Get Rid of Back Pain With the Best Lumbar Pillows

Nobody likes back pain, but it’s becoming more and more of a problem — especially among younger people. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), about one in four working adults experience lower back pain, and remote work has made this issue even worse.

While we can’t necessarily remedy the root issues behind back pain, we can try to improve it — and that’s where lumbar pillows come in. If you’re someone who works long hours at a computer or desk, chances are you’d benefit from one of these nifty pillows, but it can be difficult to find one that suits your needs. To help, we’ve put together this informative buying with everything you need to know about lumbar pillows.

Factors To Consider When Buying Lumbar Pillows

Air circulation

Since lumbar support pillows are used for long hours, they need to be breathable. If air doesn’t circulate freely through these pillows, you’ll feel hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. To avoid that, look for a pillow with a mesh or perforated design that offers additional comfort. Such designs allow your skin to breathe and don’t block ventilation.

Flexibility

A lumbar cushion should be flexible, or you’ll be uncomfortable using it. It needs to conform to your body’s contours without limiting your movement; when you change your posture while sitting, it should conform to the changed posture.

Another thing that is closely related to flexibility is versatility. You may be using the same pillow at your office, in your car, and at home, so it should be versatile enough to work well in all situations.

Material quality

When it comes to the material of the lumbar pillows, you need to think about two things: quality and comfort. A variety of materials are available in the market, but if you pick a low-quality pillow, it’ll lose its shape in no time. Plus, such cushions are too soft to offer any meaningful spine support. Look for a pillow made with high-quality materials that’ll provide much-needed comfort and last a long time.

Resistance levels

While a lumbar pillow needs to be soft, it should have enough resistance to provide active support to your spine and back. If it is too soft, you’ll simply melt into its softness without getting the support your back needs. So, find a back support pillow with a mild resistance level so it doesn’t get squished when you sit. Overall, your pillow shouldn’t be hard as a rock or flimsy and floppy.

Additional Buying Tips

Washable cover

Since support pillows are used daily, they tend to get dirty quickly. After all, they are subjected to sweat, dirt, food crumbs, and other debris pretty regularly. To prevent them from getting soiled, you need to wash them regularly. Since pillow inserts aren’t designed for washing, a removable cover can really come in handy.

Adjustable straps

Many people use the same pillow in different places, including their house chairs, office chairs, and car seats. To install a pillow on any chair without hassle, look for a cushion with adjustable straps. These straps hold the seat in place on different types of chairs, keeping you comfortable while you sit.

Loft

Pillows are available in different lofts and heights, ranging from low to high. Some pillows also come with removable inserts that you can adjust according to your requirements. Look for one that feels comfortable while sitting, as an excessively low or high pillow also causes discomfort and pain.

Materials Used in Lumbar Pillows

Memory foam

Memory foam is the most commonly used material in lumbar pillows. This material contours to your body shape, reducing tension and supporting spinal alignment. While memory foam offers maximum support, it tends to retain more heat than other materials. So, if you tend to get hot, you may want to consider another material. 

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is also known as polyfoam, and it’s designed to offer moderate body contouring. While it is more affordable than memory foam, it is not as dense or durable.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat pillows are extremely breathable because they’re designed to promote airflow and prevent heat retention. Their height and firmness can be adjusted, and the hulls are evenly distributed, providing sufficient back support and pain relief. That said, they tend to be pricier than other options and have a rustling noise that can be annoying.

Latex

Latex comes from the sap of rubber trees, so it is highly durable. Since it comes from a natural source, latex is also breathable and provides moderate contouring. Unfortunately, it isn’t as widely available as other options and comes with a hefty price tag.

Foam Density and Lumbar Support

Lightweight foam

This density is the least long-lasting and offers minimum comfort, so it isn’t suitable for anyone who has to sit for extended periods. It also provides inadequate support, which may lead to straining of the spine and back muscles. You may experience fatigue and even long-term back problems if you choose a lightweight foam while sitting for longer durations.

Medium-weight foam

Medium-weight foam is precisely what its name suggests — it lasts longer and offers more comfort than lightweight foam, but doesn’t last as long or offer as much support as heavyweight foam. So, it is a sort of compromise between the two densities.

Heavyweight foam

The most comfortable and longest-lasting type of foam is heavyweight foam. It doesn’t squish with weight and provides adequate lumbar support. You won’t end up straining your back if you use this density.