Best Cooling Car Seat Cushions: Cool Down and Enjoy the Ride

Stay cool and relaxed with these high-quality cooling car seat cushions.

byLinsay Thomas, Scott Roepel|
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BYLinsay Thomas, Scott Roepel/ LAST UPDATED ON April 29, 2021

Keeping cool on a hot summer day can be difficult, especially during long drives where your body is stiff and exhausted. A cooling car seat cushion can help you cool off and beat the heat. It can lower your body temperature quickly to reduce the risk of heatstroke, help if your car doesn’t have the best air conditioning, and lower back pain. Here are the best cooling car seat cushions to consider before you hit the road in the heat.

Best Overall

AUTOTRENDS Cooling Car Seat Cushion

Summary

This seat cushion is made of memory foam and gel material, which retains its shape and won't deform.

Pros
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Has silicone friction beads on the bottom so it won't slide
  • Cover is waterproof
Cons
  • It may raise your height a little, which can affect your driving position
  • Insert may get gummy
Best Value

VivaLife Cooling Gel Car Seat Cushion

Summary

The cooling technology can reduce back pain and sciatica symptoms. The cushion is made out of a thick gel memory foam for improved comfort.

Pros
  • Has a non-slip rubber bottom to ensure it stays in place no matter what
  • Has an included handle for easier transport and a seat strap
Cons
  • Thickness of the foam will make you sit higher, so you will have to adjust your seat if you can
  • It may be a little stiff as well
Honorable Mention

Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion

Summary

The material acts like a mini fan to cool you down. It circulates air through hundreds of tiny holes to cool you down on the hottest days.

Pros
  • Fabric is breathable and reduces body heat and perspiration
  • Comes with temperature control, so you can pick and choose how much air flows through the material
Cons
  • Fan is loud even on the low setting
  • Tiny holes may rip if pierced by keys and impact the design and amount of airflow

The AUTOTRENDS cooling car seat cushion is a great option for your vehicle as well as other seats to increase circulation and keep your bottom cool. The cushion is made of memory foam and gel material, which maintains its shape and won't deform. The cooling gel provides comfort and support, and the silicon friction beads on the bottom prevent the cushion from sliding. The cushion has a waterproof cover that is easy to clean, and it is safe to put in the washing machine. Users report that the cushion is comfortable and does not get hot or sweaty after riding in a car for a prolonged period of time. It provides a slight amount of coolness even during the summer. It's also lightweight and easy to move. However, it may raise your height slightly, which can change your driving position. One user also complained that the insert got gummy.

If you want a cooling and supportive car seat cushion that won’t break the bank, look no further than the VivaLife Cooling Gel Car Seat Cushion. This simply designed wedge-shaped seat cushion helps to relieve sciatica, lower back pain, and sacrum pain while promoting improved posture. Constructed from durable and supportive memory foam gel, the cushion, along with its elevated angle design, effectively decreases strain on your lower back, whether it's used when driving your car or truck, for your office chair, or even as a cushion for a wheelchair. It’s a versatile cushion that’s suitable for several different applications. The orthopedically designed gel layer allows for effective cooling and ventilation of the high-density memory foam. A smart, non-slip rubber bottom ensures that the cushion stays in place during use and won’t slide around.

The Zone Tech Cooling Car Seat Cushion definitely deserves an honorable mention for being a smartly designed and highly effective cooling seat cushion. It has the ability to circulate air through hundreds of small holes in the comfortable and durable microfiber mesh material. This cushion not only acts to protect you from the intense heat of a leather or vinyl seat cushion that’s been sitting in the hot sun too long, but it also protects your car seat itself from fading and cracking due to that same sun exposure. The cool airflow reduces moisture from your body, allowing you to have a much more comfortable ride in hot weather conditions. The convenient temperature control allows you to set your cooling preference by simply turning the easily accessed dial to either high, medium, or low, based on your personal preference. Its universal design is ideal for most vehicles.

The Sojoy -IsoTowel Summer Cooling Four Seasons Car Seat Cushions are designed to keep you cooler while providing slight cushioning. You get two front-seat cushions that fit most car and truck seats using adjustable buckle clips that secure them in place. They protect the body from hot seats in the summer and won't peel, crack, or leave residue behind after being exposed to the sun. The cushions have an anti-slip bottom, and the honeycomb fabric is light and thin. The IsoTowel cushions are portable, easy to install, bacteria-resistant, and machine washable. They also protect your seats after you return from the gym or get in the vehicle after being sweaty and physically active. Users report that they're comfortable, stay in place, and stay cool in a hot vehicle. However, they don't have a cooling gel-like some other types of cushions. Still, they act as a barrier against material such as black leather, which can get very hot in the summer.

The MODVEL Cooling Gel Seat Cushion is great for your car, office chair, wheelchair, and more. It will keep you cool while providing orthopedic benefits, such as relief from back, joint, sciatica, and coccyx pain. The cushion includes a built-in carrying handle, so you can easily use it in your vehicle, at work, or on an airplane. It's also easy to clean, so it won't retain any odors. All you have to do is unzip the cover and put it in the washing machine. Users report that the cushion is comfortable and springs back to its original shape when you get off of it. It's firm but not too hard and even spreads out the body's weight so there are no pressure points, which makes traveling much more comfortable. The company also provides a two-year warranty should you experience any problems. One downside is that it can flatten out quite a bit when you sit on it, so it loses a bit of its cushioning effect. Some users also complain that it’s smaller than they expected, so check the dimensions before making a purchase.

Tips

  • To clean a seat cushion, you should scrub it with a damp cloth or towel. Make sure it’s powered off and is not plugged into any outlet. It should never be submerged in water.
  • To dry a cool car seat cushion, let it air dry by opening the windows or leaving it in a light breeze. Make sure it is completely dry before using it again.
  • You should not use a cooling car seat cushion if you notice any frayed or damaged wires. They can be dangerous and lead to the device not working properly or catching on fire.
  • Make sure you unplug and turn off the cushion when it is not in use.

FAQs

Q: How long will it take the cushion to cool down?

A: This will vary from cushion to cushion, but they all should begin working in moments. Some may be stronger than others and have an improved amount of airflow, while others may take a few minutes to cool you off. 

Q: Do cooling car seat cushions fit in all types of vehicles?

A: Since car seat cushions are lightweight and foldable, they should be able to fit in all sorts of cars. However, you should consult with the manufacturer just to be sure before making a purchase. 

Q: Will a seat cushion raise the height of my seat?

A: It is possible the car seat cushion will impact how you sit in the car. If your vehicle’s seat can’t be adjusted, you may run the risk of sitting too high on the seat. However, the majority of vehicles come with adjustable car seats, so you shouldn’t have an issue.

Q: Will a cooling car seat cover stay on when the car is off?

A: This depends on the type of 12-volt plug you have in your vehicle and the connection the cushion requires. Some will only function when the car is on or when it is placed in accessory mode. If the 12-volt outlet works without the engine running, the cover will stay on while the vehicle is turned off.

Final Thoughts

For one of the best seat cushions to keep you cool and comfortable in the sweltering heat, consider the AUTOTRENDS Cooling Car Seat Cushion.

A less expensive alternative is the VivaLife Cooling Gel Car Seat Cushion, which can reduce back pain, cool you down, and help prevent symptoms of sciatica.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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