A pressure relief seat cushion takes load off the parts of your body that carry the most weight when you sit for a long time, such as the tailbone and the buttocks. People use them at a desk, in the car, in a wheelchair and after surgery or injury.
This guide covers what the NHS says about pressure ulcers and tailbone pain, the main types of cushion, what to check before you buy, and ten products to compare.
General information, not medical advice; talk to your doctor or care team if you or someone you care for is at risk of pressure sores.
Pressure relief cushion basics
- The NHS says pressure ulcers usually form on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and tailbone, and that people who have difficulty moving are more likely to get them.[1]
- The NHS names changing position regularly and using specially designed mattresses and cushions among the ways to lower the chance of a pressure ulcer.[1]
- For tailbone pain, the NHS suggests using a specially designed coccyx cushion when sitting, sitting with your lower back supported, and not sitting for a long time.[2]
- See a GP if you think you or someone you care for has a pressure ulcer. A cushion helps, but it does not replace changing position and checking the skin every day.[1]
- Two products here are not seat cushions: the Cozyplayer is a neck pillow and the Ziraki is an arm rest pillow.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | – | – |
| 2 | Avlio Socket Seat | Seat cushion | Memory foam | 14.5 x 18.5 in | Machine washable |
| 3 | Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam | Seat cushion | Memory foam | 17.5 x 14 x 2.8 in | Machine washable |
| 4 | C Cushion Lab Patented Pressure | Seat cushion | Memory foam | 18 x 15.5 in | – |
| 5 | Ziraki Arm Rest | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | 11.3 x 7.3 x 3 in | – |
| 6 | DMI Egg Crate | Pillow | Foam | Full | Spot clean |
| 7 | M Pain Management Wheelchair | Pillow | Foam | 17 x 17 x 4 in | – |
| 8 | Pillow Arcade Orthopedic | Seat cushion | Memory foam | – | Machine washable |
| 9 | ComfiLife Gel Seat Cushion | Seat cushion | Gel memory foam | 17.5 x 13.8 in | Removable cover, machine washable |
| 10 | Ergonomic Innovations Donut | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | 18.5 x 15 in | Machine washable |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Who Needs a Pressure Relief Seat Cushion?
The NHS says pressure ulcers (pressure sores or bed sores) are areas of damage to your skin and the tissue underneath, and that you have a higher chance of getting them if you have difficulty moving.[1] They are caused by something putting pressure on or rubbing your skin, and they usually form on bony parts of the body such as the heels, elbows, hips and tailbone.[1]
The NHS says you are also more likely to get one if you have had one before, have been seriously ill or recently had surgery, are underweight, have swollen, sweaty or fragile skin, or have problems feeling sensation or pain.[1] People who use a wheelchair or spend long periods in bed or a chair are in these groups, and ask a GP for a risk assessment if you are cared for at home and think you are at risk.[1]
Types of Pressure Relief Cushion
- Seat Cushions – These take pressure off the tailbone and the buttocks, and they are used on office chairs, car seats and wheelchairs. The NHS suggests a specially designed coccyx cushion for tailbone pain.[2]
- Neck and Lumbar Cushions – These support the neck or the lower back when you sit or lie down.
- Wheelchair Cushions – These are made for wheelchair users, and they range from foam to air-filled and alternating pressure cushions.
- Foam Types – Memory foam molds slowly to your shape, gel foam is meant to stay cooler, and egg crate foam has a sculpted surface.
- Air Cushions – Inflatable and alternating pressure cushions let you change the firmness, and a powered alternating cushion such as the M Pain Management runs on a rechargeable battery.
For someone at real risk of pressure sores, a care team will often advise a specific cushion. The NHS says to use specially designed mattresses and cushions, to change position regularly and to check the skin every day for symptoms.[1]
Buying Considerations for a Pressure Relief Seat Cushion
- Size – Measure your seat before you buy, and check the stated size of the cushion.
- Weight Limit – Check the weight limit on the product page before you buy.
- Material – Pressure relief cushions are made from foam, gel or air-filled pockets, and each gives a different kind of support.
- Cover – A removable, machine-washable cover is easy to keep clean. Some covers are spot clean only.
- Sitting Time – The NHS says not to sit for a long time if you have tailbone pain, and to change position regularly if you are at risk of pressure ulcers.[1][2]
For back pain, the NHS says to stay as active as possible and not to stay in bed for long periods.[3]
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:
- Type – Seat, neck, wheelchair or arm rest cushion.
- Material – Memory foam, gel, egg crate foam or air.
- Size – Stated dimensions.
- Care – Removable cover and washing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pressure Relief Seat Cushions
- What is a pressure relief seat cushion?
It is a cushion that spreads your weight or takes load off high-pressure areas such as the tailbone when you sit. - Can a cushion prevent pressure sores?
The NHS names specially designed cushions among the ways to lower the chance of a pressure ulcer, along with changing position regularly and checking the skin every day.[1] A cushion alone is not enough, so ask your care team which one suits you. - What is the best cushion for tailbone pain?
The NHS suggests a specially designed coccyx cushion when sitting.[2] A U-shaped or cut-out cushion such as the Everlasting Comfort or Avlio leaves space for the tailbone. - Can I use a seat cushion in a wheelchair?
Several cushions here, such as the Everlasting Comfort, Avlio, DMI and M Pain Management, are made for a wheelchair. Check the size of your seat first. - Is a donut cushion good for pressure relief?
A donut cushion has a hole in the middle that leaves the tailbone area free. A U-shaped cushion does the same job with an open back. - When should I see a doctor?
The NHS says to see a GP if you think you or someone you care for has a pressure ulcer, and to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 for hot, swollen or red skin, pus, a high temperature or severe pain.[1] For tailbone pain, see a GP if it has not improved after a few weeks.[2]
Our Picks: Pressure Relief Seat Cushion Reviews
Here are ten pressure relief 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
Cozyplayer® Cooling Cervical Contoured Adjustable Memory Foam Neck Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical is a contoured, adjustable memory foam neck pillow made for side, back and stomach sleepers.
- The loft is adjustable, because fill or inserts can be added or taken out.
- The breathable materials keep it cooler than plain foam.
- It is a pillow for the neck, not a seat cushion, so it suits the neck cushion part of this guide.
2
Avlio® Socket Seat Pressure Relief Seat Cushion
Currently unavailable
The Avlio Socket Seat is a memory foam seat cushion with two cut-outs in the buttock area, and it measures 14.5 x 18.5 inches.
- The cushion is made of high-density memory foam and 3D spacer mesh with a breathable mesh cover.
- The ergonomic contours and cut-outs are made to take pressure off the tailbone area.
- A built-in carry handle makes it easy to take to a car or a wheelchair, and the cover is machine washable.
3
Everlasting Comfort® Memory Foam Pressure Relief Seat Cushion
Currently unavailable
The Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam seat cushion is a U-shaped, heat-responsive memory foam cushion that measures 17.5 x 14 x 2.8 inches.
- The U shape leaves space for the tailbone and coccyx.
- It fits an office chair, a car seat or a wheelchair, and the cover is machine washable.
- It comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
4
C Cushion Lab® Patented Pressure Contoured Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Currently unavailable
The C Cushion Lab Patented Pressure is a contoured memory foam seat cushion that measures 18 x 15.5 inches.
- The contoured shape is made to fit the body for steadier support.
- The memory foam molds slowly to your body.
5
Ziraki® Arm Rest Memory Foam Arm Rest Pillow, Set of 2
Currently unavailable
The Ziraki Arm Rest is a set of two memory foam arm rest pillows that measure 11.3 x 7.3 x 3 inches each.
- The pillows are made for resting an arm or wrist, not for sitting on, so they do not replace a seat cushion.
- The memory foam molds slowly to your body.
6
DMI® Egg Crate Best Pressure Relief Cushion
Currently unavailable
The DMI Egg Crate is a full-size foam cushion with a sculpted egg crate surface for a chair or wheelchair.
- The sculpted foam is made to take weight off sensitive areas.
- The cover is spot clean only.
- Ask your care team whether it is enough for someone at risk of pressure sores.
7
M Pain Management® Wheelchair Alternating Pressure Cushion
Currently unavailable
The M Pain Management Wheelchair is a battery-operated alternating pressure cushion for wheelchair users that measures 17 x 17 x 4 inches.
- It has two modes, Static for firm pressure and Alternate for changing air pressure, with five comfort levels and three cycle times.
- The thick foam base is non-slip and breathable, and the battery is rechargeable.
- It is made for wheelchair users who are at risk of pressure sores.
8
Pillow Arcade® Orthopedic Pressure Relief Seat Cushion
Currently unavailable
The Pillow Arcade Orthopedic is a portable memory foam seat cushion for office chairs, wheelchairs and sitting at home.
- The zippered velour cover is breathable and machine washable.
- The ergonomic shape is made to reduce pressure when you sit.
9
ComfiLife® Gel Seat Cushion Gel Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Currently unavailable
The ComfiLife Gel Seat Cushion is a gel memory foam seat cushion that measures 17.5 x 13.8 inches.
- Gel in the foam is meant to keep the surface cooler than plain foam.
- The cover is removable and machine washable.
10
Ergonomic Innovations® Donut Relief Support Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Ergonomic Innovations Donut is a lightweight, heat-responsive memory foam donut cushion that measures 18.5 x 15 x 2.5 inches.
- A central hole with contoured edges raises you from the seat surface so that nothing presses on the tailbone area.
- The cover is machine washable, and the cushion is light enough to carry.
Index Table: Pressure Relief Seat Cushions
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Pressure ulcers (pressure sores). Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Tailbone (coccyx) pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Back pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NHS advice on pressure ulcers, tailbone pain and back pain, removed the unsourced ‘prevent pressure ulcers’, risk rating, ‘most effective’ material and weight capacity claims, rewrote all ten product notes and corrected their Key Specs, and added a disclaimer line, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Fit King Inflatable Cushions with Cozyplayer Cooling Cervical Pillow; Medacure Alternating Cushion with C Cushion Lab Patented Pressure; Ziraki Coccyx Cushion with Ziraki Arm Rest Pillow; Suptempo Enhanced Cushion with ComfiLife Recommended Cushion
- Oct 2026: Removed Purap 3D Flotation Technology Cushion, Lebogner Lumbar and Neck Cushion and Fomi Premium Cushion (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section, removed first-person testing claims
- Jan 2022: Added Ziraki Coccyx Cushion
- Sep 2021: Added Fit King Inflatable Cushions
- Aug 2020: Added Pillow Arcade Orthopedic Cushion, Ergonomic Innovations Donut Pillow and Suptempo Enhanced Cushion
- Jul 2020: Added M Pain Management Wheelchair Cushion
- Mar 2020: Added Purap 3D Flotation Technology Cushion
- Feb 2020: Published
