To determine the best memory foam seat cushion we focused on the following features: ergonomic design, lumbar support, pain relief, durability, breathability, materials, and price. An ergonomic u-shape design is the best option to ensure good posture and reduce back/tailbone pain. But other important features such as the materials, breathability, and durable design can ensure that you can sit for long periods comfortably and won’t need to frequently replace this important item.
After considering all of the above, we nominated the ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion as our Top Pick. It was one of the only options in our guide that — in addition to the memory foam — also incorporated a cooling gel insert for better breathability and improved user experience overall. Keep reading to learn more about the rest of our top picks.
Top 6 Seat Cushions
#1 ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: The only memory foam chair cushion in our guide with a separate cooling gel insert within the foam construction with an ergonomic u-shape design makes it one of the best gel seat cushions in our guide.
- Best quality
- Cooling gel insert
- Ergonomic u-shape design
- Washable cover
- Zipper may damage some surfaces
When you’re sitting for long periods, your legs and lower body can begin to feel overheated. We picked the ComfiLife Gel Memory Foam Enhanced Seat Cushion as our Top Pick and Best Quality selection because it’s the only seat cushion in our round that features a separate cooling gel insert as a layer within the foam cushion. The gel insert works to keep you cool as the memory foam provides gentle support for your back. For that reason, we think it’s the best gel seat cushion.
But along with improving your posture and keeping you cool, our Top Pick also offers many of the standard features you would expect to find with a memory foam seat cushion. This includes an ergonomic u-shape design, a removable, machine-washable cover, and a non-slip rubber bottom. It is perfect for the best office chair.
#2 Xtreme Comforts Coccyx Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A u-shaped memory foam seat cushion that’s designed specifically to provide relief for sciatica pain makes it the best seat cushion for lower back pain.
- Best for lower back pain
- Breathable mesh cover
- Removable & machine-washable cover
- Not ideal for taller people
When you have back pain, you already know that a traditional chair isn’t your best friend. Specifically for people with lower back pain, finding a memory foam seat cushion that reduces pressure on your back while also providing adequate support can be a tall order. The Xtreme Comforts Coccyx Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion is designed to help reduce common back pain discomforts such as sciatica or stenosis and that’s why we think it’s the best seat cushion for lower back pain.
Related: Check the best office chair cushions.
But you’ll also appreciate that this cushion is designed with an ergonomic u-shape that’s contoured to better distribute weight. Plus the mesh cushion cover encourages airflow. And again, you’ll find common memory foam seat cushion features such as a non-slip rubber bottom, and a removable, machine-washable cover.
#3 Sleepavo Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: A comfortable and plush lightweight u-shaped memory foam cushion that’s one of the best seat cushions for the elderly.
- Best for Sciatica (and the eldery)
- U-shaped ergonomic design
- Lightweight 2lbs
- Lacks cooling gel foam
It’s not uncommon that the older you get, the more you experience aches and pains, especially in your back. But even if you need a memory foam seat cushion, you don’t necessarily want to lug something heavy around all day. In addition to being our best budget recommendation, we also think that the Sleepavo Memory Foam Seat Cushion is the best seat cushion for the elderly because it’s so lightweight at just 2 pounds.
Although it’s not as high tech as some of the other options in our guide, it comes with those essential must-haves that people of all ages (and the elderly) will appreciate. Let’s start with the ergonomic u-shaped and contoured design to reduce pressure on your spine and evenly distribute weight. Additionally, the removable cover has a non-slip bottom and a breathable mesh design. And of course, the cover can be removed and machine washed. Use it with the best office chair under $200.
#4 5 Stars United Office Chair Cushion
Award: MOST VERSATILE
WHY WE LIKE IT: A thick and ergonomically designed chair cushion that can fit in a range of chairs styles makes it the perfect memory foam seat cushion for office chairs.
- Best for office chairs
- Reduces neck & shoulder pain
- U-shape ergonomic design
- Not ideal for larger people
For the office worker, they already know that there’s a lot about the office environment that isn’t conducive to good health. Whether it’s the eight-hour workday, fluorescent lighting, an uncomfortable office chair, or office layout (cubicle or open concept…take your pick), it’s no surprise that most office employees struggle with common issues like back pain. So if you dread sitting in your office chair every day, you need a quality memory foam seat cushion.
The 5 Stars United Office Chair Cushion is the perfect memory foam seat cushion for office chairs. We like that this chair is designed with versatility in mind and can work with a range of chair configurations from stationary to rolling. But more importantly, this seat cushion has the essential u-shape ergonomic design in slightly narrower dimensions to ensure that versatile fit, making it one of the best office chair cushions for back pain. And of course, the breathable cover is removable and machine washable. It will add comfort to the best office chair for lower back pain.
#5 Everlasting Comfort Pure Memory Foam Wheelchair Seat Cushion
Award: BEST FOR WHEELCHAIR
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best orthopedic seat cushion and only option in our guide that’s specifically designed to address the needs of the disabled community with a heat-responsive foam that shapes to fit the natural curves of your body while providing critical ventilation.
- Orthopedic doctor recommended
- Gel-infused & ventilated
- Medically recommended
- Lacks ergonomic design
While most memory foam seat cushion brands don’t discuss how their products could benefit the disabled community, it’s a topic that should be addressed. If you spend the majority of your waking hours in a wheelchair, then it stands to reason that you need the support and comfort just as much if not more than someone from the able community. The Everlasting Comfort Pure Memory Foam Wheelchair Seat Cushion is the only option in our guide that addresses the specific needs of the disabled community — especially for those who rely on a wheelchair.
While this seat lacks the ergonomic design that’s best for your spine, we do like that the memory foam is infused with gel and is designed with ventilation holes to improve comfort while also keeping you cool. Plus, this model features a heat-responsive technology that allows for the memory foam to gently mold to the curves of your body. That makes it one of the best orthopedic seat cushions in our guide. And since it measures 18 by 17 by three inches, it’s designed to work with any standard wheelchair. Of course, you also get a removable cover with this Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Seat Cushion and this cushion comes with a non-slip gel rubber bottom that is machine washable. It will fit the best office chairs under $100.
#6 Milliard Memory Foam Seat Cushion Chair Pad
Award: BEST FOR COACHES
WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple rectangle style memory foam seat cushion that provides additional support for soft seating such as couches and reclining chairs, for one of the best chair pad options.
- Ventilated airflow
- Fits a range of seat styles
- Removable cover
- Lacks ergonomic design
While most people think that a memory foam seat cushion can only be used with hard seating, that’s not the case. For some people, soft seating can pose a risk in terms of not being able to easily get up after sitting for long periods. In this case, a supportive memory foam seat cushion that doesn’t go flat can give you those extra inches of height that you need to easily get out of a soft seat like a couch or plush chair.
We think the Milliard Memory Foam Seat Cushion Chair Pad is the best chair pad for this problem. Because it lacks the u-shaped ergonomic design, it’s not as competitive as most of the other options in our guide. But if you simply need a basic cushion that won’t go flat but will keep you comfortable no matter where you’re sitting, this is a worthy option. And of course, you get a ventilated mesh cover with a non-slip grip that can be removed and machine washed. Your office may also need the best paper shredders for your documents.
How We Decided
Comfort memory foam seat cushions are an important option if you sit for long hours or extended periods of time whether in a hard or soft-sided chair. But depending on your budget and the features that are most important to you, it can be hard to find the perfect seat cushion. To create our guide, we prioritized the following features — ergonomic support, durability, breathability, materials, and price. If you’re looking for a seat cushion that is size specific, take a look at the best cushion covers 20×20.
You’ll see from our guide that there isn’t a wide price variation between our recommendations. But if you’re being frugal, opt for our Best Budget nomination. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles like most of our other picks, it offers the core features such as back support and comfort that make a comfort memory foam seat cushion functional and essential.
All of the picks in our roundup feature a removable fabric cover which is machine washable. So on that count, all of them are durable. But if you’re specifically focused on a feature like breathability, then you’ll want to focus on our Top Pick/Best Quality, and our #5 pick. Both of these are the only ones that specifically feature memory foam with gel ventilation properties. In contrast, all of the remaining options only feature a breathable mesh cover.
And finally, ergonomic design is important if you’re trying to prevent unnecessary pressure on your back and spine. Except for our #5 and #6 recommendations, the rest of our picks feature the essential u-shaped design.
If you’re someone who enjoys long drives, either recreationally or for work, you might want to consider purchasing a car seat cushion that offers your body extra support while driving.
Best Memory Foam Seat Cushion Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- Ergonomic Support
Traditional hard chairs and even most standard seat cushions don’t provide much support and in some cases can put pressure on your spine. A good memory seat foam cushion should give your back proper support while also being firm. Specifically, avoid any cushions that might put pressure on your tailbone or coccyx. Memory foam seat cushions with a notch or cutout in the back can help to reduce pressure points on your back. Also, consider lumbar support pillow designs that mold to the shape of your hips and buttocks. Some ergonomic seat cushions have a carrying handle for portability plus adjustable straps to prevent them from sliding around the seat. But, if you have your heart set on an office chair, you’ll want to know how to choose the best office chair cushion with back support. - Durability
Realistically, you’ll probably use a memory foam seat cushion frequently. So you want to avoid cushions that go flat within a month.- Choose a seat cushion that will fit your body type and support your proper posture, as well as evenly distribute your body weight.
- High-quality materials that are designed to hold their shape over time and a non-slip fabric cover that protects the filling are key features you should prioritize. Moreover, if you’re using a standing desk chair, you don’t want it to wear out too quickly.
- Breathability
Since you’ll probably be sitting on a memory foam seat cushion for extended periods, look for ones that offer breathability. Popular options include a cooling gel insert or a honeycomb design to help vent excess heat. - Materials
Since you don’t want to find yourself frequently replacing your seat cushion, focus on materials that are designed to stand up to frequent use. For the cushion cover, opt for fabric because it can be easily removed and is machine washable.
