Lumbar pillows, or lumbar supports, are an amazing addition to any office or work-from-home kit. Whether you are looking for a lumbar pillow for extra back support or to encourage better posture, we’ve got the best ones right here.
As someone who works for a remote company (and has worked different jobs over the years), I can tell you — being comfortable in the workplace is of the utmost importance. I’ve worked from my car, hotel rooms, campsites, offices, airplanes, ranches, hostels, kindergarten classrooms, parking lots — you name it. Give me a phone or computer, and some form of a chair, and I’m set. But sitting hunched over a computer or workstation long term isn’t good for your posture, spine, neck, or skeletal alignment. A simple thing like a bit of extra support throughout the workday can help add some comfort to your hours behind the keyboard.
We’ve tried and tested, researched, and reviewed some of the best lumbar supports, lower back cushions, and posture pillows for chairs currently available. The following selection includes those that made the cut. So do yourself a favor and give yourself a little lumbar support. Here are the best options that we’ve found.
- Best Value: Vive Lumbar Support
- Best Overall: OPTP The Original McKenzie Lumbar Support
- Best for Travel: Therm-a-Rest Inflatable Lumbar Support Pillow
- Crowd-Pleaser: Amazon Basics Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow
- Best for Home: Coop Home Goods Lumbar Support
The Best Lumbar Support Review
1Vive Lumbar Support
This lumbar roll is designed to work as both a cervical spine and lower back support pillow and is adjustable enough to fit nearly any chair.
The roll-style support from Vive offers some of the best back support for chairs features firm, high-density foam, and “relieves pain and pressure on the hips and spine by promoting proper posture.” Make sure to also browse our selection of the best-selling massage pillows on the market.
Roll-style design
Adjustable, 32-inch strap
Washable mesh fabric cover
- BrandVive
- Weight5.9 ounces
- SupportFirm
- FillingHigh-density foam
- Dimensions12 x 4.5 inches
Great budget option
Adjustable
Machine-washable cover
May be too firm for some
2OPTP The Original McKenzie Lumbar Support
The shape and feel of lumbar rolls won out for us during testing, but especially this one. This McKenzie Lumbar Roll from OPTP is considered one of the best back pillows around and it’s a popular option amongst physical therapists. The design is simple but offers the perfect balance between comfort and “roundness.”
I like it best for lumbar and even neck support when working from home. The best part? You can choose from standard density or firm density for more customized lumbar support.
Roll-style design
Removable moisture-wicking cover
Includes an adjustable strap
USA-made
- BrandThe Original McKenzie®
- ModelLumbar Roll™
- Weight5.5 ounces
- SupportModerate
- FillingFoam
- Dimensions11 x 4.75 inches
Great supportive feel
Available in 2 densities
Compact and travel-friendly
Fits most chairs but isn’t universal
3Therm-a-Rest Inflatable Lumbar Support Pillow
Planes, trains, automobiles, camping trips…this lumbar pillow made for travel has tons of great applications. I’ve loved using it everywhere from our driver’s seat on long trips in the car to working remotely in a shared office.
This is an air pillow, which uses a combination of valve inflation and cushioned, die-cut foam to deliver versatile support. The Therm-a-Rest lumbar support is highly durable, ultralight (just under 4 ounces), and budget-friendly. Don’t forget to also browse these top cooling pillows that are perfect for the summer.
Weather-resistant
Pressure-mapped and self-inflating
Customizable firmness
Lightweight
USA-made
- BrandTherm-a-Rest
- ModelLumbar Pillow
- Weight3.6 ounces
- SupportAdjustable
- FillingDie-cut foam and air
- Dimensions16 x 7 inches
Highly durable
Sizable coverage
Travel-friendly
Slick exterior fabric tends to slide around on leather or vinyl chair backs
4Amazon Basics Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow
With over 700 five-star reviews, Amazon Basics’ Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow is another great choice. The traditional architecture makes it an excellent lumbar support for office chairs. The pillow comprises ergonomic memory foam, a breathable mesh fabric cover, and a paneled design. It works well as both a mid-back and lower-back cushion in the vertical position and provides ample tailbone support when used as a seat.
This mesh lumbar support pillow is sizable and provided the greatest field of support coverage of those that we tested. For memory foam, our tester found it on the firmer side but found that it provided great support overall.
Paneled design for wide support area
2 adjustable straps
Breathable mesh cover
- BrandAmazon Basics
- Model819901203681
- Weight14.4 ounces
- SupportModerate/Firm
- FillingMemory foam
- Dimensions14.17 x 12.2 inches
Ergonomic, sculpted support
Traditional shape conforms nicely to office chairs
Cover is not machine washable
Strap length is somewhat short
Limited orientation
5Coop Home Goods Lumbar Support
This half-moon (or d roll) lumbar support is a fantastic choice for those who really want the most out of a pillow. Want to correct your posture at work, reduce neck pain while driving, provide extra hip support in bed? Need a portable lumbar support for your office chair? This four-position support pillow does it all.
It has a 100% memory foam filling, an extra removable foam insert for adjustability, and a bamboo-blend fabric cover. While it’s great for lumbar support for the office or home, it wouldn’t be my first choice for a travel pillow. (See their related office chair-specific pillow here.)
D-roll style design
Supports lumbar, back, hips, and knees
Washable, hypoallergenic cover
- BrandCoop Home Goods
- ModelCOMINHKPR140120
- Weight1.8 pounds
- SupportModerate
- FillingMemory foam (PVC and vinyl-free)
- Dimensions:17 x 6 inches
Versatile applications
Breathable construction
Adjustable firmness
Hypoallergenic bamboo viscose fabric
Higher price tag
May be too wide for some office chairs
Why Trust Us
I used to have terrible posture (and mild scoliosis). I also didn’t have a true “desk job” until recently, so sitting at a computer for long hours is still new to me.
I’m also an athlete and enjoy running, hiking, and yoga. Proper spinal alignment, muscle strength, and avoiding aches and strains are all crucial for me.
Working out of shared office space, I don’t have my own desk chair. There are standing desks which I use quite a bit, but if I’m sitting (whether it be at a desk, table, or couch), there’s a support between my lower back and my chair.
Who This is For
If you sit at a desk or workstation or in a vehicle for long periods of time, travel for work, or even use a shared desk space (shared home office, university students, etc.), lumbar supports are for you! So many people can benefit from using a lumbar support, especially those who work in office settings.
How We Picked
First, we researched a variety of lumbar supports on the market. Then, we checked product information and online reviews. Then, we tested the top lumbar supports in several different categories for quality, firmness, affordability, and more.
How We Tested
I work part-time from home, part-time in an office, and, prior to COVID-19, traveled often. She tested each lumbar support on at least five different chairs and seats, from the office to home to airplanes to road trips to camping.
Features to Look for in Lumbar Supports
Especially if you are buying a lumbar roll, you’ll want it to have these features: a strap, a breathable and comfortable fabric, and a washable cover.
Luckily, our top choices tick all these boxes.
Lumbar Support Shape - There are a few different types of lumbar support out there, and you’ll want to do some research to find which is best for you.
Rolls: Rolls are designed to support the most curved parts of the spine (the upper and lower). If you’ve never used a roll, you might be more comfortable with a half-moon support to start out. That being said, rolls are the best for active, long-term support. You should feel the roll there. It’s not supposed to feel natural as it’s supposed to correct posture and strengthen the spine (though it should feel comfortable).
Half Moon or D Rolls: an in-between option compared to rolls or pillows, half-moon or D roll supports provide a curved, more corrective support for your lumbar, but with a flat back (best for use against a flatter chair or surface).
There isn’t a huge difference between rolls and this type; it’s mostly preference.
Another perk: these are great for use while sitting or sleeping.
Pillows: Flat, curved, or sloped pillows are another style we tested. These pillows usually rely on air, a self-inflating foam, or memory foam filling as support across a wider region of your spine and back.
If you use an ergonomic chair that has holes or gaps or want a gentler support, these pillows are a great choice.
Size and Height - Be sure to check the size and length of a lumbar support to ensure it’s compatible with your office chair, car seat, seat cushion, etc.
You’ll also want a lumbar support that is adjustable (many have a strap, and some have inserts to adjust the density of the cushion).
The lumbar support pillows we’ve listed here all worked with multiple seats/chairs, and we’ve included their dimensions.
Firmness - Choosing firmness is important. Everyone is different. Especially if you have chronic back pain, a spinal condition or curvature, or are recovering from a slipped disc, back, or neck injury — lumbar support will look different for you than someone else.
If you aren’t sure what firmness you like, think about your mattress — does your back prefer a softer, firmer, or more moldable surface?
Before purchasing, check if the brand lists its support as firm, medium, soft, or with different density options.
Our top recommendation would be to get a lumbar support pillow with moderate or adjustable firmness. You also don’t want a pillow that is too soft or will lose support over time.
Lumbar Support FAQ
Q: How does the lumbar cushion work?
A: A human vertebral spinal column is curved. Sitting with hunched or low posture can put a strain on the vertebrae and cause pain, fatigue, bad circulation, and even injury.
Lumbar support cushions work to provide lumbar and back support, strengthen the spine, and keep your posture in natural alignment.
Lumbar supports also decrease the pressure put on our coccyx and hips, and keep the entire back in a proper position.
Q: Does lumbar support help lower back pain?
A: Depending on the cause and location of your back pain, yes. Lumbar supports and cushions are designed to relieve muscle pressure and vertebral tension by supporting and aligning the spine.
Q: Is too much lumbar support bad?
A: Too much of anything (chocolate, exercise, and yes, lumbar support) isn’t good for you. You don’t want to slouch, but you also don’t want the use of a lumbar pillow to change or exaggerate the natural curve of your spine.
If a lumbar support feels too curvy or bulky, remove or adjust the filling. Or, try a different shaped lumbar support that may better fit your chair.
You also want your lumbar cushion to fit properly along the curve of your spine, that is, not too low and not too high.
Q: Where should lumbar support be on your back?
A: Lumbar supports are meant to be used for long periods of time (like 8 hours sitting in a desk chair). However, you want to make sure you are using your lumbar support or lumbar pillow correctly.
It shouldn’t be too low, or too high, and it should fit in the curve of your lumbar region. Always check the instruction manual for tips on how to best position the lumbar support on your lower back, and where best to position it on your chair.
If you want to use a lumbar pillow for cervical spine support, check to make sure the support cushion that you purchase is also intended for a cervical spine application.
Q: Why is lumbar support important?
A: Simply put, sitting increases the pressure on your spine, discs, and general back (even your hips and neck). Using a lumbar pillow to support the space between your spine and a chair or seat relieves this pressure.
And though lumbar support is important to reduce or alleviate back pain, stretching and movement are important too. If you sit for long periods of time, remember to stand or stretch throughout your day (don’t solely rely on a lumbar support).
Q: Do I need to see a doctor to get a lumbar support pillow?
A: Nope, not for a lumbar support. Though if you have a back condition or injury, your doctor may recommend or prescribe a specific back brace or seat.
If you are recovering from a back, spinal or neck injury, it might be a good idea to check with your doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist to see which type of support is best for you.
