We spent hours researching and testing the most popular car seat cushions, evaluating comfort, support, and value. Our top pick, the Purple Royal Seat Cushion, has thick gel cushioning and is machine-washable. Here are the best car seat cushions. Having taken the world by storm with its innovative open-structure mattresses, Purple now offers a range of plush products with the same grid-style technology. The Royal Seat Cushion is pleasantly thick but also buoyant, offering the perfect level of comfy support for your backside. Made of the brand’s signature hyper-elastic polymer, this car seat cushion claims to offer several hours of comfort and support. What’s more, the open grid structure allows for ample airflow to keep you cool and prevent sweat from gathering. Measuring 17.5 x 16 x 2 inches, it’ll fit in virtually all cars, along with office chairs and other seats you find yourself sitting in. We also like that the machine-washable cover has handy carrying handles. Price at time of publish: $99 While it’s not as thick as others on this list, we appreciate that the breathable cover is machine washable. Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $81 Price at time of publish: $27 Plus, portable polyester foam cushion delivers heat therapy to your lower back, thanks to the built-in infrared technology. Price at time of publish: $67 Price at time of publish: $31 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $79 Price at time of publish: $60
Material
Cover material and cushion filling play a large role in determining how effective and durable a car seat cushion will be. You should look for a car seat cushion with a breathable cover for enhanced temperature regulation, especially if you plan to use the cushion for long drives or in hot weather. Inside the car seat cushion will be a filler material to provide comfort and support. Foam is the most frequent choice for a car seat cushion but it’s likely to compress over time. If you want to keep a springy seat for many miles, you may be better off looking for a high-density memory foam car seat cushion. Foam cushions sometimes hold heat. If this is concern for you, shop for a car seat cushion with a breathable cover and gel foam to assist in dissipating heat.
Features
The benefits of a car seat cushion can extend beyond support and comfort. Other features such as a massaging, cooling, or heated car seat cushion can enhance your drive. If you’re interested in these options, keep in mind that you’ll also need a power source to plug your car seat cushion into. If you don’t mind a cord extending from your seat cushion to a power supply, then you can enjoy a warmer, cooler, or more relaxing drive.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce copywriter specializing in lifestyle and wellness. For this article, she researched the various types, shapes, and materials of seat cushions, then combed through reviews and product specs. Her final selections bear multiple critical qualities, including plushness, support, ergonomics, a washable cover, a non-slip design, versatility, and affordability. She owns a Purple seat cushion and stands behind its quality and comfort. Theresa has been covering recreation, consumer tech, and furniture at The Spruce since 2019.
