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If you spend a lot of time in a car, chances are you’ve felt a bit of a twinge in your back. The good news is that you can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with sitting for long periods of time by investing in lumbar support for your vehicle. Read on to find out everything you need to know to choose the best lumbar support for your car seat.

Have you noticed you’re getting out of the car slower than your 90-year-old grandmother? Struggling to get comfortable on long car rides? Well, according to the American Chiropractic Association, 80 percent of adults will experience back pain in their lifetime. It accounts for 264 million lost workdays per year in the U.S. alone. One thing you can do to promote proper posture and minimize your risk of developing lower back pain while driving is to use a lumbar support in your car whenever you drive.  Lumbar supports for cars are especially beneficial for anyone who drives long distances or very frequently, and let’s face it, that’s just about everyone nowadays. So, if you’re in the market for a new lumbar support for your car, The Drive has got you covered with our top picks and an informative buying guide to help ensure you find the one that’s just right for you.

Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Lumbar Support

Samsonite SA5243 Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow

RelaxSupport RS1 Orthopedic Lumbar Support Cushion

Being a licensed chiropractor myself, I know a thing or two about high-quality lumbar supports. In fact, I’ve actually recommended many of these for my patients and tested several myself.  When selecting the top picks, I wanted to go with reliable manufacturers who have a solid track record of producing reliable, durable, and supportive products. Because not all spines are the same, you’ll notice there are lumbar supports of varying heights and thicknesses. And, of course, I wanted to offer a variety of different price points in order to fit any budget. For more info on product selection, check out this link to The Drive’s Gear About page which explains our methodology further.

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

More on Interior Car Accessories

When it comes to the best overall pick for a lumbar support for your car, it’s tough to beat the Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Lumbar Support. Made from premium memory foam, it’s suitable for both acute and chronic back pain and helps prevent the stress and strain commonly associated with driving for long periods of time.

For a reliable and long-lasting budget-friendly option, check out the Samsonite SA5243 Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow. This orthopedic lumbar back support is recommended by chiropractors, as it properly supports the lower back and minimizes slouching.

While it may seem like it, choosing a lumbar support for your car isn’t a one-size-fits-all selection. Choosing the right size, material, and level of support are just a few things to consider when getting the best one to suit your specific needs and desires. 

A compact and overall common choice, these car cushions are small enough to be portable and big enough to make a difference in how your back feels when you’re sitting for long periods of time. The two most common designs are the u-shape and the wedge, both of which are great choices if you need your lumbar support to be portable.

If you’re in need of something a little more high-powered, you’ll want an adjustable lumbar support cushion that can be made to fit the unique lines of your back. These are attached to your headrest via elastic straps, hanging down the length of your seat back. Typically the most ergonomic option, this type of lumbar support is great if you have chronic back problems. 

Lumbar support cushions are available in a wide range of sizes. You’ll want to find one that best suits your needs. To do that, take into consideration how often you’ll use it and how much support you want. On top of that, keep in mind that chronic back pain benefits from always using lumbar support, so you’ll want something extra durable if you find yourself in this category.

Material is a critical component of a good lumbar support cushion. You’ll want something durable that is able to retain its shape even with hours of frequent use. If you live somewhere hot, you’ll definitely want to make sure that the material is somewhat breathable so that it feels comfortable temperature-wise.

Many lumbar support cushions come with straps or other types of fasteners to keep them from sliding around during use. That will keep them in place and able to do their job well. The last thing you want is a lumbar support cushion that is nowhere near the place it needs to be to work effectively. Also, keep in mind that adjustable straps mean customizable support. In other words, you’ll be able to place the cushion exactly where you need the lumbar support.

You can get a good-quality lumbar support for your car for under $30. These may be made from memory foam or mesh. They come in a variety of different sizes and thicknesses, as well as different shapes and support options. They may not last as long as some higher-end, better quality cushions, though. If you’re looking for a durable lumbar support that may last longer and provide firmer support for larger spines, expect to spend between $30 an $50. Upwards of $50, you will find the cream of the crop of lumbar supports. Covers are made from super comfortable and durable materials like suede, leather, velour, and more. These will be some of the longest-lasting, most well-made cushions on the market. This price range is also where you’ll find some top-notch car seat massager cushions.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

A: That depends a lot on your personal preference. Memory foam cushions shape to the contours of your back more, but gel cushions tend to be cooler and more supportive overall. It’s a good idea to test out both options if you can, and then choose the one that feels better to you.

A: You’ll want to look for a minimum of about 1 - 1.5 inches. Anything less can be an indicator of poor quality, and anything more won’t offer all that much extra support. Again, the level of comfort you experience using a particular cushion should be the final point in making a decision.

A: That depends a lot on the type of back pain you have. Chronic back pain that comes from stress to the muscles can definitely be helped with a lumbar support cushion, as can minor pain that originates from driving itself or stress. Sciatica pain may also be alleviated while using a support cushion.

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