6 Best Seat Cushions for Keeping Your Butt Comfy While You Work
Only the best for your precious 🍑.
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If you are a Working Professional™, you know this to be true: Sitting in a chair all day is a pain in the butt. And while you technically can place any ol' throw pillow onto your office chair in order to make it cushier, your precious peach could probs use an ergonomic cushion that'll keep you both comfortable and supported. The best seat cushions work to soften your seat while also making you more aware of your spinal posture, so you don't spend the day slouching—which, ofc, puts stress on your back and makes WFH life even more uncomfy.
As ProRehab clinical director Candace Morton previously told Cosmo, sitting in a non-ergonomic chair for hours every day can lead to bad posture and even reduce the natural inward curve of your lumbar spine, which affects its shock-absorbing powers. Not great!! In addition to decreasing the potential for conditions induced by poor posture, a quality seat cushion can relieve spine health problems (like sciatica pain or herniated discs), and if you're pregnant, they're a MUST. Ahead, take a look at the most supportive desk chair cushions you can buy rn.
Our top picks for the best seat cushions of 2024:
Now, on to the good stuff! Read on for the low-down on the best orthopedic chair pillows your $$$ can buy, as well as info from the experts on what to look for when shopping for a new seat cushion. Your butt will thank you, promise.
Pros
- So effective for the price
- Very lightweight, which makes it a good option for travel
Cons
- Some testers say it flattens out a bit over time
- Not quite as dense as a memory foam option
Nearly 10,000 five-star reviews agree: This cushion from Aylio is a game-changer. It's designed with an ergonomic U-shaped cutout to keep your coccyx (aka tailbone) suspended above a hard seat, and thanks to its premium high-density foam, it'll stay firm and regain its shape after you use it. Plus, the cover is removable and washable, so you can give it a refresh when you want. I bought this bb when I first became pregnant, and over a year later, it's just as thicc as the day I got it. Just saying!!
- Dimensions: 14"L x 18"W x 2.5"H
- Fill material: High-density foam
- Cover material: Velvet
THE REVIEW: According to one tester, "I struggle with posture and spend a ton of time working on the computer, contorting into weird positions to try to find a comfortable way to sit for a long period. This cushion not only eases the pressure on my tailbone, spine, etc., but it actually has improved my posture and significantly helped with back pain—I haven't had ANY back pain since I started using the cushion regularly!
Pros
- Very durable and firm (in a good way, ofc)
- Built-in grooves help keep your hips aligned
Cons
- Doesn’t have an anti-slip bottom, so may slip around a bit
- Requires some breaking in, per reviewers
If you <3 the feeling of molded memory foam on your bum, you gotta try this contoured cushion from Tempur-Pedic. This pillow (which comes with a removable, washable cover) relieves pressure and keeps your weight evenly distributed, so you can sit comfortably for hours without that dreaded butt pain. Best of all, it's got built-in cradling grooves to help guide your hips into the best position while sitting.
- Dimensions: 16"L x 16"W x 2"H
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover material: 80% polyester, 20% propylene
THE REVIEW: "I've tried other brands, but the Tempur-Pedic brand of seat cushion is by far the best," one tester writes. "It holds its thickness and cushioning while you are sitting on it, rather than sinking down and not being helpful like so many others. I would highly recommend this seat cushion to anyone who needs to prevent pain while sitting."
Pros
- Keeps its shape and offers TONS of support
- Doesn't trap heat, like some foam options do
Cons
- Some say it tends to slide out of place
- A lil pricier than other cushions
Unlike foam cushions (which may turn into pancakes over time), this unique option from Purple features a durable gel grid that cradles your tailbone, keeps you supported, and will bounce right back after every use. The grid design also makes this option totally breathable, so your buns won't overheat, and it comes with a removable, washable cover complete with built-in handles for taking it on the go. My husband's had his for over five years, and he still calls it the best $140 he's ever spent.
- Dimensions: 16"L x 18"W x 2"H
- Fill material: Hyper-elastic polymer
- Cover material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
THE REVIEW: "Well, there's no question—this is the most comfortable thing I've ever sat on," one review reads. "It perfectly cradles my hips without either putting too much pressure on my tailbone, or leaving it unsupported and putting pressure on my hips adjacent. It's thick enough that I've yet to find a seat it doesn't improve."
Pros
- So affordable (but still such great quality)
- Oversized to accommodate a variety of users
Cons
- Foam filling isn't as durable as memory foam
- Doesn't provide the best tailbone or sciatic support
Don't think you can get a quality chair pillow for under $40? Think again, friend. This inexpensive cushion from Xtreme Comforts (which has over 20,00 five-star reviews, jsyk) is made with dual-layer foam and breathable mesh to support better posture while also keeping your backside nice and cool. Like all good seat cushions, it has a removable, washable cover (with a lil handle for carrying!), and it's large enough to accommodate butts of all sizes.
- Dimensions: 17.5"L x 19"W x 3.5"H
- Fill material: High-density foam
- Cover material: Mesh
THE REVIEW: "I have tried many seat cushions, and this one is definitely the best one," notes one tester. "Holds it shape very well. Handle on it is handy, as we take them on trips. They clean up very easy. I sit on mine everyday in my office chair, and it is holding up super."
Pros
- Designed to relieve pressure and improve posture
- Comes in two different size options
Cons
- Can be tricky to find the right position
- A bit too firm for some testers
As the name suggests, Cushion Lab is 100 percent dedicated to quality cushions, and this pressure-relieving seat cushion is no exception. Designed by in-house ergonomists, this option was *specifically* created to relieve hip pressure while improving posture as you sit. As a bonus, its extra-dense charcoal memory foam is odor-resistant and feels velvety soft—plus, it's available in a larger size if you need it. And, yes, it also has a removable, washable cover made from recycled polyester.
- Dimensions: 15.5"L x 18"W x 4"H
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover material: 100% recycled polyester
THE REVIEW: According to one tester, "This cushion was, rather to my surprise, well worth the price. It is firm but springy, shaped so that it teaches you how to sit in it, and the empty space in the back is sufficient to free the coccyx. Mine is a problem of severe spinal stenosis, so comfort is a serious matter to me. I sit long hours at my desk, and this cushion makes it significantly more comfortable."
Pros
- Incredibly thick and comfy, according to testers
- Gels works to keep foam cool and springy
Cons
- May be too small for some users
- Some reviewers found that it compresses a bit throughout the day
Can't decide between a foam or gel cushion? Then get one that has it all, like this bestseller from ComfiLife, which has earned over 66,000 five-star reviews, nbd. Made with gel-infused memory foam, this bad boy features a non-slip rubber bottom, built-in handle, washable cover, and U-shaped cutout to keep your tailbone supported. Plus, it's compact enough to transport from home to the office and back (which you might be tempted to do, 'cause it's just that comfy).
- Dimensions: 13.7"L x 17.5"W x 2.8"H
- Fill material: Gel memory foam
- Cover material: Velour
THE REVIEW: "This does exactly what I want; it supports me comfortably as I do my daily telework," reads one review. "The gel layer means that it doesn't deform as much as other seat cushions I've used. Memory foam or not, after 8 hours, most are pancakes—but this one keeps working for me. I really can't recommend this cushion enough."
Why should you use a seat cushion?
Seat cushions aren't just about comfort (though they can def make the experience of sitting for long periods of time a WHOLE lot comfier). Using a seat cushion can also improve your posture. As chiropractor Dr. Randi Jaffe explains, "A seat cushion provides support for the pelvis, tailbone, and lower back." And according to her, when you're more aware of your spinal posture, you start to make more corrections to your posture as you sit.
How can you maintain proper posture while sitting?
Ofc, you'll only get all the benefits of a seat cushion if you're using it properly. "It is ideal if you can sit on the cushion with both feet flat on the floor, avoiding crossing your legs, and trying to keep your spine straight without slouching or allowing the shoulders to roll forward or the neck to flex forward," Dr. Jaffe adds. Good posture matters, ppl!!
According to Fit For Work regional director Michael Escobar, you'll also wanna make sure you're taking frequent micro-breaks and stretching over the course of the workday to maintain your blood flow. And if you want to look into other ways to make your work life more comfortable, Morton recommends other ergonomic accessories, like standing desks, that will help promote the right posture.
How to choose the best seat cushion
While buying a new ergonomic desk chair for your WFH setup requires you to drop major coin, a good seat cushion won't set you back nearly as much—and they're well worth the investment, trust. As Dr. Jaffe points out, even the most basic chair gets upgraded when you jazz it up with a good cushion.
So what makes for a really good seat cushion? Here's what you should keep in mind while shopping for your new ergonomic accessory.
Find the right material for you
Most seat cushions are made with memory foam, high-density foam, or gel—or a combination of foam and gel. And just like when shopping for a new mattress, the material you choose depends on personal preference. "Many people like memory foam cushions because they provide good support and contour to your body's shape and size," Dr. Jaffe explains, though they can get a lil hot. Gel provides heat dissipation but tends to be firmer to the touch than foam. Not sure what you'd prefer? Get a couple of different cushions and try 'em all out.
Make sure it's dense
Not all foam or gel cushions are created equal, and nothing is worse than a seat cushion that turns into a pancake the minute it meets your tush. Gel cushions tend to be denser, so if you think memory foam is too low-density for your size or needs, then it's best to go this route. Reading reviews will also help you determine which cushions are the best fit for your body type and which ones actually stand the test of time.
Look for bonus features
Most seat cushions aren't machine washable because of their foam or gel fill, so you'll want to pick one with a removable, washable cover because otherwise, it will get grimy. Other helpful features of a good seat cushion include non-slip bottoms or elastic straps to help keep the cushion in place, as well as handles for easy transport if you're looking to take your cushion on the road.
Side note: If you're someone with tailbone pain, you may wanna opt for a coccyx cushion, which features a cutout that's meant to keep your coccyx suspended and reduce pressure on that area. Just keep in mind that these types of cushions can sometimes add extra pressure to the sides of the sciatic nerve, so the U-shaped design may not work for everyone.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Randi Jaffe is a prenatal and postpartum chiropractor based in New York, NY.
- Michael Escobar is the regional director at Fit For Work, a job safety consulting firm.
- Candace Morton, PT, DPT, MTC, is the clinical director at ProRehab Hikes Point, a physical therapy clinic in Louisville, KY.
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
As you probably know, Cosmo's lifestyle team spends all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we’d want for ourselves (and our standards are preeeetty darn high, TBH).
It’s also really important to us that each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge, and we try to make sure the products we feature are good for both you and our planet. If we wouldn’t buy something for ourselves, we sure as heck won’t recommend it to you—and we’re always gonna keep it really, really real. Pinky swear.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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