The Best Back Support Pillows

Created by Michelle Carey

Last Updated July 14, 2023

Do you or a loved one suffer from back pain? If so, you’re one of about four million Australians with back problems, based on self-reported data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Health Survey for 2017-2018. Many people rely on back support pillows to prevent and alleviate pain. The frequency of back pain is further evidenced by research showing lower back pain is the most common musculoskeletal issue addressed by GPs, affecting one in seven to one in four Australians.

Your back pain may be caused or aggravated by sitting behind an office desk, long car drives or frequent travel. Back support pillows are an affordable and effective solution to transform your office chair, car seat, bed, or couch into an ergonomically comfortable seat.

This article reviews the importance of lumbar support and provides recommendations for the best back support pillows for different settings.

Continue reading to find the best support pillow for back pain and to support your general musculoskeletal health.

What to look for in lumbar support pillows?

A lumbar support pillow is designed to provide firm yet comfortable support by hugging the natural curve of your spine. You should consider the below factors when searching for the best back support pillow for lower back pain and postural support.

When will you use your back support pillow?

The style and design of back support pillows differ based on their intended use. For example, back support for bed sitting will be constructed differently to pillows designed to be used when seated in a chair. Therefore, you should consider when you will be using your back support pillow.

Material

Lumbar support pillows are available in a variety of materials, such as memory foam, latex, down, mesh, or gel. Many users find memory foam a popular choice as it conforms to their body shape, is allergy friendly, and provides temperature-controlled support. Ultimately the best back support pillow material will be based on your personal comfort and any preferences for eco-friendly certifications.

Washability

With regular daily use, your back support pillow is likely to get dirtied over time by sweat, food crumbs, liquids, and dust. To keep it clean and usable, consider a pillow with a removable cover made from durable materials that can be cleaned in the washing machine.

Size and adjustability

Back support pillows that are too large or small for your body size will be uncomfortable and provide inadequate postural support. Further, adjustable straps may be beneficial if you plan to attach your back support pillow to your office or car seat. This will help keep the lumbar support pillow securely positioned.

Benefits of lumbar support pillows

Adequate lumbar support offers relief and prevention for chronic back pain. Additionally, maintaining your musculoskeletal health is an integral component of your overall wellbeing.

Prolonged sitting can cause muscle tightness, which can impact your circulation and quality of sleep at night. Further, poor posture can cause muscle tension and pain that affects your moods, stress levels, and ability to exercise. Misalignment of our musculoskeletal system due to poor posture limits flexibility and fatigues the spine.

In summary, there are many broad benefits to using back support pillows, such as:

Better posture
Relief from chronic back pain
Relaxes tired muscles
More efficient breathing
Better sleep
Improved moods
Stress relief
Improved circulation
Improved flexibility
Enhanced energy levels
Better concentration and focus

As detailed in the list above, a back support pillow for bed or chair use can holistically support your health by correcting your posture.

How we selected

To help you choose the best support pillow for lower back pain, we have carefully reviewed several options using specific criteria. Some of the factors we consider when selecting the best lumbar support pillows are:

Adjustable straps allow you to position the pillow easily
Size options that match your needs
Quality of materials used in the manufacturing process
Price and value for money
Comfort

We have selected high-quality lumbar support pillows that we proudly stock at Patient Handling. Each recommendation has been divided into a range of categories for ease of reference, such as the best back support pillow for reading in bed.

Our top picks at-a-glance

Best for posture: BetterLiving Durable Lumbar Cushion
Best for heating and cooling: Peak Lumbar Cushion
Best back support pillow for sitting up in bed: KCare Bed Wedge
Best budget: BetterLiving Cushion Seating Wedge
Best for lower back pain: SpineSaver Round Lumbar Roll
Best for the car: ObusForme Lowback Backrest Support
Best for the elderly: Novis Bassett Lumbar Support
Best for chair base: Etac Star Standard Air Cushion
Best gel cushion: EquaGel Protector Cushion
Best midback support for wheelchair users: Varilite Icon Mid Back Support
Best full back support for wheelchair users: Varilite Icon Tall Back Support

Best back support pillows

We carefully reviewed and selected our recommended list of back support pillows based on high-quality products we trust to stock at Patient Handling. All of our back support pillows and pressure sore cushions are sourced from reliable manufacturers and meet Australian quality standards.

Best for posture: BetterLiving Durable Lumbar Cushion

Brand: BetterLiving

Price: not listed

The durable lumbar cushion by BetterLiving is the best back support pillow for chairs in your office, loungeroom, or around the home. It secures to the chair back with the adjustable strap and is easy to clean thanks to the removable cover.

Key features:

Lightweight and portable
Removable cloth cushion cover
Adjustable attachment strap
Measures 36cm high, 33cm wide, and 13cm deep

Pros:

Soft foam for lower back support
The contoured cushion shape provides side support
Ideal for use as a back support pillow for elderly
Suitable for use at home, in the car, or travelling

Cons:

May be too thick for some users

Best for heating and cooling: Peak Lumbar Cushion

Brand: Peak Care

Key features:

Large reusable gel pack
Removable cover
Removable gel insert

Providing therapeutic relief, the gel insert in the Peak Lumbar Cushion can be heated or cooled. The cushion supports your lower back by hugging the spine’s natural contours. Secure the back support cushion to your desk chair or car seat by the buckled strap. The functional size makes this one of the best back support pillow for couch too.

Pros:

Affordable quality
Strap to secure the cushion to a seat
Removable gel insert for hot and cold therapy
Polyurethane (PU) foam is durable and offers excellent insulation

Cons:

Some users may prefer memory foam

Best back support pillow for sitting up in bed: KCare Bed Wedge

Brand: R & R Healthcare Equipment

Key features:

25mm visco elastic foam topper
Traditional foam base
Measures 76cm long by 68cm wide

The K Care bed wedge elevates and supports the upper body at a comfortable angle. This elevation aids circulation, breathing, and digestion and makes it one of the best back support pillow for bed use.

Pros:

Choice of knitted or waterproof cover
Improves posture in bed
5cm of memory foam on top of the base for extra comfort

Cons:

Limited to use as a back support pillow for bed, rather than with chairs.

Best budget: BetterLiving Cushion Seating Wedge

Brand: BetterLiving

Key features:

Nine-degree wedge angle for ideal pelvic tilt
Measures 40cm deep by 43cm wide
Maximum user weight of 120kg

This seating wedge supports the natural curvature of the spine and is ideal for individuals who sit for long periods of time. The nine degree wedge angle reduces lumbar disc pressure and relieves pressure on mid-back nerves. This wedge is one of the best back support pillows for recliners or office chairs. It can be used with the higher end at the front to prevent low back strain in car seats.

Pros:

Affordable value
Multi-use functionality

Cons:

Some users prefer a softer cover material

Best support pillow for lower back pain: SpineSaver Round Lumbar Roll

Brand: SpineSaver

Key features:

Round narrow design
Measures 14cm high, 30cm wide, and 11cm deep

Position this lumbar roll behind your lower back to provide instant relief and prevent slouching. Patient Handling also stocks a variety of lumbar rolls in different sizes and firmness, such as the SpineSaver Oval and SpineSaver D lumbar rolls.

Pros:

Can be used anywhere
Soft, removable fabric cover
Adjustable strap securely attaches the roll to any chair
Also doubles as one of the best neck support pillow for back sleepers

Cons:

Can move around due to the round shape

Best back support pillows for the car: ObusForme Lowback Backrest Support

Brand: ObusForme

Key features:

Portable with carry handle
Elastic positioning straps
Measures 45cm wide, 53cm high, and 7.5cm deep
No maximum user weight

The “S” shape design of this back support pillow hugs the natural curvature of your spine, converting ordinary chairs into ergonomically correct seating.

Pros:

Adjustable and removable lumbar pad
Removable, hypoallergenic cover
Easily customisable with adjustments and additional accessories
Available in other sizes and models, such as the Highback Backrest for extended head and neck support

Cons:

The dense foam may not be your preference

Best back support pillow for elderly: Novis Bassett Lumbar Support.

Brand: Novis Healthcare

The breathable, curved “D” shaped metal frame supports proper posture and provides relief from back, neck, shoulder, and sciatica pain. As the Basset Lumbar Support is especially recommended for arthritic users, it is one of the best back support pillow for elderly users.

Features:

Mesh construction for air circulation
Lightweight and portable
Powder coated steel frame and polyester knotless net mesh

Pros:

Breathable
Recommended for those with arthritic conditions
Also available in a heavy-duty model for larger users
Optional polar fleece cover available
Adjustable strap for secure attachment

Cons:

Users may prefer the comfort of a foam cushion

Best back support pillow for chair base: Etac Star Standard Air Cushion

Brand: Etac

Features:

Single valve inflation compartment for dynamic stability
Fabricated with flexible, latex-free neoprene
Available in two heights (5cm and 10cm) and multiple sizes
No weight limit when the correct size is used

Choosing the best support pillow for back pain extends beyond cushions that rest against your spine. Individuals with impaired mobility or who sit for extended periods of time may benefit from the additional support of a pressure sore cushion.

Read this helpful article by Patient Handling to choose the best pressure sore cushion for your needs.

Pros:

Complete with a fitted cover, hand pump, repair kit, and user manual
Cushion cover is removable and machine washable
Air cells enable immersion and envelopment
Exceptional pressure redistribution properties
Also available in other models, such as Etac Star Stabil-Air and Etac Star Starlock.

Cons:

Can be expensive

Best gel cushion: EquaGel Protector Cushion

Brand: EquaGel Cushions

Features:

Unique grid and gel design for pressure distribution
Measuring 2 to 2.5 inches wide, and available in multiple sizes
Maximum user weights vary based on size

The distinctive grid and gel design of the EquaGel Protector cushion distributes weight to prevent pressure sores. It is ideal for users who are seated the majority of the time, such as patients receiving care.

Pros:

Contoured in the pelvic area for pain relief
Distributes weight for comfort
Minimises pressure on the buttocks to prevent pressure sores
Waterproof cover and Velcro bottom for wheelchair users

Cons:

Some assistance may be required to position the cushion for maximum comfort

Best mid back support for wheelchair users: Varilite Icon Mid Back Support

Brand: Varilite Support Cushions

Key features:

Sculpted air-foam support
Provides support to just below the scapula
Attaches to the wheelchair via VariLock hardware
Maximum user weight of 136kg

The Varilite Icon Medium Back system is easily attached to the user’s wheelchair and is fully adjustable to enable arm movement and comfort. Sculpted foam offers firm support, with softer foam comfortably protecting more sensitive spinal areas.

This medium profile cushion is ideal for those requiring support to just below their scapula. Patient Handling also stocks additional Varilite back support pillows for elderly or those with a disability.

Pros:

Hardware is fully adjustable for angle, width, height, and depth
The cushion is adjustable via an air valve
Available in multiple sizes from 12 to 24 inches
Comes with a cushion that secures to the inside cover

Cons:

Assembly requires one tool
Not ideal for wheelchair users who require full back support

Best full back support for wheelchair users: Varilite Icon Tall Back Support

Brand: Varilite Support Cushions

Key features:

Sculpted air-foam support
Attaches to the wheelchair via VariLock hardware
Maximum user weight of 136kg

Due to the similar construction, the Varilite Icon Tall Back system offers comparable features and benefits to the Varilite Icon mid back model. However, this taller option is more suitable for those with reduced trunk control as it supports from the shoulders to the back, including the scapula.

Pros:

Hardware is fully adjustable for angle, width, height, and depth
Cushion is adjustable using an air valve
Provides lumbar support, including the scapula
Available in multiple sizes from 12 to 20 inches

Cons:

Assembly requires one tool

Patient Handling also stocks the Varilite Icon low back support cushion for wheelchair users.

Comparison chart

The below table compares the back support cushions reviewed in this article.

	Dimensions (H x W x L)	Material
BetterLiving Durable Lumbar Cushion	36cm x 33cm x 13cm	Foam
Peak Lumbar Cushion	13cm x 33cm x 23cm	PU foam
KCare Bed Wedge	4-25cm x 68cm x 76cm	Foam and memory foam
BetterLiving Cushion Seating Wedge	4-10cm x 43cm x 40cm	Not listed
SpineSaver Round Lumbar Roll	14cm x 30cm x 11cm	Foam
ObusForme Lowback Backrest Support	53cm x 45cm x 7.5cm	Foam
Novis Bassett Lumbar Support *standard size	44cm x 39cm x 11cm	Steel and polyester mesh
Etac Star Standard Air Cushion	Multiple sizes available	Polyester and spandex
EquaGel Protector Cushion	Multiple sizes available	Silicone gel and viscoelastic foam
Varilite Icon Mid Back Support	Multiple sizes available	Air foam
Varilite Icon Tall Back Support	Multiple sizes available	Air foam

Frequently asked questions

What pillow is best for lumbar support?

The best back support pillow will depend on your preference for firmness, height, size, shape, material, and price. The recommendations in this article are a great place to find a suitable back support pillow for bed or chair. Alternatively, you can contact the friendly team at Patient Handling for further advice.

Does lumbar support actually help?

Yes, back support pillows help relieve back pain and promote good posture by supporting the natural curvature of your spine.

Can lumbar support pillows relieve back pain?

Slouching and prolonged sitting fatigues the paraspinal muscles, leading to poor posture. Back support pillows hug the spine’s natural curve to improve posture and reduce the strain on the paraspinal muscles, alleviating lower back pain.

Summary

Like many others, you may have experienced or are currently suffering from back pain. Back support pillows for beds and chairs can improve your posture and help reduce back pain. This article provides helpful recommendations whether you seek general lumbar support or to fill a specific need, such as buying the best back support pillow for reading in bed.

With a vast variety of quality products to suit every budget, why not contact the expert team at Patient Handling today to find the best back support pillows for your needs?

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