8 Reviewers
Best For Back Pain
Xtreme Comforts Seat Cushion, Office Chair Cushions – Pack of 1 Padded Foam Cushion
Features and Specifications
Pros
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Great option for general discomfort
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Relieves lower back pain associated with long-term sitting
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Transports easily
Cons
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Cushion flattens over time
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Cost
This cushion provides a ton of relief to the lower back by adjusting your posture. The foam cushion forces youto sit in a more upright position, taking the pressure off your back and legs.
The Xtreme Comforts cushion is portable and can be used outside of the wheelchair.
For people dealing with things like sciatica and fibromyalgia, this can also be a lifesaver in your everyday life. The cushion is large enough to cover the entire chair, so you can remain comfortable for as long as you need.
Our Verdict
The Xtreme Comforts cushion helps with sciatica or severe lower back pain.
Best Memory Foam
Dr Tushy 100% Memory Foam Cushion
Pros
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Made with 100% memory foam
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Eases lower back pain
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Effective for extended sitting
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Removable, washable cover
Cons
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Cushion flattens over time
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Limited color options
This premium seat cushion is an excellent choice for people who enjoy the feeling of memory foam. It helps relieve pain and soreness due to tailbone or lower back injuries.
The cover on the cushion is velour, and the entire pillow is washable. Overall, the cushion functions as you would expect it to, but as with most types of memory foam, it loses a lot of volume over time and will need to be replaced.
Our Verdict
If you enjoy the feeling of memory foam and its firm support, that then this will be a great cushion for you.
Best On A Budget
Features and Specifications
Pros
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Great affordable option
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Distributes weight away from pressure areas
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Fits most wheelchairs
Cons
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Cannot be cleaned
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Slips around on the chair
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Sinks into chair with your body
If you are looking for a simple cushion to get the job done without all the fuss, this is the way to go. Thiscushion works well in wheelchairs and is portable so it can be transferred to recliners, couches or inside the car.
The cushion helps distribute your weight equally, so there is no specific pressure on one area of the body. That pressure is what causes pain and soreness to your lower back and tailbone.
This one is made from polyurethane foam and is reasonably priced.
Our Verdict
If you want something to help ease your lower back and tailbone pain without a fuss then this is a great option.
Features & Specs
- Fits chairs 16-22 inches
- Comes with a variety of options and variations
- Comes in three sizes
- Protects your skin
Pros
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Protects your entire body
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Prevents skin from damage
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Held into place with straps
Cons
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Cushion is cumbersome
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Difficult to set up
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Cost
This is the best of the best when it comes to seat cushions. You get everything you need and a little more. The cushions are intended for wheelchairs only, so it isn’t moveable. But it does provide padding on your rear, back, arms, and thighs. This is great for people with sensitive skin or more severe pain.
The seat overlay comes with straps to hold everything in place.
Our Verdict
This overlay covers every nook and cranny of your wheelchair with a foam insert.
Features & Specs
- Comes in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Removable cover
- Foam cushion
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Pros
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Relieves lower back pain, soreness
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Comes in different heights and widths
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Multiple shape options
Cons
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Foam wears down over time
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Not intended for all day use
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Limited weight capacity
This cushion is a simple way to take pressure off your tailbone and distribute it equally throughout your buttocks and lower back.It comes in two different heights, either 2 or 3 inches. There are also different width options, so you can find the right size to meet your needs..
The cushion functions as you would expect. The only downside is that with most foam cushions they tend to wear down and become flat. This cushion would be better if it provided a different base to offer a bit more support.
Our Verdict
The cushion functions as you would expect. The only downside is that with most foam cushions they tend to wear down and become flat.
Why Should You Get A Wheelchair Cushion?
Sitting in any chair for prolonged periods of time not only becomes uncomfortable, but it can also be extremely painful. Sitting for long periods of time can also cause pressure sores, which can lead to skin infections. Wheelchair cushions can help evenly distribute your weight and alleviate pain and pressure from prolonged sitting.
Sitting in any chair for prolonged periods of time not only becomes uncomfortable, but it can also be extremely painful.
If you have pain, you don’t need anyone to tell you that you need help to alleviate it. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of cushions and how they can help.
Types of Wheelchair Cushions
Foam
Comfortable and works well for most situations but can get worn down quickly.
Gel
Does not wear down easily, but it can be too stiff and firm for people dealing with more severe pain.
Foam/Gel Combo
Great option that blends the two materials, but we still find that it can be too firm for most people.
Inflatable
This alternative is easier to clean, you can decide how firm you want it to be, and you can pack it easily for travel purposes.
Memory Foam
Thistype contours to match the shape of your body, but it also does flatten out over time.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Wheelchair Cushion
If you or a loved one has pain, you will want to alleviate it as fast as possible. Therefore, it’s important not to make an uninformed purchase. Think about these things before buying.
If you have difficulty getting in and out of the chair, then you may want to consider getting something small that doesn’t feel like it’s getting in your way. Some cushions are bulky and slide around, which could result in a fall. You also do not want to get something so substantial and difficult to place that it prevents you from using it.
If you or a loved one has pain, you will want to alleviate it as fast as possible, so it’s important to make an informed purchase.
Think about your pressure areas. Is the cushion you’re choosing relieving that specific area or pressure? If the pain is in the tailbone area, be sure to get a cushion that reduces pain for that area.
Pay close attention to the support offered by the cushion as well. If the cushion is foam or memory foam, it may wear down quickly and become flattened. Some cushions are better than others, so you will also want to read reviews and see what other people have experienced before making a purchase.
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