Best Lumbar Support for Cars: Stay Comfortable on Long Drives

According to the American Chiropractic Association, 80 percent of adults will experience back pain in their lifetime. It accounts for 264 million lost workdays per year in the U.S. alone. One thing you can do to promote proper posture and minimize your risk of developing lower back pain while driving is to use a lumbar support in your car whenever you drive. 

Lumbar supports for cars are especially beneficial for anyone who drives long distances or very frequently. So, if you’re in the market for a new lumbar support for your car, The Drive has got you covered with our top picks and an informative buying guide to help ensure you find the one that’s just right for you.

Being a licensed chiropractor myself, I know a thing or two about high-quality lumbar supports. In fact, I’ve actually recommended many of these for my patients and tested several myself.  When selecting the top picks, I wanted to go with reliable manufacturers who have a solid track record of producing reliable, durable, and supportive products.

Because not all spines are the same, you’ll notice there are lumbar supports of varying heights and thicknesses. And, of course, I wanted to offer a variety of different price points in order to fit any budget. For more info on product selection, check out this link to The Drive’s Gear About page which explains our methodology further.

Made from premium memory foam, this Everlasting Comfort lumbar support cushion keeps your back happy. It’s suitable for both acute and chronic back pain and helps prevent the stress and strain commonly associated with driving for long periods of time. The design is also great for helping alleviate pain for more severe conditions, such as stenosis and herniated disks. Thanks to its ergonomic contouring structure, the cushion can be placed anywhere along the back of the car seat to offer support exactly where you need it.

Dual straps are adjustable and keep the cushion in place during use, preventing annoying slips while you’re driving. The hypoallergenic, breathable mesh cover allows airflow through the cushion to keep your back cool and dry. Plus, the material is dryer-safe, so you can pop the cover in the dryer on low heat to combat any odors that might develop over time. A lifetime replacement guarantee rounds out the feature set. The only downside is that the pillow is a bit bigger than most competing models. That means it might not be as suitable for smaller cars or smaller frames, but your results may vary. Consider pairing this item with a comfortable and supportive car neck pillow for extra-long road trips.

The Samsonite SA5243 Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow is an excellent budget-friendly option that has an adjustable strap for simple installation. It's designed to keep the cushion in place without moving, and you can change the length as needed. The pillow is supportive and designed to minimize pressure and stress. It's made of high-grade memory foam that will cradle your back and spine, and it measures 13.5 x 14 x 4.5 inches.

The cushion also improves posture and facilitates better circulation in your lower back. The pillow is lightweight and easy to move from vehicle to vehicle or to your home or office. Users like the cooling properties, which feel particularly good when it's hot in the summer. One drawback, however, is that it has a tendency to absorb liquids if you spill them on it, and it's a little thick for some people. And even though the installation strap is adjustable, it may still be too short for some vehicles.

The orthopedic design and curved structure of the RelaxSupport RS1 Orthopedic Lumbar Support Cushion provide comfort and the proper support for your lower back and spine. The unique lateral convex shape gives you additional support in the lumbar area. A removable, washable, breathable cotton cover makes cleaning this cushion a breeze and keeps air circulation high for better comfort. Adjustable straps help keep the cushion snuggly in place. Plus, the straps can also be removed, which allows you to use the cushion comfortably both horizontally and vertically, supporting your posture.

The high-quality memory foam core ensures that the cushion will hold up to frequent use and the money-back guarantee offered by the manufacturer ensures a no-risk trial period. Compared to competing lumbar support cushions, this one's a bit on the softer side. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone that wants a lot of support in your lower back. That being said, testing out a cushion is the best way to find the top fit that will keep you comfortable on long road trips and commutes.

This two-piece lumbar support pillow comes in either black or gray. It relieves pressure on the coccyx and is designed to decrease lower back pain and pressure. The bottom cushion is made of non-slip rubber so it stays in place in your car, office chair, airplane seat, etc. The velour cover is washable. The lumbar support pillow has a pocket for items such as your phone and is made of breathable 3D mesh. The set also comes with adjustable straps to keep it in place. This is a great car seat cushion option for truckers.

The set is made of 100 percent memory foam, which is long-lasting. The cushion can be positioned in the right area of your back to provide comfort in an erect sitting position. It also feels soft yet is sturdily constructed. SoftaCare provides a risk-free guarantee if you're not 100 percent satisfied with the product. Unfortunately, it may not be suitable for larger individuals due to its size. Some users also complain that it's a little too hard or that it flattens out rather quickly during use.

The Modvel Back Support works well in your car, home, and office. It's made of 3D mesh and memory foam to provide relief from pain in your waist, spine, and tailbone. The pillow is supportive yet conforms to your back and spine so that it rests in a natural S shape. It's suitable for large and small chairs and comes with two adjustable straps for installation as well as two stretchers, so it works on extra-large seats as well.

The zipper is concealed and won't dig into your back. The cover is removable and washable, so you can keep it clean between uses. One of the best things about this cushion is that the manufacturer provides a two-year warranty if you experience any issues. It's easy to use, provides the right amount of support, and works great for truck drivers who travel hundreds of miles a day.

Some people complain that it's firm when you first sit on it but flattens out too much as time passes during the day. Others complain that it's a little too firm. It may also arrive with a strong odor.

If you're looking for a good deal, consider this two-pack lumbar support system from KingPhenix. It's designed to correct your posture and support your lumbar area while you're driving or sitting for long periods of time. It comes with elastic belts, so you can adjust the height from 5.3 to 7 inches to suit your needs. The double-layer mesh is also lightweight and breathable, so your back and waist stay dry. It’s one of the best cooling car seat cushion options available.

This back support cushion is simple to install in a vehicle but can also be used at home, school, or in the office. While it may be a little more unusual-looking than some of the other options on this list, it's sturdy and comfortable. It stays in place and supports your back right where you need it. Since it's curved, it seems to fit seats better than pillows with a flat structure. One problem is that it may be too large for an office chair. The edges may also wear away the seat's material, and it may not be tall enough for some larger individuals.

The Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Gel-Infused Lumbar Support is built with 100 percent gel-infused memory foam that is heat-responsive. It adjusts to the shape of your back to provide maximum support. There are also numerous ventilated holes, so it won't get too warm during use. It's very portable and designed for car seats, office chairs, recliners, and more.

A nice thing about this lumbar support pillow is that the cover is machine-washable and dryer-safe. It comes with two straps for stable installation. They’re elastic with adjustable buckles, so you can easily move it from your car to your office. You can also adjust the straps so the cushion sits near your lower, middle, or upper back area.

While the pillow is made of durable, high-quality materials, it may arrive with a slight odor. The company recommends putting it in the dryer for 30 to 40 minutes with a fabric softener to remove the smell. The company also provides a lifetime replacement guarantee in case you experience any problems.

The LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Back Cushion is designed to minimize lower and mid-back pain when you're driving or sitting for long periods of time. It promotes proper spinal alignment and posture. It's made of memory foam and won't flatten out; instead, the foam compresses to the shape and curve of your back for optimal comfort and pain relief. It comes with two adjustable straps to prevent it from sliding down on your car seat, office chair, wheelchair, etc.

One of the best things about this product is that it features 3D mesh that’s breathable and promotes airflow. This minimizes sweat and moisture buildup. The company has a 60-day, risk-free return policy in case you don't like the cushion, and it’s also available in several colors, so you can match it to a variety of seats and vehicle interiors. One problem is that this cushion may be too narrow for some users and may not cover your entire back. Also, the strap that holds the cushion in place may move when you get in and out of your vehicle.

When it comes to the best overall pick for a lumbar support for your car, it’s tough to beat the Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Lumbar Support. Made from premium memory foam, it’s suitable for both acute and chronic back pain and helps prevent the stress and strain commonly associated with driving for long periods of time.

For a reliable and long-lasting budget-friendly option, check out the Samsonite SA5243 Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow. This orthopedic lumbar back support is recommended by chiropractors, as it properly supports the lower back and minimizes slouching.

While it may seem like it, choosing a lumbar support for your car isn’t a one-size-fits-all selection. Choosing the right size, material, and level of support are just a few things to consider when getting the best one to suit your specific needs and desires. 

A compact and overall common choice, these car cushions are small enough to be portable and big enough to make a difference in how your back feels when you’re sitting for long periods of time. The two most common designs are the u-shape and the wedge, both of which are great choices if you need your lumbar support to be portable.

If you’re in need of something a little more high-powered, you’ll want an adjustable lumbar support cushion that can be made to fit the unique lines of your back. These are attached to your headrest via elastic straps, hanging down the length of your seat back. Typically the most ergonomic option, this type of lumbar support is great if you have chronic back problems. 

Lumbar support cushions are available in a wide range of sizes. You’ll want to find one that best suits your needs. To do that, take into consideration how often you’ll use it and how much support you want. On top of that, keep in mind that chronic back pain benefits from always using lumbar support, so you’ll want something extra durable if you find yourself in this category.

Material is a critical component of a good lumbar support cushion. You’ll want something durable that is able to retain its shape even with hours of frequent use. If you live somewhere hot, you’ll definitely want to make sure that the material is somewhat breathable so that it feels comfortable temperature-wise.

Many lumbar support cushions come with straps or other types of fasteners to keep them from sliding around during use. That will keep them in place and able to do their job well. The last thing you want is a lumbar support cushion that is nowhere near the place it needs to be to work effectively. Also, keep in mind that adjustable straps mean customizable support. In other words, you’ll be able to place the cushion exactly where you need the lumbar support.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.