The 13 Best Lumbar Support Pillows for Better Posture, According to a Physical Therapist

At under $20, this lumbar support pillow is the most inexpensive option on the list. It ticks all the boxes for a supportive back pillow, and it has received rave reviews from Amazon shoppers. “Keeps my back well during my whole time while working and studying from home,” wrote one customer. It’s made of firm, contoured foam, and it features a wooden insert to reinforce support, plus a strap that allows you to affix it to a chair. As a bonus, it comes with a machine-washable cover that makes it easy to clean between uses.

Filling: Foam

Firmness level: Firm

Originally $52, now $33

Love that memory foam feel? McManus (and over 31,000 happy Amazon customers) also suggests this pillow, which swaps the inflatable design for a dreamy, spine-loving foam. It’s only $33 and has everything you want in a good lumbar support pillow: It contours to your back, is travel-friendly, and is breathable, so no worrying about breaking a sweat while you try and perfect your posture. If you do get a little sweaty, fear not—the removable cover is machine washable and easy to zip on and off.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness level: Medium to firm

Originally $79, now $65

Desk chairs, sofas, passenger seats, your favorite La-Z-Boy—if you can lean up against it, Cushion Lab’s lumbar support pillow can make it more comfortable. Designed by the brand’s team of in-house ergonomists, it hugs the spine to match the natural contours of the back and balance the spine. Know that it is made from an extra-firm memory foam, so if you prefer a more forgiving fabric, this might not be your thing. Otherwise, strap it on to any surface, sit back, and relax.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness level: Firm

Originally $33, now $29

Another budget-friendly option is this lumbar support pillow from Lovehome, which has garnered a devoted following on Amazon. The memory-foam body is ideal for long days at your desk or in your car, giving you better spinal alignment as you sit. It’s breathable, travel-friendly, and ultra-supportive, plus it’s backed with a lifetime warranty in case you ever need a replacement.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness level: Medium

If you’re looking for instant comfort, you can never go wrong with a Purple product. This back pillow uses the brand’s signature Grid that absorbs shock, alleviates pain, and provides relief in all the right places. Use the adjustable strap to secure it to your favorite desk chair, then sit back and relish in the Grid’s too-good-to-be-true cushiness. Paired with the brand’s double seat cushion, and you’ll never want to leave your office chair again.

Filling: Proprietary Purple Grid (GelFlex polymer) material
Firmness level: Medium

If you’re struggling with back pain from sitting in an office chair all day, McManus recommends the Tush Cush. “This is generally something that you place on your seat, and sit on,” she says. “It slightly shifts the pressure of your bodyweight forward so that you have less pressure directly on your lower spine, and more on the back of your thighs.”

It also features a washable fabric cover that makes it easy to clean. If you’re feeling fancy, though, it also comes in a cloud-like sheepskin option that’ll change the way you sit forever.

Filling: Foam
Firmness level: Medium

Originally, $48, now $44

The Amazon Basics seat cushion and lumbar pillow set are ideal for those who want twice the support. The seat cushion features a non-skid bottom to prevent slippage, while the lumbar support pillow has two buckled straps that you can adjust to fit chairs of various sizes. Both the seat cushion and lumbar support pillow are filled with a firm memory foam and feature a breathable cover that’s machine washable. There’s also a version containing gel memory foam to offer users a cooling effect.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness level: Firm

McManus is a big fan of this pillow which has brought her patients “a lot of success.” It’s completely adjustable and portable, perfect for providing quick relief in desk chairs, car seats, and on uncomfortable plane rides. “I like that it can be inflated or deflated for more or less support,” she says.

Filling: Air-inflatable material
Firmness level: Medium

Want a pillow you can truly take anywhere? The McKenzie roll is about as portable as it gets, thanks to its compact design and lightweight packaging that fits easily into duffels, backpacks, suitcases, and more. Don’t let its size fool you, though—this small-but-mighty pillow is ideal for localized relief and has won the hearts of pain specialists, physical therapists, and chiropractors for years. For $24, adding one to your home office (or office office) is a no-brainer.

Filling: Foam
Firmness level: Medium or firm options

We know McManus advised against logs, but editors love this heated option from Homedics. It doubles as a heating pad, warming sore muscles and loosening things up while you support. Like the others, it fits seamlessly onto chairs and sofas, only this one comes with three different heat settings to soothe while you sit. Seriously, this plush pillow is so comfy, you’ll never sit in another stiff desk chair without one again.

Filling: Foam
Firmness level: Medium to firm

Originally $87, now $69

Another ergonomic recommendation from Dr. Kalika, this pillow can be strapped to most chairs and fits most lumbar curves. It’s made with bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam to provide support and to be temperature-regulating and odor-resistant. The cover is also breathable and washable, and the inner lining has antimicrobial protection to keep it fresh even after multiple uses.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness level: Medium to firm

If your lower back is really feeling the burn, tuck this narrow pillow behind your lower back for instant relief. It’s made from a plush memory foam that absorbs shock and relieves pressure where you need it most. Its narrow design also doubles as a body pillow that fits in between legs and under hips perfectly. Doesn’t hurt that it comes in a rainbow of colors that double as hygge home decor.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness level: Medium

Originally $120, now $60

Dr. Kalika recommends this ergonomic memory foam pillow that can conform to different people’s backs. It has a removable, machine-washable mesh cover to keep you cool, and it’s lightweight so you can bring it with you from room to room, in the car, on-the-go, and more.

Filling: Memory foam
Firmness level: Medium to firm