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With the continuous development of office chairs, various accessories are equipped to improve our sitting posture, especially the rise of lumbar pillows. So how should we choose and use lumbar pillows?
What Is a Lumbar Pillow?
To understand the purpose of lumbar pillows, we start with spinal science and introduce this system to you first.
Your spine has several natural curvatures:
- Cervical vertebrae (neck)
- Thoracic vertebrae (upper back)
- Lumbar vertebrae (lower back)
When you use incorrect sitting posture for a long time, hunched over and sitting, your neck and lower back will be under greater pressure, which will cause muscle damage.
Lumbar pillows, also called support pillows, are made of memory foam. They have good breathability and support. They can provide maximum help to the spine, reduce the pain caused by long-term sitting in the lower back, relieve physical fatigue, and improve sitting posture. Its pressure mapping can effectively disperse body pressure and adapt to natural sitting posture.
Because doctors often recommend it to people with back problems, it is also called an orthopaedic pillow.
Understand the Ergonomics of Office Chairs
Before deciding whether to add a lumbar pillow to your office chair, first understand whether your office chairs really need it.
Well-designed ergonomic chairs can generally support your waist, neck, and hips. The main feature is that they can meet the needs of various body shapes and sitting preferences. The seat height, cushion tilt, lumbar support and armrests are all adjustable. All Boulies chairs are ergonomically designed and adjustable.
But if you are currently using a low-quality office chair that cannot be adjusted. Or the adjustable office chair cannot meet the sitting depth you need to let you lean back tightly, then you need a lumbar pillow.
Or, when you buy an office chair, choose a chair that can have a lumbar support adjustment. For example: Boulies Master.
Benefits of Lumbar Pillows
- Focus and efficiency at work: Although lumbar pillows cannot help you handle work, they can enhance lumbar support, and a comfortable back allows you to no longer worry about other things.
- Improve breathing and blood circulation: A good sitting posture will make your breathing easy.
- Improve digestion: Sitting with your back hunched over puts pressure on your abdomen. Sitting up straight can aid digestion and prevent heartburn.
Potential Disadvantages of Lumbar Pillows
Space limitations: Every high-quality office chair is designed with a specific contour and lumbar support. Adding an extra pillow may affect your fit on the chair.
- Aesthetics: The wrong pillow shape will affect the stylish appearance.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning is required.
Tips: So, first test whether the office chair can support your back after multiple adjustments without a lumbar pillow. If not, then add a lumbar pillow.
Common Types of Lumbar Pillows for Office Chairs
- Fiber: The price is very friendly to those with limited budgets, and it is also easy to clean. However, the support and breathability are relatively poor, and it is easy to collapse.
- Memory foam pillow: Memory foam is more likely to conform to your body shape, providing personalized support and comfort. But it is more expensive.
How to Choose a Lumbar Pillow for an Office Chair?
- Check durability: A wear-resistant pillow is important, and the outer material of the pillow needs to be carefully checked.
- Check the hardness of the pillow: You need a pillow that is both soft and hard, and Boulies lumbar pillow will give you a comfortable feeling.
- According to the budget: Memory foam pillows are more effective, but more expensive. Fiber pillows are cheaper.
How to Use the Pillow on Your Office Chair Correctly
Lumbar pillows are often used on chairs, whether they are gaming chairs or office chairs. The placement of the lumbar pillow is very important, and there are some tips to help you get better comfort:
- Find the right position: Place the lumbar pillow on your lower back. If you really can't find a support point, try sitting down first, sliding it from top to bottom behind you, and find the most suitable point.
- Fix the pillow: Once you feel comfortable sitting, you can fix the pillow in this position. Some pillows come with straps to prevent displacement.
- Check for adjustability: After using the lumbar pillow, check if the office chair can still be adjusted, such as tilt, seat depth, etc.
- Feel the comfort: If the pillow does not achieve the expected effect, you can adjust the pillow position or remove the pillow.
- Maintain a good sitting posture: Maintain a good sitting posture to make full use of the lumbar support, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor.
Summary
Boulies is committed to making your work and life comfortable, so you don't have to frown every time you sit down or stand up. Your rest time and work time should be equally relaxing and comfortable.
Lumbar pillows are an easy way to improve lumbar support and correct sitting posture, especially if your existing chair is not comfortable enough. But at the same time, be sure to weigh whether adding a pillow can fully meet your comfort needs and your fit with the chair.
If you still can't get your own comfortable lumbar sitting posture after trying a lumbar pillow, it may be that the chair is damaged or old, please consider replacing it with a better chair.
FAQs
What Pillows Do Back Doctors Recommend?
Lumbar pillows, about 3.5 inches (9cm) thick. Suitable for maintaining the natural curve of your spine.
Can Too Much Lumbar Support Cause Back Pain?
Yes, a lumbar support that is too high can cause you to sit forward, hunch over, and feel tired. A lumbar support that is too low can cause your back to hyperextend and feel pain.
How to Tell if the Lumbar Support Is Correct?
Most people's lumbar support is 1-2 inches above their waistline. Keep your feet on the ground and sit properly. The most comfortable sitting position is how you can tell if your lumbar is supported.
How High Should the Lumbar Pillow Be?
About 10-13 inches. You can position the lumbar pillow by feeling the natural inward curve of your back above your tailbone, or you can find the best position based on your comfort level.
Can an Inappropriate Pillow Cause Back Pain?
Yes, the hardness and height of the lumbar pillow can disrupt the alignment of the spine and cause lumbar discomfort.
Can I Use a Lumbar Pillow When I Lean Back in My Office Chair?
Yes! If you need some support, a lumbar pillow may help.
