Sitting cushions come in all different shapes and sizes, traditionally these were known as donut cushions or ring cushions but science has proven that the donut shape isn’t always the best, the right cushion for you is based on your individual needs (not what suits the majority). Most cushions help with pains associated with giving birth vaginally, symptoms that they can help with include pain in the coccyx, pain associated with perineum tears / episiotomies, bruising from the birth, vaginal varicosities, back pain and sciatica.
Lets have a look at the best sitting cushions out there, here are our Top 5:
Ergonomic Innovations Donut Cushion
What we love about it:
- It comes in a medium or large and is tested under a heavy weight, which will stop it from sagging (under normal ‘human weight’).
- The cushion is memory foam so should adapt to different sitting postures. Have a look at more images here.
- Non-slip materials underneath so it can be used on any surface safely.
- Really light weight so easy to carry around with you.
What it’s best for:
- Coccyx pain due to the cut out section.
- Perineum soreness
- Sciatica
Houdian Inflatable Donut Cushion Pillow
What we love about it:
- It may not be the prettiest cushion to look at but the price might tempt you in.
- Because the cushion is filled with air, you can make it as firm as you like. It’s a simple design that has been used for years and there’s a reason they’re still around.
- It is really easy to transport around with you as it folds up really small (when deflated).
- It’s really easy to clean.
- This is the only one that will definitely hold it’s shape.
What it’s best for:
- Vaginal Varicosities
- Perineum soreness
- Pain after episiotomy
Supportiback seating cushion
What we love about it:
- It has an ‘edgeless’ design, which stops you feeling like you’re ‘wedged-in’ to one position – relieving pressure in other (non-affected) areas.
- Good density for weight distribution.
- It is award-winning (everyone loves award winning choices)!
- The Ergo-Pur foam is made from 99.75% Hevea Milk & is treated with Organic caster oil, making it more eco friendly.
What it’s best for:
Mycketop gel seat cushion
What we love about it:
- Although it’s not a donut / ring, the wedge shape can make prolonged sitting easier. It takes the pressure off your thighs as there is no ‘ledge’.
- The sloped design can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, pelvis bones and coccyx.
- It has a different honeycomb type design which enhances breathability. It’s engineered to minimize heat and moisture build-up.
- The wedge shape can encourage a better sitting posture.
- We actually really like this one for light relief of quite a few symptoms.
What it’s best for:
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Coccyx pain
- General postural pains (Thoracic spine and shoulders)
The Valley Cushion
What we love about it:
- The VALLEY® Cushion has a central channel, running from front to rear, the depth of which can be altered by independently inflating each side of the cushion.
- The cushion is shaped to allow the person’s weight to be supported on the outer edge of each sit bone.
- There is research to back it’s use: during their research 90% of mothers stated that the cushion relived soreness to the extent that they did not feel the need to take any analgesia or could reduce what they were taking.
- They are a small UK based company looking to make a difference to people in pain.
- The cushion can be hired or bought.
- If pain is a big issue and you’re struggling to cope with it then this might be a good investment.
What it’s best for:
- Severe pain in the perineal area following a traumatic birth.
- Pain after episiotomy.
Summary:
So there you have it, we’ve tried to give you an idea of the best available sitting cushions, with lots of variation to suit lots of different needs. Even if you don’t feel these are the right cushions for you, maybe it’ll give you more of an idea of what is available and what type of cushion might suit you best.