Person sitting at a desk on a Putnams posture cushion

The Best Office Chair Cushions for Posture

May 13, 2025

After another long day at your desk, have you noticed that familiar ache creeping into your lower back? Does it feel like no matter how you adjust your chair, you can’t quite find a comfortable position? For many of us, hours spent sitting at work can lead to discomfort, poor posture, and even chronic back pain.

But the solution might be simpler than you think.

Why is Posture So Important

UK adults spend an average of 66.5 hours per week sitting, according to data from the British Heart Foundation. It’s no surprise that back pain is one of the most common ailments among office workers. A poorly supported spine can result in decreased productivity, loss of concentration, and even long-term health issues.

That’s where office chair cushions come in.

These simple yet effective accessories help improve your posture, provide added ergonomic support, and alleviate back pain. This guide will walk you through how office chair cushions can make your workday more comfortable, the key features to look for, product recommendations, and even tips for taking care of your cushion.

Whether you’re working from home or commuting to the office, upgrading your chair setup could be life-changing.

Let's explore why.

Chair in a home office environment with a Putnams pressure cushion on it

Why Office Chair Cushions Matter for Your Posture

Sitting for extended periods puts pressure on your spine and lower back. Over time, this can cause muscle strain, spinal misalignment, and slumped shoulders. Even with a good chair, your body may need extra support from a high-quality cushion, particularly one designed to maintain the natural "S" curve of your spine. (See Coccyx Poster Chair)

The NHS suggests that frequent bad posture can lead to increased pain and reduced mobility over time. While standing desks and movement breaks are helpful, many office workers overlook the importance of proper lumbar support during sitting. Incorporating an ergonomic cushion into your office setup can ease tension in your back muscles, improve circulation, and even boost focus and mood throughout the day.

Cushions designed for posture support are more than just comfort accessories; they’re small investments in your wellbeing. Better posture means not just fewer aches and pains, but also better concentration, productivity, and an overall sense of ease during your workday.

UK Facts & Figures on Office Posture and Back Pain

To truly understand the scale of the posture problem, consider these UK-specific stats:

On average, adults in the UK spend over 9 hours a day sitting for work, leisure, and commuting. (NHS)
Employees suffering from MSKs (musculoskelatal) cost the EU economies an estimated €240 billion (£200 billion) annually. (BBC)
Back pain is one of the leading reasons workers take sick days, with an estimated 4 million days lost every year in the UK due to musculoskeletal problems.

With nearly 100 reviews online, The Sero Pressure Cushion Coccyx cut out has relieved pain for many Putnams customers.

Joanne commented, "So comfortable to use all day and night even with sciatica well worth the price would highly recommend.”

What Makes a Great Ergonomic Office Chair Cushion?

Not all cushions are created equal. When shopping for the best ergonomic cushion to support your back, here are the key features to look out for:

Lumbar Support for Proper Spine Alignment
Look for cushions designed to support and maintain the natural curve of your spine.
High-Density Memory Foam
These cushions adapt to your shape, offering customised comfort and resilience over time.
Breathable, Durable Fabrics
Mesh or breathable fabrics prevent overheating during long hours of sitting.
Non-Slip Bases
Stability is crucial to ensure the cushion stays in the correct position.
Specialist Designs
Consider options like coccyx cushions, which relieve tailbone pressure, or kneeling cushions for active sitting.

Here’s a checklist to keep handy:

Ergonomic cushion? ✅
Lumbar support? ✅
High-density foam? ✅
Breathable material? ✅
Non-slip base? ✅

Remember, while cheaper, standard cushions may offer temporary relief, investing in a specialist version tailored for back pain and posture support will provide lasting results.

Office chair at desk with Putnams memory chair back cushion attached

Top-Rated Office Chair Cushions for Posture Support

We’re focusing on the high-quality, UK-made products by Putnams, we are a trusted brand renowned for our premium ergonomic solutions. Here’s our curated list:

1. Putnams Coccyx Cushion

Benefits: Featuring a unique cut-out to reduce pressure on the tailbone, this cushion helps alleviate pain and promotes better posture during long hours of sitting. Its UK-made quality ensures durability and a supportive design.
Best for: Home office workers, commuters, and anyone experiencing tailbone discomfort.
Testimonial: “This cushion has really made a difference to my back when sitting now and I don’t get the pain I used to. I wasn’t sure about buying it but am really glad I did. The service was excellent and the delivery was quick.” - Stephen F

2. Putnams Lumbar Support with adjustable strap

Benefits: The Lumbar Rolls, crafted from high-density orthopedic foam, have been supporting lower backs for over 40 years. Made in the UK, these durable lumbar supports help improve posture and counteract slouching, whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go. Designed with superior 50-grade foam, they offer firm, lasting comfort across a variety of seating environments.
Best for: Office workers spending long hours seated at desks can benefit from improved posture and reduced back strain. Long-distance commuters or professional drivers seeking better lumbar support to maintain comfort during extended drives.
Testimonial: “Purchased 2 lumbar supports to use for home office and car journeys. How did I manage before! These help with posture whilst sitting at computer and stops lower back stress.” - Lisa J

3. Putnams Slimline 8° Wedge Cushion

Benefits: Slightly angled to encourage proper pelvic alignment and improve posture, this cushion is perfect for those with hip or lower back issues.
Best for: Those seeking a versatile cushion for both office chairs and car seats.
Testimonial: “Very pleased with my wedge cushion quality much better than other brands and fits better on a standard chair.” - Sally W

4. Putnams Super Wedge - Extra Large Cushion

Benefits: Another angled cushion option. The Super Wedge offers superior posture support with a memory foam top layer that relieves pressure points and maintains the spine's natural curve. Lightweight and versatile, it suits any chair, including wheelchairs and car seats.
Best for: People seeking general posture improvement and back pain relief.
Testimonial: “MY wife and I use these in our cars. Despite “ comfortable” car seats, this makes them much better on long journeys. Back feels much better on that get out of the car moment Also, raises you into a more dominant driving position, which suits our old eyes better, parking is easier and you feel less “ vulnerable”. Highly recommend. One in each car.” - Richard P

Putnams' products shine with their UK craftsmanship, ensuring ergonomic solutions you can trust for long-term use.

How to Use and Care for Your Office Chair Cushion

Proper setup and maintenance are key to getting the most out of your cushion. Here’s how to do it:

Setup for Maximum Benefits - Position the cushion flush with the back of your chair. Adjust for lumbar height so it supports the curve of your lower back.
Care and Cleaning - Most cushions come with removable, washable covers. Wash them regularly to keep them fresh. Replace your cushion if you notice flattening or loss of support over time.
Pair with Proper Ergonomics - Combine your cushion with an adjusted chair height, a footrest (if needed), and frequent movement breaks for the best results.

Expert Tips for Office Posture Improvement

Beyond your cushion, there are other ways to improve your posture while sitting:

Align your chair height so your knees are level with your hips.
Use a footrest if your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor.
Take breaks to stand and stretch every 30 minutes.
Consider exploring standing desks or “active sitting” solutions like balance stools.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best office chair cushion for coccyx pain?
A: The Putnams Coccyx Cushion is tailored for coccyx relief with a cut-out to reduce tailbone pressure.

Q: How do I know when to replace my cushion?
A: Replace when it no longer regains shape or feels supportive after use.

Putnams, Putting Posture First

Adding a high-quality office chair cushion to your workspace can be a game-changer for your posture, productivity, and overall comfort. Putnams’ UK-made range offers reliable, ergonomic solutions that cater to a variety of posture and back pain needs.

Start by assessing your current desk setup and choosing a cushion tailored to your needs. Need more guidance? Check out Putnams’ website for their full range of posture-perfect solutions, along with customer reviews and tips for setup.

What’s your experience with posture cushions?

Share your stories in the comments, we’d love to hear how you’ve enhanced your comfort at work!