Best Car Seat Cushions: More Comfort on Long Rides

Relieve stress and pain in your back with these top three car seat cushions

byMike Knott|
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BYMike Knott/ LAST UPDATED ON July 14, 2021

Long car rides can be exhausting. When sitting in a vehicle for long distances, you may get uncomfortable after some time. A prolonged, fixed sitting position causes stress on your muscles and bones and can cause back pain. That's why a cushion is such a useful accessory and an excellent upgrade to a car seat. To help you find the best car seat cushions to keep you comfortable and relieve back pain on the road, we offer these top picks.

Best Overall

Xtreme Comforts Coccyx Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion

Summary
This car seat cushion is an excellent option for vehicle and office use. It's highly portable, so you can bring it with you wherever you go. It relieves pressure on the tailbone and reduces back pain. It also promotes good posture and ensures comfort.
Pros
The memory foam seat cushion is ergonomically designed and recommended by doctors. The high-density padding and unique contour surface distribute body weight accordingly on the seat or the chair. The anti-slip bottom ensures stability. Features machine-washable and breathable mesh cover.
Cons
It might be larger than expected. Not suitable for smaller seats. It could leave some marks on the car seat.
Best Value

Fortem Seat Cushion

Summary
This cushion is designed to relieve back pain and promote good posture. It's easy to put on any seat or chair, and rather comfortable. The lightweight design makes it versatile and perfect for on-the-go situations. Ideal for sciatica pain.
Pros
The U-shaped ergonomic cushion significantly improves the driving experience. It's made of high-quality materials and features high-grade memory foam for additional support. It has a removable and machine-washable cover. The non-slip rubber bottom prevents the cushion from moving on the seat.
Cons
It might be too stiff at first, and too small for some people. The cover is not of the best quality.
Honorable Mention

U-Are Cool Gel Memory Foam Seat Cushion

Summary
This is an excellent combo coming from U-Are. The set includes a lumbar pillow and a seat cushion. Both pieces fit almost any office chair and car seat. They are designed to provide ultimate comfort during long rides and prevent lower back pain.
Pros
These memory foam cushions provide additional support to promote good posture and prove to be very comfortable. Features unique shape and non-slip bottom for more stability on the seat. The lumbar support has a breathable mesh cover. Easy to use and clean. Adjustable straps.
Cons
It might flatten out faster than other options. Some might find it too firm. The straps are not long enough for bigger chairs.

Summary List

Types of Car Seat Cushions 

Memory Foam 

The most common material used to make seat cushions is memory foam. It can feel hard for petite people, but it’s great at conforming to the shape of your bottom for extra comfort. Memory foam cushions are recommended for people who normally sit for long hours since it’s effective at relieving strain exerted on the back. However, it’s known to heat up because that’s how it maintains the impression of your sitting position. 

Shredded Foam 

A softer option for lighter people is shredded foam, which is made up of shredded pieces of memory foam. The cushion feels lumpy, and the pillow is moldable since the pieces of foam move around independently. It’s also less prone to overheating. However, you need to fluff the pillow to align the foam pieces.

Bamboo Charcoal 

Bamboo charcoal is eco-friendly, soft, breathable, and comfortable. The material helps with moisture absorption, so you don’t have to worry about leaving sweat marks on the seat. It’s also effective at neutralizing odors and has antibacterial features. For that reason, it’s more expensive than other options. 

Best Car Seat Cushions: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Xtreme Comforts Coccyx Seat Cushion

The Xtreme Comforts Coccyx Seat Cushion with a U-shape cutout is ergonomically designed to provide pain relief and improve blood flow. The ultra-deluxe body active memory foam distributes your body weight across the seat and relieves pressure from your tailbone. It also remains uniform in density no matter how long or how often you use it.

It remains firm on the car seat due to its non-skid, anti-slip bottom. It also sports a unique rounded shape rather than a typical squarish design. This body-contouring design provides ample comfort for your hips and bottom. As for the cushion cover, it’s removable and designed with machine-washable mesh that promotes air circulation and breathability.

Despite being an ergonomically contoured seat cushion, you may find it a bit large. It measures 18 by 14 by 3 inches, which may be too big for smaller car seats. Also, since the cover has a zipper, it may leave scratch marks on plastic or leather car seats.

Best Value: Fortem Seat Cushion

The Fortem Seat Cushion is designed with thick, heat-responsive memory foam, which is designed to contour to your body. This helps to maintain proper driving posture and relieves pressure from your coccyx. The cushion also has a U-shaped cutout to relieve pressure from your spine. The bottom is reinforced with non-slip rubber to prevent the cushion from sliding when you move around in your seat.

The Fortem cushion is a great travel companion since it's lightweight and has a carrying handle on the side. In addition, it has a removable and washable velour cover that feels soft to the touch. It's an orthopedic cushion recommended for anyone with sciatica, back pain, and a herniated disk. But you can still use it as a lift cushion if you’d like to make your seat higher.

Unfortunately, it may be too small for some car seats, and it may feel uncomfortable around the thighs. It can also be a bit stiff when new, and it takes some time before the memory foam starts to soften. Also, the velour cover doesn’t inspire confidence that it’s going to last long.

Premium Pick: U-Are Cool Gel Memory Foam Seat Cushion

The U-Are Cool Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support Pillow uses both gel and memory foam for a better sitting experience. It has orthopedic properties and relieves pain-related issues, including sciatica, pregnancy back pain, hip discomfort, backaches, and spine issues. The cushion is made of 100-percent memory foam with a breathable mesh middle that gives you the sensation of sitting on clouds.

To keep your rear end more cool and comfortable, the cushion has a heat disbursing cooling gel that transfers heat to other parts of the cushion. The bottom is slip-resistant and fitted with straps that can be secured on the seat. You can carry it with you to yoga class or the office in the ergonomic zipper bag provided.

However, it’s not the most durable seat cushion. It flattens out faster than other cushions. Also, despite its cloud-like sitting experience, some find it too firm. Moreover, it comes with short straps that may snap or not fit snugly on larger car seats.

Honorable Mention: Kingphenix Car Seat Cushion

The Kingphenix Car Seat Cushion is slim, sleek, and looks just like it belongs inside your vehicle. Sitting just 1.2-inches tall and measuring 21.26 by 18.5 inches, this cushion is thin and lightweight, which makes it ideal for anyone who doesn’t want a thick or bulky product.

It’s made with polymer memory foam and silicone gel, which deliver exceptional comfort and reduce pressure on your coccyx. When you sit on this memory foam and gel car seat cushion, it evenly distributes your weight, takes pressure off painful areas of the body, and is comfortable.

The cushion is covered with breathable material that features full, smooth seams to mimic the look of your car’s seats. On the bottom, the cushion has non-slip material to prevent sliding, movement, or slipping. It’s an excellent companion for any driver or passenger.

Honorable Mention: ComfySure Car Seat Wedge Pillow

The ComfySure Car Seat Wedge Pillow combines comfortable cushioning with a slight wedged angle for increased support. At its tallest point, the cushion stands three inches high and angles downward, so you get a little lift while sitting in your seat.

This seat cushion is made with high-density, therapeutic-grade memory foam, which offers maximum comfort by molding to your body’s shape. It won’t flatten out over time and can support up to 500 pounds.

The wedge angle of the cushion helps alleviate some of the physical stress of sitting and driving, helping to relieve pain in the coccyx and tailbone as well as potential pressure sores. The bottom of the car seat cushion is covered in a secure, gripping non-slip material, so you won’t slide around or be uncomfortable when you drive.

Our Verdict

Xtreme Comforts Coccyx Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion is our top pick. It’s a high-quality car cushion that provides excellent back support and ensures comfort on the road.

For those who are on a limited budget, we recommend Fortem Seat Cushion, a versatile accessory that can be used in car seats and office chairs.

Benefits of Car Seat Cushions 

  • Comfort. Long drives can show just how uncomfortable your car seat is. You may end up with bottom sores and leg pain that may sneak up to your back. Car seat cushions typically provide extra support to your back and help relieve pressure from your hips to give you a more enjoyable ride. 
  • Maintain good posture. Orthopedic car seat cushions can help correct your driving posture. They typically feature anatomical cutouts and a wedge structure for healthy alignment of your spine and bottom. This translates to a good sitting posture since your weight is distributed evenly on the seat. 
  • Improved blood flow. When you sit in one position for a prolonged time, blood pools in your legs and they may feel weak when you need to stand. A seat cushion improves your anatomical alignment and blood circulation throughout your body. 
  • Portable. Most car seat cushions come in small sizes that can fit in your carrying bag. When folded, the good ones don’t flatten out or lose their shape. You can, therefore, carry them wherever you need extra comfort, such as on planes or to your office. 

Car Seat Cushions Pricing

  • Under $25: Budget this much for a lightweight and portable cushion. While most don’t come with frills like odor absorption properties, you will find products that don’t slip or slide around your car seat. Also, most have 3D ventilation mesh covers that promote breathability and effectively absorb sweat.
  • Over $50: Expect to find some high-quality orthopedic cushions designed for long drives within this price range. Most of the cushions sport soft covers, highly absorbent foam, and breathable material that keeps your bottom cool throughout the drive. Also, most are about 2.5 inches thick and don’t flatten out easily. 

Key Features

Foam Density 

The foam density determines the maximum weight capacity that the cushion can handle before it flattens out permanently. Some manufacturers don’t indicate the weight capacity, but you can tell how much it can handle from how thick it is. For instance, a three-inch-thick heavy-duty foam is denser than a two-inch one. It can, therefore, take on a heavier weight. 

Cover Material 

Depending on the manufacturer, some cushion covers are waterproof and others are water absorbent. A waterproof cover can be beneficial for short drives if you don’t want to ruin the foam with a spill from a drink. However, it can leave sweat marks on your clothes. For long drives, or if you get sweaty often, prioritize water-absorbent covers that you can air dry after a journey. 

Size 

Compare the size of your car seat to the cushion you want to buy. You don’t want something that’s hanging over the car seat since it will push at your knee pit and make you uncomfortable. Also, if you have a continuous driver and passenger seat, you can get a wider seat cushion to cover both as long as it fits. 

Other Considerations 

  • Stability: Choose a cushion with an anti-slip bottom, meaning it will stay firm on the seat no matter how restless you get. If not, it should at least come with straps that secure on your car seat for a snug fit. 
  • Breathability: This is a measure of how well air flows in the cushion even after you sit on it to help cool your bottom. A memory foam cushion with a cotton mesh cover is the best for optimal breathability. 
  • Cleaning: You need a cushion that’s easy to clean in case you spill a drink on it or it starts to stink. Choose one with a removable, machine washable cover and breathable foam that can air dry in a short time.

Tips

  • Consider the level of support you need from a seat pad. If you want to prevent minor pains when driving for long periods, you can go with soft ones. If you suffer from severe back problems such as sciatica, scoliosis, or herniated discs, you should try firmer cushions with high-density memory foam. 
  • Most car seat cushions are designed to fit every vehicle type. Nevertheless, you should check the dimensions before the purchase to make sure that a cushion will fit your particular car type. 
  • When searching for the best cushion, consider an ergonomic design. That includes the breathability of the cover, stability, and unique contour shape. All these features ensure back pain relief.
  • You'll be washing a cushion quite often, so look for the one that has easy-to-clean materials. Ideally, it will have a removable cover you can take off and put back on with ease. 

FAQs

Q: What are car seat cushions?

A: They are accessories designed to provide support for your back while driving. The supporting cushions relieve stress on your muscles and spine and prevent tailbone pain. They also ensure more comfort in general, especially on long drives. The installation is rather simple, you only need to put a cushion on the seat and tighten the straps (if provided). 

Q: How do car seat cushions work? 

A: The main reason why car seats are uncomfortable is the lack of padding. They don't provide enough lumbar support, which leads you to take an unnatural position while driving. Cushions come in unique shapes and with extra padding to give additional support and promote good posture. They relieve stress on the tailbone (or coccyx) by ensuring you remain in a proper position while driving.

Q: How do you clean car seat cushions?

A: Keep in mind that car seat cushions are not waterproof and machine-washable. The only part that might be is the cover, and that depends on the product type. Check the product's description before you take any action. If the cover is not removable, you can use some mild soap and lukewarm water for spot cleaning.

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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