. Polyurethane is relatively long-lastinga good cushion can provide years of service before it needs to be replacedbut eventually all of that plastic ends up as waste. An ergonomic seat cushion may help to relieve some of that pressure by distributing the weight load across the cushion. If your tailbone is a specific source of pain, you may want to look into a seat cushion with a coccyx cutout like this one from Everlasting Comfort. Dsinclair, Promising review: "I needed this for my work-from-home job where Im sitting for over eight hours and my wrist start to bother me. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. With a 19-inch width, the cushion is generously sized, but it might be a tight fit on some chairs. This kids chair pad has sponge filler and is 1.2 inches thick. We independently review everything we recommend. Melanie Pinola previously covered all things home office as a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. On typical task chairs with armrests, the Xtreme Comforts cushion might not fit well because of its width. I like my keyboards on risers and this makes using them that way more comfortable. It has a flat bottom and a dome-shaped top, which makes it wobble underneath you while seated. We liked how the cushion flexed under our body weight to slightly cradle us, while feeling firmer than competing cushions. PattyB, Promising review: "Perfect for the desk. SOFTaCARE Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support Pillow. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. If a cushion adds 1 to 2 inches of height to your seat, you may need to adjust your desk height or seat height accordingly, or add a footrest beneath your desk. more. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. SOFTaCAREs seat cushion and lumbar support pillow are constructed from memory foam and feature velour covers you can remove and wash. And the cover texture, while durable-looking, is a bit rougher than the other cushions we tested. The seat cushion features a washable removable cover with the Purple Grid inside and an anti-slip bottom. If you like the idea of a gel cushion like the Purple but want something a bit more affordable, this 1.25-inch-thick cushion from FOMI offers a similar style at less than half the price of the Purples Double Seat Cushion. I've only gone up to a 24" monitor, but with two that size it remains sturdy and balanced." We liked this cushion the best of those priced under $50 because of its cushiness, durable cover, and sloping front edge that might reduce pressure on the back of your legs. Very sturdy as well. Like lumbar support pillows, a seat cushion is a convenient add-on for just about any chair. To determine the kind of support people might need from their office chairs, we interviewed physical therapists, including representatives from the American Physical Therapy Association. Reporting on what you care about. Although its almost twice as thick as the Purple Double and the Tempur-Pedic, the Xtreme Comforts cushion is very soft, so youll sink into it much more than you would with those firmer yet thinner pillows. The seat suchion also has a coccyx cutout. Given the shortage of consumer-oriented foam recycling options, the best way to deal with unwanted seat cushions may be to repurpose their foam for DIY projects or donate them for reuse, either via a local second-hand store or through classified sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The BackJoy SitzRight Seat Cushion, because it was very uncomfortable. Its bigger than I thought also." Yet even though its only 1 inch thick, we never felt like the cushion bottomed out, thanks to the high-density foam. allows different settings, including cool air that definitely helps in a home office that gets a lot of sun." For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Yes please! The unique honeycomb gel has different density on each side. And, finally, dont use this cushion in a hot environment (over 100 ), because the insert could get damaged. Use them on the side of my nightstand for my phone charging cable and on the side of my desk for my laptop charging cable." They don't leave any streaks just a nice dust free surface. Most of our testers did not like the lumps and bumps, with one person describing them as seeming like a medieval torture device.. Paul, Promising review: "Lightweight and rolls very good on my carpet! The Purple Simply Seat Cushion and the Purple Royal Cushion were our previous picks for this guide. The lumbar support pillow offers a pocket to keep your phone or headphones in, too. Thanks to its 2-inch strong hyper-elastic polymer insert, the Double never flattens out the way thinner foam cushions can. The AmazonBasics Memory Foam Seat Cushion is the least expensive and thinnest (at 1.2 inch) of the cushions we tested. Super cool- my daughters think we have the coolest TV around! If kids are doing homework or taking classes online, they may be sitting for long periods of time. Since Ive been using this no longer does my wrist bother me! All of them were independently selected by our editors. If you prefer something a bit firmer with more support, youll want to consider a dense memory foam cushion. Just so you know, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Historically, recycling PU foam has been difficult (or at least difficult to make profitable) so most of it has been burned or put into landfills. According to physical therapist Dr. Akhil Chhatre, when you sit, all of the load of your upper body goes into the buttocks, which is what renders hours spent sitting on something like a wooden chair so uncomfortable. It is supportive, breathes well, and fits on a variety of chairs. California residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data. A flexible cushion that keeps your bum cool, A slim memory foam seat cushion that conforms to your body, adjust your workstation for the best ergonomic fit, A large, soft seat cushion with thick padding, Budget pick: Xtreme Comforts Large Seat Cushion, Sustainability and ergonomic seat cushions, Cornell Universitys Ergonomic Department, University of Colorado Denvers Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering, adjust your desk height or seat height accordingly, or add a footrest beneath your desk, our picks for bed pillows for side-sleepers, millions of tons of polyurethane foam waste, The Essential Ergonomic Gear for Your Home Office, 7 Things You Need for an Ergonomically Correct Workstation. He doesnt complain anymore that he cant sit for very long. I love that it is easy to use and the directions show exactly which numbers should be adjusted for which use you prefer. ala58, Promising review: "Great chair! The Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion is the thickest, largest, and heaviest of the Purple seat cushion lineupnearly 22 inches wide and 2 inches thick. Purple produces a number of seat cushions for different scenarios, from cars to sporting events. It comes in five colors like Black and Navy Blue, and the removable cover is machine-washable. One of our panelists found it too long as well, hanging off the front of their wooden chair a bit. *At the time of publishing, the price was $90. The 16-inch square cushion should easily fit most chairs, but its not as roomy as competing seat cushions. Is not too big, and not too small, and gets used every day multiple times a day." They are convenient to use and have made cleaning my electronics less of a chore. I never remember to drink enough water so its good motivation to see the times and forces me to be more accountable for my health." She has contributed to print and online publications such as The New York Times, Lifehacker, and PCWorld, specializing in tech, productivity, and lifestyle/family topics. As with other memory foam pillows, the Tempur-Pedic softened the longer we sat on it, because of our body heat. The brand's 2-inch-thick Double Seat Cushion offers a double-sided build: One side is more plush and one side is a bit firmer. It also comes in five colors. The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity. I need more!!!" To recommend seat cushions, we rounded up models made from materials like gel and memory foam, including some with special features like contoured shapes and coccyx cutouts, so youll have a variety of options to begin your search with. That reduces the likelihood of the seat cushion being too narrow to support your lower body, but youll need to check your chairs seat width to make sure it will fit. This guide is for people who work on a crappy chair and want to feel less discomfort while working at their desk. If you're stuck at an ill-fitting office chair, a seat cushion can likely relieve some pressure on your posterior and offer an overall upgrade for your situation. Glorious Rhinoceros, Price: $72.99 (originally $149.99, available in four colors), Promising review: "This. Shop from our range of office chairs, executive chairs, gaming chairs, student chairs, desk chairs and kids chairs. Weve added new information about the sustainability of these types of seat cushions. You might need to lower your chair (if you can), or use a footrest for proper support. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). And the price is a plus! Colleen Fogarty, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association, told us that cushions can provide temporary relief, but theyre not a solution to the problem nor the first go-to treatment or prevention plan for pain. The slight contouring of the seat cushionwith a ridge between the legs, at the sides, and in the backkept us in position and made us feel cradled in our seats. Assembled in less than 10 minutes." Wherever you use it, it's the best." blackrose, Promising review: "This backpack surpassed my expectations. Everything!!!! MLEM, Promising review: "These monitor stands are terrific! Also looks really nice. Check out all of. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Learn more. The 2-inch-thick Purple Double is the most versatile cushion we tested, with a firm side and a soft side to accommodate different comfort preferences. It can be used as a standing desk, couch/chair lap table, bed lap table or a regular table to use while sitting in a chair." The Xtreme Comforts 3-inch thickness might at first seem impressive, since other cushions typically range from 1 inch to 3 inches thick. This 1.2-inch-thick seat cushion folds in half when its not in use, making it compact and easy to pack in a carry-on, Purple says. (Yes, mattress companies seem to really know how to make cushions, too.) We hope you love the products we recommend! Theyre great. My lower legs have permanent neuropathy, but this machine works well and seems to exercise most of my body." Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. There is, however, a 30-day money-back guarantee and free shipping for both orders and returns. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Although its not as versatile as the Purple Double with its two sides of firmness, two of our testers liked the Tempur-Pedic most for comfort and size, with our tallest tester saying this was a perfect fit and instantly gave me better back relief. Compared with other foam cushions, the Tempur-Pedic cushion ran cooler and its cover was the easiest to remove for washing. Another is the flat-faced plug, which allows me to plug it behind my couch and not mess up my furniture." To test how the Purple Double will affect your workplace ergonomics before you buy, try raising your chair 2 inches. This adjustability should make it a better fit for more people. You cant wash the insert, but the stretchy, navy-blue nylon cover is easy to remove and toss in the washing machine. It also provides great eye relief when suffering from allergies. It also ran much cooler than any of the other seat cushions we testedthe grid is designed to encourage airflow whenever you shift a little in your chair. Purple also provides a one-year warranty, which is standard for most cushions, although our other picks have longer guarantees. It comes in three colors: Wasabi, Grey and Black. I use mine every day." With the Double, it almost feels like youre buoyed up, afloat in your office chair. Its still enough padding to feel comfortable and supported, but two of our testers said they wouldve preferred a slightly firmer cushion. Available in Gray, Black and Navy Blue, this seat cushion is built with a layer of cooling gel as well as memory foam. Vivi, Promising review: "Love these. TeacherLife808, Promising review: "This mat is very comfortable and not to mention cute, it has a sleek style so it matches with most floors, plus its super easy to clean (great for all the kitchen spills)." Seat cushions may be helpful for wheelchair users as well, but many wheelchair users work with their doctors and physical therapists to create specialized seat cushions. If you have chronic pain thats exacerbated by sitting, such as sciatica, consult your doctor or a physical therapist for a personalized treatment plan. Select is editorially independent. As people continue to return to the office, the premium ergonomic office chairs theyve gotten used to may not be what they find back at work. Visit the Product Recalls page. Works so much better than the internal camera and microphone on my new HP laptop." If you spend all day at a computer, an ergonomic keyboards more natural tilt and customizable positioning may be more comfortable than a standard keyboard. I play with this while Im working because I work from home, so this is a nice item to fidget with." IE 11 is not supported. Your office chair shouldnt be a literal pain in your butt. The zipper on the machine-washable cover frustrated us because it snagged and has a tiny pull tab. For five years, she has tested and reviewed gear at Wirecutter, including work essentials such as office chairs, lumbar support pillows, and ergonomic keyboards. Its memory foam construction contours to your body as you'd expect but the U-shaped cutout relieves pressure on your tailbone, the brand says. Oh, and FYI prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication. As someone who spends most of her days typing at her desk and regularly feels back pain when sitting, shes passionate about proper posture and ergonomics. It has an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 79,000 reviews on Amazon. The Xtreme Comforts Large Seat Cushion is the thickest of the pillows we tested, but its also the softestthe kind you sink into immediately, almost like a couch cushion. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Panelists this year (and in previous tests) agreed that it was the most comfortable foam seat cushion. It has an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 12,000 reviews on Amazon. But it was so soft that we felt like nothing was even there when we sat on it. Most of them (including our also great and budget picks) are made from polyurethane foam, a type of plastic traditionally derived from crude oil. Zoe Malin is a digital editorial intern for Select on NBC News. Discover unique things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in the best destinations around the world with Bring Me! Seat cushions can be constructed from memory foam, gel and other materials. by Catalogue. G Dubya, Promising review: "So easy to set up. Keep me up to date on the latest products, eCatalogues, inspiration and Its strange to call something you just sit on easy to use, but small details make owning the Double more convenient than competing cushions. Most of our testers liked the cushions spongy feel, but it does run hotter than our other picks. Bought it for my 10-year-old son for home schooling. It can prop you up higher if you find your chair is too low to sit comfortably at your desk. Product Recalls: Your safety and satisfaction is our Currently, some foam is downcycled (shredded for use in upholstery or carpeting, for example), but advances in recycling technology may soon make it possible to upcycle these foams instead (by converting them into higher-value plastics). We tested but ultimately eliminated seat cushions with coccyx cutouts because if you have chronic pain issues that would require such a cushion, you should probably go with a health professionals more qualified recommendation. It features a built-in handle, coccyx cutout and a non-slip rubber bottom as well as a machine-washable zippered cover. Shop office chairs and a wide range of office furniture online or in store. Both sides use the Purple Grid the same technology Purple uses in its mattresses which supports your tailbone and bounces back when you stand up, and has air channels that make it breathable, the brand says. These pillows include the Kieba Coccyx Seat Cushion, Healthy Spirit Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion, Hokeki Seat Cushion, and AmazonBasics Memory Foam Seat Cushion. Definitely recommend! This seat cushion is wider and thicker than its rivals, and also much squishier. You can also pair it with the brand's lumbar cushion. With the advice of experts in mindand after looking at popular cushions at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and otherswe narrowed our search based on the following criteria: With these criteria in mind, we bought or obtained 11 samples of seat cushions that ranked highly on Amazon and other e-commerce sites, after assessing their owner reviews for obvious red flags and (when possible) filtering out fake reviews by checking ratings on FakeSpot. I like that the laptop compartment is separate from another large main compartment." So glad I found the last two in the store because Ive had my eye on it for a whole. I recommend these to everyone now." This has more padding in the back and in the sleeve than most I could see online. DB, Promising review: "Excellent exerciser! The impressively supportive, adjustable, and durable Steelcase Gesture is still our pick for the best office chair for most people, as it has been since 2015. Most seat cushions are also easily portable, so you could use one elsewhere in your home or in your car. We liked that you can flip the cushion, so itll feel good whether you prefer soft or hard seats.