Orthopedic chair cushion - how to choose the best, types

We know a lot about bad habits. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs take away our health. This is information from my school days. It’s a pity that few people are concerned about the problem of sitting for long periods of time. The harm it causes is worse than smoking! This is an unnatural state for the nature of a human being. This is the structure of our body. It must move. About 150 years ago this was the case. People worked in the fields and came home with sweat on their shirts. Sitting was required to take a break from the upright position. Now people sit for 13 hours a day, or even more. The consequences are sad:

Danger to the spine. Especially the lumbar region. As a result, disc protrusion, osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia and chronic back pain. One of the recommendations after removal of a hernia of the lumbar spine is a ban on sitting for 6 months.
Varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Stagnation occurs in the veins of the pelvis and lower extremities. In this condition, blood clots easily form.

Broken blood clots pose a threat to life.
Metabolism decreases. This will lead to endocrine disorders, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Increased cholesterol and “bad” blood lipids. The risk of cardiovascular diseases is many times higher.
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Sluggish peristalsis will provoke digestive disorders and constipation.
Tendency to depression and mental disorders.

Indirectly, “long-sidosis” contributes to the development of cancer and diseases of the genitourinary system. Prevention of such consequences is the use of an orthopedic pillow on a chair. This is a useful invention necessary for those who constantly sit.

Consult your doctor about your choice, especially if you already have health problems.

Who needs it

Categories of people whose sedentary lifestyle is dictated by the specifics of their work. These are the professions of driver, pilot, secretary, office worker and students.
People with poor posture and spinal problems.
Pregnant women in late stages and in the early postpartum period.
For wheelchair users (prevents the formation of bedsores).
Those who have suffered trauma to the sacrococcygeal region and surgery in the small pelvis.
Men with prostate diseases and anyone with hemorrhoids.
People with chronic pelvic pain.

Orthopedic seat pad - purpose

The pad for the seat of a chair or armchair is a product in the form of a pillow. Its task is to relieve a person from the discomfort that arises as a result of prolonged stress.

Painful sensations in the pelvic and lumbar region.
Numbness and swelling of the lower extremities.

Constant use removes congestion in the pelvic area, forces you to straighten your posture, and promotes normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system. This occurs due to the redistribution of the load on the tailbone, hip joints, and sciatic nerve.

Some models are specifically designed for people suffering from hemorrhoids or having undergone surgery.

Pregnant women, late stages and during the postpartum period appreciated the orthopedic pillow.

Advantages

There are many models, different in shape, size, and purpose. You can take both universal pillows and more narrowly targeted ones (for specific diseases).
Non-toxic, antimicrobial impregnated, hypoallergenic. There are no large cavities in the structure of the material, so dust and dust mites do not accumulate. Suitable even for the most sensitive.
Prevents back strain and fatigue, normalizes blood flow.
You can use a couple of pillows for different purposes (for example, for the tailbone and for the lower back)
Compact, you can carry it with you, use it at work, in the car and at home.
Long service life.

Inflatable cushions for sitting on a chair

They are often used in practice. They are common for office workers or those who drive a car. Orthopedic seat cushions are suitable for those who travel a lot. It is also an indispensable attribute for a trip to visit or to nature. Its main advantages:

a wide range of products of different shapes and sizes - products for the spine, neck, office seating and others are sold;
ease of transportation - its compactness allows you to take the accessory on any trip, since it does not take up much free space;
there are options for sleeping with special holes - you will ensure a comfortable rest even while traveling in a car, it allows you to relax and relieve tension in the neck;
There are products that can transform the position - they can be used for the back or buttocks.

The inflatable pillow is made of rubber material, very compact when rolled up, and is inflated using a special pump.

Flaws

It does not relieve a person from illness and does not solve the problem of sitting for long periods of time.

After a couple of hours, movement is necessary. Sometimes the orthopedic effect can only be achieved in pairs (for example, a headrest and under the lower back).

There are difficulties in care. Not all products are washable (only a removable cover is allowed); dry cleaning is excluded. It is not recommended for use in children under 14 years of age under the back (lumbar lordosis is less than an adult). Please note that there are many things on the market masquerading as orthopedic pillows. Some inflatables and those made from class “T” foam rubber are not like this.

Types of orthopedic pillows

Depending on where you will mount the product, there are:

Orthopedic cushion for sitting on a chair

It lies on the base of the chair under the tailbone. The benefit is that the load on the sacrococcygeal region is reduced. Blood circulation in the perineum and pelvis improves. It can remember the contours of the body (anatomical) or be a permanent structure.

There are different shape options

An orthopedic ring pillow is one of the most comfortable options, especially for a chair. There is a hole in the center of the product, thanks to which tension is relieved from the entire central part of the crotch. It can relax muscles and reduce pain from hemorrhoids. Provides good prevention of bedsores. The anatomical shape supports normal lumbar curve. This is a universal option for various types of armchairs and chairs, supporting a weight of more than 100 kg.

The circle shape ensures uniform distribution of the load on the body. It looks like an inflatable ring. The most common, fits any seat, take it with you on a trip! It is good to use for pregnant women and after childbirth, for the prevention and treatment of postural disorders.

The square or rectangular shape fits well on the seat without sliding to the side. Gently follows the curves of the body and thus evenly distributes the load on the pelvic muscles. Drivers and office employees love her.

Orthopedic pillow under the back on a chair

Fixes on his back and relaxes the spine. Effectively used in conjunction with a seat cushion. Easy to attach to any chair (the main thing is that there is a sufficient backrest). You just need to adjust it to your height. There are varieties here too.

Lumbar pillow - for the most vulnerable part of the spine. It maintains natural lumbar lordosis.

Under the entire back - long with a headrest. The latter can be purchased separately. Such designs can make prolonged sitting comfortable for a long time.

Mesh pillows are popular because they provide good ventilation. They can be with or without a massage effect.

For the spine

According to disappointing statistics, every person who has reached the age of forty experiences pain in the back, and moreover, every fifth person already suffers from pronounced disorders of the musculoskeletal system. First of all, people who have a sedentary job (for example, in an office or driving a car) are susceptible to this disease.

What to do if in our time most professions involve a sedentary lifestyle? Orthopedic back pillows placed on an office chair or on the driver's seat will in this case be a good prevention of various diseases associated with the spine. And in chronic stages, such useful devices will help eliminate discomfort and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

The correct position when sitting at the computer.

Positive Impact

The basis of a healthy back is correct posture, which helps to evenly distribute the load on the spinal column. Therefore, the main function of a pillow intended for the back is to directly maintain it in a state in which the spine will be in the correct position and not experience excessive tension.

How can this effect be achieved? The fact is that recently orthopedics in this industry has stepped far forward. The developers of special devices that support the back have designed the product so that the pillows designed for the workplace exactly match the curves of the human body and help eliminate the following problems associated with prolonged sitting:

fatigue and tension in the back;
pain in the lumbar region;
circulatory disorders;
exacerbation of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
incorrect posture and curvature of the spine.

Back pillow design options?

Most often, manufacturers make products in the form of a square or rectangle. Due to the fact that it is tightly attached to an office chair or car seat, the back takes on a natural shape, and the roller located at the level of the spine has a massage effect, normalizing blood circulation.

Filler material

This is the basis on which the quality and durability of the product depends. Give preference to real raw materials, there are a lot of fakes.

Latex based

The most common option. It is a rubber foam. A chair cushion made from this material can be square, round or rectangular. Main advantages:

Comfort. Elastic and soft due to air-filled granules.
Durable. Service life exceeds 10 years.
Takes an anatomical shape.
It can be washed (machine and hand).

Viscoelastic foam

This material adapts to the sitting position and holds it while it is warm. This is a unique property of memory. It is good to use for chairs. The advantages don't stop there.

Safe for health, environmentally friendly raw materials.
Uniform load distribution.
Anatomical.
Wear-resistant.

Polyester

The cheapest, but not inferior in quality. The structure is small balls in silicone lubricant. Has a number of advantages:

Keeps its shape.
Very soft, comfortable to sit on.
Possibility to adjust the height. To do this, simply remove some of the balls.
Tolerates any type of washing.
Will last a long time (more than 10 years).

Shapes of orthopedic pillows for chairs and armchairs

Depending on the shape, the orthopedic chair cushion is available in several types.

Round model with a hole in the center.
Square or rectangular option.
Double type with recess.
Oval.
In the form of the letter "P".
Triangle with side stops.
Wedge-shaped overlay.

All products, regardless of shape, have a small recess in the center. This is necessary for the human pelvis to take the correct position.

Round pillows are considered the most popular, but in order to finally make a choice, you need to take into account a number of characteristics.

Dimensions of a chair or armchair.
Features of the figure.
Price.
Recommendations of the attending physician.

Inflatable chair cushion

This is an interesting and practical option. You can deflate it and put it in your purse. Universal to use (at home, in the car seat, in the office).

Product advantages

Variety of shapes. It is used as a cushion for sitting on a chair (armchair) and for the backrest. There are also options for the neck and back of the head.
Able to transform and take on different appearances.
Take her on a trip or trip. There are models for sleeping.

Kinds

Orthopedic pillows are classified depending on the material from which they are made and the functions they perform. Moreover, there are pillows of different shapes and sizes.

Made of latex and polyurethane . The most common materials for making pillows. They are hypoallergenic, do not absorb moisture and are almost not deformed even after several years of active use. Foam rubber and “memory mold” material are also used. Granules that remember the shape of the body allow you to touch the pillow once with your back or butt and constantly remain in this position.
Inflatable . Practical and cheap pillows made of rubber. You can take them with you on the road, because when rolled up they take up no more space than a small roll of rubber. When the need arises to use them, just inflate it to the desired size. The variable size and low cost of inflatable orthopedic pillows are the main advantage of this type. They were also used by our distant ancestors. Modern industry produces inflatable pillows wrapped in pillowcases made of 100% cotton or the same latex.
Round . The most common form is a kind of children's inflatable ring. In this case, the body load is evenly distributed around the perimeter. And the perineum does not experience any stress. Such products are indicated for the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids, the fight against prostatitis, prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation, and problems with the genital organs.
Rectangular and square . They are mainly used by drivers, as they can be securely fixed in one position. But for office workers, dozens of models are produced from different materials and designed for different loads.
Under the back. The main purpose of this type of pillow is to relieve stress from the spine. Part of our weight falls on the bolster, rigidly attached to the back of the chair. As a result, the spine takes on the most natural shape for it.

Orthopedic cushions for sitting on a chair are not just devices for obtaining comfort. Modern medicine is sounding the alarm, as a sedentary lifestyle negatively affects the health of the population. Moreover, the uncomfortable and tight position of the genital organs negatively affects the reproductive abilities of both men and women.

Thanks to a comfortable and sized orthopedic cushion for sitting on a chair, long hours of work in the office or while driving a car do not affect your health in any way.

How to choose the right one?

Please note that in case of treatment, the pillow model should be advised by the doctor, not the seller. When choosing, your task is to pay attention to the following:

Who to buy from? It’s better to buy from the manufacturer or a trusted store. But not at the market or in a tent. The product must have a quality certificate. If it is not there, then no one can guarantee health safety. Read the information on the supplier's website and compare it with the model you like. If differences are found, this will indicate a fake.
What model and shape? What do you sit on most often? Chairs and armchairs have different bases and backs. A rectangle works well for a seating chair. The ring shape will fit anywhere. For the lumbar spine, the best option would be an oval or circle. Better for buttocks

buy a bulk product. Be sure to sit on the pillow (it's made of polyethylene) in the store and test it for yourself!
Filler. The degree of rigidity depends on it. Polyurethane is the hardest. Gel ones, on the contrary, are soft. Latex is universal. Foam is better for those who do not have problems with posture. The optimal choice is medium hardness, the most comfortable for the muscles.
Size. If the pillow is smaller than your buttocks, it will increase the pressure on your back.

Usually they produce standard sizes of width (35-40 cm), thickness (10-15 cm), height (up to 37 cm).
Service life and warranty. It's better to take one with a long term. Small (up to 5 years) speaks of material whose quality is suffering. This pillow will quickly lose its shape. An important criterion is convenience!

How to use

Chair seat cushion

Cannot be used on a soft seat. There will only be harm - the sunken buttocks will compress the veins of the anus and perineum, disrupting blood flow.

Everything is easy with the anatomical model. There are convex-concave landmarks and you won’t be able to sit any other way. The ring model is seated in the center. The simplest criterion when landing is that you should not feel pressure on the perineum. If there is discomfort, then you are sitting incorrectly.

Orthopedic back pillow

Attach it to the back of the chair (armchair) so that it supports the lower back (protrusion in the area of lumbar lordosis). The belt can be vertical or horizontal. You should be comfortable when you lean back.

Types of orthopedic cushions for chairs

Seat cushions look like a small product that is placed under the buttocks. Manufacturers present various models that differ in rigidity and purpose.

Pillow made of four sections that follow the shape of the buttocks

There are several types of products:

fixed-shaped pillows that force the owner to take the only correct position, which is not always comfortable;
products that can adapt to the individual characteristics of each person.

The appearance is also different. There are the following cushions for sitting on a chair:

in the form of a roller;
triangular with protruding edges on the sides;
in a rectangular shape;
round, in the center of which there is a hole;
shaped like a boomerang.

The product can be more flexible or fixed. The surface can be convex, retracted, or embossed.

There are many pillow upholstery options, you can choose the one you like

Various materials are used as filler:

natural latex – of high quality, most suitable for use, characterized by different diameters and holes on the surface;
artificial latex - has a long service life, practically does not deform, the product is quite rigid, there are no holes for air circulation;
special foam - a material with an anatomical shape that is able to remember the owner’s usual position when he is not using the product.

The density of the filler determines the elasticity of the pillow and the period of its use.

Other materials can be used as padding. They are not orthopedic, as they practically do not hold their shape. Over time, they wear out and do not contribute to the formation of correct posture.

Care Tips

All pillows are dry cleanable. Latex can be washed (up to 40 degrees), wring without twisting. The chemical method is excluded.
Wash removable covers and pillowcases when dirty with detergent in warm water.
Do not place near heating elements, avoid direct sunlight.
Do not place heavy objects or let pets lie on them, especially on memory foam pillows.

Chair seat handmade

You can easily make a simple version yourself! Requires silicone filler and thick fabric. Cut 2 circles from the fabric and carefully sew them around the filling. Make a case, it will be more convenient. Use natural and safe materials. You can use foam rubber or buckwheat husk as a base.

Is it possible to make a pillow with your own hands?

You can make the product yourself. It will be different from those provided in stores. Use thick fabric and silicone filler.

The quality of the homemade pillow will depend on the chosen filler.

The pattern is simple - in the form of two circles. Leave seam allowances. Sew them around the filling. The orthopedic pillow is ready.

This is what the simplest homemade pillows look like, their downside is the non-removable cover

And this is an option with a removable elastic cover

An orthopedic pillow is an important accessory that an office employee or student cannot do without. Your productivity will increase, fatigue will decrease, and your posture will improve.

Examples of positive reviews

“At first it was unusual, but my back and buttocks began to get less tired. The main thing is to remember to move.”
“It has become easier to live with the problem of hemorrhoids, you just need to make a rational choice. Also do gymnastics for the perineum when you sit for a long time."
“I bought a ring pillow during pregnancy; in the later stages it became difficult to sit. She also helped me after giving birth. I still use it now"
“I can’t imagine traveling without a pillow. Sometimes I spend 24 hours behind the wheel. Constantly massage under the buttocks and under the back"

It is better to prevent health problems than to waste energy and money on treating them later. If it is not possible to reduce the sitting time, then rationally prepare your place. A chair cushion can help you! It will improve posture and reduce fatigue. Let your life become more comfortable!