Chair cushions

Maintaining comfort and support while sitting is crucial, especially as we age. Discomfort in standard chairs can lead to back pain, difficulty getting up, and even a reluctance to participate in daily activities.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Back pain or stiffness from sitting for extended periods. This can lead to reduced mobility and difficulty participating in activities.	Lumbar support cushions: Provide targeted support for your lower back, improving posture and reducing aches.
Difficulty getting up from chairs due to seat height or firmness. This can lead to an increased risk of falls and limited independence.	Wedge cushions: Angled cushions that elevate your seat height, making it easier to stand up.
Pain or pressure on your tailbone or coccyx. This can lead to discomfort while sitting, affecting daily activities.	Coccyx cushions: U-shaped cushions with a cut-out section that relieves pressure on your coccyx bone.
Feeling cold while seated, especially during colder months. This can lead to discomfort and the potential for stiffness.	Heated chair cushions: Electrically powered cushions that provide soothing warmth while you sit.

Understanding common discomforts associated with sitting

Here are some everyday challenges you might encounter while sitting for extended periods:

Back pain and stiffness: Uncomfortable chairs can strain your lower back muscles, leading to pain and stiffness, particularly after sitting for long periods.
Difficulty getting up from chairs: Low or firm chairs can make it challenging to stand up, especially for individuals with limited mobility.
Pain on the tailbone or coccyx: Sitting on hard surfaces can put pressure on your coccyx bone, causing discomfort and pain.
Feeling cold while seated: Standard chairs can feel cold, especially during the winter months, leading to discomfort and potential stiffness.

Chair cushions

By incorporating chair cushions into your seating routine, you can experience a multitude of benefits, including:

Enhanced comfort: Chair cushions provide additional padding and support, making sitting a more comfortable experience.
Improved posture: Certain cushions, like lumbar support cushions, encourage proper spinal alignment, reducing back pain and promoting good posture.
Increased mobility: Wedge cushions and other height-boosting options can make it easier to stand up from chairs, promoting independence.
Pain relief: Coccyx cushions alleviate pressure on your tailbone, reducing pain and discomfort while seated.
Temperature regulation: Heated chair cushions provide additional warmth during colder months, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of feeling cold while sitting.

Choosing the right chair cushion for your needs

There's a wide variety of chair cushions available, each designed to address specific needs:

For back pain and improved posture:

Lumbar support cushions: These cushions provide targeted support for your lower back, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing back pain.
Memory foam cushions: These cushions conform to your body shape, distributing pressure evenly and reducing aches and pains.

For easing standing up from chairs

Wedge cushions: Angled cushions that elevate the front of the seat, making it easier to stand up from chairs.
Lift cushions: These inflatable cushions provide a temporary boost in seat height, assisting with standing.

For tailbone pain relief

Coccyx cushions: U-shaped cushions with a cut-out section that relieves pressure on your coccyx bone.
Gel cushions: Gel-filled cushions provide a cool and comfortable sitting experience, with pressure-reducing properties that can alleviate coccyx pain.

For additional warmth

Heated chair cushions: Electrically powered cushions with adjustable heat settings provide soothing warmth while you sit.
Sheepskin chair cushions: Natural sheepskin cushions offer a soft, naturally warm seating surface.

Additional things to consider

Chair compatibility: Ensure the chosen cushion size and design are compatible with your chair type.
Material and breathability: Consider breathable materials like cotton or mesh, especially if you tend to feel warm while sitting.
Washability: Opt for cushions with removable and washable covers for easy maintenance.
Assess your needs: Identify your primary discomfort or concern (back pain, difficulty standing, etc.) to guide your selection.

Where to buy equipment to help you sit comfortably

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.

More information

NHS Information on Back Pain
Provides guidance on managing back pain, including tips on choosing the right chair for comfort.
Physiotherapists in Plymouth
Consulting a physiotherapist can provide personalised recommendations for managing discomfort while sitting and selecting the most appropriate chair cushion for your situation.