Piles, or hemorrhoids, are lumps inside and around the bottom. The NHS says they often get better on their own after a few days, and there are things you can do to treat and prevent them.[1] Sitting is the hard part, and a seat cushion is one thing people reach for.
This guide covers what the NHS and NIDDK recommend for piles, what a colorectal surgery practice says about donut cushions, how a cushion can help with tailbone pain, and twelve seat cushions to compare.
General information, not medical advice; see a doctor if piles get worse, keep coming back or bleed without pain.

Hemorrhoid cushion basics
- The NHS says piles often improve within a few days, and suggests ice packs wrapped in a towel, a warm bath, plenty of fluid and fibre, and paracetamol if they hurt. It says not to push too hard when you poo or spend longer than needed on the toilet.[1]
- NIDDK lists fiber, fluids, not straining, sitz baths and over-the-counter creams as the usual home treatments, and says to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve after one week of over-the-counter products.[2]
- Donut cushions often bring temporary relief from pain and itching, but one colorectal surgery practice says the ring shape cannot support the area properly and may make hemorrhoids worse, and prefers a soft, supportive surface.[3]
- For tailbone pain, the NHS suggests a specially designed coccyx cushion when sitting, and lying on your side to reduce pressure on the coccyx.[4]
- Ask for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111 for piles with a very high temperature, painless bleeding or pus.[1]
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonmedico Seat X-Large | Gel memory foam pillow | Gel memory foam | – | 19.7 x 14.1 x 4.3 in | Machine washable |
| 2 | DMI Seat Donut | Donut cushion | Foam | – | 18 x 13 x 3 in | Machine washable |
| 3 | Carex Inflatable Donut | Air (inflatable) pillow | Air (inflatable) | – | 15 in | – |
| 4 | DMI Seat Donut | Donut cushion | Foam | – | 16 x 13 x 3 in | Machine washable |
| 5 | Anzhixiu Concave U | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 18 x 18 x 4 in | – |
| 6 | 5 Stars United Donut Classic | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 17.7 x 14.2 in | – |
| 7 | DailyCuddles Donut Office | Gel memory foam pillow | Gel memory foam | – | 17.4 x 13.4 x 2.6 in | Machine washable |
| 8 | Royi Coccyx Wedge | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 18 x 14.5 x 5 in | Machine washable |
| 9 | AnboCare Donut Classic | Gel memory foam pillow | Gel memory foam | – | 16.3 x 13.2 in | – |
| 10 | BlissTrends Donut Seat | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | Cotton | 17.4 x 13.4 x 2.6 in | Machine washable |
| 11 | Ergonomic Innovations Donut Cushion | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | 17.5 x 13.8 x 2.8 in | Machine washable |
| 12 | CloudBliss Donut Chair | Seat cushion | Memory foam | – | 17.4 x 13.4 x 2.6 in | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
What Are Hemorrhoids?

The NHS says piles are lumps inside and around the bottom (anus). The symptoms include bright red blood after you poo, an itchy anus, a feeling that you still need to poo, mucus in the underwear, lumps around the anus and pain.[1] They can be as small as a pea or as large as a grape.[1]
NIDDK says you can usually treat hemorrhoids at home, with fiber, stool softeners or fiber supplements, plenty of liquids, no straining, not sitting on the toilet for long periods, over-the-counter pain relievers and sitz baths. Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without treatment.[2] Cushions are not on that list. They help with sitting comfort, not with the cause.
Do Donut Cushions Help or Hurt?
People use donut cushions because the center hole keeps pressure off the swollen area. A colorectal surgery practice says that the ring-shaped cushion often brings some temporary relief from pain and itching, but that it may make hemorrhoids worse, because the shape does not support the tissue around the hole. It recommends sitting back on a soft but supportive surface and says a sitz bath or an ice pack can give the same relief.[3] We found no larger studies on donut cushions for hemorrhoids, so treat them as a comfort aid and stop using one if it makes things worse.
If your pain is mainly in the tailbone, the picture is different. The NHS suggests a specially designed coccyx cushion when you sit and lying on your side to reduce pressure on the coccyx.[4] Cushions with a U-shaped cut-out at the back, such as the Bonmedico and Royi, are made for that use.
Features of a Good Seat Cushion

- Shape – Ring cushions have a center hole. U-shaped and wedge cushions have an open back for the tailbone. Pick by where your pain is.
- Firmness – Firm foam keeps its shape. A cushion that bottoms out stops relieving pressure.
- Cover – A removable, machine-washable cover is easy to keep clean, and a breathable one is cooler.
- Non-Slip Base – It keeps the cushion from sliding on the chair or car seat.
- Portability – Inflatable and lightweight foam cushions travel well.
- Sitting Time – The NHS and NIDDK both advise not spending longer than needed on the toilet.[1][2] Take breaks and stand up often when you sit at a desk.
How We Chose These Pillows
These picks come from desk research. We compared the makers’ public product information, the The web product pages and buyer feedback. We did not test the pillows ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Shape – Ring, U-shaped or wedge, and where the cut-out sits.
- Materials – Foam, gel or air, and the cover fabric.
- Size – Stated dimensions and weight limit.
- Care – Removable cover and washing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pillows for Hemorrhoids
- Does a donut pillow help hemorrhoids?
It can give temporary relief from pain and itching. One colorectal surgery practice says it may make hemorrhoids worse, because the ring shape does not support the tissue, and recommends sitting on a soft, supportive surface instead.[3] If a donut cushion makes things worse, stop using it. - What is the best cushion for tailbone pain?
The NHS suggests a specially designed coccyx cushion when sitting.[4] A U-shaped or wedge cushion with a cut-out at the back is made for that. - Can I use an inflatable cushion?
Yes, an inflatable cushion such as the Carex is easy to carry and you set the firmness yourself. Check that it holds air over a long sitting session. - When should I see a doctor about piles?
The NHS says to see a GP if piles are getting worse, do not improve after home treatment or keep coming back. Ask for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111 for painless bleeding, pus or a very high temperature.[1] - How long should I use hemorrhoid treatments?
NIDDK says doctors usually recommend using over-the-counter creams for one week, and to follow up with your doctor if the symptoms do not improve.[2]
Our Picks: Hemorrhoid Pillows and Cushions
Here are twelve seat cushions to compare. We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Bonmedico® Seat X-Large Gel Memory Foam Coccyx Seat Cushion
The Bonmedico Seat X-Large is a U-shaped gel memory foam seat cushion with a coccyx cut-out, and it measures 19.7 x 14.1 x 4.3 inches.
- The open back takes pressure off the tailbone instead of leaving a full center hole, so it suits tailbone pain more than a ring does.
- The base is non-slip, and the velour cover comes off and goes in the washing machine.
- It fits office chairs, car seats and wheelchairs.
2
DMI® Seat Donut Foam Donut Seat Cushion, 18 Inch
The DMI Seat Donut in the 18 inch size is a ring-shaped seat cushion of high-density foam that measures 18 x 13 x 3 inches.
- The hole in the middle takes pressure off the tailbone area and is also used after childbirth and for sciatica.
- The polyester and cotton cover is removable and machine washable. Air the cushion out for at least 24 hours before first use.
3
Carex® Inflatable Donut Inflatable Donut Cushion
The Carex Inflatable Donut is an inflatable rubber ring cushion, about 15 inches across, that you can deflate and carry in a bag.
- You blow it up to the firmness you like, so it works for trips and the car.
- It is made for tailbone pain, hemorrhoids and sciatica, and it also helps after surgery.
4
DMI® Seat Donut Foam Donut Seat Cushion, 16 Inch
The DMI Seat Donut in the 16 inch size is the smaller version of the same foam ring cushion, and it measures 16 x 13 x 3 inches.
- The high-density foam holds its shape after repeated use.
- The cover is polyester and cotton, and it is removable and machine washable.
5
Anzhixiu® Concave U Concave U Memory Foam Donut Cushion
The Anzhixiu Concave U is a memory foam seat cushion with a concave U-shaped surface, and it measures 18 x 18 x 4 inches.
- The U-shaped surface leaves space for the tailbone.
- The slow-rebound foam spreads your weight, and silicone dots on the base keep it in place.
- It is portable enough for an office chair, a car or a plane.
6
5 Stars United® Donut Classic Large Memory Foam Donut Seat Cushion
The 5 Stars United Donut Classic is a firm memory foam seat cushion with a center opening and two U-shaped cut-outs, and it measures 17.7 x 14.2 inches.
- You place one U-shaped cut-out toward the back of the seat to take pressure off the tailbone.
- The foam feels firm at first and softens as it warms to your body.
7
DailyCuddles® Donut Office Cooling Gel Memory Foam Donut Cushion
The DailyCuddles Donut Office is a large cooling gel memory foam cushion with a center hole and U-shaped cut-outs, and it measures 17.4 x 13.4 x 2.6 inches.
- The foam is infused with cooling gel, and the cover is breathable and has a zipper for washing.
- The base is non-slip, and the cushion fits dining chairs, office chairs, car seats and wheelchairs.
8
Royi® Coccyx Wedge Memory Foam Wedge Coccyx Cushion
The Royi Chair Classic is a memory foam wedge seat cushion with a coccyx cut-out, and it measures 18 x 14.5 x 5 inches.
- It is a wedge, not a ring, so it tilts the pelvis forward and keeps the tailbone off the seat.
- The non-slip base holds it in place, the velour cover goes in the washing machine, and a built-in handle makes it easy to carry.
9
AnboCare® Donut Classic Cooling Gel Memory Foam Donut Cushion
The AnboCare Donut Classic is a memory foam donut cushion with a cooling gel layer on top, and it measures 16.3 x 13.2 inches.
- The mesh cover is breathable and washable, and the base is non-slip.
- The foam is firm and supports up to 300 pounds, so it may not suit you if you prefer a soft seat.
10
BlissTrends® Donut Seat Memory Foam Donut Seat Cushion
The BlissTrends Donut Seat is a memory foam seat cushion with U-shaped cut-outs, and it measures 17.4 x 13.4 x 2.6 inches.
- The cover is breathable, with a zipper, and it is machine washable.
- It fits wheelchairs, office chairs, car seats and airplane seats.
11
Ergonomic Innovations® Donut Cushion Firm Memory Foam Donut Cushion
The Ergonomic Innovations Donut Cushion is a firm memory foam ring cushion with U-shaped cut-outs, and it measures 17.5 x 13.8 x 2.8 inches.
- The foam keeps its shape for users up to 240 pounds.
- The cover is removable and machine washable, and the base is non-slip.
12
CloudBliss® Donut Chair Memory Foam Donut Seat Cushion
The CloudBliss Donut Chair is a memory foam donut seat cushion with a U-shaped gap and a center hole, and it measures 17.4 x 13.4 x 2.6 inches.
- The cover is made of a breathable fabric.
- It is portable and fits wheelchairs, office chairs, airplane seats and car seats.
Index Table: Pillows for Hemorrhoids
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Piles (haemorrhoids). Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Treatment of Hemorrhoids. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates. Will sitting on a doughnut help or hurt hemorrhoids?. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Tailbone (coccyx) pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NHS and NIDDK guidance on piles, a colorectal surgery practice’s view of donut cushions and the NHS advice on tailbone pain, removed the unsourced ‘three out of four adults’, ‘nothing beats the donut cushion’ and posture claims and the unrelated FTC cite, rewrote all twelve product notes and corrected their Key Specs and added a disclaimer line, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced the Sources with four reviewed pages
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Lexia Tailbone Donut Pillow with Anzhixiu Concave U Pillow; Pillow Palace Orthopedic with DailyCuddles Donut Office Pillow; IVATA Inflatable Seat with CloudBliss Donut Chair Cushion
- Oct 2026: Removed Ziraki Donut Pillow, Dr. Flink Tailbone Pillow and PCP Ring Donut Pillow (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section, removed first-person testing claims
- Feb 2026: Added DMI Seat Donut Pillow, 5 Stars United Donut Classic Pillow and BlissTrends Donut Pillow
- Feb 2022: Added Bonmedico Seat X-Large Pillow
- Apr 2020: Added Ergonomic Innovations PT Endorsed Pillow, Ziraki Donut Pillow and IVATA Inflatable Seat
- Feb 2020: Added Dr. Flink Tailbone Pillow, PCP Ring Donut Pillow and Lexia Tailbone Donut Pillow
- Jul 2019: Added Royi Chair Classic Pillow and Pillow Palace Orthopedic
- Feb 2019: Published























