Back cushions and lumbar supports (2 pages)

Back support cushions come in two main forms and for two differentback support applications.

The two applications are for (1) regular seats (which may be task type office chairs or living room style easy chairs) and (2) car seats in vehicles. The car seat cushions will normally work effectively on train and aircraft seats.

The two types of back cushion are those that you sit on and those that you rest your back on (i.e. are placed between the back and chair backrest). These two cushion types work in different ways and have different support objectives.

A back cushion that you sit on

The type of cushion that you sit on will normally do one of two things.

Some of these seat cushions are wedge shaped in profile and their objective is to change the angle between the body and the upper legs. Depending upon which way the wedge falls (i.e. towards the front or the back of the seat) this leg-to-body angle can be increased or decreased. This kind of seat can help those who suffer from various back pains like sciatica.

The second kind of back cushion that you sit on is designed to protect or guard the coccyx (bottom of the spine). A cushion of this type will elevate the base of the back whilst incorporating a cut out section immediately below the coccyx. This ensures that the coccyx will not have to bear weight or have pressure applied to it.

Back cushions like both of those mentioned above are available for car seats and the kind of chair that is found in the home and office.

A third kind of cushion, ordinarily used only for a vehicle, is the elevator cushion. The purpose of an elevator cushion is to raise the head and shoulder level of a driver to improve the visibility and handling of a vehicle. This type of cushion does not have a medical purpose.

A back cushion that you rest your back against

There is a massive array of different backrest cushions. Some have general comfort objectives whilst others are intended to deal with a specific complaint or to correct seated posture. Some may have the aim of improving ventilation between the backrest and the body, but they all fit against a chair's backrest.

These backrest cushions come in many different shapes. Some, like seat cushions, are wedge shaped, whilst others are circular (or semi-circular) in profile and are known as bolsters or lumber rolls.

Lumbar rolls

Lumbar rolls are used to support the lower section of the back and to encourage it to retain the healthy inward curve that the lumbar region should have. In buying one of these lumbar rolls it is important to make sure that it does not project too much or too little. It should fit comfortably into the curve of the back and feel supportive without causing the back to feel twisted or under pressure.

Lumbar back supports can also be worn to apply pain relieving and supportive compression. For information about them see this page - Lumbar support.

The materials from which cushions are made also vary significantly. Most are made from a standard to high density foam, however visco elastic memory foam and air-inflatable cushions are readily available and offer different types of support.

The material that a cushion is covered in is also important. Many cushions and pads are finished in velour like fabrics that looks nice, but a fabric cover also needs to be hard wearing, removable and washable. A further consideration is that some people will find that their back gets hot when resting against the cushion, so cool breathable materials with ventilated foams or cool feel foams (e.g. Latex) can be a good idea.

Lumbar, inflatable and posture back supports

Click on this Lumbar, inflatable and posture back supports link for a summary of the different backrest cushion options that are available (i.e. page 2 of our back cushions and lumbar supports section.

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