If you're sitting on an office chair for several hours of the day, you may want to get yourself a chair pad to feel more comfortable and supported. That's why I've put together this list of the best office chair pads – and all of them are under $100.
I think about ergonomics within the context of the home office a lot, as I've used and reviewed the best office chairs for back pain for a few years now. They can really help, but if you don't have the money for that right now (the lowest price is around $200), a cushion can be a good, more affordable solution to sitting comfortably; distributing pressure more evenly and better supporting your spine and lower back.
Best office chair pads
+ Deep
+ Large
- May not fit all chairs
Size: 21 x 5 x 4in
Want extra height? Then we recommend this four-inch deep, moulded memory foam cushion, which offers a medium-firm feel and has a cutout designed to support your tailbone. It's also nice and sturdy, thanks to its nonslip bottom. It is expensive, though, and larger than other cushions so measure your chair first. I've seen this sold as low as $62 on Amazon.
+ Low price
+ Good support
- Not the deepest
Size: 17.5 x 14 x 2.75in
On a tight budget? Despite its low price at time of writing, this memory foam cushion with a U-shaped cutout provides solid support and comfort. Some find it slips around a little, and the "computer chair" design isn't for everyone. But overall this 2.75 inch-deep cushion is an excellent value buy.
+ Firm support
+ Holds thickness well
- Not the deepest
Size: 16 x 16 x 2in
This is the best office chair cushion for us, and a must have if you want firm support. Made from dense memory foam, this pad comes with grooves to guide you into the best seating position, plus it's very firm and stable in use. Despite only being two inches deep, it holds its thickness well, however long you sit on it. On the pricey side, but worth it (it's gone as low as $79 on Amazon.)
+ Soft and plush
+ Cheap in USA
- Not for back sufferers
Size: 18 x 14 x 3in
Prefer a softer cushion you can sink into? Here's your best bet. You'll get an immediate sense of comfort sitting on this plush memory foam cushion, although that means it won't provide the tailbone or sciatic support of firmer ones. Note that it's especially cheap in the USA at time of writing.
+ Lightweight
+ Good spinal support
- Won't cradle like memory foam
Size: 18 x 14 x 2.5in
Weighing just 12oz, this seat cushion is an excellent choice for taking on your travels, although it will work equally well in the home and office. Made from high-density foam (not memory foam) and 2.5 inches deep, it has an ergonomic U-shaped cutout that gives good support to your coccyx and spine.
+ Gel-layer adds comfort
+ Cooling qualities
- Too firm for some
Size: 13.7 x 17.5 x 2.8in
Some people don't like the way they feel 'stuck' when sat on a foam cushion. If that's you, try this hybrid, 2.8 inch-deep cushion, which combines firm memory foam with a gel top layer, providing extra comfort. If you tend to run hot while sitting, the gel will help keep you cool, too.
