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Get Rid of Back Pain With the Best Lumbar Pillows

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 3 Mar 2023

Slumping shoulders and slouching backs are creating a generation of hunchbacks (yes, we’re talking to you Millennials and Gen Z). Desk jobs require long hours of sitting and hunching over screens all day, every day, putting strain and pressure on the spine. Since we cannot avoid sitting for long hours, we should at least be comfortable while doing so, and lumbar pillows are perfect for getting some spine support. 

A lumbar back pillow is specifically designed to keep you comfortable while sitting in the car, in your office chair, or even in bed. These pillows improve your posture, all while relieving back and neck pain. You can find plenty of options in the market, enough to confuse you about making a decision. Luckily, our guide will help you find some of the highest-quality lumbar pillows in 2023.

Best Overall
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Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Pillow
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Ergonomic Curve
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Samsonite Lumbar Pillow
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All-Day Comfort
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Cushion Lab Lumbar Pillow
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Versatile Design
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CompuClever Lumbar Pillow
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Ultimate Back Support
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ComfiLife Lumbar Pillow
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Leading Lumbar Pillows Buying Guide

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.

Best Lumbar Pillows Worth Considering for 2023

1

Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Pillow

– Best Overall
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The Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Pillow is a portable memory foam cushion suitable for those who experience back pain. This pillow can also help improve posture as it can be used in your car seat and office chair. Even better, the cushion cover is made with a 3D polyester mesh that doesn’t retain heat and keeps you comfortable while you sit and work.

This lumbar pillow is designed with heat-responsive technology that allows you to enjoy tailored support, while its specialized memory foam formula provides the necessary cushioning to your back. Plus, the dual straps keep the cushion from sliding off and moving around. The ergonomic design, anti-sweat material, and reasonable price tag make this product land the top spot on our list.

Pros
  • Dual straps keep the pillow in place
  • Ergonomic design contours to your body
  • Absorbent cover keeps your back dry
Cons
  • May not work with every chair
2

Samsonite Lumbar Pillow

– Ergonomic Curve
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If you’re looking for a back pillow that remains firm after continuous use, the Samsonite Lumbar Pillow is the perfect option. Made with high-grade memory foam, this pillow is comfortable yet firm enough to alleviate discomfort associated with lower back pain.

The plush memory foam stays in place, and the adjustable straps make sure it doesn’t slip at all. Since the straps are flexible, you can place this lumbar pillow at your desired height and angle on any chair, while making assembly and disassembly a breeze. Since the cover is washable, you can take it off and throw it in the washer.

Pros
  • High-grade memory foam lasts longer
  • Ventilated mesh cover keeps your back dry
  • Adjustable straps secure pillows to different chairs
Cons
  • Cover’s zipper is flimsy
3

Cushion Lab Lumbar Pillow

– All-Day Comfort
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The Cushion Lab Lumbar Pillow is specially designed for alleviating back pain and improving posture. This extra dense pillow is made with Hyperfoam, a proprietary memory foam that is dynamically rebounding. Its ergonomic design targets four regions: the spine crevice, upper-mid back, lower back, and mid-back contour, keeping you comfortable throughout the day.

The pillow cover is made with polyester rayon, a hard-wearing material that ensures your lumbar pillow will last a long time. The cover is also breathable to keep your back dry, and you can easily remove and wash it regularly to prevent debris from accumulating.

Pros
  • Proprietary Hyperfoam provides maximum comfort
  • Elastic strap is quick and easy to install
  • Designed by physical therapists
Cons
  • Too thick for some
4

CompuClever Lumbar Pillow

– Versatile Design
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If you need a one-size-fits-all solution for your chairs, the CompuClever Lumbar Pillow is a perfect choice. The pillow is highly versatile and fits almost all chairs, including office chairs, lounge chairs, wheelchairs, and car seats. It is designed to alleviate back pain, improve posture, align the spine, and relieve back strain while you sit for long hours.

The cushion is made with memory foam and comes with a 3D mesh cover for extra breathability. This lumbar pillow also features high-quality adjustable straps that help secure the pillow to your desired chair, while the buckle is adjustable and easy to use, making installation hassle-free.

Pros
  • Premium quality memory foam doesn’t flatten
  • Breathable mesh cover wicks moisture
  • Outer cover is machine washable
Cons
  • Thick bottom may not suit shallow seats
5

ComfiLife Lumbar Pillow

– Ultimate Back Support
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The ComfiLife Lumbar Pillow is a high-quality back support cushion made with high-density memory foam. Since it is ergonomically designed, this pillow supports the natural curve of your spine and keeps you comfortable while sitting. You can install it on any chair, and it will provide you comfort for long hours. And, with its adjustable straps and buckles, this cushion fits most chairs.

Featuring a 3D mesh cover, this lumbar pillow is ideal for those who sweat a lot as it doesn’t retain heat. The cover is also removable, features a zipper for easy removal, and you can wash it in your washing machine and quickly dry it to continue using it.

Pros
  • Memory foam makes it soft yet firm
  • Superior quality stitching for durability
  • Includes extension straps for oversized chairs
Cons
  • Belts may scratch leather seats

People Also Asked

Q: How thick should a lumbar pillow be?

A: The perfect thickness for lumbar pillows is about 4 inches at their thickest point. Back support pillows should generally have enough thickness to stabilize your lumbar spine with the rest of your back. If they’re too thin or too thick, they’ll make you uncomfortable, and you may experience lower back pain.

Q: What is the best material for lumbar pillows?

A: Most experts recommend memory foam for lumbar pillows because it is the perfect blend of firm and soft support. The therapeutic memory foam conforms to your body shape and tends to keep its shape, despite continued use.

Q: Where should I place my lumbar pillow?

A: Positioning the lumbar pillow appropriately is crucial to getting the ideal results. You should place it vertically between the bottom of your shoulder blades and the top of your hips. This way, it will rest in the small of your back, maintaining the natural spine curve.

Q: What are the different styles that lumbar pillows come in?

A: Lumbar support pillows come in different styles. Some pillows only support the back, while others are designed to support your knees, hips, and neck, too.

Q: Should I buy a lumbar pillow?

A: Lumbar pillows are a must-have for anyone working from nine to five while sitting in a chair. They improve your spine’s curvature, align your spinal column, ease back and neck pain, and keep you comfortable while sitting. But to get all these benefits, you need to pick the right product, or it’ll just be another hyped product that does nothing for you.

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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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