Best Car Seat Cushion for Long Drives

There are three groups of people when it comes to road trips—those who love to hang out in the passenger and backseat to enjoy the view, those who can’t wait to get behind the wheel and those who want to stay as far away from long trips as possible. Chances are high that if you’re looking at this post about the best car seat cushion for long drives, you fall into the first two groups. But maybe if you’re in the third group, it’s because you have not found the best car seat comfort cushions to make you comfortable during your commute.

Granted, there are health concerns with being a long-term commuter, including obesity, feeling psychologically distressed, sleeping poorly and being less likely to get eight hours of sleep. But feeling comfortable during the ride, exploring new places, meeting new people and de-stressing away from your workplace are all reasons why road trippers thrive. While these recommendations for the best seat cushion can’t promise you won’t deal with an occasional road rage driver or traffic jam, it will help you find ways to have a more comfortable ride.

Best Car Seat Cushion for Long Drives

1. COMFIER Heated Car Seat Cushion

Even if you enjoy road trips, the cold weather can make it particularly undesirable to come outside. However, this heated seat cushion can keep you cozy even when the weather outside is freezing. Plug in the 12V automotive cigarette lighter and enjoy.

Key Features

• 74 inches x 17.32 inches x 20 inches
• One to three minutes for instant heating
• 12V automotive cigarette lighter (flexible, detachable lines)

The black, elastic straps slide over most car seats and securely keep the back of the seat cushion in place. Additional straps and hooks (included) keep the non-slip, silicone interior bottom cushion secure from underneath the seat.

In addition to potentially being the best car seat cushion for back pain, the heat helps to maintain metabolism and steady blood circulation. The soothing warmth (in high or low settings) may also help relief for muscle soreness, back pain and sore joints.

Cons

• May drain car batteries that don’t auto-shut
• Be careful not to tangle wires in seat belts

Universally designed to fit most standard 12V cars, trucks, SUVs and RV seats (in addition to office chairs), these heated seat covers warm up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and have been tested for flammability. The safe UL wiring reportedly does not burn on the skin. But if one person wants more heat than the other, there are adjustable temperature control modes for the two-in-one controller to adjust for individual comfort. And if neither of you want to use heated seats, just turn it off altogether.

2. Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support

The ergonomic car seat cushions are designed for comfort and to relieve pain. While proper posture should be a priority regardless, people with back issues should be especially concerned with putting extra pressure on their coccyx (tailbones). The FORTEM lumbar support pillow has lower back support in mind. And because the two are separate, they can be adjusted for size and height.

Key Features

• 5 inches x 13.5 inches x 3 inches
• Non-skid bottom on seat cushion
• Strap for support pillow to fit on larger seats

These 100 percent, premium-quality, thick memory foam car seats have velour, mesh covers that are both fashionable for your car and comfortable to lean on. The support pillow helps to hold up your lower back’s natural curve; stop you from slouching; and prevents pressure on the tailbone, spine, hips and thighs.

The U-shaped design with a cut-out relieves pressure, and is ideal for passengers with sore backs, inflammed hemorrhoids, a herniated disc, tailbone injuries and sciatica nerve damage. The shape of the cushion also may be particularly helpful for pregnant women and wheelchair riders.

Cons

• One-year warranty is only honored if purchased from the FORTEM store
• Several users complained that dye stained their car seats
• Reviewers reported back support to be sufficient but seat cushion is flat within minutes

If/when you clean/vacuum your car interior, remember to take off the 3D ventilated mesh cover and wash with your next load. Cool enough to avoid excess body heat and is easy to clean off when need be, these seat cushions are compatible with cars, vans, trucks and SUVs. Use the carrying handle to transport to multiple vehicles. And if your next vacation is on a train, bus or plane, you can use this cushion to prevent discomfort too. Just make sure the flight attendant is OK with the cushion once the seat belt click signs are on. If this ergonomic seat cushion does not meet your needs, there is a one-year warranty.

3. Large Seat Cushion

The Global Coalition of Aging reports that traveling “challenges the brain with new and different experiences and environments.” Besides the networking opportunities and promoting brain health, it’s a way to enjoy the spontaneous and optimistic side of your personality. But that still leaves physical health issues that must be conquered. Without quality, comfortable seats, prolonged seating can result in back pain, horrible posture and numb buttocks.

Key Features

• 19 inches x 17.5 inches x 3.5 inches
• Carry handle for portability
• Machine-washable mesh cover

With air circulation and breathability, this durable seat cushion should stay cooler on long rides. With a two-layer foam system, the cushion reportedly will never permanently flatten down. The anti-slip bottom should also stay in place.

The cushion is intended for large seating. (Car seats are guesstimated to be about 18 inches, but the “large” size depends heavily on the car make and model.) If/when the mesh cover needs to be cleaned, simply unzip it and wash in cold water. The cover can also go in an electric dryer.

Cons

• Various seat cushion reviewers complained that material was itchy on bare legs

While this seat is intended for cars, SUVs and trucks, it can also come in handy as a kneeling pad cushion for yoga classes and make those hard benches at sporting events a little easier on the butt and back.

4. Big Ant Car Seat Cushion

Fire resistant, waterproof, anti-scratch and easy to clean, this car seat cushion is ideal for families with busy children. If the inside of your car screams “I have kids,” these are the best car seat comfort cushions for you.

Key Features

• 06 inches x 25.39 inches
• Four-seasons design protects against dirt, scratches, indentations, wearing
• Non-slip, rubber-soled cover

This durable seat, which is available in black or grey, stays in place with the help of two plastic chucks (for the back of the seat), two metal hooks (for the hitch underneath the seat) and elastic (for adjusting). Its heavy material makes it sturdy to sit on. And with heat-insulated cloth, it is ideally comfortable on the hips.

Cons

• Car seat cushions (6.5 inches) may not cover all smartphones, wallets or larger items
• If inserting smartphone in pocket, make sure auto-lock/auto-off buttons are on

The two pockets on the front of the seat cushion won’t get much use if someone is sitting in the seat. However, if you’re riding solo (or with kids in the back), you can use the two pockets to keep thinner items in an upright position. Avoid adding anything in the pockets of these seat cushions that you will need regular access to.

5. Car Seat Cushion with Strap

Road trip riders who spoke to Skift described their travels with affiliations to “freedom,” “flexibility” and “lure of the open road.” Seventy-five percent of road trippers believed interacting with different cultures as a motivation to travel. And in hopes of becoming more clever while traveling, consider this Clever Yellow car seat cushion. 

Key Features

• 18 inches x 16 inches x 15 inches
• Orthopedic wedge tilts pelvis
• Ergonomic coccyx cutout for reducing tailbone pain and sciatica

Made from ventilated, breathable mesh material, don’t be alarmed to see this memory foam pad folded up. This is reportedly on purpose and will flatten per usual to its 3-inch x 2-inch heightened pressure during its first use.

The goal is to improve posture with the help of the U-shaped wedge tilt without making sitting awkward. The adjustable strap (included) has a buckle to help the seat avoid shifting around inc ars and trucks.

Cons

• Strong scent from foam that will eventually go away (estimated 48 hours)
• Gray cover not ideal for ${a9db9590-a092-1b09-3149-0ce830e18159} washer

If the seat is stained or needs to be washed, simply remove the gray cover and wash by hand. You have the option of storing the cushion into the carry bag until next use.

6. Car Seat Cushion

Specifically designed for drivers, this seat cushion wedge is designed with the help of a board-certified physical therapist and a family-owned and operated business (Desk Jockey).

Key Features

• 13 inches x 14 inches x 3 inches
• Cut-out for tailbone pressure relief
• Removable, washable cover

Shaped into a contoured auto seat pad, this cushion set includes a storage and travel bag. The non-slip grip bottom keeps the seat cushion in place. The premium therapeutic grade material is intended to correct posture, elevate height and ensure driving comfort. It may take patience to allow the cushions to contour to each body shape.

Cons

• Various car seat cushion reviewers complain it’s too firm
• Car seat cushion may be awkward for first-time users
• Will not have a snug fit for rounded car seats

Considering the massive amount of people who state that the car seat cushion is too firm, it is highly recommended to test this seat immediately after ordering online to confirm it is what you need for your car. Or, purchase in person.

7. CYLEN -Memory Foam Bamboo

The creators of this seat cushion are designed with quality comfort and pain relief in mind. And it’s not your imagination that bamboo is picking up in popularity. In 2012, it was estimated to be a $25 billion market—and in an eco-friendly world, popularity in the bamboo industry continues.

Key Features

• 7 inches x 13.7 inches x 3.1 inches
• Bamboo charcoal infused
• Invisible zipper

Bamboo is soft and durable, with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties, so this bamboo charcoal infusion is included to provide ventilation and help reduce rising temperatures. The newly modified, non-slip cover is designed with improved airflow, and it has a breathable inner liner.

Cons

• Various car seat cushion reviewers complain it’s too hard

In the first 60 days, if this seat cushion is not to your liking, you can return it hassle-free. Additionally, it has a five-year warranty—long enough to confirm whether this ultra-soft cover and seat are ideal for lower-back cushioning and to relieve pressure from your tailbone and lower back.

8. AIMBAN Seat cushion

For leather lovers, the nuburino leather front looks like the real thing. While style is clearly important with this air cushion, the U-shape is intended to help with posture and comfort.

Key Features

• 8 inches x 19.5 inches x 1.57 inches
• Available in black, brown, brick, sand
• Double-stitched, buttoned style

The two squared hooks with elastic bands provide minimal movement from the fabric back when sitting in a car or getting out of a car. The cushion, which is made of high-density, low-viscoelasticity urenthane foam, can also be used on office chairs and anywhere else.

Cons

• Unlike leather from animals, artificial leather may tear more easily

For added value, each seat cushion is handmade one by one.

9. SET: Cool Gel Memory Foam Seat Cushion

This three-piece set with cooling gel has an outdoor cover that comes in handy for the rock hard texture of sports stadium seats and/or uncomfortable car seats.

Key Features

• 6 inches x 16.1 inches x 6.6 inches
• Rainproof cover
• 100 percent memory foam

Ideal for spinal cushion while sitting in your car, this is a go-to for sitting comfortably in spite of hip injuries, sciatica, back pain, herniated discs, tailbone injuries, hemorrhoid pain relief and pregnancy pains.

Lumbar support cushion is intended to be comfortable to sit on without flattening its shapes. Use the handle to carry this cushion out of your car to your office, kitchen chairs, desk chairs and more.

Cons

• Strong scent from foam that will eventually go away (estimated 48 hours)

With heat disbursement gel inside, this breathable mesh seat is also intended to make sure the seat is comfortable after long stretches of time.

 10. Back Support Seat Cushion Set

The ergonomic design intends to support your legs, back and rear end. With lumbar support, this cushion is made to support healthy posture.

Key Features

• 14 inches x 17.5 inches x 6.5 inches
• Removable velour cover
• Medium-density memory foam

With anti-slip bottom beads and straps, a durable zipper, high-quality buckles and durable stitching, this cushion set intends to be best friends with your entire body. The pillow’s soft exterior ideally helps you snuggle into the seat, regardless of any physical ailments.

Cons

• Back buckle may slide down the seat

Machine washable and lightweight, this cushion is as easy to carry as it is to clean. And even with its posture perks and comfort, if this seat still isn’t for you, it has a lifetime warranty.

11. Kool Kooshion Microsuede Full Seat Cushion

Depending on the color of your car, these two-stoned styled cushion seats can add major flavor to your car. However, this cushion isn’t just meant to compliment your car. Kool Kooshion has been making seat cushion brands for a full century (since 1919).

Key Features

• 6 inches x 18.5 inches x 0.79 inches
• Faux leather or microsuede
• Blay with (middle) grey, Beige with (middle) tan

Made up of 100 percent polyurethane foam, this breathable, ventilated inner-cushion design is intended to help relieve pain and be comfortable too. With a microsuede outer covering that is 100 percent polyester, this material has a flexible fit that includes an elastic strap to keep the cushion in place.

Cons

• Countless reviewers confirmed that the seat does not stay in one place
• Straps may be too short for some car seats

While there are many brands that have created car seat cushions, to purchase one from one of the front-runners is pretty special. This Memphis-based company has been through enough trial-and-errors to clearly be passionate about making sure their cushions work.

12. Wedge Cushion with Strap

No more slouching with this car seat cushion. This seat improves driving vision on the road and spinal alignment while you’re on the road. And the cut of it gives the tailbone area the chance to “float” in the seat.

Key Features

• 14 inches x 14 inches x 3 inches
• Coccyx cut-out cushion design
• EZ Snap elastic straps attached to wedge pillow

The cushion’s design is intended to alleviate pain from sciata and the tailbone, and pressure from long sitting. With adjustable seat straps, the goal is to keep this cushion in place when climbing in and leaving your vehicle.

The ergonomic memory foam not only improves posture but is also a height booster in the car seat.  If/when it needs to be cleaned, the soft, velour cover can be washed in an electric washer.

Cons

• Foam may need to be adjusted to reset pressure points on legs and rear areas

In addition to the no-hassle return, this car seat cushion includes a free e-book for tips to alleviate back pain.

13. Kenley Car Gel Seat Cushion Memory Foam

With orthopedic gel cushion for your car seat (and many other places), this gel memory foam can improve the comfort of hard seats and provide a cooling effect from the gel memory foam pad inside of the seat cushioning.

Key Features

• 17 inches x 15 inches x 1.5 inches
• Gel pad to lower pressure
• Sealed with a double seam to prevent leakage

Unlike other auto cushions with traditional foam that may flatten down over time, the gel pad doesn’t lose its shape. By leaning your spine firmly against the chair, and hips and rear end settled into the gel, this will help to distribute your weight. The rubber anti-slip bottom keeps the seat in place when rising and sitting.

Cons

• A few users dealt with gel leakage within a few weeks

Whether this cushion is meant for you or as a gift for someone else (it comes in a fancy box), it can be carried by handle from the car to any other location, too.

14. ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion

With a name like “ComfiLife” printed right on the cushion, there’s a lot of pressure on the manufacturers to make sure that this premium high-density memory foam has noticeable comfort. ComfiLife also promises to be a stress reliever, energy booster and relief for back pain.

Key Features

• 6 inches x 13.8 inches x 2.8 inches
• Built-in handle
• Machine washable, zippered velour cover

The non-slip rubber bottom keeps the cushion in place. With gel memory foam, the inner material is designed to provide cooling comfort for your tailbone and back. And unlike traditional foam, the shape can easily change depending on who sits on it. (With traditional foam that is not of good quality, it may take longer times—or not at all—to reshape to fit each body.)

Ergonomically designed for maximum support, this may be an ideal cushion for those with spinal issues, pregnancy pain, tailbone injuries, back problems and more.

Cons

• Several users thought the gel seat was too hard

If this car seat cushion does not meet your expectations, there is a money-back guarantee. But before you get the idea to return it, take advantage of its portability with the built-in handle. Use it in your office, chair, plane seat and anywhere else where you may find yourself having physical problems while sitting.

15. Purple Simply Seat Cushion

This hyper-elastic polymer seat cushion may look like a strange toy, but it is intended to relieve the same back, leg, hip and rear problems as all the other seat cushions for long drives.

Key Features

• 18 inches x 16 inches x 1.25 inches
• Carry-on handle
• Feature 3

The royal purple cushion has a polyester design that evenly distributes columns for back and spine support. Best of all, it does so without putting unnecessary pressure on your hips and rear end. The seat technology comes in mulitiple designs, including Back, Double, Everywhere, Ultimate and Portable. All shaped differently with innovative science and technology to back up each car seat cushion’s focus area, the other cushion pads can be washed in cold water. Tumble dry on low heat. The Purple cushion specifically should be washed with warm water and mild detergent.

Cons

• Do not put in electric dryer

If you’re worried about a hot seat after long travel, no worries with this pad. The Simply perfect cushion has built-in, free flowing air channels to keep temperature neutral for short and long rides.

Bottom Line

Just as every piece of furniture isn’t ideal for every household, every car seat cushion won’t be ideal for every person’s body. If you’ve read reviews for these items and it gives you memories of Goldilocks, that’s not by accident. Where one person may find the best car seat cushion to be “too hard” and another think it’s “flat as a panckake,” quite a bit of that depends on each person’s individual physical concerns, weight, height, car and multiple other factors.

You may want to check around in stores before ordering online. Whether you’d like to test lumbar support chairs, memory foam, artificial leather or other common features found in chair cushions, first, find what works best for your body type.

Second, make sure that the chair cushion dimensions comfortably fit on your seats. Flat-back cushion chairs won’t work well with rounded seats.

Third, light-colored seats may not be ideal for heavily dyed cushion chairs. It is much easier (and cheaper) to replace a chair cushion versus damage to a passenger’s seat or driver’s seat.

And finally, make sure that the seat cushion focuses on your problem areas. If posture is not a problem for you but leg support is, confirm before purchase whether its design supports certain parts of your body.

With these suggested steps above (and 15 recommended items), hopefully you can find a cushion that will make you want to be a road warrior.