Sit properly
Why a wedge pillow can prevent bad posture
A wedge pillow supports a healthy posture on the office chair
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Whether in the office or in front of the TV, in the car or while eating: we spend up to 7.5 hours sitting down every day. It is hardly surprising why millions of people suffer from back problems.
From a health report by the DAK (Status: 2018) shows that 77 percent of those surveyed suffer from complaints of the lumbar spine – that is, in the lower back. These are often due to staying too long in an unhealthy posture, i.e. static sitting. Added to this is the job-related lack of exercise, which goes hand in hand with millions of jobs. In order to relieve the intervertebral discs in everyday life and prevent long-term postural damage, a healthy sitting posture is more important than ever. This can be supported by a functional seat wedge cushion: The sloping base ensures that you automatically assume an upright position while sitting and relieve your spine.
Who is a wedge pillow suitable for?
A wedge cushion on the chair tilts your pelvis, extends the lumbar spine and relieves the pressure on the intervertebral discs and the muscles in the thighs and hips. For this reason, the padded mat is particularly suitable for people who have to do their work while sitting – and who therefore often suffer from chronic or acute back problems. In other words, the slanted seat cushion should always be used if you are already suffering from pain in the lumbar area or want to strengthen your back muscles in order to prevent possible postural damage.
Which wedge pillows are recommended?
Dynmc you: This model weighs only 540 grams and is available in three different colors. The cover is breathable, has a zipper and can therefore be cleaned in the washing machine (at 30 degrees). It also has knobs on the underside to prevent the pillow from slipping. The seat wedge itself is made of foam and is particularly dimensionally stable.
The Dynmc-you-wedge pillow is available here.
Flipline: Here, too, the wedge pillow was equipped with an anti-slip cover made of velvet, which is removable and machine washable. Thanks to the handle, the 762 gram model can be taken anywhere and – according to the manufacturer – offers the right mix of comfort and firmness. The scope of delivery also includes an ebook on “The Secret of Sitting”.
The Flipline wedge pillow is available here.
Bonmedico: The memory foam wedge pillow made from viscoelastic gel foam has the positive property of always finding its original shape after use. The cover, which is washable at 60 degrees, has a separate handle and the usual anti-slip knobs. The pillow is 721 grams light and can be used anywhere.
The Bonmedico wedge pillow is available here.
Seatwith: According to the manufacturer, this dimensionally stable seat wedge cushion has an optimal seat hardness. The seat core, made from recycled material, is enclosed in a gray cover made of linen and polyester, which also has a special anti-slip coating and can be washed at 30 degrees. The cushion, which weighs only 499 grams, is supplied with a carrying bag.
The Seatwith wedge cushion is available here.
Beautissu: In contrast to the other wedge pillows, this model has an “Oeko-Tex Standard 100” seal. It was made from high-quality composite foam that shouldn’t compress even after sitting for a long time. The non-slip cover made of mixed fabrics (60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester) can also be washed at 30 degrees.
The Beautissu wedge pillow is available here.
Lenix: This model has a recess: By exposing the coccyx, the orthopedic seat cushion is supposed to relieve the back and leg muscles as well as the pelvic floor. According to the manufacturer, the seat wedge cushion made of memory foam retains its shape up to a load of 85 kilograms. Another special feature is the gel coating, which creates a cooling effect and counteracts perspiration. The breathable protective cover is also washable and has an anti-slip coating on the underside.
The Lenix wedge pillow is available here.
Buying seat wedge cushions: what you should pay attention to
If you want to get a wedge pillow for your (office) chair to relieve your back, you have to pay attention to the following criteria:
- The foam should have the highest possible degree of hardness, otherwise it will not retain its shape and you will sink too much into the pillow with your weight – the support function is therefore no longer given.
- The cover of the wedge pillow should be removable so that you can wash it regularly. In addition, the fabric should be breathable and have knobs on the underside so that the pillow cannot slip away.
- Initially, it should not be used all day long so that your back can slowly get used to the change. Symptoms such as sore muscles or slight tension are normal at first, but should not last.
- The booster seat should be adapted to your workplace. In other words, the office chair and – if possible – the desk must be adjusted to the new height so that you can continue to sit ergonomically correctly.
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