How to Buy the Best Seat Cushion for Sciatica for Pain-Free Sitting

Whether you are looking for pain relief or a little comfort while sitting, a seat cushion is a product to start with. However, with a wide variety of options in the market, choosing the best seat cushion for sciatica can be challenging.

To help you sort through a large selection of seat cushions, we have listed important factors to consider when buying a seat cushion.  In this article, we will discuss various types of seat cushions, their differences in functionality, interior or exterior material, and special features for common needs.

Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Seat Cushion for Sciatica

Here are the most common factors that you should consider when buying a seat cushion for your sciatica:

TYPE

Wedge Seat Cushions

Wedge cushions are the type of cushions that aim to enhance the inward curvature of the lower back and improve proper posture. These cushions encourage the user to sit more upright.

They also reduce the strain on the joints and ligaments, as well as help tilt the pelvis forward. By encouraging the position that wedge cushion promotes, you will be able to improve posture and reduce muscle or body strains.

 

Wedge cushions can be made from memory foam or high-density foam. Some are available as inflatable cushions. An example of a wedge cushion made from memory foam is the Wedge Seat Cushion from Easy Posture Brands. It is ergonomically designed to relieve pressure under the legs, thus alleviating sciatica and lower back pain.

Inflatable Cushions

Inflatable cushions are well-suited for those who prefer cushions that can be taken anywhere. They are incredibly versatile, and you can use them anywhere—in the office, inside your car, or at your home. You can inflate them before use and deflate them right after. Apart from portability, these cushions offer exceptional comfort. You can even decide how much air you can fill them in, making them easily customizable.

Heated Cushions

Heated cushions are the latest discovery in the cushions industry. They use heating technology such as infrared, moist heat, and electricity to safely generate heat. These cushions work by widening the blood vessels, consequently increasing the blood flow to the area. If there is good blood flow or circulation in the body, there will be more nutrients and oxygen, which accelerates tissue recovery and healing process. In addition, the warmth they offer also reduces stiffness in the joints and relaxes the muscles.

FUNCTIONALITY

Portability

One important function that many sciatica sufferers seek when it comes to seat cushions is portability. Handy cushions make it easy for them to sit anywhere and pain-free because they are compact and are lightweight. Some cushions are deflatable, letting you store them in a backpack, purse, or any travel bag.

Pressure relief

Cushions for pressure relief are perfect for those who suffer lower back and sciatica pain. They offer extra cushion and support to the prominent, bony areas of the body. These types of cushions help absorb shock and minimize pressure in sensitive areas when sitting, which allows you to sit longer. If you are looking for the best seat cushion for hip arthritis, you should consider this kind of cushions.

Posture alignment

There are many seat cushions designed to promote good posture and spinal alignment. Cushions such as these targets to maintain the normal curvature of the spine. 

Good posture is important because sciatica is often triggered by improper positioning when sitting. With an appropriate seat cushion, you can find comfort and relief even if you sit on an office chair for extended periods.

Pain relief

Pain relief cushions are those that are built with openings or holes in certain parts (ex. center of the cushion) to take off pain-causing pressure against the spine or tailbone. They are usually donut-shaped, with a circular design to provide a comfortable way of sitting. These cushions are not only suitable for sciatica, but they are also the best seat cushion for hemorrhoids. 

Core engagement

Cushions for core engagement help encourage active sitting. They improve focus, engage core muscles, and improve balance. Also called wobble cushions or disc cushions, these types of seat cushions are strong enough to sit on to build core strength and improve balance.

 

INTERIOR MATERIAL

A seat cushion’s material determines its durability and comfort; that is why it is one of the vital factors to note of when shopping for a cushion. 

There are different materials used by companies to build the interior part of the cushion. The most common ones are as follows:

Memory foam

Memory foam materials are popular because they have foam bubbles that creatively creates an air matrix that allows the air to circulate inside the pillow system.

These memory foam technology were first discovered when researchers from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) tried to search for ways to increase pillow safety and effectiveness. Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic, responds to body heat and density.

Many consumers say that cushions made with memory foam are the best orthopedic seat cushion for sciatica.

High-density foam

Many of the cushions for sciatica relief are made from high-density foam. This foam is popular because it reduces strain on different pressure points of the body, such as the tailbone. It also distributes the weight of the body unto the cushion evenly. And even over extended use, it retains its original shape. Because of its effect in minimizing the pressure on the tailbone, there is no doubt that this is the best pillow for tailbone pain.

Air

Cushions that are filled with air, also called inflatable seat cushions, offer a soft-touch feel when sitting. It is lightweight and portable. This type of cushion can also be personalized because you can control the amount of air you put in it. If you want it firmer, just pump more air into the cushion. 

While this cushion might not be the best seat cushion for overweight individuals, they are perfect for those who love to travel. You can just deflate it, store it in a handy travel bag, and re-inflate before use. And even if they are not as durable compared to other seat cushions for sciatica, they last longer with proper care.

Liquid gel

Liquid gel cushions are made with a fluid material for added cushioning. The liquid gel conforms to the contour of the body, and unlike other cushions made from different materials, these cushions provide a more therapeutic soft support. If you are looking for ways to relieve pain as a result of your sciatica, you can try using a liquid gel seat cushion for hip pain.

Silicone gel

Silicone gels are pressure relieving substances that are popular in the medical industry. They are made with a polymer network or cells with silicone fluids. These materials allow seat cushions to be more flexible and durable.

EXTERIOR MATERIAL

Polyester

If you want a water-resistant seat cushion, consider getting one made with a polyester exterior. Polyester is the best material for extra support since it offers a sealing effect. It can also withstand regular wear and tear, as well as a food or liquid spills.

Suede

Most inflatable seat cushions and air-filled cushions feature a suede material outer covering. It is durable enough to protect the internal material from punctures or tears while staying soft and pliable. As a bonus, it is soft to touch because of its velvety texture. This texture also adds grip to the cushion keeping it secure on the chair.

Nylon

Cushions with nylon covers are water-resistant and durable. They are lightweight, and they remain breathable all-day. Nylons don’t get dirty easily and are not prone to sweat build-up.

SIZE

The dimensions of the seat cushion is another important factor to consider if you are planning to buy one. Not just to make sure that it will fit the chair, but to make sure that it will be suitable for your height and weight.

To ensure that the size is perfect for you, you need to know what is the height, width, and length of the cushion. Make sure it will be the ideal dimensions for your seat.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The best seat cushion for sciatica may also offer additional features for more comfort and ease of use.

Non-Slip Base or Secure Straps

Several cushions have non-slip bottoms and built-in secure straps. This feature will help keep your cushion in place without having to worry of sliding off the seat.

Lumbar Back Support Packages

If you are looking for the best lumbar support cushion for office chair, you might want to check cushions paired with lumbar back support! Together with your seat cushion, they make sitting at your desk or chair more comfortable.

It also promotes good posture so you won’t have to worry about slouching. Just make sure that you don’t just mix and match different cushions and lumbar support without checking that they are suitable for each other.

Removable and Washable Cover

Knowing that any seat cushion may get dirty after a couple of uses, you need to make sure how they can be cleaned. Cushions with removable and washable cover usually last long because you can wash off the dirt, grime, mud, or stains easily. 

SAFETY CONCERNS

Most importantly, it is crucial that you consider all the potential hazards or risks associated with using seat cushions. This issue is not limited to the use of heated seat cushions, but with any type of cushions listed above. Some plastic-like material may be toxic to the skin or may cause allergies to those with a sensitive immune system.

For this reason, it is essential that you purchase a product that has approval from your physician, pain specialist, or governing bodies who approve product safety. Such products should have survived medical testing and passed strict standards for quality.

Easy Posture Brands is the name you can trust to alleviate your sciatica pain and discomfort. To bring you the utmost comfort and pain relief that you seek, try our wedge seat cushions and lumbar back supports. With Easy Posture Brands, you won’t be alone against your battle with sciatica.

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