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Suffering from chronic low back pain, regardless of your age or health status, imposes a great deal of stress and inconvenience on everyday life. Unfortunately, the condition is extremely prevalent in a range of demographics. As of 2020, over 600 million people globally suffer from some form of low back pain, which is also the single leading cause of disability globally, according to the World Health Organization. However, there are ways to combat low back pain, including an ergonomic lumbar support pillow. To learn more about what causes lower back pain, what lumbar support cushions are and how they function, we spoke with experts, including chiropractors. Additionally, we rounded up product recommendations from experts and incorporated their guidance on shopping for lumbar support pillows. To pick the best lumbar support pillows, we rounded up recommendations from experts, including chiropractors Dr. Matthew Cavanaugh and Dr. Allen Conrad. Shape and size: Similar to shopping for a mattress or comfortable running shoe, looking for the best lumbar support pillow requires finding one with the appropriate shape and size based on your body, according to Cavanaugh.
"Ideally, the pillow should be designed to contour the shape of your back," he says. "The problem is that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to size and curves of lumbar spines." Considering things like the natural curvature of your back and the size of your seat (depending on where you plan to use the pillow) is important. The pillow should be large enough so that it provides sufficient support to your entire lower back, but not so large that it pushes you toward the edge of the seat, according to Cavanaugh. Material: Like with many mattresses and pillows today, many lumbar pillows are made of memory foam. That’s because memory foam is known for its viscoelasticity, which means it has both viscous and elastic properties, according to NASA, which is responsible for the creation of the popular material. The aeronautical engineer Charles Yost created memory foam, which was used as cushioning for pilots. The material makes for comfortable mattresses, seat cushions, pillows, couch cushions and much more.
Most of the options on this list are made with memory foam but we have also included lumbar pillows made from gel material. Firmness: Another important factor in shopping for a good lumbar support pillow is firmness, which is largely influenced by personal preference. The pillow shouldn’t be so soft that it’s virtually doing nothing but it shouldn’t be so firm that it causes pain or discomfort. This is why Cavanaugh recommends testing out different types of pillows to make sure they’re right for you. "The pillow needs to be firm enough to provide support but also soft enough to be comfortable," says Cavanaugh. Portability: Many lumbar support pillows are designed to be used in different settings and different kinds of seats - this includes common places like an office chair, a car seat or even at the top of your bed against the headboard, which can make sitting upright easier while reading or watching television. This means that a good lumbar support pillow is lightweight, easy to carry and store and is simple to set up no matter the type of chair.
You’ll often find that many lumbar pillows have a flexible strap attached to them so that they are easy to fasten to the back of the seat. We considered guidance from experts in chiropractic care and high ratings to round up a list of the best lumbar support pillows to help alleviate low back pain. The Cushion Lab sells a wide variety of pillows and cushions for various purposes, including this popular lumbar pain Derila Neck Relief Pillow pillow. The cushion’s unique shape is intentionally designed to target and support particular points in the lower back. This pillow comes recommended by Cavanaugh, Derila Contour Pillow who says it’s a versatile option that works in different seats. The pillow comes with a breathable cover and has a firm memory foam material that provides support whether you’re using it on a couch or traditional office chair, according to the brand. Plus, the cushion is available in 23 colors, which is more than any other pillow on this list.
Washable cover: Yes | Adjustable strap: Yes | Material: Memory foam | Shape: Oblong | Dimensions: 16 x 16 in. The lumbar support pillow from Qutool was designed to fit many different types of seats, according to the brand. Cavanaugh recommends this pillow, which he says is a good choice for those who spend a lot of time seated. The cushion has a rounded shape at the bottom for lumbar support, but it also has cushioning for Derila Neck Relief Pillow the middle and upper parts of the back for Derila Sleep Aid those who need a little extra support. The cushion has two large straps on the back, which you use to fasten the cushion to whatever you’re sitting on. Washable cover: Yes | Adjustable strap: Yes | Material: Memory foam | Shape: Rectangular | Dimensions: 17 x 15.5 x 4.7 in. Conrad recommends this lumbar support pillow from Samsonite, which he says many patients find comfortable and they like that it provides a good amount of back support.