Best Car Seat Cushions
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The best car seat cushion in 2024 is the Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion. The Ultimate Seat Cushion from Purple delivers superb comfort. While large, our testing team found little to complain about and found that it enhanced our driving experience significantly.
- Car seat cushions can have greater variation in price than some might realize. Our team found that the best car seat cushions cost anywhere between $35 to over $120, depending on material, design, and the technology behind the car seat cushion.
- The best car seat cushions serve multiple functions. They provide tailbone pain relief, offer back support, and allow cooling airflow to reach your backside.
The most comfortable cushion we tested.
A memory foam seat cushion with good airflow.
A cheaper alternative to the Purple cushion.
A breathable memory-foam chair cushion that includes a lumbar support pillow.
A firm memory foam cushion that can raise driver height.
To choose the best car seat cushions across a range of categories, we tested dozens of seat cushions, each made with varying materials and levels of firmness. To help you make an informed purchasing decision, our guide dives deep into why we chose these cushions.
What Is The Best Car Seat Cushion?
The Best Car Seat Cushion in 2024 is the Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion. While this car seat cushion impressed us the most during testing, we think it’s worth considering the Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion, the BulbHead Egg Sitter Seat Cushion, the Fortem Chair Cushion, and the Comfy Cush Seat Cushion.
Top-Rated Car Seat Cushions
Each car seat cushion in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including comfort, maintenance, airflow, and grip. You can find more specifics regarding our rating system here.
The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each car seat cushion’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:
| Brand/Model | Overall Rating | Award | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion | 4.6 | Best Car Seat Cushion | $120 |
| Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion | 4.1 | Best Memory Foam Car Seat Cushion | $40 |
| BulbHead Egg Sitter Seat Cushion | 4.1 | Best Car Seat Cushion for Sciatica | $40 |
| Fortem Chair Cushion | 3.9 | Best Lumbar Support for Car | $33 |
| Comfy Cush Seat Cushion | 3.8 | Best Car Seat Cushion for Long Distance Driving | $35 |
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best car seat cushions in the sections below.
1. Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion: Best Car Seat Cushion
- Cost: $120
- Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 based on over 2,700 reviews
- Material: Hyper-Elastic Polymer
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
The Purple Ultimate is the pinnacle of cushion technology. It’s among the most expensive seat cushions, as well as the most comfortable and longest-lasting. While this cushion is not designed for cars, you can use it anywhere.
A cheaper version of this cushion, the Purple Simply, is designed for vehicles and is about $70 cheaper. We tested the Purple Simply and the Purple Ultimate and concluded the Ultimate is worth the extra cost. Still, the Simply version would top our list if the Ultimate did not exist.
Here’s how the Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion performed in each category:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 5.0 |
| Maintenance | 4.5 |
| Airflow | 5.0 |
| Grip | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion:
- Ultra comfortable
- Excellent airflow
- May be too large for some car seats
- Expensive
The Purple Ultimate cushion is easily the most comfortable and breathable of any car seat cushion we tested. It includes a comfortable no-slip cover that easily encloses the Hyper-Elastic Polymer material and is machine washable for easy cleaning.
One of the only downsides of this cushion is its large size. If you have smaller car seats, it may not easily fit in your vehicle.
Many Amazon reviews note the superior comfort the Purple Ultimate offers. The cushion does not lose its shape and support over time, even for heavier people. Several people with chronic lower back pain and hernias say this cushion has helped immensely.
“I’m 6′ 2″ (not super tall) and close to 400 pounds. I have arthritis in both of my hips. … I’ve had seat cushions in the past, and they do offer some comfort but tend to (given my size) compress to paper thinness quickly. Although it’s expensive, I decided to take a shot on the Ultimate Purple No-Pressure Seat Cushion. I am so glad I did. It’s like sitting on a cloud.”
– Keefo via Amazon
“This thing has been saving my butt every day from pain for almost three years now. I literally would not be able to sit in my chair longer than 30 minutes if it wasn’t for this cushion. I’ve spent long nights working/playing games in my chair, and I haven’t had a single issue with back/bottom pain.”
– Nate M via Amazon
Not everyone is satisfied, however. Some people do not like the grid pattern, and others believe the Purple Ultimate doesn’t merit the high price tag.
“I have this and a much cheaper ‘knockoff’ version. The name brand is not any better than the knockoff, just way overpriced.”
– Richard H. via Amazon
2. Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion: Best Memory Foam Car Seat Cushion
- Cost: $40
- Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 based on over 130,500 reviews
- Material: Memory foam
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 17.5 by 13.5 by 2.75 inches
While it’s designed for an office chair, the Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion works just as well in the car. The u-shaped memory foam design is meant to offer pressure relief for your tailbone (otherwise known as your coccyx).
While memory foam car seat cushions don’t offer quite the same airflow and cooling qualities as the Purple cushion, Everlasting Comfort’s pillow was the coolest of this type of cushion that we tested. This cushion is also suitable for office chairs and long plane rides.
Here’s how the Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion performed in each category:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5 |
| Maintenance | 4.5 |
| Airflow | 3.5 |
| Grip | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.1 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion Pillow:
- Superb airflow
- Easy to clean
- Firm support
- May be too small for larger people
The no-slip, washable cover is easy to use, and the Everlasting Comfort couldn’t be simpler to install: Just plop it in your seat. We found this cushion to be firm enough that we could hardly feel large pieces of concrete underneath.
The Everlasting Comfort cushion easily fits into a car seat and doesn’t slide around while you’re driving.
Several reviewers with recent back injuries report excellent results with this seat cushion, including for use on long trips.
“I would get thigh, tailbone, butt, and lower back pain from the seat in my semi. … Not anymore. This has made driving for 11+ hours heaven.”
– Trent via Amazon
The Everlasting Comfort cushion is small, so it could be uncomfortable if you have a wider posterior as the sides are curved and somewhat firm.
“Firstly, this cushion isn’t big enough. It’s uncomfortable to sit on with very hard raised edges.”
– Gillian Till via Amazon
3. BulbHead Egg Sitter Seat Cushion: Best Car Seat Cushion For Sciatica
- Cost: $40
- Amazon review score: 4.1 out of 5.0 based on over 5,100 reviews
- Material: Elasta-Core
- Weight: 0.2 lbs.
The BulbHead Egg Sitter offers a cheaper alternative to the Purple Ultimate car seat cushion. While it is flimsier than its counterpart, we found that the Egg Sitter is quite comfortable and shares many of the same positive qualities. It’s also a fantastic option for those who suffer from sciatica.
Here’s how the BulbHead Egg Sitter Seat Cushion performed in each category:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.0 |
| Maintenance | 4.5 |
| Airflow | 4.0 |
| Grip | 3.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.1 |
Below are the pros and cons of BulbHead Egg Sitter:
- Excellent airflow
- Inexpensive
- Too thin for some passengers
- Can bunch within cover
The BulbHead Egg Sitter is similar to the Purple cushion in design. The pattern is slightly different (a honeycomb rather than a grid), and some may even prefer this pattern. The Egg Sitter has a washable cover and fits easily into a car seat, and the material is thinner than the Purple.
While the Egg Sitter didn’t slip in the seat, we found it could bunch inside its slipcover if excessively jostled. Drivers who fidget a lot in their seats may find this to be an issue.
Many people who have chronic back issues or experience bottom pain due to a small butt love the Egg Sitter. It appears to work well if you have trouble sitting directly on your bottom.
“I have sciatica, and riding in a car or in my scooter is very painful. I bought one of these for my car and used it for a road trip from Washington to California, and it was wonderful. No problems with my back or legs for the whole trip.”
– M. L. Dominguez-Plaza via Amazon
The majority of negative reviews for the Egg Sitter focus on the size of the product. Many users say it is too small, so the Egg Sitter may not be the best choice for everyone.
“The product is a lot smaller than it looks in all the pictures, and I thought it would be thicker.”
– Bill Godfrey via Amazon
4. Fortem Seat Cushion: Best Lumbar Support Car Seat Cushion
- Cost: $33
- Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on around 38,000 reviews
- Material: Memory foam
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 9.8 by 15.4 by 5.4 in.
The Fortem Seat Cushion is designed for office chairs, but can just as easily be used on your car seat. This memory foam cushion has a machine-washable, velour cover with a mesh weave for improved airflow. Straps that secure the lumbar support ensure it won’t slip while driving.
Here’s how the Fortem Seat Cushion performed in each category:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 3.5 |
| Maintenance | 4.0 |
| Airflow | 3.5 |
| Grip | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 3.9 |
Below are the pros and cons of Fortem Seat Cushion:
- Includes lumbar support pillow
- Breathable cover
- Machine-washable
- Material may be too thick for taller drivers
Once attached to our seat, we found the Fortem seat cushion is both soft and secure. This cushion provided effective lumbar support and remained cool during our test drive.
Our one complaint about this cushion is that it is thick. This isn’t uncomfortable, but elevated us up to the car’s roof. Even with the seat adjusted as low as possible, our 5’10” tester barely fit in the vehicle. Anyone taller may find this seat cushion impractical. That said, shorter drivers may like the increased elevation. Taller drivers only in need of lumbar support can ditch the bottom cushion entirely.
Reviewers claim that the Fortem Chair Cushion provides excellent support. Those who give this praise like the color options and the comfort that it provides, simply stating that the cushion works well.
“After a few days of using [the Fortem Chair Cushion] while driving I noticed a huge difference: my back was not hurting a lot and my butt felt better after those long drives.”
– Mish via Amazon
Those who criticize this chair cushion feel that it doesn’t help with their back pain. These reviewers don’t claim that the cushion is uncomfortable, but say that after a few weeks of use, they noticed no difference in their back pain.
5. Comfy Cush Seat Cushion: Best Car Seat Cushion For Long Distance Driving
- Cost: $35
- Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on over 1,300 reviews
- Material: Memory foam
- Weight: 1.0 lb.
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 17.0 by 14.0 by 3.0 in.
The Comfy Cush Seat Cushion has a soft velour non-slip cover and can raise the driver’s height in the car and provide relief from long periods of sitting. This wide memory foam automotive cushion is one of the softer car seat cushions we tested.
Here’s how the Comfy Cush Seat Cushion performed in each category:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.0 |
| Maintenance | 4.5 |
| Airflow | 3.0 |
| Grip | 3.5 |
| Overall Rating | 3.8 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Comfy Cush Seat Cushion:
- Can raise height in your seat
- Inexpensive
- Too firm for some passengers
We found the Comfy Cush to be exceptionally soft and comfortable. We couldn’t feel the lumps underneath during our concrete test, and the cushion absorbed many of the bumps during our road test.
The slipcover is easy to remove and provides decent grip, though not the best of the seat cushions we tested. The biggest downside of the Comfy Cush is that it isn’t especially breathable, and it may not be as comfortable in hot climates.
Many reviewers like the shape of the Comfy Cush, which fits nicely in a car seat. Several people use this cushion as a booster seat in their vehicle, so this is a good option for short drivers.
“I currently own three of these and just ordered two more for my travel trailer. I’ve bought several other kinds of seat cushions from Amazon, but they are rectangular in shape and don’t work well in my F-150’s seats.”
– Bernie Shittz via Amazon
“I’m 5’3,” and this gave me just enough height to make a difference. I highly recommend.”
– Firegirl via Amazon
Some users found this cushion too firm, so it may not be the best choice if you prefer a plush seat cushion.
“This cushion is very well made and looks like it would hold up forever. But after sitting on it [for] a few minutes, it feels like I’m sitting on a big rock. Very uncomfortable. But if you prefer a super firm, quality cushion, you’d love this one.”
– Yarnlover via Amazon
Car Seat Cushion Buying Guide
Everyone has a different idea of comfort, so there is no single best car seat cushion for all drivers. However, any good car seat cushion shouldn’t slip or shift white you’re driving. Beyond this, what distinguishes most car seat cushions are material and cushion size.
Car Seat Cushion Material
Cushion material and filling will impact the firmness or plushness of a seat as well as the airflow. Elastic and memory foam are the two most common filling materials.
- Elastic: Elastic polymers can range in stiffness, but often provide the best airflow. Many feature gridded designs that help keep the cushion cool even in hot months.
- Memory foam: Memory foam materials tend to be less breathable but more plush. Well-made memory foam may offer a softer cushion than an elastic polymer.
First, consider why you want a seat cushion. Are you looking for something that feels cooler to sit on? If so, pay special attention to the material. Something made from Elasta-Core or a rubber grid pattern may provide the best airflow and the coolest sitting.
Cleaning Your Car Seat Cushion
A daily-use car seat cushion eventually needs to be cleaned. Car seat cushions that feature a removable, machine-washable outer layer are easiest to clean.
Car Seat Cushions For Back Pain
Do you need a seat cushion because your back bothers you after long drives? In this case, look for a cushion that includes a pillow for extra lumbar support. You’ll also want to find a car seat cushion that’s at least 2.0 in. thick.
Experiencing back pain behind the wheel is unfortunately far too common of a problem for drivers. Along with using a seat cushion, there are a few ways to find lower back pain relief on long drives:
- Adjust your seat: Make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your hips are level with or below your knees. Adjust your seat angle so your posture is straight up or has only a slight incline.
- Adjust your steering wheel: Your steering wheel should be situated so your wrists can touch the top, and your hands should remain symmetrical.
- Take breaks: Get out of the car and walk around at least every two hours if possible.
- Try a heating pad: Adding some heat to your lower back can relieve pain and improve circulation.
Best Seat Cushion For Cars: Bottom Line
Car seat cushions are designed to offer back support and relieve tailbone pain when behind the wheel. This review highlights the best car seat cushions, one of which will hopefully meet your needs on long road trips or even a short drive.
- Best Car Seat Cushion: Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion
- Best Memory Foam Car Seat Cushion: Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion
- Best Car Seat Cushion for Sciatica: BulbHead Egg Sitter Seat Cushion
- Best Lumbar Support for Car: Fortem Chair Cushion
- Best Car Seat Cushion for Long Distance Driving: Comfy Cush Seat Cushion
Car Seat Cushions: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about car seat cushions:
How can I make my car seat more comfortable?
You can make your car seat more comfortable by adjusting your seat settings so your feet are flat on the floor and your hips are level with or below your knees. You should change your seat angle so you are sitting upright, and be sure not to slouch. You can also purchase a car seat cushion that provides a softer seat with better air circulation.
Are car seat cushions worth it?
Car seat cushions can be worth it if you find your car seats uncomfortable. A car seat cushion can help with lower back pain and increase airflow that keeps your butt cool.
Are car seat cushions safe?
A car seat cushion is safe as long as it is secured and doesn’t slide around. Make sure your cushion doesn’t raise your height in the car so much that it obscures your view of the road.
Can you add cushion to a car seat?
You can add cushion to a car seat by purchasing and installing a car seat cushion. A car seat cover is another way to increase car seat padding. You could also reupholster your car seat and add cushion material, but this is more expensive.
How much does it cost to add foam to a car seat?
Reupholstering your car seat to add extra foam can cost upward of $200, depending on your choice of upholsterer. You can buy a car seat cushion to add softness to your car seat for only $35.
What is the best gel car seat cushion?
Our top pick for a car seat cushion pad is from Purple. The brand has two models, both of which utilize a cooling gel and cushion cover. During testing, our team found they worked great in a vehicle but didn’t have any anti-slip tech. Still, they would also be fine in a home office or a desk chair.
Full Car Seat Cushion Testing Methodology
To test each car seat cushion, we installed it according to common sense or the directions on the package. In most cases, installation meant putting the cushion inside its protective cover and plopping it on the driver’s seat.
We tested the softness of the cushions and even tried each cushion after placing several large pieces of debris underneath it. Along with sitting on these cushions, we took them for a test spin to see how well they stayed in place while we drove. We paid attention not only to comfort and grip but also to coolness.
To determine which car seat cushions work best, we considered several factors: comfort, maintenance, airflow, and grip.
Comfort
While comfort is a subjective standard, we wouldn’t recommend any cushions we found to be lumpy or scratchy. Some riders may prefer a firmer cushion, while other passengers go for something softer. In any case, an excellent car seat cushion can only protect your spine from stress if it absorbs the bumps and pressures of the road.
We sat on each seat cushion in a vehicle and even tested how the cushion felt when we placed large rocks underneath. We gave the highest scores to the cushions that best absorbed bumps on the road.
Maintenance
At some point, you will need to wash your car seat cushion. Some cushions include a removable cover that you can machine wash. We gave the best maintenance scores to cushions with the highest-quality covers that are easy to remove and reattach.
Airflow
The best car seat cushion offers comfort and can keep your bottom cool by providing airflow. If a seat cushion lacks adequate airflow, it can become hot and scratchy. We could see how well each cushion kept our posterior cool by taking it on a test drive. We gave the best airflow score to cushions made of breathable materials.
Grip
Even if a cushion is supremely comfortable, it won’t be of much use if it slides around while you’re driving. Sitting on a seat cushion improperly can be more uncomfortable than riding with no cushion.
We took each cushion for a test drive around curvy roads and sharp turns to see how well it stayed in place. While each did a fair job of remaining in place, drivers concerned about grip should look for seat cushion pillows with non-slip bottoms, or adjustable straps, to keep them in place.
We give the best grip scores to seat cushions that do not shift position while in use.
How We Score Products
Every car seat cushion we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
- 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a car seat cushion is among the best in a category. It is comfortable even with a large rock placed underneath, has an easily removed and machine-washable cover, is made with breathable materials, or does not move at all during use.
- 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a car seat cover performs better-than-average in a category. It is comfortable though less so with a rock underneath, can be easily cleaned, allows for moderate airflow, or moves only slightly during use.
- 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a car seat cushion, based on our testing experience. It is comfortable but not perfect, can be cleaned though not easily, allows for some airflow, or moves moderately when in use (must be readjusted after each drive).
- 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the car seat cushion performs poorer than average. It is uncomfortable, difficult to clean, provides no airflow, or slides around during use.
- 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the car seat cushion performs well below expectations in a category. It is extremely uncomfortable, impossible to maintain, or is hot and scratchy.
Why Trust Motor1.com
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
