Seat cushions make sitting more comfortable, especially when your job requires you to stay seated for long periods. They can also help you correct your improper posture or alleviate some aches and pains that result from it. Seat cushions also help you rest or work better as they eliminate discomfort.
But with so many available online, you might have to spend more time sitting on your uncomfortable chair looking through the vast array of options. To achieve the most optimal sitting position, read through our list of recommendations and buying guide, fact-checked by Singapore-based interior designer Jennifer Salamat.
Quick List - Top Seat Cushions
Charcoal-Infused Seat Cushion That May Also Help With Hemorrhoids
Jennifer Salamat is a Singapore-based Interior Designer currently working as a Lead Designer in an international company that manufactures furniture hardware. She shares the same passion for transforming ideas into beautiful, functional home design solutions. She is a dedicated individual who has been involved in planning and designing interior settings for residential and commercial spaces.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
Most chair cushions are universal or standard in size and designed to fit any upright chair. However, the sizes will still differ from product to product, and these nuances may matter. Thus, if you can, match the size of the cushion with the seating surface of the chair you intend to use it on so that you get the best comfort and protection.
Matching the size of your seat cushion to your chair will give you the best seating position, be it for work or rest. Another factor to consider is your seating area. The width of your hips and your weight may also matter, as there are seat cushions designed with hard plastic bases that are molded to a specific size or shape.
When choosing a seat cushion, it's better to go for those with a sleeve or cover that you can easily wash, or best, choose a washable cushion. This is especially important when you intend to use it while traveling on buses, planes, and other modes of public transport that accommodate a high volume of human traffic daily.
Even if you just intend to use it at home, cushion washability is also vital. A cushion that's unwashed for a long time can absorb sweat and dampness that may harbor bacteria over time and cause you to develop itches.
Ergonomic is an adjective for something that is designed for efficiency and comfort. This combination is exactly what you should look for when looking for an add-on to your chair, especially if it is for work. Seat cushions should help you maintain a natural body position. Therefore, they should help you position yourself in a way that is the most holistically optimal.
This is not to say that your standard flat cushions should not be an option. But, for the best chair support, ergonomically-designed seat cushions are the best. These also allow for proper weight distribution from your lower back, hips, and upper thighs.
The materials used in a seat cushion can either be synthetic or natural. Manufacturers use synthetic materials more, as they are cheaper, easier to source, and much more designable. Natural materials, on the other hand, are the traditional fillings for seat cushions. Their designs are considered more artisan and personal, as most are handcrafted.
Synthetic materials for seat cushions include foams and gels. There are two main types of foam: standard foams and energy-absorbing foams. Standard foams are considered lower grade, as they merely cushion the seater. In contrast, energy-absorbing foams like memory foams are more durable, elastic, denser, and can conform to the contours of one's body.
Meanwhile, gel seats are great when you are after their ability to give you coolness, as they do not absorb heat and repel moisture. However, they need to warm up. It may take 10-20 minutes for it to conform to your contours.
Natural materials, like cotton, feathers, or silk, are more breathable and give more warmth. However, these are more delicate than synthetic ones. Natural materials also tend to be less durable; they can easily tear and degrade, especially with constant transport or if you frequently shift positions while seated.
If you want the best of both, you can find seat cushions that are a combination of natural and synthetic materials. Usually, the fillings are made from foams or gel, and their covers are made from breathable and warm natural fabrics.
While all cushions are designed to keep you comfortable, some cushions do that better than others, depending on their features. To get maximum comfort, here are some more features to look for in a seat cushion:
When planning to get a seat cushion for orthopedic purposes, it would be best first to get an expert assessment. The cushion you choose might do more harm than good to your musculoskeletal system. This is an especially significant consideration for those with pre-existing spinal conditions like lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, subluxation, or slight scoliosis.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BackJoy Core Traction | ![]() | The Ideal Cushion to Ensure Comfort and Stability All Day | |
2 | Orthopedic Two-Piece Seat Cushion | ![]() | Helps Alleviate Tension in Your Legs, Buttocks, and Entire Back | |
3 | Donut Seat Cushion|Bamboo Charcoal Core | ![]() | Charcoal-Infused Seat Cushion That May Also Help With Hemorrhoids | |
4 | Gel-Enhanced Seat Cushion | ![]() | A Memory Foam Cushion With a Gel-Padded Surface for a Cooling Feeling | |
5 | Office/School Chair Cushion | ![]() | Cute, Cozy Seat Cushion for Study or Office Chairs | |
6 | Gel Seat Cushion | ![]() | Elastic and Durable Gel Cushion Designed to Avoid Pressure Points | |
7 | Cushion Backrest | ![]() | Provides Extra Cushion and a Pop of Eye-Pleasing Patterns to Your Chair | |
8 | True Vision Orthopedic Memory Foam Anti-Slip Seat Cushion | ![]() | Sturdy and Firm Memory Foam Cushion That Does Not Feel Warm to Sit On | |
9 | Avinas Modern Printed Cushions | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Cushion Perfect for Dining Chairs | |
10 | Tatami Pillow Seat Cushion | ![]() | The Perfect Pick for Your Round Chairs |
If you spend your entire day sitting on a chair in front of your computer, Backjoy's seat cushion may help you. It has a deeper bowl shape, making it more optimal for ergonomic seating. Its front pummel also allows you to position yourself correctly to conform to the body's natural sitting position.
Moreover, it comes with two times more foam to make prolonged sitting more comfortable. Another great thing is the wider seat surface that can accommodate larger individuals, up to 300 lbs. Lastly, it has silicone pads for traction, ensuring your stability and preventing you from sliding off and into an incorrect seating posture.
If you need a seat cushion for back pain, this is for you! It is a two-piece seat cushion that not only supports your legs and buttocks but also your lower and upper back. The shape of the back pad follows the natural curvature of the spine, giving you the best upright position to prevent pain. It also has backend support to prevent you from shifting to a less optimal position
The only drawback is that it has no straps for it to be firmly fixed to your chair. However, the seat cushion's M-pattern gives you the best leg position by allowing your legs to drop naturally. Thus, it's a decent pick if you experience ngalay while working long hours. The memory foam also spreads and expands when sat on, wrapping around your glutes and thighs for a cozier feel.
Starting to feel pain in your tailbone after a long time of sitting on flat surfaces? A seat cushion donut like this one may help you! Designed with a hole in the center, it provides pressure relief for your tailbone. For the same reason, it can also offer better ventilation when sitting, which is especially helpful if you suffer from hemorrhoids.
Another great feature is the activated bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam, which ensures your seat cushion stays fresh and odor-free even after long hours of sitting. And since its cover is a mesh fabric, you can also expect it to be breathable, as it does not accumulate as much heat from your body.
This gel-enhanced seat cushion makes you feel comfortable and relaxed while sitting. Its main filling is composed of memory foam, while its surface has a silicone layer for a firmer and more cooling feeling. Another great thing is that its gel foam does not allow you to sink as much when sitting, so it doesn't mess up your proper sitting posture.
Like most seat cushion designs, it has an open U-shaped cut to remove tailbone stress. This prevents the numbing sensation you get from your lower appendages after sitting for a while. According to some reviews, the slightly ergonomic contours also position your legs and back well enough, so you get a good sitting position.
If you're looking for a non-orthopedic seat cushion for office chairs, this one is a decent pick. Designed to mimic the silhouette of an armchair, it can provide cushion for your lower back, hips, and even buttocks. It can be beneficial if you use mesh office chairs with little to no cushion on the seat.
Children can also use it for their study area, so they're more comfortable going through their online classes. This seat cushion is made of soft plush and PP cotton, so you can expect it to be very soft and fluffy, like a pillow. The cute designs are just a great bonus!
Featuring a honeycomb design, this gel seat cushion allows the widest weight dispersal. It also permits air to circulate properly, so it stays cool and is less at risk of harboring moisture and bacteria. Performance-wise, the ergonomic design helps alleviate pressure points from your tailbone and hips; no wonder many users swear by it!
Another great thing about it is that it can function as a seat cushion for your car, office chair, computer chair, or even a recliner. It also retains its shape well, so there is no need to worry about ending up with a squished cushion after long periods of sitting.
This one would do if you only need an extra cushion for your flat and tough dining or computer chair! Stuffed with plush filling made of polyester fiber, it can provide a cottony soft pad that you can sit on and lean into. It is perfect if your chair's built-in seat pad needs to be more comfortable to sit on for long periods.
Unlike other seat cushions, this one has a longer surface that extends to your chair's backrest. To ensure that it won't slide off, it also comes with a stretchable strap and laces that you can attach to your chair. Lastly, it comes in various designs, perfect if you want your chair to blend with your interior or decor.
Given that memory foam tends to be warmer, this product has a slit in the middle for the ventilation of the groin and crotch areas. The all-around mesh cover makes it very breathable, too, which helps fight bacteria propagation by preventing the build-up of heat and moisture on your crotch and genital areas.
The memory foam is sturdy and firm, so several reviewers say it does not sink. That said, it's also suitable for individuals on the heavier end or if you simply like a springier cushion. Another great thing about this is that the bottom is studded with anti-skid rubber, which keeps it stable in your seat.
On the hunt for affordable cushions for your kitchen seats? Look no further than this! Made using 100% polyester and with a height of approximately 7 cm, it makes your usually flat and rigid kitchen seat more comfortable. But aside from your kitchen seats, it's also suitable for outdoor chairs that are typically uncomfortable to sit on.
To make sure the seat cushion stays in your seat and won't slide off when you move, it comes with two straps that you can simply tie to the chair. And what's even more incredible about this budget-friendly seat cushion is that it allows easy care and maintenance, as it is machine-washable.
This seat cushion is circular in shape, perfect for your bar stools, barrel chairs, coffee chairs, or round dining chairs. You can also use multiple pieces of this as seat cushions for your outdoor bench. Its filling is made of premium-grade foam, while its cover is constructed using polyester.
That said, it's safe to wash using a mild detergent for easy cleaning. Another thing to love about this seat cushion is its colorful and eye-pleasing prints that'll surely lend some life to your furniture. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a string or strap for a more secure attachment.
Tip: Consider adding a seat cushion cover (especially for daily use), as it's prone to dirt and accidental drink spills/splashes. A cushion that has a removable cover will make it easier to clean.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
If alleviating neck pain is your purpose in buying a seat cushion, an orthopedic one may help you. There are orthopedic seat cushions that assist you in sitting in the proper posture to lessen the tension in your neck. There are also lumbar cushions that can help support your spine while sitting. But remember, it's best to consult an expert to find the most suitable one.
It may not be the best idea, since some pillows can be too soft. That said, if you sit on them, your buttocks can sink and eventually tilt your pelvis out of its proper position. When this happens, you may feel uncomfortable.
It depends on the seat cushion. But if you want one that you can last for a few years, invest in seat cushions made with premium filling. You may also opt for those that are easy to clean and maintain, so you can just wash and reuse them.
Are you still working from home? Don't let your home environment hinder your productivity! Here are some of our other picks for the best items that can help you work or study better.
Author: Petre Baliton
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: BackJoy|Core Traction
No. 2: |Orthopedic Two-Piece Seat Cushion
No. 3: |Donut Seat Cushion|Bamboo Charcoal Core
No. 4: |Gel-Enhanced Seat Cushion
No. 5: |Office/School Chair Cushion
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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