Sometimes our bodies are affected by bad posture or our jobs which force us to stay in a sedentary position. Because of this, we need to have some form of protection so that our bodies can stay in good condition. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to maintain and save your body through these techniques.
So let’s begin!
What Are Heated Seat Cushions?
Heated seat cushions are therapeutic seats used to help protect the coccyx or tailbone from further injury. The heat is used to help relieve pressure on the bones and keep your body aligned when you sit.
Here are the most common features most heated car seat cushions have:
Controls
Some heated seat cushion for cars has simple controls while other high-end cushions have more complicated controls. The simple controls allow you to determine the heat intensity and usually have 2-5 settings(on, off, high, medium, low).
In fact, some have about 11 heat settings. These setting options might include automatic on/off or improved memory. The memory places your preferred setting, and its automatic settings will decide whether the heat will turn on once ignited or any other condition.
Other controls include different heating zones or an additional fan. Understand that the heated controls are usually placed on the seat, but the controls can also be placed on the dashboard. If the pieces become damaged, you can buy replacement control settings from parts merchants.
Self Diagnostics
Some heated seat cushions are designed for self-diagnostics. These are computer chips or electronics that check the electrical systems and heating elements in a malfunction. Most of them will give you an alert either through digital codes or readouts or blinking indicator lights.
For instance, the lights might blink once if there is a fuse failure or twice if the wire has received a shortage. Vehicle owners need to look at their technical manual to help understand the self-diagnostics of each car.
Lumbar Support
The heated massaging seat cushion increases the users comfort level helps support their back.
Features such as massage and lumbar support are available to some seating models.
Some of the seats have lumbar support with a simple on and offsetting.
Similarly some have a massage feature, which offers multiple levels of massage treatment to assist you when you’re driving.
High-end car seats, especially those made for the aftermarket, might have better springs, ergonomics, and orthopedically designed cushioning.
Air Distribution
Most heated seat cushions for office chairs don’t have air inside the cabin to heat the seat; but, units with air conditioning and fans use ambient air. The air is controlled by a heat pump through this setup and gives out either cold or hot hair.
Your air distribution system depends on your manufacturer, but most perforations help transfer air around the seat. High-end seats help conserve electricity, reduce noise and vibration.
Air Filter
If your heated seat has an air conditioner, chances are it has an air filter. The air filter is used to pick up particles such as germs, dirt, and pollen. You need to change your filter at regular intervals. Check your user manual to learn how to change the filter and its location.
Look for sellers that have extra filters because it will make it easier to own the heated seat. Also, some people might clean the filter when they blow compressed air inside of it.
Materials
While your heated seats are available, seats come in leather, synthetic leather, suede, and fabric. You need to understand that a heated seat will take more stress than a normal seat. Because of this, you need to get materials that can take the heated coils without burning the seat.
While you can buy it in cloth materials, buyers will find more usage out of leather seats. Other materials include logos, contrast stitching, and wood trim.
How does heat help with muscle injuries, back pain and arthritis and other long driving-related health issues?
When your muscles are damaged, it’s usually due to either a lack of circulation, overtraining or because you’re injured. Heat acts as a form of therapy and helps your body stay warm, soothe your muscles, and increase flexibility.
Heat therapy can repair the damaged tissues in your muscles and help prevent long-term tailbone injury.
Heat Therapy Types
There are two forms of heat therapy: moist heat and dry heat. These heat therapy procedures aim for a warm temperature instead of a “completely hot” temperature on their patients. With moist heat (convection heat) has ideas such as moist heating packs, hot baths, or steamed towels.
Most heat tends to be more effective as it doesn’t require the same amount of application to achieve the same results. Also, you can use professional heat therapy techniques that are available. For example, ultrasound heat and help reduce tendonitis pain.
Dry heat (“conducted heat therapy) uses tools such as dry heating packs, saunas, and even heat packs to help relax the user’s body. It’s easy to apply the heat and place it on the body, making it a cost-effective choice.
When using heat therapy, you can use full-body, regional, or local treatment. Local therapy is great for smaller pain areas, like a stiff muscle. You can use a hot water bottle or small heat packs if you need to treat only a local injury.
Regional muscle therapy is better for a larger area of stiffness or pain and can be treated with heat wraps, heating pads, or steamed towels. Full body treatment uses options such as a hot bath or a sauna.
How To Install A Heated Seat Cushion?
Follow these steps to install heated seat cushions:
The bottom section of the cushion is used to attach to your seat with buckles, S-hooks, and straps. You’ll have to place the bottom cushion straps through the gap between the back cushions and the seat. This is easy to do for older vehicles.
However, newer vehicles have a “bib panel, ” making it harder to reach the gap. You can easily disconnect the panel by removing its elastic strap or clips. Go under the seat and remove the straps. After that, you can lift the bib to install the seat finally.
Next, you must place the cushion and the seat cover together. Move the rear straps to the front buckles and make sure that they’re secured tight. After that, place the bungee cords together. Tuck your seat cover behind the trim panels to keep the cushion remaining in one place.
Take off the headrests. Then, place the seat cover’s bottom straps, through the gaps, and the buckles like how you previously installed the seat cushion. Place the bib panel back in on the rear portion of the seat. Then, place the hoop-loop edge of your bib to secure it. After that, you’re fully done installing your seat cushion!
Conclusion
Overall, heated seat cushions are necessary if you plan on protecting your body from back pain, tailbone pain (coccyx pain) and other forms of discomfort. If you’re serious about getting one, we invite you to look into our buying guide to find the best-heated cushions available, and we also have a buying guide for the best regular seat cushions.
