Today, most people spend a major of time on their desks, hunched in front of the computer. Though some jobs indeed require constant sitting, you cannot undermine the dangers of living a sedentary life. Being inactive and sitting down for prolonged periods of time can result in some health complications later in life.
While you might not be able to change your job, there’s still a way you can improve your health, and that is seat cushions.
Investing in an ergonomic seat cushion specially designed to cater to your problems can improve your health. This handy guide will explain everything there is to know about purchasing the best seat cushion.
What Is A Seat Cushion
Seat cushions are comfortable pads that are used to provide additional support to any chair. A seat cushion may be thin or thick, depending on the user’s preference. Some specialized cushions are ideal for folks who are recovering from an injury.
Using a seat cover provides ample support, allowing users to sit more comfortably. We can categorize seat cushions according to these three main types:
Standard Seat Cushion
These cushions are primarily designed to add more padding. A standard seat cushion is an inexpensive way to upgrade your old chair or provide more support to thin upholstery, which can help you sit more comfortably, ensuring the chair is the perfect fit for you. Some users can also use this cushion to boost height.
Lumbar Support
As the name indicates, this special support cushion allows folks to take a seat comfortably without compromising on good postures. Some office chairs may recline too far back or may not be perfectly sized for you. Using lumbar support cushions solves this problem and guarantees comfort.
You can choose from a large variety of lumbar cushions to improve posture and develop better sitting habits. This kind of cushion is also beneficial for people who can’t help but slouch. This kind of seat not only guarantees comfort but cuts down the negative effects of sitting for extended periods.
Full Seat
As the name indicates, this type of seat cushion fully covers the seat, providing maximum coverage and exposure, which provides additional support to your back, allowing you to make the most out of an uncomfortable chair that you don’t want to throw out.
Different Types Of Seat Cushions
You can choose from a variety of different seat cushions depending on usage. Here are some of the main types you should know about:
Car Cushion
Car seat cushions offer enhanced support and comfort to the back during long commutes. For best results, invest in a design according to your individual needs. Some ergonomic car cushions are specifically designed to support the lower back, shoulders, and neck while driving. Other advanced features include electrically powered massagers for additional comfort.
You can also invest in a waterproof car cushion, which will allow you to take out the cover and wash it separately. This feature is beneficial for drivers who use their car in all kinds of weather conditions. Cleaning the cushion’s cover is essential as added dirt and moisture can accumulate inside the vehicle.
People who travel long distances can also invest in an ergonomic seat cushion. Ergonomic seat cushions are made using mesh materials, resulting in added breathability. These cushions also relieve strain, increasing comfort during long rides.
Coccyx Seat Cushion
Coccyx seat cushions are designed to provide comfort to the tailbone. Some people suffer from excruciating coccyx pain, which can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities, including carrying groceries, walking up the stairs, or other tasks.
Using a Coccyx seat cushion elevates the spine, ensuring it remains upright, which not only helps retain better posture but reduces pressure on the spine. Using a coccyx cushion to relax the tailbone is safer and more effective than gulping down pain meds.
Wheelchair Seat Cushions
As the name indicates, these cushions are specifically designed to offer comfort and support to wheelchair users. These cushions are also beneficial for correcting posture, ensuring it remains in an optimal position.
Failing to adopt the right posture can result in a condition known as decubitus ulcers, commonly known as pressure sores. Other factors such as improper airflow, high pressure, and increased stress can also aggravate the condition.
Fortunately, you can choose from a large selection of wheelchair cushions to ensure comfort, stability, and support. Some cushions are constructed using cellular materials, while others include viscoelastic foam or flexible matrix. Some seat cushions also feature materials such as water, air, and fluid.
Office Seat Cushion
As the name indicates, this cushion is specifically designed to prevent back pain among office-goers. Sitting in the same spot for extended periods of time can result in backaches, resulting in many spinal problems.
Office seat cushions provide an ample amount of support, ensuring your back is straight. Invest in a high-quality seat cushion that can withstand the test of time and remain firm, even with continuous use.
Orthopedic Medical Seat Cushion
Sitting for long periods of time is not only harmful to your back but can be dangerous to your overall health as well, which is where an orthopaedic seat cushion can come in handy. The lumbar region is among the most fragile areas of the body and thus requires special attention.
Sitting on a chair can increase pressure on the lumbar region. Orthopaedic seat cushions provide ample spine support, helping it retains its constitutional integrity, which helps prevent these problems.
People Who Can Benefit From A Seat Cushion
These compact seat cushions can improve posture, eliminate back pain, and relieve pressure points with regular use. This is why countless folks can benefit from seat cushions, especially people whose jobs revolve around sitting in front of a desk. Here is a list of people who can take advantage of a seat cushion:
Office-Goers
Sitting in front of a desk all day long can wreak havoc on your health, especially if you have been slouching. While this may seem like a harmless habit, slouching can affect blood flow, causing you to become unproductive and lazy.
Seat cushions are a more comfortable alternative to standing mats to boost productivity and improve posture. All you have to do is invest in a cushion of an appropriate size for your office chair, and you are good to go.
Additionally, seat cushions relieve soft tissue compressions, which will prevent you from feeling grouchy and irritable at the end of the day. Investing in a seat cushion will allow you to be on top of your game and be great for your health. Consider purchasing other ergonomic office accessories (such as an ergonomic keyboard or mouse) to reap more benefits.
Wheelchair Users
Individuals who use wheelchairs remain in a seated position for most of their time. Fortunately, there are a large number of wheelchair seat cushions that one can invest in the market. Opt for a seat cushion that offers ample muscle relief and support.
Using a seat cushion prevents bedsores and ulcers while acting as a shock absorber, allowing users to sit comfortably for long periods.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers or folks who spend most of their time behind the wheels can benefit from seat cushions. Driving heavy vehicles generate whole-body vibrations that can result in dangerous consequences and injuries.
Using a seat cushion improves the alignment of muscles, ligaments, and bones, preventing drivers from slouching or hunching. Slouching for long periods of time can also cause damage to the ligaments and pelvis.
Pregnancy
The joys of pregnancy and motherhood can be overwhelming. As time passes, pregnant women may experience discomforts such as swollen feet and a painful back. A seat cushion is an effective way to reduce back pain and offer comfort to the user.
People Who Suffer From Coccyx Pain
Folks who suffer from tailbone pain know how excruciatingly painful it can be. You may suffer this pain due to an injury, fracture or childbirth. If not cared for, the pain can get in the way of performing daily tasks.
Consider investing in a coccyx seat cushion if you want to reduce discomfort. Since there are various cushions in the market, you can conveniently purchase one for home, work, and drive.
Reduces Back Pain
Working at desks, spending hours on social networking sites or driving? It’s safe to say that we spend a large portion of our lives sitting down. Poor posture and uncomfortable seats can result in back pain.
If you’re not careful, leading an unhealthy lifestyle can make the pain unbearable. Invest in a seat cushion to alleviate back pain and aches. Misaligned spine and sciatica can further contribute to a more painful condition.
Here are some additional tips for using a seat cushion:
- Outdoor seating: Are you running short of seating arrangements for your outdoor party? Or perhaps, you?re in search of inexpensive lawn furniture that won?t tear. Using a seat cushion is a great way to seat your extra guests.
- Indoor seating: Are you looking for ways to brighten up an old couch or chair that your spouse won’t let you throw out? Consider giving it an upgrade using a seat cushion. You can also stitch up a fancy-looking seat cover or buy one in a colorful design. Ensure you invest in a seat cushion with a washable cover so you can clean it up easily.
- Bik Riding: Sure, bike riding is a lot of fun, but it can also get uncomfortable if you’re not using the right seat. Consider using a foam seat cushion to make your bike rides for comfortable.
Reasons To Purchase A Seat Cushion
Still, wondering why you should buy a seat cushion? Here are some notable benefits you should consider:
Versatility
Whether you’re preparing for an 8-hour long flight or are looking for ways to make your commute to work less painful for your back, a seat cushion is a perfect investment to make.
Pregnant women and truck drivers will also benefit from this handy accessory, meaning you can conveniently share it with your spouse. Using a seat cushion reduces back pain while straightening the spine.
Maintains Good Posture
Investing in a seat cushion is important for maintaining good posture. In fact, once you have used the cushion for a couple of days, you’ll have developed muscle memory, which will prevent you from slouching, improving your physical appearance, allowing you to look more attractive.
Adopting good posture can also improve overall health, potentially decreasing the risks of a heart attack. Good posture ultimately leads to better health, allowing you to live a better life.
Reduces Vibration
Driving heavy vehicles such as trucks can take a toll on your spine due to full body vibrations. Truck drivers can significantly benefit from seat cushions as they can minimize these effects when you’re driving on uneven pavement or a bumpy road.
Minimize Aches And Body Pains
Using a seat cushion results in overall better body support, significantly improving blood circulation and flow. The cushion reduces the occurrence of back pain and aches.
Sitting down in an uncomfortable chair can be harmful to your health. Fortunately, a good quality seat cushion can reduce the occurrence of body pains and aches.
Improves Blood Flow
Adopting a good posture and using a good quality seat cushion can significantly improve blood circulation in the body. Sitting for long periods of time can disrupt blood circulation, so ensure you have purchased the right seat cushion for your needs.
Alternative To Pain-Medication
Do you frequently find yourself gulping down pills because of your back problems? Consuming too many pain meds can be detrimental to your health in the long run and can result in dangerous side effects. Try combining physical therapy, and you will surely see positive results.
Beneficial For Your Health
Seat cushions are designed to relieve pressure on the spine, rear and lower back. The ergonomic design not only reduces muscle spasms but also keeps strain injuries at bay. In the long run, using a seat cushion will promote better health and improve spine alignment.
Different Types Of Materials
When investing in a seat cushion, one can choose from a variety of different materials. To make the selection process much easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best materials to choose from:
Memory Foam Seat Cushion
When it comes to seat cushions, memory foam is among the most popular materials you can purchase. The material is durable and possesses special qualities that allow the seat to adjust according to the person’s body temperature.
Additionally, the cushion has several hypo-allergic properties that make it resistant to allergens and mites, making memory foam seat cushions an excellent option for people who suffer from allergies. Additionally, thanks to its popularity, memory foam seat cushions are available at a reasonable price.
Gel Seat Cushions
As the name indicates, this type of seat cushion features a gel pack that disperses pressure, improving blood circulation throughout the body, enabling the user to sit comfortably for long periods without feeling stiff.
Aside from reducing back pain, gel seat cushions are also effective for people who suffer from leg numbness, haemorrhoids or leg numbness. This cushion also reduces the risks of health problems such as pressure ulcers.
Another notable advantage of gel seat cushions is that it’s comparatively much easier to clean. All you have to do is soak the cushion in warm water, and the grime will wash away easily. On the downside, these cushions tend to be heavier and thus may be difficult to carry for some people.
Foam Seat Cushions
This type of cushion is perhaps the most easily available. While some manufacturers offer single-density cushions, you can also opt for other options according to your convenience. Contoured based seat cushions often have several layers of foam that improve pressure management and promotes well-being.
Another notable advantage of seat cushions is that it is much easier to carry because of its lightweight. Also, users can purchase multiple foam seat cushions for long-distance travel, flights, or work because of their low price.
How To Clean The Seat Cushion
Want to ensure your seat cushion lasts for a few more years to come? It’s integral you clean it after every few weeks or sooner, depending on use. However, here’s the thing: the type of cleaning will depend on the problem. So, whether it’s pet dander or odour control that you are worried about, here’s your guide to cleaning a seat cushion:
Dirt, Dust And Pet Dander
Regardless of what type of material it’s made of, seat cushions are likely to attract dander, debris, and dust over time, which can especially be a problem if you have a pet at home. To tidy up the cushion a bit, consider using a vacuum to get the job done. Use an upholstery brush attachment to get rid of dirt particles and loosen debris.
If you’re sceptical about using a vacuum attachment, consider using a small non-abrasive toothbrush to get the job done. Running your hand over the cushion while wearing rubber gloves can also remove pet hairs from the surface.
Odor Control
If the seat cushion appears clean but requires freshening, maybe it?s time to focus on odour control. The simplest yet most effective way is to sprinkle some baking soda over the cushion. Allow it to rest for a while before vacuuming it away.
If the cushion smells peculiar, sprinkle more baking soda and allow the cushion to rest outdoors. You can also use a diluted vinegar solution to eliminate odours.
Spot And Spill Maintenance
So, no matter how careful you are, spills and stains are inevitable, especially if you have kids around the house. The best to deal with a stain is to blot it with liquid as soon as possible, which will prevent it from leaving a mark. If you’re afraid the foam from the seat cushions may rip, use paper towels and apply gentle pressure.
Always wipe the stain from the middle to prevent it from spreading. Dipping vinegar in a piece of clean cloth can also remove stains and odours. If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain, consider using dish soap to make the task much easier.
DIY Cushion Cleaner
If your seat cushion cover requires frequent cleaning because of regular use, consider making your cushion cleaner. Here is everything you will need
- 1 part laundry soap/ liquid dish soap
- Four parts water
Pour the mixture into a container and whip it up into foam using a whisk or a hand mixer. To clean the cushion surface, apply the suds on the surface (not the liquid). Follow the instructions carefully and be sure not to use harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
Test the solution on an inconspicuous area and gently scrub. Wipe off the foam using a clean piece of cloth and allow the cushion to air-dry before you put it back again.
Purchasing the best seat cushion can minimize the dangers of bad posture and enhance your sitting experience. You can check out multiple options before you finally choose seat cushions. To ensure you have invested in the right choice, conduct thorough research and don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide.
