Compared to products like mattresses or wheelchairs, seat cushions don’t get a lot of attention.
But for people who are forced to sit for long periods at one time, they are just as important as any other mobility or medical device.
Whether you’re looking to relieve back pain, treat/prevent pressure sores, or are just looking for some comfort, the type of seat cushion you use can make a big difference.
To help you choose the best seat cushion for you or your loved one, we have reviewed over 30 different products to sift through the noise and bring you the best seat cushion for your unique situation.
Confidence at Home is a member of the Amazon Associates Affiliate Program. We may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this article. This does not impact our unbiased review process.
In this article, you’ll find:
| Image | Category | Product | Price |
1  | Best Roho Seat Cushion | Roho Mosaic Cushion | |
2  | Best Gel Seat Cushion | PURAP Wheelchair, Lift Chair & Scooter Cushion | |
3  | Best Foam Seat Cushion | Cushion Lab Patented Pressure Relief Seat Cushion | |
4  | Best Alternating Pressure Seat Cushion | Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushion by MobiCushion | |
5  | Best Value | Vive Wheelchair Cushion |
Best Roho Seat Cushion
Of all the different kinds of pain relief/pressure sore relief seat cushions, the roho is probably the most underrated. For under $100 you can get a seat cushion that allows you to sit for hours without complications.
Is it perfect? No, it’s not. Every product has its problems, and the Roho Mosaic Cushion is no exception. It is, however, probably the best seat cushion you’ll find, especially if you’re willing to spend the money.
The Roho Mosaic – like all roho cushions – is a cushion with multiple air cells designed to disperse pressure and relieve pain/pressure sores, as well as help prevent these problems in people who sit for long periods of time.
The Mosaic is unique in that it is designed with 23 air cells instead of the typical 25. This means that the cells are arranged in a 4,5,5,4 pattern. There are four air cells on each end instead of five. Because of this, the cells on the end are larger than those in the middle and apparently help to keep the user from sliding off either side.
A design like this is made specifically with physically impaired users in mind. Too many seat cushions (especially alternating pressure and dispersed air cell cushions) allow immobile users to slide off the sides if they’re not careful. With its unique design, the Roho Mosaic seeks to prevent this.
The Roho Mosaic is also made for larger users. According to the manufacturer, it can hold up to 315 lbs. – probably the most out of any seat cushion on the market. The product is 16”x16” – not the largest on the market, but large enough for most users (though probably not many at the top end of the weight range).
And even with this weight capacity, it only weighs 2.4 lbs itself. The product is extremely light, though it is made to stay in place once you sit on it. It comes with a non-slip lyra cover that, for the most part, prevents it from sliding across any surface it’s sitting on. The contour and “give” of the air cells also seem to keep the user’s weight from causing the product to slide too much.
For most users, the Roho Mosaic is a near-perfect product. It can support their weight and it is easy to travel with. Users who use it in their car report that it offers so much support that they can’t even feel most of the bumps they go over while traveling.
The product does have its downsides, however. Some users say that, even though they weigh less than the advertised weight limit, the product has failed to support them. We’re inclined to believe that this is more of an air cell/pump issue than a product defect, but everyone’s experience is different.
And that is probably the biggest issue with the Mosaic – the air cells/pump. The pump is a hand pump instead of an electric one. For some users, this may be a blessing (no batteries or difficult electronics that you have to charge). But for others, this may make it difficult to pump up the product completely.
Keeping the Mosaic pumped full (but not too full, as some users have noted) is the only real struggle with this product. Some users say that it needs to be re-pumped every few weeks. Others note that it can stay pumped for extended periods of time.
On top of this, you may experience issues with the pump, valve, or even air leaks in the cushion itself. Fortunately, the Roho Mosaic comes with a repair kit. But even then some users have noted that they need to purchase other repair products to fix leaks in certain spots.
The vast majority of users, however, don’t experience serious problems with the Mosaic. It may take a while to get used to it – considering that, depending on your weight, it may feel like it is going flat at first. But once you get the feel of the cushion and it contours to your body, it will probably provide the best combination of pain/pressure sore relief, support, and comfort of any cushion you’ll find.
Best Gel Seat Cushion
When it comes to comfort and support, almost nothing beats a gel cushion. Obviously, they have their downsides. They don’t really help with pressure sore prevention or relief, and they can sometimes be too firm.
The PURAP Wheelchair, Lift Chair, & Scooter Cushion has all of those problems. But it’s also the best gel seat cushion you’ll find on the market today.
The PURAP isn’t even technically a gel cushion. It’s made with a 3D fluid flotation technology that has been tested at Stanford University Hospital. The fluid core is able to perfectly conform to the user’s body shape, avoiding unnecessary pressure on any one area.
The fluid core is surrounded by an air pocket that inflates along the edges of the cushion to keep the user from sliding off of the side when the liquid seat shifts. With the air pocket barrier holding you in place, the fluid core makes it feel as though you are floating on water.
The product also has a foam base for support, as well as a breathable waterproof cover that is machine-washable.
Overall, the product is light (at 2.4 lbs.) and easy to move around and store. At only 1.5” thick, it is by far the thinnest cushion we have reviewed, but still provides the necessary support and comfort to provide relief. The thin nature of the product just makes it that much easier to use.
Imagine putting a cushion in your or a loved one’s wheelchair that no one even knows is there. Or imagine taking your cushion out with you to the movies or a sporting event. It is so thin, that no one will even be able to tell you’re sitting on a cushion. The PURAP does that – it is discreet and practical.
And don’t let the size of the PURAP confuse you, it still holds a respectable 250 lbs. While not the most heavy-duty of all the cushions we have reviewed, the PURAP definitely delivers on surface area though. It is an impressive 20”x18”.
There aren’t too many issues with this cushion. Most customers find that it’s comfortable, relieves pressure, and lasts for long periods of time (with some customers using it for 12 hours straight with no issues).
On the downside, however, the product really isn’t made for heavier users. If you or the intended user are at or near the 250 lbs. mark, I would not recommend purchasing this product. It’s fluid core technology isn’t meant to support heavier users, and some customers have reported “bottoming out” on the foam pad with no support provided.
Also, one of the most common complaints is that this cushion is hard to balance on. Even with the inflatable layer holding a user on the fluid core, the PURAP is still a little different than other cushions. Because of the shifting nature of the fluid when you first sit down, it can be difficult for some users to gain their balance (especially those that have impaired mobility).
Overall, though, the PURAP’s fluid flotation technology is excellent for relieving pressure and providing comfort. The core may not be traditional gel, but it definitely gets the job done.
Best Foam Seat Cushion
A foam seat cushion may not be the most complex product on the market, or have the most bells and whistles. But foam seat cushions are reliable. Their simple design is made for one thing and one thing only – pain relief.
The Cushion Lab Patented Pressure Relief Seat Cushion is no exception. Made of charcoal-infused memory foam (that apparently prevents odor), the cushion is designed to contour to your body.
It has a split-design intended fit your hips and legs better. And it comes equipped with a breathable soft cover that wicks away sweat. The cover can also be removed and machine washed.
The product is the typical 3” thick and 16”x16” – which isn’t too large. Depending on the user, the size may be adequate or disappointing. If you are a larger user, you may need a larger cushion, but if you’re trying to fit it in a wheelchair or other small area, 16”x16” may be just what you’re looking for.
The Pressure Relief Seat Cushion is also very light, at only 2 lbs.
There are all the usual complaints about it going flat, not lasting long enough, etc. And I suppose that depends on the size of the user and how you’re using it. But there are also multiple users who say it’s outlasted a lot of other products like it – including one truck driver who used it for roughly 500 hours on extended trips. And another user with a recovering fractured tailbone. Both said it held up well and remained comfortable.
While the vast majority of users find it comfortable, there are a number of other unique complaints aimed at the Pressure Relief Cushion.
First, you have the fact that many users find it too firm, especially in the winter. Some have even said that if it gets too cold, the cushion is less comfortable than any other seat in their house.
You also have the fact that the combination of thickness and firmness may cause some problems. Some users have found that, when sitting on this product for extended periods of time, it cuts off circulation to their legs. This appears to be a result of the thickness at the front of the cushion in combination with the relative thinness at the rear.
Finally, you have the issue with the non-stick rubber dots on the cushion cover. They sometimes come off on whatever surface the cushion is being used on. This isn’t too much of an issue, but it can definitely ruin your day if you have small sticky pieces of rubber all over your car or your nice couch. Also, every dot that falls off makes the cushion more susceptible to sliding.
Nevertheless, while the Cushion Lab Patented Pressure Relief Seat Cushion has its issues, its benefits are still greater. It’s still one of the lightest seat cushions on the market, and it provides a lot of much-needed support and comfort.
Best Alternating Pressure Seat Cushion
The Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushion by MobiCushion is, unlike all of the other seat cushions in this article, made to treat and prevent pressure sores.
Obviously, a lot of these cushions are helpful when sitting for long periods of time, but only alternating pressure cushions like this one are effective in treating pressure sores.
Because of this, this product is really in a whole other category. It has four elongated air bladders that alternate in pressure like an alternating pressure mattress. It also comes with a separate pump with controls that allow you to: (1) Choose between alternating and static; (2) Change cycle time from 10 min. to 15 min. or 20 min.; (3) Choose a comfort level from 1-5; and (4) Choose to have an alarm go off when the battery is low or the pressure is low.
The pump is also made to hang on the back of a wheelchair. It comes with a lithium-ion battery that some users claim allows it to last for 10 hours straight. The cushion itself is 4” thick, with a foam base for support.
This product comes with a fluid-resistant cover that has non-slip material on the bottom. It’s also pretty quiet (though some users have debated this), with the hum of the pump comparable to a blood pressure cuff.
The battery power itself is a point of contention, with multiple users saying it lasts for hours (10 in some cases) and others saying it won’t last three. A lot of the disagreement seems to come from the fact that the cycle you choose will affect the battery life.
Another downside is the price. At close to $300, this product is definitely the most expensive on our list. But, you’ll essentially get what you pay for. If you or a loved one needs to treat or prevent pressure sores, you’ll need to pay up for a product that can do that while you sit for extended periods of time.
Finally, comfort can also be an issue with this product. Cushions and beds made to prevent and treat pressure sores aren’t always the most comfortable, and this product isn’t necessarily made to be comfortable. It’s made to address a specific problem, and it does that. For some people, the comfort may not be the best.
Overall, though, the Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushion is the best option if you or a loved one need to treat or prevent pressure sores. There really aren’t too many alternatives, and the range of customizable pump settings really make this a top notch product.
Best Value
The Vive Wheelchair Cushion is the best bargain you’ll find on the market today. It is 3” thick, relatively cheap (at around $50), and made by a reputable vendor you can trust. Overall, it’s a good, solid product.
It’s a standard gel cushion, but it’s also more of a hybrid product with multiple layers of support (including foam).
The Vive is made with four layers of supportive comfort: (1) a liquid gel core, (2) premium foam surrounding the core, (3) a waterproof layer around that, and (4) a removable cover that is machine washable.
The Vive Wheelchair Cushion is a pretty standard size, at 18” wide and 16” long. This means it can fit into most office chairs, car seats, wheelchairs, etc.
One thing you should note before buying is that this product is made to relieve pain and provide comfort. It’s not a medical-grade pressure sore relief cushion or any kind of prevention device. It relieves pain and that’s it.
Speaking of relieving pain though, I think it’s fair to say that the Vive Wheelchair Cushion is pretty dang good at it. It has foam – like most memory foam cushions – but it also has a gel core. And that makes a lot of difference.
The gel core provides support while also contouring to your body. Regular foam can contour, but a lot of times it doesn’t keep you from “bottoming out,” so to speak. Foam just doesn’t provide that much support.
The Vive’s gel core, however, is great at providing support. In fact, that’s one of its downsides. If there is one common complaint, it’s that this product is too firm.
In my opinion, that’s just a disconnect between buyer expectations and realities. And that’s why I’m writing this article. If you want a firm seat cushion, then the Vive Wheelchair Cushion is for you. But if you aren’t looking for a firm cushion, you should look elsewhere.
An upside to this firmness is that the Vive retains its shape very well. A common complaint among seat cushion owners is that they get flat too quickly or that they lose their shape if you sit on them for extended periods of time. The Vive, because of its structure and sturdy nature, is actually the exact opposite of these. It’s pretty unanimous among users that the Vive Wheelchair Cushion retains its shape and can support you for hours on end without getting flat.
Another common complaint is that it is one of the heavier seat cushions. Now, we’re talking about a few pounds here, so it’s not anything to worry too much about. But, for someone who is elderly or physically impaired, a few pounds may make a big difference.
On Amazon, Vive advertises that the product weighs 3.99 lbs., but some users claim it weighs in excess of 5 lbs. It’s hard to say which is true, but it’s clear that this is one of the heavier seat cushions.
One thing the Vive also doesn’t do is keep you firmly planted in it like the Roho Mosaic does. The Vive isn’t necessarily designed to prevent someone from sliding off the edge. And the removable cover may even be a little more slippery than some other products.
FAQs
What is a Roho Cushion?
A Roho Cushion is a cushion with multiple separate inflatable air cells that disperse pressure when someone sits on them.
The purpose of a roho cushion is to relieve pressure points when sitting and to promote good blood flow. The cushions are designed to be used by individuals who have to sit for long periods of time.
Technically, roho cushions are not made to prevent or heal pressure sores, though they can help with that.
The best cushion for the actual prevention and treatment of pressure sores is an alternating pressure cushion like the Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushion by MobiCushion.
How Thick Should Seat Cushions Be?
There’s really no standard when it comes to seat cushion thickness.
They can range from 3” thick (or more) like the majority of the seat cushions we reviewed, or they can be 1.5” thick like the PURAP Wheelchair, Lift Chair, & Scooter Cushion.
It’s up to the user, but I will say that, all things being equal, a thicker seat cushion will typically provide more support and comfort.
If, for instance, you’re experiencing back problems, a thicker cushion will probably help with pain relief and prevent you from feeling any hard surface below the cushion.
Now, if a cushion is made like the PURAP, it may not need to be thick. But we will note that if you’re a larger user, you may want to opt for a thicker seat cushion. No matter how they’re made, thinner seat cushions will probably not support larger patients as well as thick seat cushions.
Can a Seat Cushion Help with Back Pain?
Yes, depending on the type of seat cushion you purchase.
Some seat cushions are made specifically to deal with back pain or sciatica pain. Others are made to provide comfort. And still others are made to prevent and treat pressure sores.
Typically, gel seat cushions are often made to treat back pain, especially lower back pain.
This study found that, while foam cushions can be effective in treating lower back pain, gel cushions were the best option.
What Type of Cushion is Best for Pressure Sores?
The best type of cushion for pressure sores is some kind of alternative pressure cushion like the Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushion by MobiCushion.
Pressure sores form when you sit for a long period of time on one surface without moving.
Cushions with alternating pressure help disperse pressure and promote blood flow, fighting the formation of pressure sores.
While some types of gel cushions and roho cushions may help, they really aren’t much of a substitute for alternating pressure. As always though, if you or a loved one are dealing with pressure sores, you should talk to a physician to figure out the best options for your particular situation.
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