Donut pillows have become increasingly popular for those suffering from tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia. They are particularly useful for people who spend a lot of time sitting, such as office workers, drivers and students. They can also be beneficial for those recovering from surgery or have injuries to the tailbone. However, they are five times more likely to occur in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
“Donut pillows are ring-shaped pillows that are used to sit on to help distribute pressure onto less sensitive areas” explains Dr. Kevin Lees, D.C., Director of Chiropractic Operations at The Joint Chiropractic. By taking the pressure off the coccyx and suspending the tailbone, donut pillows can help alleviate pain and promote healing.
Causes of Tailbone Pain
Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is a condition that affects the coccyx, the small triangular bone located at the bottom of the spine. The pain can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors.
There are several causes of tailbone pain, including:
- Trauma: A fall or injury to the tailbone can cause bruising, a fracture or a dislocated tailbone leading to pain and discomfort.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI): Sports such as bicycling or rowing requires you to lean back and forth. These repetitive movements can cause a strain on the tissues around the tailbone.
- Prolonged sitting: Sitting for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces, can put pressure on the tailbone and cause pain.
- Pregnancy or childbirth: For pregnant women, the muscles and ligaments around the tailbone may stretch, causing additional pain. Women may also experience tailbone pain after giving birth due to the pressure put on the tailbone during delivery.
- Infection: In rare cases, an infection in the area around the coccyx can cause pain.
- Carrying extra weight: Carrying extra weight adds additional pressure on the tailbone.
- Not carrying enough weight: Less fat means less cushioning of the butt. Without this cushion, the tailbone may rub against the muscles, ligaments and tendons, causing inflammation.
Aside from these main causes of tailbone pain, it may also affect those suffering from sciatica, hemorrhoids, fissures and surgery according to Dr. Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT, and Owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in Sparta, NJ.
Our Top Picks:
After researching and testing several donut pillows for tailbone pain, we have identified the best on the market based on comfort, support and durability. With these key features, you can choose the right one for your needs.
Ergonomic Innovations Donut Pillow
- ELEVATED SUPPORT AND COMFORT: Supports Up to 240 Lbs. The donut pillow offers a medium level of firmness. For optimal comfort, use the donut pillow on firm seating surfaces such as your office chair, dining room chair, car, or stadium seat.
- SEAT CUSHION FOR SITTING COMFORT: Effective donut pillow for sitting long hours to make your day more comfortable meaning you can be more productive when it matters. Commonly used to help with tailbone pain, hemorrhoids, post surgery, and post partum essentials.
- EVEN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: The seat pillow is engineered with ComfortSupport foam and BounceBack technology to provide the balance you need between supporting you on the chair surface and the comfort to sit frustration-free.
The Ergonomic Innovations Donut Pillow is a great option for people experiencing tailbone pain, post-surgery discomfort or hemorrhoids. It is a medium-firm pillow that offers elevated support and comfort, with a weight capacity of up to 240 lbs.
This pillow has been endorsed by physical therapists and has received high ratings from over 21,000 satisfied customers. One reviewer wrote, “I cannot believe how nice this pillow is. It has been super helpful with keeping my hip area pain free and from getting sore. Thinking about buying one for my wife.”
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Provide seven weight distributions and the balance needed to sit comfortably for long periods. Can be used on various seating surfaces including office chairs, dining room chairs, cars or stadium seats. Lightweight and portable, making it easy to use at home or on the go. | May not provide enough cushioning for individuals with severe pain or discomfort. The polyester cover may not be as durable as other materials. The pillow may flatten over time and lose its shape. |
SAHEYER Donut Pillow
- ❤【 Tailbone Pain Relief Cushion】 Are you troubled by tailbone pain caused by sitting for long periods of time? Are you suffering from headaches because hemorrhoids can only Stomach sleeping? SAHEYER 2 in 1 tailbone pain relief seat cushion can solve all of these problems. with ergonomic design, Fits your body perfectly anytime like tailored.
- ❤【 Ergonomic Design】SAHEYER Donut Pillow for sciatic nerve raised wrap on both sides to guide the correct sitting posture of the hips and relieve back pain and sciatica, middle decompression hole design to facilitate hemorrhoid repair patients while releasing tailbone pressure, and front concave design to fit the thighs and not cause leg numbness by squeezing the leg muscles for a long time.
- ❤【 Multi-scene Use】This donut pillow for tailbone pain has anti-slip particles added to the bottom of the pillow. It can be used on any smooth surface or in office chairs, wheelchairs, car seats, etc. So no matter where you sit, this office chair seat cushion can relieve tailbone injuries, sciatica, hemorrhoids, herniated discs, hip pain, back pain during pregnancy, pear-shaped muscle syndrome and any other spinal problems.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and effective solution to tailbone pain, the SAHEYER Donut Pillow is definitely worth considering. The ergonomic design features a raised wrap on both sides that helps guide the hips into the correct sitting posture, relieving back pain and sciatica. The middle decompression hole is designed to facilitate hemorrhoid repair patients while releasing tailbone pressure, while the front concave design fits the thighs without causing leg numbness.
Made of 100% temperature-sensing memory foam, this donut pillow can fit your body perfectly and provide lasting comfort. The cushion’s 60D perfect density formula is perfect for most people’s comfort, and its ergonomic design ensures that it won’t flatten over time. One of the five-star reviewers wrote, “This seat cushion is bigger than other cushions I have seen. It gives more coverage spreading your weight on the “platform.” Thick enough and comfortable.”
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Ergonomic design promotes good posture and relieves back pain. Memory foam material provides lasting comfort and support. Versatile design can be used in a variety of settings such as office chairs, car seats and wheelchairs. | Some users may find the cushion too firm. May not be suitable for individuals with larger frames. Cover may be difficult to remove for washing. |
5 STARS UNITED Donut Pillow Hemorrhoid Tailbone Cushion
- Slow Rebound Memory Foam
- Instant Relief From: Hemorrhoids, hip bursitis, broken tailbone, herniated discs, bed sores, anal fissures, ischial tuberosity, fractured coccyx, pressure related to childbirth, postpartum, pregnancy, vaginal surgery, and sitting for long periods of time that can cause lower back, hip, leg pain
- Ergonomic Design: Shaped like a doughnut with an ergonomic “U” shaped cutout, our butt pillow conforms to lower body contours providing natural support with little to no pressure on your most sensitive areas
Hemorrhoids can be painful and itchy. This pesky problem surprises every 1 in 20 Americans, with 10 million people self-reporting hemorrhoids every year. So if you suffer from hemorrhoids and tailbone pain that comes along with it, the 5 STARS UNITED Donut Pillow Hemorrhoid
It is made of slow rebound memory foam and mesh fabric, which is latex-free and easy to clean. The cushion is also designed to support individuals with a body weight of up to 240 lbs. Since they fit most chairs and seats, they make a great accessory whether you’re working from home or sitting for extended periods of time. Its breathable mesh cover promotes comfort and cooled seating, while its non-skid backing prevents slippage.
One five-star reviewer said, “I would recommend this support pillow. It is comfortable and durable. It took the pressure off my tailbone, relieving the pain.”
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Provides instant relief from various conditions such as hemorrhoids, hip bursitis, broken tailbone, herniated discs, bed sores, anal fissures, ischial tuberosity, fractured coccyx, among others. “U” shaped cutout conforms to lower body contours providing natural support with little to no pressure on your most sensitive areas. Firm and supportive foam core that softens once it absorbs heat from your body. | May feel a bit too firm for some users. The height of the cushion may not be suitable for everyone. The cover may not be as durable as expected. |
Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion
- OFFICE CHAIR SEAT CUSHION: Our everlasting comfort seat cushion is ideal for extended workdays. Made with premium memory foam, it supports the butt, conforming to your body for all-day comfort in office chairs or car seats
- ERGONOMIC SEAT CUSHION FOR OFFICE CHAIR: Our desk chair cushion has a U-shaped coccyx cutout, promoting correct spinal alignment and offering lower back support for office chair use, ultimately relieving back pain
- CAR SEAT CUSHION: Our seat cushion for office chair use also provides a comfortable seating experience in cars. This seat cushion for lower back pain relief doubles as a car seat cushion, suitable for long travel or commute
The Everlasting Seat Cushion is perfect for those who experience lower back pain and discomfort while sitting for prolonged periods of time. It is made with premium memory foam that contours to the user’s bottom using body heat for all-day comfort and support. It also includes a unique U-shaped coccyx cutout that promotes proper spinal alignment and improves posture, making it ideal for those who suffer from tailbone pain.
In addition to being a great office chair cushion, it can also be used as a car seat cushion or during travel. The breathable, moisture-wicking cover helps prevent sweating due to prolonged sitting. The cushion is also certified safe and harmless for both the user and the environment.
While some users may find the cushion to be too firm, one customer shared, “I like this cushion because it is soft and supportive. It takes pressure off the hips and tailbone. It is perfect for anyone that has a home office chair and sits all day.”
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
Provides all-day comfort and support. Promotes proper spinal alignment and improves posture. Versatile and can be used in various settings such as the office, car and home. | May be too firm for some users. May not fit all chair sizes. Some users may find it to be on the expensive side. |
Checklist in Buying a Donut Pillow
When choosing a donut pillow for tailbone pain, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting the best product:
✔️ Material
✔️ Shape
✔️ Size
✔️ Cover
✔️ Price
Remember: By considering these factors, you can choose the right pillow for you needs and alleviate tailbone pain. The material should be firm enough to provide support, the size should be appropriate for your body type and the shape should be designed to relieve pressure on your tailbone.
How to Use a Donut Pillow Effectively
Donut pillows are designed to alleviate tailbone pain and discomfort. Here are some tips on how to use a donut pillow effectively.
- Correct Sitting Posture
When using a donut pillow, the back of the pillow should be touching the back of the chair. Center the pillow on the chair so it touches the back, then center yourself on the pillow so that the hole is directly under your tailbone. Sit up straight rather than leaning back or hunching forward. This allows the donut pillow to distribute your weight evenly and reduce pressure on your tailbone.
- Adjustment and Maintenance Tips
Donut pillows are made of different sizes, materials and firmness. Therefore, it is important to adjust the donut pillow to your comfort level, so if it is too firm or too soft, adjust the filling or choose a different pillow.
To maximize the benefits of using a donut pillow, it is recommended to take breaks from sitting every hour or so. Standing and walking around can help to increase blood flow and reduce pressure on your tailbone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the right size of a donut pillow for my body type?
To determine the right size of a donut pillow for your body type, you should measure the distance between your tailbone and the surface you will be sitting on. This will help you choose a pillow with the appropriate height. You should also consider the width of the pillow, as it should be wide enough to support your hips.
Can donut pillows help with both tailbone pain and hemorrhoids?
Yes, donut pillows can help with both tailbone pain and pressure on the hemorrhoids. The shape of the pillow relieves pressure on the tailbone and surrounding area, which can help reduce pain and discomfort.
Where can I find a high-quality orthopedic donut pillow for tailbone support?
High-quality orthopedic donut pillows for tailbone support can be found at medical supply stores, specialty pillow stores, and online retailers such as Amazon. Take the time to read reviews and choose a reputable brand for an effective and durable pillow.
What materials are considered best for a supportive donut pillow for tailbone discomfort?
Memory foam and gel-infused foam are considered the best materials for a supportive donut pillow for tailbone discomfort. Memory foam conforms to the shape of the body for customized support, while gel-infused foam provides a cooling effect to discomfort and pain.
Are there any risks associated with using a donut cushion for prolonged periods?
There are no known risks associated with using a donut cushion for prolonged periods. However, it is important to take breaks and change positions regularly to prevent stiffness and discomfort. It is also recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using a donut cushion for prolonged periods.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.
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