The Best Lumbar Support Pillow for 2023
Properly support your back to avoid excruciating pain later on.
The lumbar refers to the lower back of the spine. Many people become aware of the need for proper lumbar support when they begin to experience minor discomfort in their lower back. Poor posture and sitting for long periods can contribute to back pain.
That is because we tend to slouch forward when sitting, putting unnecessary pressure on the lower back. One way to alleviate that pressure is by using a lumbar support pillow. These pillows provide extra support for the lower back and can help improve your posture.
Several types of lumbar support pillows are on the market, so it can be hard to determine which one is right for you. However, a few things to remember when choosing a pillow are outlined below.
How We Picked
Firmness
You want a firm pillow that provides comfortable support. Firmness is determined by the density of the filling. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pillow about half as firm as a regular pillow.
Size and Shape
Lumbar support pillows come in various sizes and shapes. You will want to choose a size and shape that is comfortable for you and fits the space you plan to use it. Shapes help to target specific areas such as the lower, middle, or upper back.
Materials
Some materials are more breathable than others, which can be important if you sweat a lot. You will also want to consider whether you want a natural or synthetic material. Natural materials like wool or cotton may be more comfortable, while synthetic materials like polyester or memory foam are more supportive.
Cost-Effectiveness
As with anything, you will want to consider your budget when choosing a lumbar support pillow. Some pillows are more expensive, but that does not necessarily mean they are of better quality. You need to find a balance between price and quality that is right for you.
Our Top Picks
Best Pick
Everlasting Support Pillow
Perfectly contours the spine.
Alleviates pressure-reducing pain in your lower back.
It’s a breathable, hypoallergenic mesh cover to keep you cool and adjustable straps to keep it in position all day.
Runner Up
The lumbar pillow provides extra support hence comfortable sleep.
Most Cost-Effective
Samsonite Support Pillow
Portable convenience.
Made with memory foam and has a washable mesh fabric cover.
It’s lightweight and can be removed and installed elsewhere with a single strap.
Everything We Recommend
Who This Is For
Maintaining a healthy spine is important for people of all ages. However, certain activities or health conditions can put extra strain on the back. For example, pregnant women often experience back pain due to the added weight of the baby. People who sit for long periods (e.g., office workers) are also at risk for back pain.
Lumbar support pillows can help alleviate this pain by providing extra support for the lower back. Therefore, if you want to improve your spine health, this is for you.
What is a lumbar support pillow?
It is a type of pillow designed to provide extra support for the lower back. These pillows are usually firmer than regular ones and are available in various sizes and shapes. Some lumbar support pillows have special features, such as adjustable straps or removable covers.
Ergonomic pillows vs. lumbar support pillows
Ergonomic pillows are designed to support the head, neck, and shoulders. They are often used by people who have back pain or other conditions that cause discomfort in these areas.
On the other hand, lumbar support pillows are specifically designed to provide extra support for the lower back. Anyone can use these pillows, but they are especially beneficial for people with back pain or other conditions that cause discomfort in the lower back.
Why do you need a lumbar support pillow (even if you don’t have an injury!)
The pillows improve your posture and alleviate back pain. If you sit for long periods, a lumbar support pillow can also prevent future injuries by providing extra support for the lower back.
Health/Physical benefits of lumbar support pillows
Posture
Posture is how you hold your body when sitting, standing, or lying down. Poor posture strains the spine and can lead to back pain. Providing extra support for the lower back can help to improve your posture and alleviate back pain.
Sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. A lumbar support pillow can help improve your sleep by providing extra support for the lower back when lying down, improving sleep quality.
Relieving back pain
Back pains can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to perform everyday activities. Lumbar support pillows reduce stiffness in the lower back. That is because they provide extra support for the lower back, which takes the pressure off the spine, relieving the pain caused by such pressure.
Assistance after back injuries
After an injury, it is important to provide extra support for the area that is healing. Lumbar support pillows can speed healing by providing extra support for the lower back. This extra support helps to take pressure off the spine, allowing the injured area to heal properly.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have been researching and testing lumbar support pillows for a while. During that time, we consulted with experts in the field of spine health, including orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. We have also tested the pillows ourselves, both in the lab and in real-world scenarios. We have experience testing various products, including mattresses, chairs, and other ergonomic accessories.
How We Picked
Firmness
We evaluated the firmness of each pillow by compressibility. This measure tells how much force is required to compress the pillow by 50%. We also evaluated the firmness of each pillow by feeling it ourselves. We wanted a firm pillow to provide support but not so firm that it was uncomfortable.
Depth of arch/Curvature
The depth of the arch is the measure of how much the pillow curves inward. A deeper arch provides more support for the lower back, while a shallower arch is better for people with broader shoulders. We evaluated the depth of the arch by measuring it with a ruler. We also looked at each pillow from different angles to see how much support it offers.
Adjustability/Positioning
We tested how easy it was to adjust the pillow to different positions. We also evaluated how well the pillow stayed in place once it was adjusted. That, in return, gives the user different options to remain comfortable while using the pillow.
Size/Dimensions
Size is crucial for a lumbar support pillow because it needs to fit the contours of your body. We evaluated the size of each pillow by measuring it with a tape measure. We also looked at how the pillow would fit in different scenarios, such as on a chair or car seat.
Shape
The shape of the pillow is important for two reasons. First, it needs to fit the contours of your body. Second, the shape affects how well the pillow stays in place. We evaluated the shapes of the pillows by looking at them from different angles and feeling them ourselves.
Price vs. quality
We believe you don’t have to spend much money to get a good lumbar support pillow. We evaluated the price of each pillow by comparing it to the quality of materials and construction. We also examined how the price compared to similar products on the market and analyzed customer reviews to get a sense of value.
Breathability
Breathability is a feature that is often overlooked, but it is important for a lumbar support pillow. If a pillow is not breathable, it can trap heat and make you sweaty and uncomfortable. We evaluated the breathability of each pillow by feeling the fabric and looking for ventilation holes.
Prior research
We consulted with professionals and experts in the field of spine health, including orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. We also read research articles and customer reviews to understand what people are looking for in a lumbar support pillow.
That enabled us to come up with the best pillows with all the features that suit a broad group of people.
Materials
The material of the pillow is important for two reasons. Comfort and durability. Some of the materials reviewed were memory foam, latex foam, and sponge foam.
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that conforms to the shape of your body. It is often used in mattresses and pillows because it is soft and comfortable. Memory foam is also durable, which means it will last longer than other types of foam.
Latex foam is a type of natural rubber. It is soft and springy, which makes it comfortable. Latex foam is also durable and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew.
Sponge foam is a type of polyurethane foam that is soft and bouncy. It is not as durable as memory or latex foam, but it is more affordable.
Our Picks For You
Best Pick - Everlasting Support Pillow
Best Pick
Everlasting Support Pillow
Perfectly contours the spine.
Alleviates pressure-reducing pain in your lower back.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a lumbar pillow that is firm enough to provide support but not so firm that it is uncomfortable, then the Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow is the best pick for you.
Why It's Great
This pillow has a deep arch that provides more support for the lower back and a shallower arch that is better for people with broader shoulders.
Potential Flaw/s
The pillow molds to the contours of your body, thus providing adequate support to the lower back. It also has adjustable straps to keep it in place. However, it might be too large for petite and short persons and is available in limited colors.
Other Features
The pillow has an adjustable depth of arch to keep it in place, so you can customize the support it provides. The cover is made from 100% breathable cotton and is machine-washable. The pillow has a cover, an instruction manual, and a satisfaction guarantee. The pillow is easy to use. To adjust the arch's depth, remove the cover and adjust the filling. The dimensions are 13 x 4 x 12.5 inches, weighing about two pounds. The high density of memory foam filling supports the lower back and keeps the spine in alignment.
Its firmness level is medium, which means the pillow provides softness and comfort. The cover is made from 100% breathable cotton, which helps to keep you cool as the day is long.
Runner Up - Comfilife Memory Foam Pillow
Runner Up
Who It’s For
This pillow is great for people who have lower back pains in the early mornings and late nights but want to enjoy a comfortable sleep.
Why It’s Great
It has a wide, flat surface design to help it sit on the mattress and a built-in center arch to maintain a correct spine alignment during sleep.
Potential Flaw/s
However, it’s only available in one size and might be too small or too big for some people. It is also best suited for only those who sleep on their backs or side.
Other Features
It is ergonomically designed to support the lower back. It is made with premium quality memory foam which is breathable and machine washable. It’s also easy to use. Simply remove the pillow from the package, fluff it up, and place it behind your lower back while sleeping on your side or back.
The pillow is effective in supporting the lower back and spine during sleep. The memory foam retains its shape and doesn't go flat over time like other materials might. Due to its edge shape, you can use the pillow to elevate the knees, feet, or legs. That provides comfort during sleep and relieves pain in the lower body parts.
Most Cost-Effective - Samsonite Support Pillow
Most Cost-Effective
Samsonite Support Pillow
Portable convenience.
Made with memory foam and has a washable mesh fabric cover.
Who It’s For
The Samsonite Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow is best for people who want a cost-effective pillow that supports the lower back. It is portable and can be used at home, in the office, or while traveling. It is also lightweight and comes with a carrying handle.
Why It's Great
It is made of memory foam and is covered with a soft, washable velvety fabric. It has an ergonomic design to support your back and spine. This pillow has a single strap that goes around the back of the chair to keep it in place. It is lightweight and can be easily transported from one place to another.
Potential Flaw/s
The main drawback is that it’s not as supportive as other options and might not be suitable for people with severe back pains. It also comes in only one style.
Other Features
It provides support for the lower back and spine thanks to memory foam, which contours the body and releases tension where needed. The soft velvety fabric is comfortable to sit on and doesn't cause skin irritation.
Almost Made The Cut - Cushion Lab Lumbar Pillow
Almost Made The Cut
Who It’s For
Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow is best for people who want an extra dense pillow that supports the lower back on a couch.
Why It’s Great
A physical therapist designed the pillow to provide optimal back pain relief. The pillow is made from a proprietary type of memory foam. This ensures maximum rebounding. It also includes a durable polyester-rayon blend cover for multiple washes.
Potential Flaw/s
It's slightly expensive compared to other options. It’s also quite big and might not be suitable for people looking for a portable pillow.
Other Features
The quality of the pillow justifies the price. Considering how long most of us spend on the couches, these materials ensure the pillow doesn't disappoint.
This pillow's ergonomic shape allows it to sink into the cloud-like feel of the sofa. The result is the feeling of being hugged by a cloud, which takes all the tension away. It is extremely effective in relieving back pain.
The memory foam contours the body and provides support where needed. The dense foam ensures maximum comfort and doesn't go flat over time. The polyester-rayon blend cover is soft and doesn't cause any skin irritation.
Care and Maintenance
Most pillow covers can be removed and are machine-washable. However, it is always best to check the washing instructions on the pillow and cover to avoid any damage.
You should never wash the memory foam part of the pillow as it will lose its strength, shape, and comfort. If the cover is removable, you can spot-clean it with mild detergent.
After spot cleaning or washing the cover, let it air dry completely before putting it back on the pillow.
You can also vacuum the pillow to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated over time. Be sure to use a soft-bristled attachment to avoid damaging the memory foam. If the pillow is wet, you can air dry it by hanging it over a clothesline or placing it on a drying rack. Do not put the pillow in the dryer as it will damage the memory foam.
You can use mild detergent to spot-clean the pillow. Be sure to test the cleaner on a small pillow area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. After spot cleaning, let the pillow air dry completely.
Memory foam can yellow over time, but you can do a few things to prevent it. First, avoid exposing the pillow to direct sunlight as it will cause the memory foam to be yellow.
Second, don’t store the pillow in a humid environment as it will promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Finally, spot-clean the pillow regularly to remove any dirt or debris that might cause the foam to be yellow.
Further Reading and Similar Topics
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International Pillow Fight Day
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Tear the Tags Off The Mattress Day
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October 3, 2023
Back Care Awareness Week
Let’s raise awareness to help people manage their back pain and improve their lives!
