Sore backs, numb butts and dead legs are all unwelcome symptoms of long-distance driving. But they don’t have to be. The best car seat cushions can offer welcome reprieve from the body-bashing results of a long drive.
With these cushions, driving can become completely pain free, so you don’t have to spend your journey gyrating in your seat – or making any back problems worse. In this buying guide, we bring you the best car seat cushions on the market.
If you’ve never before bought a car seat cushion, you might not know what you’re looking for. But we’re here to help! When buying a car seat cushion, here are the main things you should consider:
Form
There are two main styles of car seat cushions, each of which has pros and cons. Small pads that sit on your seat are usually affordable and great for coccyx support, but they won’t cradle your upper body. If that’s what you’re looking for you’ll want a lumbar support cushion that wraps around the back of the seat, or a two-piece cushion that tackles both areas.
Coccyx support
if you have a real problem with chronic back pain, you might need a car seat cushion with coccyx support. These cushions have a notch or a hole where your coccyx is, to take the pressure off the lower part of your spine. Using a cushion of this type, which typically looks like a small seat-bottom pad with a hole or indentation, can be very helpful for your coccyx.
Lumbar Support
though coccyx support is a big feature of most car seat cushions, it isn’t a feature of them all. While some do indeed provide coccyx support, some offer lumbar support for your upper back—usually, they’re larger two-part cushions that sit both on the bottom of the car seat and attach to the back, but sometimes you’ll also see standalone seat-back cushions that solely target the lumbar area.
Filling
Different fillings offer different feelings. Most come filled with foam, while others are packed with denser materials, such as gel, for a slightly firmer cushion. Some cushions are built with memory foam, which is designed to mold to the shape of your body while you’re using it – and spring back into its original shape when you’re not.
Breathability
Some of the best car seat cushions come with mesh or special fillings desinged to promote breathability. If you’re prone to sweating, this feature can be invaluable. On a long journey, a sweaty butt can be even worse than a numb one.
We’ve evaluated each by considering five features: type of support, comfort, breathability, price and durability. At the bottom of this guide, we’ve further discussed other features and considerations you’ll want to think about before making a purchase. Here are our top 10 picks:
Top 10 Best Car Seat Cushions 2020
1. Everlasting Comfort Car Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Coccyx cushion
Filling: Memory Foam
Softness: Medium
Type of Support
This seat provides excellent lower back support with a hole where the coccyx is. This car seat cushion covers only the base of your seat, not the entire chair. This means more portability and a better lightweight build, but it might not provide the full-body support that some drivers may want.
Comfort
Memory foam helps your body to evenly distribute its weight, which eliminates numbness in your legs and butt. The filling in this cushion makes it really comfortable. It strikes a nice balance between firm and soft.
Breathability
Though this isn’t built with mesh, the breathability is surprisingly good.
Value
The price point here is around average for this type of product. But considering how good this cushion is, it’s a fantastic bargain.
Durability
Sadly, the durability isn’t great here. Some others on this list offer a little more longevity. That said, this cushion is otherwise so good that it’s worth the investment, even though it might not last as long as you’d like.
Pros
- Fantastic ergonomic support for the lower back, with coccyx support
- Extremely comfortable
- Built from 100% memory foam
- Good breathability
- A brilliant example of this type of cushion
Cons
- Poor durability
2. Conformax Cocoon of Comfort Car Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Full-seat
Filling: Gel
Softness: Very firm
Type of Support
Like the SOFTaCARE cushion, this supports you through both the base and the back of your chair – and does so excellently. The back part of this design is built to provide lumbar support, but there’s no coccyx gap here. The cushion fights numbness very effectively.
Comfort
While most other entries on this list are filled with foam, this one is filled entirely with gel. This makes quite a big difference. Gel is a little firmer than foam. If you want a slightly firmer seat cushion for both the back and base of your chair, this is a fantastic product.
One rather strange flaw here is with temperature regulation. If your car is cold, the seat cushion will feel cold when you first sit in it. The same is also true with hot weather – in warmer climes, the cushion will feel hot to the touch when you first get in your car. That said, the gel should help to cool you down over time.
Breathability
Breathability here isn’t great. If you’re accustomed to getting a sweaty behind, you might want to avoid this one.
Value
This is a much more pricey entry, far more expensive than any other cushion on this list. That said, it’s worth the investment if it’s the type of cushion you want.
Durability
Gel can sometimes offer a little less durability than foam. Though the durability isn’t terrible, you might find that the cushion will start to lose shape after a few months or so.
Pros
- Excellent support for the full body
- Offers lumbar support
- Very comfortable
- Built just with gel, which you might like if you’re seeking a firm cushion
Cons
- Very expensive
- No hole for coccyx support
3. Aylio Coccyx Orthopedic Car Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Coccyx cushion
Filling: Foam
Softness: Soft
Type of Support
This seat only covers the base of your driving chair and is built specifically for coccyx support. But it still offers plenty of respite from numb legs and a numb butt.
Comfort
The foam filling is a little softer than that offered by memory foam cushions. If you’re looking for something soft – but still supportive – this could well be an excellent choice. If you like the look of our top overall pick but prefer a softer cushion, this could fit the bill.
Breathability
The breathability here is okay, but not as good as some others on this list – it’s around average for a car seat cushion.
Value
A little pricier than others on this list, and a little pricier than perhaps you’d expect. But it still represents good value.
Durability
The durability here is pretty good – and one of our favourite things about this model. You should get at least six months out of this, even with very regular use. If you don’t drive too often, it may even last for a couple of years or so.
Pros
- Fantastic ergonomic support for the coccyx
- Very comfortable, especially if you like a slightly softer cushion
- Portable and lightweight
- Great durability
Cons
- The breathability isn’t the best
- A little expensive, but it’s still absolutely affordable
4. SOFTaCARE 2-Part Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Full-seat cushion
Filling: Memory foam
Softness: Firm
Type of Support
This supports your lumbar and your coccyx – and battles dead legs and dead butts. For all over support, this is as good as it gets. If you want all-round lumbar support and spinal support, this is an excellent piece of kit. There’s a hole in the base piece for your coccyx.
Comfort
Made from 100% pure memory foam, the filling is quality and offers robust protection. The cushion on this is fairly sturdy. The base has a thickness of 3.5 inches. Along with the Xtreme Comforts seat cushion, it’s the thickest on this list. Combine this thickness with the memory foam filling, and this provides a massive amount of sturdy cushioning. If you want a super thick cushion, this is a great choice!
Breathability
This cushion has mesh for breathability. The breathability on the back part of the cushion is particularly good.
Value
This one is more expensive than most others on this list, but it’s not too pricey. It’s a relative bargain for a cushion of this style. If you want a two-piece cushion at an affordable price, this is a fantastic choice.
Durability
The durability is pretty good overall – you should get plenty of use out of this cushion.
Pros
- An excellent two-piece cushion for all round support
- One of the thickest cushions on this list
- Made from 100% memory foam
- Very affordable for a two-piece
Cons
- This might be too firm for some people
5. ComfiLife Lumbar Support
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Lumbar cushion
Filling: Memory foam
Softness: Firm
Type of Support
If you have any lumbar issues at all, this is a fantastic cushion. But if you’re a smaller person, this might not be the best choice for you. The straps which fix the cushion in place can be a little loose, so it can sometimes slide around a little. If you’re a light person, your body may not have the bulk needed to help keep it in place.
Comfort
This model is stuffed with 100% memory foam, which again comes with a guarantee of comfort. This model is particularly comfortable, and even helps with posture long-term. The cushion feels fairly firm, so if you were leaning towards our top overall pick but like your cushions on the firm side, this should be a safe bet.
Breathability
The breathability here really is excellent. The mesh design is built to keep your back cool, and it works very well.
Value
This is great if you’re shopping on a budget – the price point makes it an excellent bargain.
Durability
The durability is fantastic. This should last you a long while without losing its shape.
Pros
- An excellent choice for someone who wants only lumbar support
- Very good price point
- Great durability
- 100% memory foam
- Fantastic breathability
Cons
- The cushion can sometimes slide around a little
- No coccyx support
6. ComfiLife Premium Car Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Coccyx cushion
Filling: Memory foam
Softness: Firm
Type of Support
This is excellent for coccyx support. The cushion covers only the base of the seat. In many ways, this product is very similar to the Everlasting Comfort car seat cushion.
Comfort
This seat isn’t quite as soft as some others on the list – it’s more likely suited to a person seeking a slightly more rigid seat cushion. It’s by no means uncomfortable, but it’s certainly firm.
Breathability
The breathability here isn’t the best, but it isn’t terrible. If you don’t typically get sweaty, you’ll be fine with this. But if you’re accustomed to a sweaty butt, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value
Considering the very high quality of this cushion, the price point is excellent.
Durability
The durability on this one is pretty good, and it should last for several months at least. It should offer a little more longevity than the Everlasting Comfort cushion.
Pros
- 100% memory foam
- Fantastic ergonomic support for lower back
- Good price point
- Good durability
Cons
- Not as soft as some other options, so it’s best for those who want firm support
- Doesn’t have the best breathability
7. ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Coccyx cushion
Filling: Gel and memory foam
Softness: Firm
Type of Support
This model is super comfortable and supportive. Like many others on this list, it has a hole where the coccyx sits, to prevent pressure on the spine. For coccyx support with a firm feel, this is a fantastic product. For someone seeking something slightly firmer than a 100% memory foam seat, this is a great choice.
Comfort
With a combination of gel and memory foam, you get comfort and support provided by a sturdy cushion.
Breathability
There’s no mesh for breathability, but the gel helps to cool the seat. Despite the lack of mesh, the cushion rarely overheats.
Value
The price point here is absolutely fantastic. If you want to save money while investing in a quality product, this is absolutely the best pick on the list.
Durability
The durability isn’t the best, which is the main flaw here. You might have to replace your cushion after a few months. That said, even if it does flatten out after a while, the price point still makes it an excellent investment.
Pros
- Great combination of gel and foam for a slightly sturdier cushion, which is great for those who prefer a firmer seat
- Fantastic price point
- The gel helps to keep your butt cool
- Good coccyx support
Cons
- Not the best durability
- Some people might find this too stiff
8. CYLEN Memory Foam Bamboo Charcoal Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Coccyx cushion
Filling: Memory foam with bamboo charcoal
Softness: Soft
Type of Support
Again, this provides coccyx support. This one is also really thick. At over 3 inches in height, it’s substantially bigger than some others on this list. If you’re a bigger person, this could be the right pick for you, as it’s able to take more weight than most other cushions.
Filling
This is a little softer than most others on this list, and feels like a firm bean bag. If you want a soft cushion (without sacrificing support), this is a fantastic choice. It’s a really comfortable pick. The bamboo charcoal inside the cushion is also a natural odor absorber, which means that you shouldn’t be left with any aromas hanging around, even after plenty of use. Perfecting for avoiding a sweaty-smelling car!
Breathability
Absolutely fantastic! If breathability is your priority, this is the cushion for you.
Value
The price point here is about average for this list – and it’s absolutely worth the money.
Durability
The durability is pretty average. The cushion should last for a few months.
Pros
- Excellent at keeping your butt cool
- The design stops scents from building up over time
- Very thick, so it’s great for bigger people
- Good coccyx support
- Super comfortable, especially if you want something that feels a little softer than most others on this list
Cons
- This might be too big and thick for some people
- Some might find it too soft
9. SNAILAX Massage Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Heated and massaging full-seat cushion
Filling: Polyester
Softness: Firm
Type of Support
The polyester cushioning alone is adequate enough for long drives if you only require a small amount of support. But most of the relief, and the main event here, comes from the six massage pads. These massage vibrations hit the hips, thighs, upper back and lower back. There’s no specific support for the lumbar or coccyx.
If you have a medical requirement or a specifically painful issue you want to soothe, you’re probably best avoiding this. But if you just want to avoid dead legs, a dead butt and general back pain, this is a brilliant way to do so.
Comfort
There’s nothing fancy here. No gel, no memory foam – just polyester. That said, it is still pretty comfortable.
Breathability
Since this is a heated chair, breathability isn’t on offer.
Value
The price point here is surprisingly good. No, it’s not the most affordable on this list, but considering that this cushion will heat you and massage you, it provides very good value.
Durability
The durability on this isn’t great. After a few months, it might stop working – or at least reduce in intensity.
Pros
- A really unique and unusual product – getting a massage while you’re driving is a lovely treat!
- Unless you specifically like an intense massage, the massage this cushion offers is really lovely
- Very affordable
- Heat pads offer nice warmth for a cold day, perfect if you live in a cold area
Cons
- Doesn’t offer any specific support for specific body parts – it’s a much more general tool than others on this list
- The durability isn’t great
10. Xtreme Comforts Seat Cushion
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Seat-bottom cushion
Filling: Foam
Softness: Soft
Type of Support
This doesn’t offer specific support for the coccyx or the lumbar. But it does have a height of 3.5 inches, making it one of the thickest cushion on this list, along with the SOFTaCARE cushion.
Filling
It has two layers of foam. Neither of these are memory foam, so this doesn’t mold to your body in the same way that a memory foam cushion might. That said, there’s still plenty of padding on offer here. It’s a little softer than most others on this list.
Breathability
This cushion has mesh built into it for decent breathability.
Value
The price point here isn’t great. Given its relative simplicity, you might expect this to be more affordable than some of the more shapely entries on this list, but that isn’t the case.
Durability
The durability is around average for entries on this list. It won’t last forever, but neither should it collapse after only a few uses.
Pros
- A good basic cushion for those just wanting general support
- The thickest cushion on this list
- It’s very comfortable if you like soft cushions
Cons
- Doesn’t offer any specific support for particular body parts
- Isn’t made from memory foam
Full Buyer’s Guide
When you’re buying a car seat cushion, you should consider which part (or parts) of your body you’re trying to protect, how firm you want your cushion to be, and whether you need good breathability.
That should be enough to inform your purchase. But if you’re still uncertain, here are the questions people you should ask when hunting for a good car seat cushion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do different types of car seat cushion help with different kinds of pain?
Yes! Before you decide which car seat cushion you want to buy, you need to make sure you know what you’re buying it for. A general sore back caused only by long-distance driving? Numb legs? A medical problem exacerbated by time spent driving? Whatever the reason, there are different cushions for different issues. Think carefully about why you want a car seat cushion, then buy accordingly. Regardless of the reason you want one, there’s absolutely a perfect car seat cushion solution for you.
If you’re suffering from lower back or coccyx problems, a simple seat-bottom cushion with a coccyx hole like the Everlasting Comfort Car Seat Cushion is exactly what you need.
Those with pain in the lumbar area and higher up the back should look for two-piece cushions such as the SOFTaCARE 2-Part Seat Cushion.
Anyone looking for general relief or added comfort could use either a basic all-purpose car seat cushion like the Xtreme Comforts Seat Cushion or something like the heating SNAILAX Massage Seat Cushion.
How long should I expect my car seat cushion to last?
We touched upon durability in the reviews, but generally speaking, a good car seat cushion is likely to last around a year or so. If it lasts less than that, it can be considered to have poor durability. Any longer, and you’ve got yourself a bargain! While a year might not seem great, it’s important to remember that a cushion’s primary job is to provide support – and prolonged sitting is of course going to reduce that support over time.
It also depends on how often you use the cushion. If you’re a long-distance driver by occupation, driving 40 hours a week, your cushion will lose firmness quicker than someone only using the cushion for weekend rides. Most cushions will last a while, but if you really need something that can take a beating you can’t beat the ComfiLife Premium Car Seat Cushion.
How can I stop my car seat cushion from getting too hot?
Go for one with good breathability or with added cooling gel. Some car seat cushions, such as the CYLEN Memory Foam Bamboo Charcoal Seat Cushion are specifically built with this problem in mind. You can also take other measures to keep your car from getting too hot.
How else can I alleviate back pain on a long journey?
There are many ways. Make your ride as smooth as possible, position your seat properly and stop your car regularly to get out. For many more tips, click here:
Are car seat cushions expensive?
In short, no. Though there are expensive models on the market, the vast majority of car seat cushions are very affordable. If money is your concern, you’ll still be able to get a car seat cushion that works for you—even the affordably priced ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion works amazingly.
Are car seat cushions only for drivers?
No. All models at least fit on the front passenger seat, while some fit on every single seat in your car, so they can even be used by passengers. Passengers and drivers alike can benefit from the respite they offer.
Can I use my car seat cushion for anything else?
The vast majority of car seat cushions are versatile, so they can be used on other chairs, such as office chairs, airplanes and wheelchairs. Most are very portable, so you’re able to ferry them back and forward from your car with ease. If you want a portable cushion, look for one that is lightweight and small – and comes with a carry handle.
Are all car seat cushions the same size?
No. As covered in this guide, some cover the entire car seat, while others only cover the base. Those that cover the base are typically all a similar size, with only small differences in their width and length. But they do differ in thickness. The vast majority of car seat cushions have a thickness anywhere between 2.2 to 3.8 inches. If you’re a bigger person, you might want a thicker cushion like the two-piece SOFTaCARE 2-Part Seat Cushion or the Xtreme Comforts Seat Cushion pad. But remember that more height means more elevation – so be wary of that if you’re particularly tall.
Can I microwave a car seat cushion to use it as a heating pad?
No. That can be very dangerous, so don’t try.
Can car seat cushions help with posture?
Yes, all types of car seat cushions can help with your posture. Cushions with lumbar support and coccyx support can both be very helpful.
Can I use a car seat cushion on a motorcycle?
In short, no. The shape of the motorcycle seat simply won’t accommodate the cushion. But motorcycle seat cushions do indeed exist!
If you buy the right car seat cushion, your journeys will be more enjoyable, more comfortable and more pain-free. On this list, there’ll be something that will protect you in exactly the way you need. Make sure you think carefully about what problem you’re trying to solve before deciding on a cushion. But once you’ve made that decision, you’ll wonder why you’ve waited so long to buy one. Happy driving!
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
