Life with Chronic Conditions: A cushie (cushion) for your tushie

This past week I found myself complaining about my car seat cushion. It’s a bit of a hot mess and not very comfortable. Given that when you live in VT driving for long stretches is more the norm than the exception, Figuring it’s time for an upgrade, that sent me on a quest to learn more about cushions and sitting in general.

 

No surprise that how we sit, for how long and on what makes a difference. Things to consider:

 

• How much time are you sitting? Try the Sitting Time Calculator.If you find you are sitting too much, check out an older post Take a Stand for Better Health.

 

• Gel cushions over foam: A study of occupational drivers found that cushions definitely improve comfort, relieve pressure, posture as well as reduce chronic lower back pain (LBP) with gel cushions being significantly more helpful than foam. Effect of gel seat cushion on chronic low back pain in occupational drivers.

 

• A note about gel cushions: These aren’t all alike and I learned the hard way they can freeze in the winter if you get a gel that is liquid based. Consider the visco-elastic gel, such as ULTRAGEL

 

• Lumbar support pillow with cut out: According to a 2013 study, A lumbar support pillow with a cut-out for the posterior pelvic tissues improved an objective measure of comfort in healthy individuals and patients with low back pain.

 

• Spinal alignment cushion: Results of a randomized controlled study suggest that use of targeted treatments such as a spinal alignment cushion, for symptoms at night can provide significant improvements for individuals with LBP with high levels of treatment satisfaction and adherence.

 

• Body Pillows: Yea I know these aren’t for sitting, but an added bonus. These can be helpful for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, pregnancy, sleep apnea, or recovering from surgery.

 

• Order from a reputable company with a return policy: Before Covid, it was possible to go to places like Brookstone’s and do the “hiney” test. That’s not as easy now so be sure to order from a company that has a good return policy.

 

•  Ask around: If you are fortunate to have a good medical supplies area at your local pharmacy, staff can often help guide you to purchasing the right product for you.

-       Some physical therapists, chiropractors will stock cushions they prefer clients use. However, check the price before buying products from a practice. I know some therapists that sell for the price they pay while other places have a markup.

-       Asking friends what they like can also be helpful

 

• Size, Portability, Material, Cleaning: Choose the largest cushion size consistent with seat size and your body size. If you are going to be frequently moving the cushion-from the car, to office, home, stadium etc. consider getting a cushion with a handle. Because life is messy, look for covers that are spill proof and can be easily cleaned.

 

• Ventilated & Stable: For extended sitting, such as sitting at a desk all day, look for ventilated knit fabrics. Make sure that the seat feels stable and you don’t feel like you’re about to slide off.

 

• Thickness: A thick cushion may be perfect for a wheel chair but impractical for other uses. Car seats should have about ½ inch to 1 ½ inches thickness. Anything more than that it’s going to interfere with driving. This is also true for office chairs-to thick and your feet won’t sit properly on the ground.

 

• Seats for Wheel Chairs: Check out How to Choose a Wheelchair Cushion  Also talk to Occupational and Physical therapists. The vendor halls at conferences are a great way to check out the latest in wheelchair cushions.

 

• Pricing: If it sounds like an unusually low or high price, it probably is. Do your homework to find the seat that’s right for you and keep in mind there is no one cushion that’s right for everyone.