The Best Chair Pad

Whether shopping for a seat cushion to resolve back pain or need one for comfort while using a wheelchair, there is quite a variety to choose from. Chair pads are known to decrease back pain, help with chronic fatigue in the office and even help with posture. In addition, chair pads are made to provide pressure management, increased sitting stability, comfort and positioning. Many factors will contribute to your decision on the best chair pad for you.

When shopping for chair pads, think about the way you use your chair and what sort of issues you have to accommodate. There are three main types of chair pads: foam, gel and air. Depending on your needs, there will be a specific type that will help you most.

For a low-pressure option, a foam cushion would be the best choice. Foam chair pads offer sufficient stability with low density. The Sweet Home Collection Memory Foam Chair Cushion is a simple product with low density. Some foam cushions feature contoured bases with a few layers that will help with pressure. They’re also lightweight and can easily be found at an affordable price, You’ll find these features in the ComfiLife Premium Comfort Seat Cushion, which can help relieve back pain and sciatica. This type of chair pad is not meant for top-notch pressure relief or if you require special positioning in your chair.

Gel is another type of chair pad that could offer you relief and comfort. Consumers will find excellent pressure relief from gel cushions, in addition to great positioning. The stability is unbeatable, and they are very low-maintenance products. This ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion is an excellent choice with orthopedic gel inside. These cushions are typically more expensive than foam chair pads. They are also a bit heavier, but the weight is what gives them their excellent pressure relief and stability.

If you need something that is adjustable or accommodating to your chair needs, an air chair pad could be the product for you. With adjustable air pressure, you can play around with the amount of air in the chair pad until it feels just right for your pain level. Air chair pads are not ideal if you are looking for low-maintenance products. They also usually come at a higher price.

When you have a lower back issue, you will really want to purchase a chair pad that has what is called a coccyx cutout. The cutout allows for pressure to be focused on either side of your spine versus on your spine. The cutout is placed towards the back of the chair, and the front of the pad is contoured to your legs so you will be extremely comfortable. The ComfiLife Gel and Premium Comfort cushions both feature the coccyx cutout for any consumers searching for a great chair pad for lower back pain.

With any chair pads, you will want a protective, waterproof pad in the case of any spills or accidents. You will find a variety of covers and cases for your cushions. Some are entire cases that zipper over your pad, and others are just pads that sit on top of your cushion. The Americare Absorbent Washable Waterproof Seat Protector Pads are excellent for any chairs measuring around 21 inches by 22 inches. It comes in several colors and works on most chairs from car seats and airplane seats to wheelchairs and scooters. You’ll want to make sure whatever cover you get is the right size for the chair you’ll be using it on, so be sure to always check the measurements.

• Before you buy a chair pad, check the warranty. If there is a money-back guarantee or a warranty that covers the first year or two, you can feel better about spending the money.
• Something that many overlook when buying a chair pad is the amount of height added to your seat when placing a pad on top of it. Be sure to measure, and make sure you still have space to sit under a table or in any tight spaces.
• Try to find a chair pad that comes with a waterproof cover or case, so it can be removed and washed in the washing machine.
• If you choose an air chair pad, be sure to perform daily inflation tests before using it.
• Some manufacturers will note the lifespan of a chair pad. However, on average, even the best chair pads will offer optimum performance for about two or three years. They should be replaced when needed. If you fail to replace your chair pad when needed, it could worsen your back issues.