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The Best Lumbar Supports for 2021
Your Ultimate Guide to Lumbar Support Pillows
If you’re experiencing aches and pains, especially on your lower back, while working, then sitting on your office chair for too long has taken a toll on your posture and health. A lot of people have begun feeling the negative effects of a non-ergonomic office chair and many, like you, are beginning to look for solutions.
The best thing to do is to invest in an ergonomic chair that has the features your back needs for utmost support and comfort while working. But let’s be honest. Some ergonomic office chairs do not have the best support features and hence are unable to eliminate the physical pains associated with working long hours. For others, an ergonomic chair is too expensive and they’re not ready for the investment yet.
But there are still small solutions that can help you relieve your lower back pain, such as pillows and supports. These are typically small, contoured pillows that you position against your back that you are provided with a soft cushion while working.
If you’re looking into investing in a lumbar support pillow for your office chair, here’s your ultimate guide. We also listed the top 10 best lumbar support pillows to help you make a wise decision for your investment.
In a Hurry? This is the Best Lumbar Support
Easily our number one pick among the lumbar support pillows is the Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Back Cushion. This support has a lot of features to boot. It has a contoured structure that is the most ideal for optimal lower back back support, while boasting of a gel infused memory foam construction with holes strategically placed to provide cutting-edge comfort and cooling.
The foam design of this support cushion is made with heat responsive technology and adjusts to the shapes and curves of your body to provide the best back support in all crucial areas. The heat responsive technology absorbs your body heat and then releases it in ventilation holes to allow the foam to compress. This U-shaped ergonomic design provides the best back support in all the areas you need it the most, especially your lower back, legs, hips, and butt.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for the Best Lumbar Support Pillows
BEST OVERALL
Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Back Cushion
BEST MEMORY FOAM SUPPORT
LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Back Cushion
BEST GEL SUPPORT
ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
BEST LUMBAR ROLL
Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll by OPTP
BEST VERSATILE SUPPORT
Samsonite Memory Foam Lumbar Support Back Pillow
BEST POSTURE IMPROVING SUPPORT
DMI Lumbar Support Pillow
BEST PILLOW FOR FIRM SUPPORT
Core Products SitBack Rest
BEST SUPPORT WITH ADJUSTABLE STRAP
Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Back Support Pillow
BEST MESH SUPPORT
Vremi Premium Memory Foam Support Pillow
BEST HIGH-TECH SUPPORT
Relax Support RS1 Back Support Pillow
What is an Ergonomic Support Pillow?
There are several categories of support pillows, but the general idea is that an ergonomic pillow offers back and spinal support so that you can sit more comfortably, minus back aches and pains. They prevent you from lounging or slumping, which you normally would do when sitting on a non-supportive surface.
Some products use memory foam to support the natural curvature of your spine, while others use gel to even out weight distribution. Either way, all types aim at addressing musculoskeletal issues for those who spend most of their days seated.
Types of Lumbar Support Pillows
Seat Cushion – This is a support pillow that can be placed on a chair or other surface to boost your comfort while in sitting positions. It functions as a back brace that offers maximum comfort to prevent you from squeezing your hips and misaligning your pelvis and spine.
Lumbar Support Pillow – Also known as back rests or lumbar rolls, these kinds of support pillows follow and maintain the natural curve of your spine, thereby relieving pressure on your back and improving postures.
Benefits of Support Pillows
Your sitting posture improves
The reason why you often experience pain and fatigue while sitting down for too long is because you’re compressing your hips, spinal bone and tailbone (also known as your coccyx). If not corrected, this could lead to muscle, joint and spinal problems later on.
A support pillow redistributes pressure and encourages good posture. When you spend more time sitting in the right postures, the more likely your natural, healthy posture will also improve.
It improves circulation
When you compress your coccyx, hips and spine, you cut off blood circulation to your legs, pelvis and back. Blood flow is important since it brings oxygen to your muscles, which helps get rid of metabolic wastes that cause pain and fatigue.
With a support pillow, your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to circulate blood around your body. A heart that works too hard is destructive to cardiovascular health.
Less digestion issues
Do you frequently experience heartburn or indigestion? A compressed midsection means you’re disrupting digestion. So without the proper support, you’re more likely to have digestive issues after a big lunch, such as constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). But with a support pillow, digestion issues will be kept to a minimum.
More Energy During and After Work
With no pain or digestion issues, there’s not much else to distract you from getting your work done. More energy also means you’re more likely to go to the gym or be out and about after work, compared to now that you’re extremely fatigued after 6:00 pm (not to mention that your body hurts all over).
Do Lumbar Supports Work?
Yes, lumbar supports are designed to provide your back with optimal support and encourage healthy posture. With these ergonomic equipment, you’re keeping all critical areas of your body in optimal position with the right support to prevent back pain and other body pains and fatigue.
How to Use a Support Pillow on Your Chair
There’s nothing complicated about using a support pillow, but there are certain things you can do to make the most out of ergonomic seats and back cushions.
Maintain the right posture
Firstly, place the seat cushion on your chair. Sit as far back into your chair as possible, adjusting the cushion as you see fit. Also, rotate your hips slightly back and make sure your feet are flat on the ground.
For lumbar support cushions, place it vertically on your chair (and attach it, if there are straps) so it fits in with the natural curvature of your spine, therefore aligning your hips with your shoulders. It should be just below the curve of your back, and not actually in the part where you’re experiencing pain.
These cushions serve as a back brace that helps keep you in optimal posture during your work day.
Get up and stretch every half hour
Even though back support pillows help maintain your good posture, too much sitting can also counter back pain reduction. Rather than sitting for long periods of time on your newly comfortable seat, go for a walk or stand up and stretch every 30 minutes. This keeps your muscles warm, promoting more blood flow and protecting your muscles and joints from cramping.
It also helps to use a support pillow with a desk riser or sit-stand desk, so as to encourage you to switch between sitting and standing positions in 20 or 30 minute increments.
Wash the pillow regularly
Workstations are prone to germs and bacteria, so normally, back support pillows are designed using breathable, hypoallergenic and odor resistant materials that are also non-contaminant.
A pillow with a soft cover is easy to clean as you can throw the cover in the washing machine. For back support pillows without covers, they should be machine-washable safe. As much as possible, it is recommended to wash your cushions weekly.
How do I Choose a Lumbar Support?
As with any ergonomic product, there are a few questions to ask yourself before making a purchase. Here are some things to consider when shopping for support pillows:
- What kind of support do you need? Do you need lumbar support, a seat cushion, or both?
- Do you have a cold office? Would it be better to purchase a foam pillow or cushion for your office chairs instead of a gel one to keep you warm?
- Are you looking for something that’s easy to carry around everywhere?
- Do you want straps to keep the back cushions in place while you sit and move around?
Top 10 Best Support Pillows
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Back Cushion | • Pure memory foam build • Supports the curve of your spine for the best back support • Dual adjustable strap and breathable mesh cover |  |
 | LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Back Cushion | • 100% proper firmness memory foam that never flattens out • Large size with ergonomic design • 3-way adjustable strap | |
 | ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion | • Ergonomic countour design • Made of premium high density memory foam for comfort • Cool off gel layer | |
| Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll by OPTP | • Top selling lumbar roll and recommended by professionals • Optimal support in the lumbar region • Long-lasting foam, moisture-wicking polyester removable cover | |
 | Samsonite Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow | • Adjustable strap • High-grade memory foam for utmost comfort • Imitates the curves of your back to encourage proper posture | |
 | DMI Lumbar Support Pillow | • Versatile use • Uses orthopedic foam for the best support • Washable cover | |
 | Core Products SitBack Rest | • Medium to firm support to encourage proper sitting posture • Available in cotton or plush options • Can be used in any chair | |
 | Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Back Support Cushion | • Comes with a protective carry bag for portability • Made of 100% pure memory foam • Hypoallergenic bamboo removable cover | |
 | Vremi Premium Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow | • 100% memory foam construction • Dual adjustable straps • Hypoallergenic mesh cover | |
 | Relax Support RS1 Back Support Pillow | • Firm support but soft and comfortable • Grip strap technology that keeps the pillow in place • Made from high-quality memory foam | |
Let’s Go Over Each Lumbar Support
The Everlasting Comfort support cushion easily tops this list and may earn your admiration. It has all the ergonomic features that you need to prevent lower back pain and other discomforts and fatigue while working.
First in its remarkable roster is the U-Shaped ergonomic design, which provides support in all critical areas of your body. It offers the best back support, as well as for your legs, hips, and butt, helping blood circulate and prevent fatigue in those common areas.
The construction of this lumbar support cushion is made of gel infused memory foam that has heat responsive technology. This advanced feature helps the padded foam adjust to the shape of your back so that it can touch all crucial areas. The foam has strategically-placed holes and breathable mesh cover that allow it to circulate air for optimal comfort and cooling. The cover can be removed for washing.
Pros and Cons of the Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Cushion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Mesh cover and gel-infused construction to keep you cool while working ✔ Optimal support in all areas to prevent body and lower back pain ✔ Non-slip bottom and very versatile installation | ✘ May be too big for smaller chairs ✘ A bit pricey |
The LoveHome support back pillow is recommended by chiropractors because of its ability to provide firm support and alleviate back pain. In fact, it has been used to treat patients who suffer from lumbosacral lover back pain.
Like many premium cushions in the market, this one is also made with the highest quality of memory foam designed to relieve pain and provide support to your back, spine, and other critical areas. It follows the curve of your spine and promotes the perfect spinal alignment.
The material makes this product durable. It never flattens out and provides proper firmness for a very long time. It comes with two adjustable straps at the back so you can apply it to any office chairs, car seat, dining chair, etc.
The cushion comes with a machine washable 3D breathable mesh cover that keeps you cool and comfortable even after long hours. It wicks off sweat and moisture and prevents heat from building up behind you. With this back support pillow, you are provided with comfort, durability, and a pain-free working experience.
Pros and Cons of the LoveHome Memory Foam Cushion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Comes in a broad range of vibrant colors to suit your preference ✔ Recommended by experts ✔ High-density and resilient memory foam | ✘ May be too small in build for some users (those under 6 feet) ✘ Dual straps are in place and cannot be detached |
The ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion has a roster of unrivaled features. Its main selling point is its gel-enhanced memory foam that improves comfort and coolness even after long hours sitting on your office chair.
Ergonomic design is also top-notch, with the chair contoured to help you sit comfortably and avoid pain on your lower back and reduce pressure on your spine. Its construction, however, is more laser-focused on preventing coccyx and tailbone pain by reducing pressure.
The overall build and materials used in this ComfiLife lumbar support is unmatched. Its gel-enhanced memory foam keeps your back cool, the contoured structure provides support in all critical areas, and not to mention that it comes with a machine washable cover and built-in handle for easy transport and portability.
Pros and Cons of the ComfiLife Gel Cushion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Machine washable velour cover ✔ Superior gel construction that helps with cooling and comfort ✔ Versatile use and installation | ✘ Flattens easily and lacks firmness ✘ The shape may not be suitable for unique customer body constructions |
The Original McKenzie is a top-selling back support that is recommended by ergonomic professionals, chiropractors, and physical therapists. It is the most recommended back pillow or roll for those who are experiencing spinal and back pain, and this is because of its distinct shape that’s designed to relieve specific back problems.
Contrary to other cushions in this list, the Original McKenzie is distinct in shape and design. It measures 11” in length and 4.75” in diameter and is placed directly against the lower back area to provide superior back support. The materials used in this roll are durable, high-quality, moisture-wicking, and 100% polyester.
The greatest part is that you can choose between two options depending on your needs: standard density or firm density. The latter provides added support and is ideal of those who already have aches and pains associated with working.
The roll has a built-in latex adjustable strap that keeps it securely placed in any office chair, car seat, etc. And it’s even built to work for airplane seats to keep your back supported during long flights.
Pros and Cons of the Original McKenzie Roll
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Two support and firmness options ✔ Durable and long lasting foam ✔ Unique construction ✔ Recommended by experts and people in the health sector | ✘ The foam easily gets caught in the zipper ✘ Firmness can deteriorate overtime ✘ A bit pricey |
The Samsonite Memory Foam pillow is a game-changer because of its versatile installation. It can fit perfectly in any type of chair, whether an ergonomic office chair, a dining chair, couch, or car, among others. This is thanks to its perfect measurement of 13.5” x 14” x 4.5” and an adjustable strap that only requires a click of the belt to be installed. It is incredibly lightweight for easy portability, so you can carry it around with you and use it in any setting.
The lumbar cushion follows the body’s natural curve to keep the back supported and in the proper postures at all times. It stays put, cradles the chair, and provides secure, support on both sides of your spine with utmost firmness and comfort. This is a lumbar cushion that you won’t think twice about using all day. Its construction is very supportive, making it apt for alleviating lower back pain, bodily injuries, and fatigue.
Pros and Cons of the Samsonite Pillow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Superb versatile installation ✔ Universal strap that fits any chair ✔ Made of high-grade memory foam ✔ Provides support in all sensitive and critical areas | ✘ Bigger-sized people may find it too small or narrow ✘ The foam may flatten overtime |
The DMI Lumbar Support Back Cushion makes ergonomics easy with its superior capacity to provide lumbar back support and ease lower back pain. It’s made of the highest quality orthopedic foam that keeps its shape no matter how long you sit or lean against it. It has a cover that is washable and incredibly easy to clean — you can just throw it in the washing machine along with your other clothes.
The build of this pillow is specifically and intelligently made to keep your back properly aligned while you work, especially in the lower areas to prevent arthritis, injuries, and other back problems. To help improve posture, a wooden lumbar support board comes with the lumbar cushion, which you can insert and remove anytime you want for extra support.
Pros and Cons of the DMI Pillow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Comes with alignment straps to hold the pillow in place on a chair ✔ Superior support for all people and body types ✔ Added wooden board so you can customize the firmness of support | ✘ Dual straps may be a little too loose for smaller office chairs ✘ Product reviews say the cover cannot completely fit the wooden lumbar support board |
The Core Products SitBack Rest looks incredibly soft at first glance. But don’t mistake it’s appearance for low support quality. In fact, we’ve chosen this as our top pick for firm support as it can provide you with medium to firm support thanks to its construction and its whole menu of features.
This lumbar back support pillow is specifically designed to protect your mid to upper back when you sit, promoting good posture and to maintain the natural curve of your spine. The greatest part is that you can choose the construction of your pillow: cotton or plush, depending on the type of support you need. You can also select your preferred size, either the standard 13 x 14 inches, or a plus size that measures 13 x 16 inches.
Pros and Cons of the Core Products SitBack Rest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Supports the mid to upper back ✔ Customized support ✔ Has an attached positioning belt to keep the pillow in place | ✘ Octave shape that can affect the firmness of support ✘ The strap cannot accommodate bigger-sized chairs |
When it comes to portability and versatile application, the Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Lumbar Support Cushion is top-notch. It comes with a protective carry bag that allows you to take it anywhere and use it for any seat — whether in your office, in your car, or even in a plane. It comes with a dual 4-point adjustable elastic strap that can fit all chairs and hold the lumbar pillow in place.
The cushion itself is made of high density memory foam that adjusts to the shape of your body for complete support in all critical areas. It is ergonomically contoured to support your back and promotes the healthy curve of your spine, as well as improves blood circulation while you work. This lumbar pillow boasts of the perfect blend between superior support and everlasting comfort.
Pros and Cons of the Xtreme Comforts Cushion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Hypoallergenic Bamboo removable cover that is washable and breathable and prevents sweat accumulation ✔ High-grade material from the cushion itself to the adjustable straps | ✘ It can push you too far forward from your chair ✘ May not be ideal for car seats |
The Vremi Premium Memory Foam Pillow is made of 100% high density memory foam, making it ideal for providing support to your back while working. The construction helps it conform to the shape of your back, keeping any sitting position more comfortable and supported.
Speaking of construction, this one has a large build to be able to touch on and support all areas of your back, whether it be lower, mid or upper. It has an orthopedic design with curved sides and flat back to suit all chairs and provide outstanding ergonomics.
This pillow has a hypoallergenic mesh cover that helps keep your back cool even after long hours of sitting. The mesh circulates that air through the cushion, making it the perfect choice for hot, humid days.
Pros and Cons of the Vremi Premium Pillow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Promotes spine alignment and gets rid of back pain ✔ Never flattens out ✔ Portable and versatile application | ✘ May not be suitable for contoured chairs as it will push you too far forward ✘ The strap may be too loose for smaller-sized chairs |
Innovative technology with regards to its build is what put the Relax Support RS1 in our top picks. Its strap is unlike no other, made with a revolutionary two-sides steadfast-grip strap technology that is wide and keeps your pillow in place, no matter how much you move or where you put it. This makes the pillow extremely versatile, enabling you to use it on your office chair, dining chairs, car seats, and more.
The RS1 is known to be soft as a cloud, but this doesn’t mean that it offers no support whatsoever. It provides just the right amount of lumbar support despite its soft build. And in fact, you can even choose the firmness you want, enabling you to customize it as you need.
Pros and Cons of the Relax Support RS1
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Made with high quality memory foam ✔ Cover is made with breathable cotton that wicks moisture away and keeps you cool and comfortable | ✘ Its unconventional shape may feel odd and uncomfortable for avid users of support cushions ✘ Foam flattens out overtime |
Best Lumbar Support Comparison
| Lumbar Support | Brand | Design | Performance | Usability | Features | Total Rating | Check Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Back Cushion | 95 | 98 | 98 | 95 | 96.5 | |
| LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Back Cushion | 98 | 98 | 98 | 90 | 96 | |
| ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion | 98 | 97 | 92 | 95 | 95.5 | |
| Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll by OPTP | 95 | 95 | 95 | 90 | 93.75 | |
| Samsonite Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow | 95 | 93 | 93 | 93 | 93.5 | |
| DMI Lumbar Support Pillow | 90 | 95 | 93 | 92 | 92.5 | |
| Core Products SitBack Rest | 87 | 95 | 95 | 90 | 91.75 | |
| Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Back Support Cushion | 90 | 93 | 93 | 90 | 91.5 | |
| Vremi Premium Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow | 87 | 90 | 90 | 89 | 89 | |
| Relax Support RS1 Back Support Pillow | 90 | 88 | 88 | 89 | 88.75 | |
Final Note
Support cushions can do a lot to help reduce lower back pain, get rid of the fatigue problem, and keep you energetic and productive at work. But like any ergonomic equipment, you need to find the right one for you to experience all its wonders.
Take our tips and consider these top 10 ergonomic support pillows to kickstart your pain-free and productive working experience.
