In the right circumstances and with the right people, road trips can be exciting and fun. They can also be long and tedious, or – to put it in simple terms – a literal pain in the butt. When you’re behind that steering wheel, you’re sitting in the same position for hours on end. This can cause serious discomfort – the kind that only worsens with time.
If any of this sounds familiar, or if you suffer from back pain while driving, a simple solution may exist in the form of a good car seat cushion.
In this article, we’re going to talk about everything you need to know about this accessory, as well as why it’s an important addition to your ride. We’re also going to go over some of the best car seat cushions on the market.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Car Seat Cushion
- Kieba Coccyx Seat Cushion
- One of the most popular car seat cushions on the market – and with good reason!
- ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
- As comfortable as they come and light enough to carry effortlessly between your vehicle, office, and home.
- Aylio Coccyx Orthopedic Comfort Foam Seat Cushion
- Boasts a luxurious feel and scores higher in the comfort metric than most of the competition.
- Everlasting Comfort 100% Pure Memory Foam Seat Cushion
- Made with high-quality materials and provides outstanding support.
- Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion
- The cooling feature makes this product ideal for drivers who live in hot climates.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 5 Best Car Seat Cushions – Our Top Recommendations
- 2 What Exactly Are Car Seat Cushions?
- 3 What Are the Benefits of Using a Car Seat Cushion?
- 4 What Different Types of Car Seat Cushions Are There to Choose From?
- 5 How Do I Know Which Type of Car Seat Cushion Is Best?
- 6 What Should People Look For in Car Seat Cushions?
- 7 Conclusion
5 Best Car Seat Cushions – Our Top Recommendations
In this section, we’ll be reviewing some of the best car seat cushions on the market. Whatever your needs, you’re sure to find one that fills the bill and ticks all the boxes.
Kieba Coccyx Seat Cushion
You can upgrade your front seat in a very nice way with this accessory. The combination of memory foam and gel is exactly what you want if you suffer from poor posture and back pain. The foam conforms to your body shape, while the cool gel provides firmness required to help with weight distribution and pressure point relief.
This Kieba option features a U-shape design to help relieve the pressure of sitting on the tailbone. This is an ergonomic design that’s popular for good reason; it helps keep those aches and pains that occur on long journeys at bay.
One general downside to the memory foam construction is that it retains heat, but the manufacturers of this product have thought about this beforehand, as the use of gel technology provides a counterbalancing cooling effect. This may help out tremendously when dealing with hot temperatures.
The velour cover is soft to touch and it can easily be removed to wash, using the zipper. It’s machine washable for removing any stains and keeping it fresh. It also has a non-slip gel bottom so it doesn’t slide around while you’re road-tripping or running errands.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- Weighs 2.8 pounds.
- 14 inches by 18 inches by 3 inches.
- Features a non-slip gel bottom.
- Combination of memory foam insert and gel technology.
- Machine washable cover.
What We Like
- May help prevent back pain and symptoms of sciatica.
- Conforms to body shape.
- Gel technology has a cooling effect.
- Promotes better posture while driving.
- Assist with good spine alignment and even weight distribution.
- Non-slip bottom for stability.
What We Don’t Like
- Some people may find it too firm for their liking.
Summary
Overall, we think this is one of the best car seat cushions on the market. The combination of memory foam and gel technology is fantastic for support, durability, and comfort.
While some people may find the materials are a bit too firm for their liking, this firmness is often a requirement to help with posture and spine alignment.
Backache can really affect your concentration on the road, and this may be just the right product to assist you with this issue.
ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
This car seat cushion from ComfiLife combines memory foam with gel. This is a fantastic duo for delivering firm support that may help with back pain, sciatica, and even herniated discs.
The memory foam will adjust to your body shape for cradling comfort, while the gel can promote better posture.
This is another product that’s ergonomically designed, with a U-shaped contoured design to relieve pressure on the coccyx while driving. The addition of gel also helps cool down this seat cushion, as memory foam is known for absorbing your body heat. This is going to help you stay comfortable on summer commutes.
You won’t have to worry about it sliding around either when you’re on the highway. It features a non-slip base, which can hold it firmly in place and provide stability.
Also, if you feel like you want to bring it with you to work for the office chair or use it at home, then that’s no problem at all. It’s a lightweight design, and also has a convenient carrying handle that makes it easy to transport.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 5 inches by 13.7 inches by 2.8 inches.
- Weighs 1.9 pounds.
- Combines high-density memory foam and gel insert.
- Built-in handle.
What We Like
- Firm support for superior comfort and pressure relief.
- The cooling gel is beneficial on hot days.
- Combination of gel and memory foam may promote good posture.
- U-shape for relieving pressure on the tailbone.
- Non-slip design for stability.
- A durable product.
- Memory foam conforms to body shape.
What We Don’t Like
- Might not be suitable for larger or heavier users.
Summary
This car seat cushion offers everything you need in terms of comfort and helps to remove more pressure from the tailbone than other cushions. The materials are also durable, and the memory foam offers great support for your body weight for long hours on the road.
Aylio Coccyx Orthopedic Comfort Foam Seat Cushion
This product by Aylio may help you deal with back pain and sciatic nerve discomfort on a long car journey. It has an ergonomic U-shape at the rear, which takes away the pressure from the coccyx. The idea is that the tailbone hangs over the cut-out to improve comfort and support.
The standard foam that this product is constructed from is three inches thick, which is a very decent depth. This might provide support to the lower body and help with good spinal alignment.
Of course, the velour cover is soft and feels luxurious. Just as importantly, it’s also washable in case you spill any food or drinks on it. All you’ll need to do is unzip the cover and throw it in the washing machine.
Also, this item is extremely lightweight, as it weighs a mere one pound. This means that you can bring it with you almost anywhere you go. You could even use it for prolonged sitting at your desk or at home!
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- Weighs one pound.
- 18 inches by 14 inches by 3.3 inches.
- Velour cover is easily removable.
- Ergonomic U-shape design.
- Constructed from standard foam.
What We Like
- Detachable cover makes it easy to keep clean.
- U-shape prevents pressure and can relieve pain in the coccyx.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Soft and comfortable while driving.
- Works great in home or office chairs, too!
What We Don’t Like
- No straps or non-slip grip to secure it to the seat.
- Standard foam isn’t the most durable.
Summary
Overall, if you’re new to seat cushions and want to try one, you may be interested in this product. This cushion is going to provide a good level of support for the tailbone with its U-shape, and the depth may also help distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure on hard points.
The only downfall is that standard foam is notorious for its lack of durability. After some use, it tends to flatten out and it might lose its structure. We’re also concerned that the lack of non-slip materials may cause this product to move around while driving in certain situations.
Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion
This product takes it up a gear by using not just regular memory foam, but some of the highest-quality memory foam you can get.
We love the combination of the U-shape design and durable, high-quality materials, as this can really help support troublesome pressure points. By taking away the weight from the tailbone, it helps make your long drives more comfortable. With an impressive depth of five and a half inches, this is going to make for some very firm support.
Remember that the good thing about memory foam is that it conforms to your body shape, which provides personalized support to the back and hips. Additionally, memory foam is known for springing back and being more durable than standard polyurethane foam.
The soft, removable cover makes it feel luxurious to sit on if you’re wearing shorts or a summer outfit while driving. It’s machine washable as well, which makes it pretty easy to remove stains and keep hygiene levels up. A feature we particularly love is the non-slip gel rubber on the base.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- Orthopedic seat cushion, doctor-recommended product.
- Weighs 2.35 pounds.
- 75 inches by 8.6 inches by 5.5 inches.
- The cover is machine washable.
- Non-slip rubber bottom.
What We Like
- Premium quality memory foam is adjustable to body shape.
- Durable design for long-lasting enjoyment.
- U-shaped design to support pressure points.
- The cover is machine washable.
- Gel rubber bottom to prevent slipping.
What We Don’t Like
- The rubber bottom might stain light-colored vinyl or leather fabric.
- The height might not be suitable for some people.
Summary
Altogether, we’re pretty impressed with this product. The memory foam is going to provide a good level of support to the hips and back. Of course, these are often the areas that lead to back pain and sciatic nerve discomfort.
One thing you’ll need to be cautious about, however, is that the rubber bottom could stain your leather upholstery if it’s a light color, though you might be able to avoid this by washing the cover before you use it.
Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion
Do you happen to live in a part of the country that experiences hot temperatures most (or all) year-round? If so, you may be interested in this cooling car seat cushion.
Whenever you want to cool down, you can switch on the temperature control feature. All you’ve got to do is plug the seat cushion into the cigarette lighter in your car, and this will allow cooling air to circulate. The breathable microfiber and breathable mesh material also absorb body heat, allowing you to feel more comfortable behind the wheel.
In addition, this car seat cushion doesn’t just target the back and bottom – there’s also a fan that can help circulate cold air to the back of the legs and thighs.
It has a universal fit, which means it should be suitable for just about any vehicle. Also, the straps mean you can secure it to your car seat and it shouldn’t move around while you’re driving.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 40” by 17” by 16”.
- Plugs into a 12-volt cigarette outlet.
- The universal fit design works well in most vehicles.
- Temperature control function and fan.
What We Like
- Temperature control feature.
- Cooling fan targets legs and thighs.
- Adjustable strap to secure to seats.
- Fits most car seats.
- Easy-to-use switch for control.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t provide much back or lumbar support.
- Won’t help too much with proper posture or relieving coccyx pressure.
Summary
If you’re looking for something to help you deal with the soaring temperatures in your car’s interior, this is a great choice. It’s going to cool down your front seat and help you regulate your body temperature better. This is especially true if you don’t have effective air conditioning.
However, if you’re searching for an accessory that can provide spinal support, this isn’t going to be the best one for you, since it doesn’t focus on relieving tailbone pressure like many of the other products on our list.
What Exactly Are Car Seat Cushions?
These are accessories you can position on your driver’s seat to help support your back, promote good posture, and provide added comfort for your posterior.
While there are different types you could choose – from the best heated car seat covers or car seat massagers, for example – they all have the same main objective: to relieve as much pressure as possible on your spine and muscles.
Seat cushions are recommended for commuters, road trippers, and just about anyone who travels long distances or suffers from back pain while driving. You could also benefit from one if you suffer from a medical condition and being seated for long periods causes you discomfort.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Car Seat Cushion?
Vehicle seat cushions are more than just a stylish accessory, they also offer a number of important benefits for the driver when behind the wheel. These include:
- More comfort and support when driving
- Improve posture
- Less back pain
- Less arthritic and sciatic nerve pain
- Improve circulation
- Encourage airflow
- Help with hemorrhoids
What Different Types of Car Seat Cushions Are There to Choose From?
There are a few different types of car seat cushions available on the market for you to choose from:
Standard Foam and High-Density Foam
One of the most common materials used in these products is polyurethane foam. It’s generally quite an affordable option if you want to try out a car seat cushion for the first time, but the amount of support you will get depends a lot on the grade of the material used.
To support your coccyx and relieve pressure, you’ll want to look at products with higher grade polyurethane. This will be a lot firmer, and thus offer far more support for your body. This is often referred to as high-density foam. Low-density foam, on the other hand, will be softer and won’t offer as much support.
One drawback to standard polyurethane foam is that it’s not very durable. It won’t last as long as other options such as memory foam, but it’s lightweight – and this makes it more portable.
Both of these options have a few subcategories. If you’re in the market for a heated car seat cushion or a cooling cushion, they’ll most likely be made with these materials.
Memory Foam
Otherwise known as viscoelastic foam, this is one of the best car seat cushion materials you can ever get. It’s known for feeling thicker and firmer than standard polyurethane foam, but it’s also special because it provides personalized support and pressure relief. The material is able to conform to the shape of your body, supporting the tailbone and taking pressure away.
On the downside, memory foam retains heat – a good thing if you live in a cold climate but not if you live in a cold one. It’s also not waterproof or water resistant, and can be more expensive.
Gel Pack
Gel technology is often preferred by drivers looking for firmness and extra support while on the road. Gel is firm yet comfortable, which may help pressure points such as the hips (useful if you have hip pain) and tailbone (useful if you have tailbone pain). The gel might also help your body distribute weight evenly while in a sitting position.
Plus, it has the added bonus of helping with temperature regulation. It’s cool to the touch, and this might be beneficial for those who live in warmer climates.
Wedge Cushion
Wedge cushions consist of a slanted and firm wedge that is placed on the driver’s chair. The idea is that it levels the car seat. However, what we don’t like about the wedge cushion is that they tend to be very firm and not too supportive. There’s no u-shape that you see with a lot of other seat cushions, which can help tailbone pressure – often the main cause of back pain.
Inflatable
These are just what they sound like; you just inflate them with air via a small pump.
While they may be great in terms of being portable and lightweight, they don’t often provide the best support – not when compared to some of the other types on this list, at least.
They won’t be able to relieve the pressure from the tailbone, especially for heavier adults. They’re simply not supportive enough. Also, there’s definitely less stability with these than you’ll find with other options.
How Do I Know Which Type of Car Seat Cushion Is Best?
First, think about the level of support you need or want. Do you feel like you need cushioning to prevent some of the minor pains you get when you’re driving long distances? In that case, perhaps a viscoelastic or high-density foam car seat cushion will be a good choice for you.
If you suffer frequent back pain or sciatica, you might need a firmer option. A combination of viscoelastic foam and gel foam could work. This conforms to the shape of your body, but still provides the firm support needed to alleviate aches and pains, making traveling enjoyable.
You should also think about the climate you live in and your air conditioning. If you live somewhere hot or don’t have good air conditioning, viscoelastic foam may not be the best choice. It often retains heat, which could become uncomfortable after a while. In that case, the best seat cushion for you will probably be made with gel, since it has a nice cooling effect.
What Should People Look For in Car Seat Cushions?
Here are some of the most important aspects you should consider when trying to choose the best car seat cushion for your needs.
Ergonomic Support
The most important thing you’ll need to assess with this kind of product is the ergonomic support the seat cushion provides. Of course, this is the main reason you’re purchasing this accessory, so make sure that it’s made from quality material. As we mentioned above, gel or foam cushions usually provide the best levels of support.
In addition, its shape matters too. Some of the best car seat cushions nowadays have a u-shape, which greatly helps relieve pressure on the coccyx.
Removable Cover
Spilling drinks or food behind the wheel is something we’ve all done at some point. Instead of getting angry with yourself about it, just choose a model with a removable cushion cover that you can whip off to wash when needed. If it’s machine-washable, all the better. When an accident happens, just throw it in the washing machine and it will look as good as new.
Size and Dimensions
Most car seat cushions are designed to fit almost any vehicle, but that’s not always the case. Even if that were always true for all car cushions out there, if you’ve got different seats in your cabin, it’s always best to check the dimensions before purchasing. This way, you can ensure you’ve made the right decision.
Non-Slip Base
If you go with something that has a non-slip bottom, you can rest assured it’s going to stay in place and provide stability while you’re driving. The last thing you want is for it to be sliding all over the place! That’s not just annoying, but it will be distracting and even dangerous.
Conclusion
We like all the products we talked about in our list above, and we think they’re all worth considering depending on your needs, but our overall favorite is the Kieba Coccyx Seat Cushion.
The combination of memory foam and gel technology is unbeatable in terms of support and weight distribution. This product also has a U-shaped cutout to alleviate pressure on the coccyx, and the gel has a very nice cooling effect. Last but not least, it’s even machine washable, so you won’t have to worry about manually wiping this thing down.
Is there an option on our list that stands out as your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Product image credits: © Amazon.com
