When NBC Select staffers first sat down on this seat cushion, they were surprised by how firm it felt, but eventually got used to its feel. “Over a couple of hours, I felt myself sink in just enough so that there was still some firmness there to encourage a taller posture,” says Nikki Brown, NBC Select SEO editor. “Now, days later, it feels like the cushion has molded to my backside and I enjoy the support.” Harry Rabinowitz, NBC Select reporter, also adds that using the cushion eliminated the typical lower back soreness he feels at the end of the work day. Jordan Bowman, NBC Select editor, recommends giving it some time to adjust to your body — once it does, you’ll immediately notice the difference if you had to give it up, he says.
Material: memory foam | Size: 16 x 16 x 2 in. | Removable cover: yes, machine-washable
If you’re looking for a softer seat cushion, this model is our favorite. Its main support mechanism is Purple’s proprietary 3D GelFlex Grid, a flexible yet firm material that cradles your bottom and adapts to your body shape, according to the brand. Lindsay Schneider, NBC Select editor, says sitting on the seat cushion is much more comfortable than sitting on a typical office chair, and she enjoys using it regularly while working. The cover has handles on either side, making it easy to move if you want to use it in different places. It also has a non-slip base, but Schneider says the cushion sometimes moves around while she’s sitting on it.
Material: Purple GelFlex Grid | Size: 17.5 x 15.75 x 1.25 in. | Removable cover: yes, machine-washable
Sutera’s medium-firm seat cushion is designed with a cutout to take pressure off your tailbone, and its shape mimics the contours in your legs to help evenly distribute weight across your chair, according to the brand. “The seat cushion almost immediately forced me to sit up straighter,” says Ashley Morris, NBC Select associate SEO reporter, who frequently hunches over at her computer. “At first it was a bit uncomfortable because I’m used to slouching, but after a day or two, I barely noticed that it was there and my back pain has definitely gone down.” The core of Sutera’s seat cushion is infused with charcoal to keep it fresh after hours of use, according to the brand, and it has rubber grips on its base to prevent it from shifting around.
Material: memory foam | Size: 17.7 x 16 x 4.3 in. | Removable cover: no
Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager, likes this seat cushion because its contours are strategically placed to cradle the hips and thighs, making it feel like it was molded for her bottom before she even took it out of the package. There’s also a cutout at the back of the cushion to take weight off the tailbone area. The seat cushion is made from charcoal-infused memory foam that prevents it from holding onto odors, according to the brand, in addition to mesh that circulates air to keep you cool.
Material: memory foam | Size: 16 x 16 x 3 in. | Removable cover: yes, machine-washable
This seat and lumbar cushion combo comes highly recommended by Rotundo. It supports the lower back and glutes, and helps evenly distribute your weight, leading to decreased stress on the whole body, he says. Both cushions are infused with cooling gel and have ventilation holes to promote air circulation. The seat cushion is U-shaped with a cutout at the back to take pressure off the coccyx and tailbone, and the lumbar cushion has two straps to secure it to the back of your chair.
Material: memory foam | Size: 17.5 x 14 x 2.75 in. | Removable cover: no
Seat cushions address two factors that are often top of mind for people when thinking about their workstations: comfort and ergonomics. If you can’t get comfortable while sitting at your desk, your productivity often suffers, says Loesing. Worrying about back pain or muscle stiffness is distracting, so you might not be able to concentrate on the task at hand and start fidgeting. Depending on your preferences, seat cushions offer a softer or firmer surface to rest your bottom on compared to a typical office chair, which may make you comfortable for longer periods of time.
Ergonomics, on the other hand, is the process of designing workstations so that they fit the people who use them, says Rotundo. Seat cushions work to make your chair ergonomic so you’re in the proper position for work. They help evenly distribute weight across your seat to reduce pressure on your hips, lumbar region and tailbone, as well as support your bottom and can encourage you to sit up straight. This may alleviate pain in the back, neck and shoulders, as well as minimize overall discomfort while working.
Yes, you can use a seat cushion in the car to keep you comfortable on drives of any length, experts told us. Some seat cushions are specifically designed for car seats, but if you already have one at home that you use on an office chair, you can use it in the car as well.
A lumbar cushion is designed to support the curve of your spine and it sometimes comes in a set with a seat cushion, making it worth learning about before you start shopping, says Loesing. Lumbar cushions are made with similar materials compared to seat cushions, and their firmness level, size and shape varies, allowing you to purchase one that aligns with your preferences. As you’re shopping, however, make sure to pay extra attention to a lumbar cushion’s height, says Loesing. It should be as tall as the back of your chair, which allows you to rest your entire spine against it. Some models are very small and only rest against your lower back, which provides support for that area, but does nothing for the upper back, she says.
While a seat cushion can encourage proper posture, you can’t solely rely on it. There are other steps you can take to ensure you’re not slouching over at your desk all day. Here are a few to keep in mind.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am a reporter at NBC Select, where I write about health, wellness and fitness, including stories on training shoes, Covid tests and sunscreen. For this article, I interviewed two experts about how to shop for seat cushions. Brands sent NBC Select staff a handful of seat cushions to test over a three week period, allowing reviewers to share their firsthand experience about many of the products we recommend above.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
