Best Foam for Seat Cushions

Sitting is an important part of life. If you’re not comfortable, it will show on your face and in the way that you move about. When an older cushion starts to collapse or loses its ability to regain its shape, it becomes very uncomfortable to sit down on!

As a general rule, the best foam for seat cushions for people with back pain or posture problems would be a natural latex foam top and a higher density base foam with a 110-135 degree angle. You should avoid memory or polyurethane foams as they do not provide adequate support and you will end up sitting hot as the substance does not breathe too well.

In today’s world, we are constantly staring at screens, whether it be a computer, phone, or TV. This increased screen time has led to more sedentary lifestyles and poor posture. Over time, poor posture can lead to a number of health problems such as back pain, headaches, and fatigue. That’s where I come in. As a chiropractor and ergonomist, I help people achieve better health by improving their posture. I’ve been working in this field for over 30 years and have a wealth of knowledge to share. I’ve published a book on posture, spoken about it on national TV, and even engineered solutions to poor posture. My work in this area has also led to a successful Kickstarter campaign for a posture-sitting device. If you’re looking to improve your posture and achieve better health, I’m the person you need to talk to.

Densities of Foams

Cushion comfort is determined by the foam. Weight (density) determines both foam lifespan and quality. Generally, the foam goes into three categories: 

• low-density foams that offer minimal support
• medium-density foams that offer average comfort at a higher price
• high-density foams that can withstand heavier use and mean a longer lifespan

If you are into super easy and inexpensive alternatives to office chairs, I wrote a fantastic article on how and why you should consider these options for back pain and I encourage you to read it!

Resiliency of Foams

Resilience is a unique attribute of foam which means it will return to its original shape quickly after compression. For cushion lovers wanting more bounce, Foam is perfect for you! The open-cell structure also ensures high resilience, making these foams very springy but still supportive enough to provide sturdy support over time as they gradually deteriorate and soften.

If you’re looking for a cushion that will provide ultimate comfort, high-resilience foam is the way to go. The most expensive and durable type of foam out there today – it’s an excellent choice if money isn’t really an issue or your seat needs some serious upgrading.

When it comes down to finding the best seat cushions on the market, resilience may be one factor worth considering; after all this particular kind has proven time and again its ability of world-class quality with regard to longevity (that means without breaking down). 

I was surprised how similar cheap memory foam seat cushions were on Aliexpress from the listing on Amazon!

High-Density Foams

High-density foams are the most common foam used for seat cushions because it is economical. It will provide some support and comfort, but not in the same league as High Resilience foam.

The compression of high-density foam will cause its original shape to return at a medium rate. As foam degrades rapidly over time, it becomes softer over time. If you sit on an old high-density seat cushion, you will probably bottom out.

Purchasing furniture from a big-box chain or online giant will likely result in cheap yet low-quality furniture. The foam is used probably is Polyurethane foam, of lower quality. Despite its low price, polyurethane foam is of low quality.

Memory Foam for Seat Cushions

Memory foam or polyurethane foam is also known as polyfoam. Polyurethane foams are the most common type of seat cushion. 

Memory Foams vs. Polyurethane Foams

• Their textures differ quite a bit. Polyurethane is in both, however.
• Memory foam is denser than polyurethane foam due to additional chemicals added during processing.
• Chemically, both foams are similar but feel very different. Memory foam creates a sinking feeling to pressure more than PU foam, which is a lot springy.
• Foam made from polyurethane is entirely synthetic. PU foams cannot be classified as ‘natural’, unlike latex which is usually natural.

The Benefits of Memory Foams and Polyurethane Foams

• Affordable – especially with lower-grade PU foams.
• Cheaper chemical processing is a cost-saving way to make a seat cushion
• Lightweight 

Disadvantages of Memory Foam and Polyurethane Foam

• Pressure points or poor spine support
• Uncomfortable 
• The memory foam cushion itself can be too flimsy, limp, and slow to return to its original form.
• Too Much Movement  
• Poorly ventilated – no airflow in polyurethane foams
• Tend to off-gas toxic VOC fumes 
• Short lifetime 

Natural Latex Foams 

Natural latex foam is made from natural materials. Natural latex is obtained from the rubber tree  (Hevea brasiliensis).  This tree’s bark is a milky sap that is collected and used to make latex foam.  Latex has inherent springiness.

It can be thought of as one of the highest-quality foams for seat cushions because of its springy construction and exceptional feel. When using a latex seat cushion, you will be able to enjoy a seat that has bounce, making them ideal for continuous, all-day movement.  You need this movement to keep your discs healthy.  

A huge demand exists for latex cushions thanks to their renowned comfort and support.  Upon sitting on a latex cushion, you would notice how soft and cosy it is, as well as how firm it is, as it supports you uniformly in cloud-like comfort.

In addition to comfort, latex foam has many other benefits.  However, a great seat cushion should always have comfort as its top priority.

The Benefits of Natural Latex Foams

• Latex is excellent at supporting the spine when compared to other materials. Because of this, chiropractors and osteopathic physicians often recommend using latex pillows. 
• Unparalleled comfort 
• Anti-mould and anti-dust mite. 
• Naturally sourced product – no toxic chemicals.
• Excellent ventilation 
• Soft movement 
• Long-lasting 

Cushions Made of Down or Feathers

Feather cushions are soft, beautiful and luxurious. But there’s a downside to them too: they pack over time and need fluffing on occasion for optimal use. And while they provide some structure when used alone in the form of an ottoman or footrest, you may find that if your furniture is very sofa it can sometimes lose its shape without down fillings beneath it—which means more expenses than just buying feather seat cushions!

Best Seat Cushion for Back Pain

As a chiropractor, I have seen the effects of back pain. To provide relief to my patients, I have tried multiple seat cushions. In order to find the best option, I decided to design my own seat cushion, after multiple prototypes and feedback from patients, I finally found a design that worked for us. This design helped my patients find relief from their back pain.

I’ve written a complete hands-on review about the best sitting position for sciatica and here is what I tested best with my sciatica patients.

When it comes to finding a seat cushion, natural latex is a popular choice for providing both comfort and support. This material is known for its high density, which can help keep the spine in alignment. Additionally, natural latex is considered more supportive than other materials such as memory foam or polyurethane foam. Some people find that a 4-way stretch vegan leather cover can make the cushion more comfortable and durable. After testing various prototypes, I designed a cushion that met my criteria. This cushion has helped many people find relief from back pain, and it may help you as well.

I’ve written a complete hands-on review about why your stomach is flat until you sit down and here are some of the shocking issues that I ran into in this post!

I explain the concept of my design on a TV show HERE

Takeaway

If you are suffering from back pain or posture problems, it is best to consult with an expert about the type of foam that would be best for your needs. A latex foam top with a higher-density base may provide adequate support and keep you cool and comfortable. I believe that memory or polyurethane foams may not offer the same benefits. Have you tried using a natural latex foam cushion? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!