It’s pretty mind-boggling when you stop and think just how much time you spend sitting all day, especially if you work in an office. Most of us work more than 8 hours a day, and even if you deduct two hours for breaks and lunch, that still means you sit at your desk around thirty hours a week, or around one thousand five hundred days a year.
If you add to that the amount of time you spend driving to and from work, you can add another two hundred hours, and that’s just the time you spend sitting down while working (or going to work). When you get home, you probably want to relax, right? So you add another thirty hours a week. In fact, a recent study showed that an average person spends around 12 hours of their day sitting down.
Sitting down for long periods of time is harmful to our health, as it’s linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and premature death, along with an increase in lower back pain. Lower back pain can be a constant reminder of our sedentary lifestyle, and while it may be impossible for us to reduce our amount of working hours, the good news is that the way you sit does more damage than the sitting itself. Your posture while sitting will determine the amount of strain your place on your lower back.
Therefore, you should find a way to lessen the stress put on your back, and that is where a good ergonomic chair back support comes in. Lumbar supports, or chair back supports are a simple tool aiding us in maintaining the optimal sitting posture. That’s why we’ve put together this guide reviewing the best back chair support for your office so that you can get rid of that distracting and constant back pain.
Best Chair Back Support For Your Office Reviews
We’ve extensively researched some of the top adjustable lumbar support cushions available on the market and compiled a list of the best of them. At the end of the reviews, you will be able to choose the best support that suits your particular needs.
Best Chair Back Support for Your Office: Our Top 4 Picks
Best Overall - Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Cushion
Bestseller for a reason; this high-performance orthopedic lumbar support pillow has a well thought out design, provides high comfort levels at a low price point, giving you the best value for money.
Runner up - Lovehome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Cushion
Competitive design with a lot of the features you want in back support, a memory foam construction meaning it can mold itself to the shape of your back, and won’t sag with constant use, providing comfortable and firm support for years to come.
Best Lumbar Roll - Original Mckenzie Lumbar Roll
This cushion is log-shaped, instead of the regular cushion support, making it easy to transport and secure to any seat with an adjustable strap. The removable cover is machine washable, meaning cleaning it is a breeze.
Best Two for One Back Support - Sweet Relief Memory Foam Cushion with Mesh Support
Striking the perfect balance between softness and firmness, this comes with a mesh support along with an orthopedic memory foam back pillow, covered with breathable and odor-free mesh fabric. You can easily switch the cushion between your office and your car, saying goodbye to back pain once and for all.
1. Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Cushion
Our rating:
Details
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 4.1 x 12.6 inches
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
The memory foam filling in this cushion will contour itself to the shape of your spine, alleviating pressure along your whole spine and keeping your lower back in a proper posture, forcing you to sit up straight. The material also becomes more supple as you sit, responding to body heat and pressure. Furthermore, it also has the remarkable property of bouncing back to the original shape once you remove the heat and pressure, meaning it can be used by several people if required.
The memory foam coupled with the universal curve structure, give this cushion almost perfect ergonomics. Everlasting has even taken an extra step by manufacturing this product with not one but two straps, ensuring that it’s not going to move, and will fit very securely. You can easily adjust the flexible straps, which also extend, which makes them fit all kinds of chairs.
The mesh cover allows for good airflow, meaning it stays cool and prevents sweat accumulation, which can often happen with support cushions. The cover is removable and hypoallergenic, so you can quickly clean it by throwing it into the washing machine.
PROS
- Well thought out design provides excellent ergonomic support
- Removable mesh cover is hypoallergenic
- Memory foam filling readily conforms to your back
- Secure fit from the dual strap extensions
CONS
- For users not used to memory foam, it may feel too firm
- Not suitable for shallow ergonomic office chairs, as its dimensions are thicker than usual
VERDICT
The Everlasting comfort memory foam cushion is a bit on the pricey side, but if you can shell out for it, it’s well worth it. We can’t rave enough about the dual adjustable straps, as one of the biggest issues with back supports is that they always shift and move, which means they have to be constantly readjusted. The dual strapping mechanism avoids that issue, and the hypoallergenic mesh cover can be removed, and machine washed.
Runner up Back Support
2. Lovehome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Cushion
Our rating:
Details
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.4 x 4.3 inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
The LoveHome memory foam cushion straps to your seat with a single belt, which is the reason it ended up being runner-up. However, it does come with an extension strap so that it can be easily adjusted to larger seats and chairs. One of the advantages is that the cushion has a broader base, which makes it more supportive for a larger chair with poor lumbar support.
The cushion cover is mesh, which means it will stay odor-free due to its antibacterial properties, while you stay cool. It can also be removed and is machine washable, ensuring that it will remain clean. Moreover, the contours of the cushion extend from the base of the spine all the way to the middle of your back, improving your posture while relieving stress on your spine, and alleviating lower back pain.
PROS
- Recommended by chiropractors for lower back pain
- Removable antibacterial mesh cover
- Better support for bigger chairs
- Suitable for various chairs and seats
CONS
- Not suitable for users who need a higher level of back support due to injury
- Single strap makes it less secure
VERDICT
This cushion is very durable, and the memory foam will not lose its shape even after years of use. Most people notice improved posture and spine alignment when used regularly. Therefore, if you’re looking for a classic and long-lasting lumbar support, this is the choice for you.
Best Lumbar Roll
3. Mckenzie Original Lumbar Support
Our rating:
Details
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 11 x 4.2 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
This lumbar roll is designed to sit along your spines curve, keeping it (and you) upright. The shape of the roll means its smaller than most cushions, so it’s also more travel-friendly. Given the smaller dimensions, the single strap works really well, and you can even fasten it around your waist, so you if you need to, you can move to different chairs without the hassle of having to attach it and detach it from different chairs.
The cover is made from polyester, meaning it will hold up well to daily wear and tear. And even though you might not associate this with polyester, the cover is also moisture wicking, which will evaporate the sweat from your lower back and keep you fresh.
The McKenzie roll is a practical and portable alternative to conventional back support cushions, providing great mid and lower back support. All in all, it’s a solid product thanks to its ergonomic performance and portable design.
PROS
- Small dimensions and round design means it's easy to carry around
- Available in standard and firm designs
- Removable polyester cover is durable
- Allows you to wear it around your waist
CONS
- Some users complain of a lack of lower back support
- Strap can be challenging to adjust, and it can loosen frequently
VERDICT
While the roll shape of the cushion is not for everyone, some users find great relief with this back support. The built-in strap works on almost all seating types, including ergonomic office chairs, airplanes, and car seats. However, if you have spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis, we recommend seeking out another option.
Best Two for One Back Support
4. Sweet Relief Memory Foam Cushion with Mesh Support
Our rating:
Details
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 13 x 4.5 x 12 inches
- Weight: 1.66 pounds
This cushion comes with most of the same features as the previous ones we’ve reviewed, including an ergonomic shape with memory foam filling, along with a removable mesh cover for easy maintenance and breathability. For secure fastening, it also comes with a single adjustable strap.
What sets this product apart is the included mesh support, which you can use alongside or separately from the cushion, providing you with additional support. Therefore, this highly versatile product can be adapted to a greater variety of seats and chairs. You have the option of adding the mesh support on top of the cushion if your chair is deep-seated, giving you that bit of extra support.
Thanks to the breathable nature of the mesh cover, it also prevents direct contact with the cushion, keeping your lower back relaxed and sweat-free. Furthermore, you have the added option of only using the mesh support for any chairs that have poor contours but good padding.
PROS
- You get two products for the price of one: a lumbar cushion and mesh support
- High performance and high-quality memory foam construction
- Competitive price point and lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
CONS
- Single strap design may make the cushion slide around
- Some users reported some quality control issues due to flimsy materials
VERDICT
The tried and tested design from Sweet Relief brings with it the extra add-on, improving its effectiveness. This excellent feature, coupled with its competitive price point, makes it a worthy opponent for people with lower back problems. Another added bonus is that since its lightweight, its super portable, so you can take it with you anywhere: your work, your home, or traveling. The support will bring you pain relief from any lower back issues.
5. Comfort Products Realxzen Shiatsu Massage Cushion
Our rating:
Details
- Color: Black & Grey
- Dimensions: 16.9 x 40.2 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 8.6 pounds
While not your typical back support, the Relaxzen shiatsu massage cushion still gives you multi-functional lumbar support. It not only supports your lower back, but it also comes equipped with a heat therapy feature and four shiatsu massage balls.
The cushion offers both Shiatsu and rolling massage techniques, along with a spot and heat massage function, so you can spend as much time as required in the areas where you have the most back pain. And the best part? Two massage balls are for your neck and two for your back, so you get neck pain relief as well.
Both sets of massage balls have independent heat and massage control, so you can choose to have some heat on your back or neck independently, or in both places at the same time. Moreover, the massage timer is adjustable so that you can control the duration of your massage, anywhere from five to fifteen minutes.
PROS
- Good price point for both massage and heat therapy
- The cushion is multi-use, as it is helpful not only for lumbar support, but also to relieve tension in your neck, buttock, and thighs
CONS
- When not in use, the shiatsu massage balls may be uncomfortable
- Some users found the massage and heat settings to be too weak or too strong
VERDICT
The massage and heat settings are a significant advantage for anyone suffering from strain along the spine or muscle tension. Despite its features, this cushion remains portable and lightweight so that you can use it both at home and at the office. Anyone who loves a massage is sure to feel fantastic after spending a day with their Relaxzen massage cushion.
6. Duro-med Relax-a-bac Lumbar Support Cushion
Our rating:
Details
- Color: Black, Grey, Burgundy, Navy
- Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 4 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
The support cushion from Duro-Med is a straightforward and simple lower back support which delivers on what it promises to do, along with being durable and machine washable, so you’ll have comfort for years to come. The filling is made out of supportive foam, and it comes with a strap and inserts which you can attach to most chairs as well as your car seat, easing your lumbar back pain. Additionally, the breathable fabric which keeps you cool and sweat-free comes in four great colors so you can match it with your office decor: black, grey, burgundy and navy.
Due to the shape of the cushions, it works best with bucket or bench seats, keeping your spine aligned. If you want more enhanced back support, you can remove the solid board insert, as the cover can be unzipped and the high-density foam will keep its shape. The cover is also machine washable, so you can always keep it as clean as you want.
PROS
- The cushion has positive reviews from users that suffer from significant back problems, such as sciatica or slipped discs and physical therapists alike
- Improved posture and pain reduction
- Very affordable price
CONS
- Does not work well in curved chairs or car seats, as the product has no give
- Materials seem a bit flimsier than other support cushions
VERDICT
The wooden insert will add extra support for anyone that needs a firmer back cushion. This product was designed with highly resilient foam to keep the spine in proper alignment and relieve tension from your back muscles, and the foam will not lose its shape with continued use. The elastic strap and buckle that come with the cushion are used to hold the cushion in place on your chair.
7. Travelon Cool Mesh Back Support System
Our rating:
Details
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 12.9 x 5.3 inches
- Weight: 12 ounces
The Travelon Cool Mesh Back Support is an affordable lumbar support system, offering fantastic value to its users. The mesh lumbar support has two handy elastic straps, which means you don’t need to worry about having to continually reposition the support, along with making it easy to attach to various chair types, as well as your car seat.
Since the support is made of breathable mesh, your back stays cool and well supported no matter the weather, though it’s mainly useful for users working or driving in hot climates. You can adjust the back support up or down as needed, and thanks to its material, there’s no need to worry about keeping it clean, as its easily washable. Another bonus is that the support will never lose its shape, due to the lack of filling.
PROS
- The support can be adjusted, so it's a great and practical option for users of all heights
- Breathable mesh design is an excellent choice for anyone working in hot weather
- Very affordable
CONS
- Some users don’t feel enough support due to the lack of filling
- Materials can seem flimsy, and the cushion is not particularly durable
VERDICT
The support is very lightweight as its made from mesh, and therefore you can take it anywhere you want, making it an excellent option for people that travel often, or if you want to have support which you can take from home to the office and vice versa. Another great benefit is its fantastic price point, so its suitable for most budgets.
All About Chair Back Supports
First off, let’s start by delving into what back chair support or lumbar support really is. In the most basic sense, they are portable cushions designed to attach to your office chair and provide the necessary lower back support. They are made with a curved profile, complimenting your spines natural curve.
You can rest assured you’ll find the necessary lower back support with any of our picks for best ergonomic chair back support for your office. They are generally inexpensive, they are made out of a variety of materials, and design features, making finding the best lumbar support cushion for your needs less of a hassle.
Lumbar Support Pillow FAQs
We’ve chosen some of the best selling back support pillows out there to help fix your back problems. But, how exactly do they work? And do you really need one? We answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to lumbar cushions and explain how they can help your lower back with their ergonomic design.
Do I need back support for my office chair?
A lumbar cushion is highly recommended for users who suffer from chronic back pain or poor posture with an accentuated pain, particularly if you are sitting for extensive periods of time during work.
These cushions can have a positive long-term effect by promoting proper posture and negating any future detrimental effects, even if you don’t have significant back problems but are still sedentary.
Sitting for prolonged amounts of time causes the onset of a stress-related injury referred to as “creep,” which is a stress build-up due to continuously contracted ligaments and muscles. When you provide support to your muscles and maintain a good sitting posture with a lumbar cushion, the stress build-up is reduced.
Should my doctor prescribe me a cushion?
You can easily purchase these back supports without needing a prescription. However, if you have a specific back problem such as a herniated disc, sciatica, or suffer from chronic back pain, you should consult your chiropractor or orthopedist for the best lumbar back support, therefore ensuring you don’t purchase a cushion that could worsen or further aggravate your symptoms.
How do lumbar cushions work?
The curved shape of the cushion follows the contours of your spine, ensuring that your back is always touching the pillow. If your back and spine are not supported, your lower back muscles remain tight to provide you that support, which leads to lower back pain.
It’s remarkably simple to use the cushion, as you just need to fasten it to the back of your chair. It will need to be slightly adjusted so that you can find the optimal position that works best with your spines contours.
Are lumbar support cushions the same as back braces?
Short answer: no. Back or support braces have been designed to be worn around your waist, providing the required support and stabilizing your muscles. A back or support brace is commonly recommended for more severe back issues, such as sciatica, a herniated disc, or as part of recovery from surgery.
On the other hand, ergonomic chair back supports are designed to attach to your seat and give you support, alleviating muscle stress and promoting a proper seating posture.
Will a chair back support weaken my back muscles?
People often have this common misconception about lumbar supports. Chair supports will not weaken your muscles, as they just promote good posture and support overexerted muscles, making you sit up straighter.
Lumbar cushions help you relieve the stress of prolonged sitting, but it’s important to remind you that you need to instill good sitting habits. Regular breaks and stretching are vital to loosen your ligaments and muscles. It’s also essential that you adjust your desk and chair to a neutral position which keeps you upright and provides support.
Guide to Purchasing the Best Chair Back Support For Your Office
The best type of seat cushion for your needs will depend on a number of factors:
Posture
A regular office chair on its own may not provide enough support for users that have a deep lumbar curve or a deeper curve than average in their lumbar region.
If you have a deep lumbar curve, then you need to choose a fatter or deeper lumbar support pillow to make sure your lower back is supported. For users with a flatter back, a more shallow option, such a D-shaped seat cushion will work best.
Type of Chair
Your current office chair type will impact the kind of adjustable lumbar support pillow you should choose. For example, a chair with built-in lumbar support or padding will require a thinner cushion that gives you support without forcing your posture forward.
It will be harder to fit a cushion into a bucket style or molded seat, so you should look for a firmer backrest. It’s also important to note that you should measure your chair and compare it to the dimensions of the cushions, to ensure a good fit.
Movement
It’s essential that you take into consideration the amount of movement you are likely to make in your current chair. For example, if you stand up and sit down multiple times a day, it’s expected that temporary lumbar pillows will not be comfortable. Therefore, try and find a more fixed pillow that won’t need to be repositioned whenever you sit down.
Weight and Size
The cushion that you choose should suit the dimensions of your back. In general, heavier set users need a firmer design that is less likely to compress over time and with use, while shorter users need a thicker cushion.
Filling
The filling in lumbar cushions is different than the filling in a pillow, as they must be firm to give you lumbar back support. Good quality foam or memory foam offers you comfort while also being supportive.
Material
Lumbar cushion coverings come in a variety of fabrics to suit your taste and office decoration. While it’s important that you look for a soft material that won’t itch or scratch any exposed skin, the filling is an essential factor for you to consider.
Shape
Lumbar supports come in various shapes, including a D-shape or a wedge shape, where the bottom is narrower than the top. The different forms are useful for different things; a wedge shape will be good for keeping in the car, while a D-shape will prevent your spine from sagging as it takes the form of your spines curvature. However, you need to take into consideration that they are not as comfortable as a roll shape, and it can be complicated to fit to the shape of your ergonomic office chair.
Once you have considered the above factors, you will be better prepared to choose the right type of lumbar support pillow for your needs.