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The 6 Best Donut/Coccyx Pillows for Tailbone Pain

Donut-shaped pillows can be a great help for tailbone pain and have been recommended for Coccydynia for decades, as a low-cost and portable pain-relieving tool you can use anywhere you go.

In the past, inflatable donut pillows were popular, but now you can also find other types of tailbone pillows, such as memory foam coccyx pillows, and gel foam seat cushions.

With all the different types of tailbone pillows on the market, we thought we’d help you figure out the best one for your needs, and how to use it for the best results.

Full disclosure: at least three donuts were fully eaten while researching for this guide. We couldn’t help it.

This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

Why Do Donut Pillows Help Tailbone Pain?

A donut pillow is an ergonomically designed orthopedic pillow with a round cut-out section that allows for even weight distribution while you sit on it, and removes the pressure on the coccyx area – when sitting on hard surfaces.

A donut pillow is also slightly angled to promote good posture (sitting straight rather than slouching) and thus promotes better blood flow for people who sit for long periods of time.

This tailbone posture correction allows the coccyx to heal faster while relieving your pain.

A donut pillow or a coccyx seat cushion can be helpful for pain caused by prolonged sitting, cycling, driving, tailbone injuries, sciatica, posture-related back pain, spine surgery recovery, pregnancy, and childbirth.

👉 In a hurry? 

See our short comparison table, or jump to our tailbone pillows reviews below:

Tailbone Pillow	Best For	Size/Material	Price
Ergonomic Innovations Orthopedic Donut Pillow	Best medical donut pillow	Memory foam 18.5"x15"x2.5"	✅ Check Price on Amazon
Dr. Frederick's Donut Pillow	Best inflatable donut pillow	Air-inflated Nylon 15"/18"	✅ Check Price on Amazon
Comfilife Gel Enhanced Cushion	Best cooling coccyx pillow	Memory foam Gel layer 17.6"x13.8"x2.75"	✅ Check Price on Amazon
Abnocare Gel Infused Donut Pillow	Best for Pregnancy	Memory Foam Gel Layer 16"x13"x3"	✅ Check Price on Amazon
Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion	Best memory foam	Memory foam 17"x14"x2"	✅ Check Price on Amazon

Tailbone Pillow Types

Tailbone pillows vary in their shape, size, material, density, and extra features – such as a removable and washable cover, or a non-slip bottom that keeps it in place.

1. Inflatable Donut Pillows – made from nylon or vinyl, medical donut pillows are made with a cut-out section and allow you to customize the size and feel of the pillow for your body shape. These can also be used for hemorrhoid relief. A good example is Dr. Frederick’s donut pillow you’ll find below.

2. Memory Foam Coccyx Pillows – these are specially designed for coccyx pain. Also known as wedge cushions, they are similar to donut pillows, but usually have a smaller U-shaped cut-out section in the back of the pillow. They are ergonomically designed and the memory foam contours to your body shape. However, they are not adjustable in size, height, and density.

A good example is the Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion you’ll find below.

3. Gel Foam Seat Cushions –  these are soft and spongy pillows, made from a combination of memory foam and a gel layer. They tend to last longer. However, you’ll have to choose a high-quality one, that won’t flatten quickly. A good example is the Comfilife Gel Cushion you’ll find below.

👉 All tailbone pillows are portable and can be used anywhere, including an ergonomic office chair, couch, sofa, living room recliner (with good lumbar support), car seat, airplane seat, etc.

Donut Pillows vs. Coccyx Pillows

Both donut pillows and coccyx pillows are used to relieve pressure from the tailbone area, but Coccyx pillows do not have a hole in the center – instead, they have a smaller cut-out section in the back of the pillow and are made only from memory foam or gel infused memory foam.

According to a study made by Dr. Patrick M. Foye (MD), most people do not prefer one type of pillow over the other, but those who do have a preference – were 5 times more likely to prefer the Coccyx (wedge) pillow.

How to Choose a Tailbone Pillow

Consider these factors before choosing a donut pillow or a coccyx seat cushion:

1. Size – the pillow you choose must fit your body shape and seat size. A pillow that is too small will not support your spine properly, and a pillow that is too big may not fit in an office chair.

2. Material and density – for the best results and maximum pain relief, your tailbone pillow needs to be soft enough for comfort, yet firm enough to fix your posture and align the coccyx properly. A pillow that is too soft will make you sink in it, and a pillow that is too hard can aggravate your pain.

3. Extra features – some special features may seem unnecessary, but in time you may find them very helpful. High-quality tailbone seat cushions feature a non-slip bottom that prevents them from slipping under you while you sit.

A removable cover can be machine washed to keep the pillow clean. A mesh cover can help prevent sweating and keep the pillow cool. So can a gel layer.

4. Cost – the price of donut pillows and coccyx pillows depends on the material, quality, and special features. Usually, inflatable donut pillows are the least expensive ones, while memory foam orthopedic pillows are the most expensive ones. Generally, the price ranges from $15 to $70.

How to Sit on a Donut Pillow to Relieve Tailbone Pain

When you sit on a donut cushion, make sure your coccyx is centered over the cut-out section, with each buttock cheek placed on one side of the cushion opening.

After placing yourself properly, try to lean forward a bit rather than reclining back to further alleviate the tailbone pain. For best results, you should try to sit at a 90-degree angle between your hips and feet, and a straight back.

For this purpose, you’ll need to sit on something with proper back support, and it’s best to have a footrest to elevate your feet since the pillow is thick and will raise you higher on the chair.

The 6 Best Coccyx/Donut Pillows 

Donut-shaped pillows and coccyx seat cushions can be found anywhere online, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and more.

Amazon has the largest variety to choose from, but sometimes you’ll find lower-cost options at Walmart, Target, etc.

Here are our picks, reviewed and compared:

1. Best Medical –  Ergonomic Innovations Orthopedic Donut Pillow

• Dimensions – 18.5 x 15 x 2.5 Inches
• Material – medium-density memory foam, soft velour (polyester) cover

This medical donut pillow has special contours on both sides of it to fix your posture while you sit, and it has just the right firmness for optimal support – without flattening out the moment you sit on it.

The size is average – it fits any chair and is not too small or too large, and it has many small silicone dots on the bottom that help keep the pillow on the chair without sliding off.

The cover is soft and comfy, and the zipper is frustration-free because it opens all the way around so you can easily take the cover off and wash it.

Pros

• Openings on both sides of the pillow
• Easily removable and washable cover
• Carrying handle
• The sturdy package can be used for storing and is great for a gift
• Does not slide out of place

Cons

• May not work for heavier people, who need a firmer and larger donut pillow.

✅ Available on Amazon ($70)

👉 Lower cost alternative – the Primica Donut Pillow:

The Primica donut pillow is designed the same as the above pillow, although it is a bit smaller (16.3″ x 13.1″). On the other hand, this one has a much bigger height – 8 inches high compared to the 2.5 inches of the Ergonomic Innovations Pillow.

According to users, it is high quality, reasonably priced, and does the job.

2. Best for Pregnancy – Anbocare Donut Gel Cushion

• Size – 16.3 x 13.2 x 3 inches
• Material – high-density memory foam, gel layer, mesh cover

The Anbocare sacral relief cushion is unique due to its combination of memory foam and gel for optimal comfort and cooling. The thick memory foam insert is covered by a cooling gel layer with a gently massaging surface and a breathable cotton cover.

This one is heavier than the average donut seat cushion (about 1.4 pounds) which makes it sturdier and less likely to flatten out with time. It can properly support people up to 300 pounds with no problem and is firm.

Another great advantage is that it includes a zippered removable cover, a non-slip base, and a carry handle.

Pros.

• Firm and dense, good for heavier people as well
• Has a carrying handle
• Cooling
• Nonslip base to keep it from wiggling

Cons

• Not the best choice for people who prefer a softer pillow

✅ Available on Amazon ($37)

3. Best Cooling – ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion

• Dimensions – 17.6 x 13.8 x 2.75 inches
• Material – Memory foam, gel layer, polyester cover

The Comfilife is another gel-infused tailbone pillow, but this one is not a donut-shaped pillow but a memory foam seat cushion with a u-shaped cut-out section in the rear and is considered a Coccyx pillow. It is also a little wider than average but still fits all seats.

The Comfilife is best for coccyx pain, sciatica, herniated disc, and posture-related conditions because it keeps you sitting in a proper posture and relieves the pressure on the tailbone.

This is why many users say that they take it with them everywhere, including flights and long drives in the car – it fits around the tailbone perfectly and you can sit for hours with no pain.

Thanks to the non-slip bottom the pillow does not move around, and the cover is easily removable and washable.

Pros

• High-quality memory foam that doesn’t flatten for at least a year
• Stays in place and does not move under you
• Removable and washable cover
• Has a carrying handle

Cons

• May not support heavier people

✅ Available on Amazon ($37)

4. Best Memory Foam – Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion

• Dimensions – 17 x 14 x 2 inches
• Material – memory foam, plush cover

The Everlasting seat cushion is very similar to the Comfilife and is about the same size and orthopedic design.

However, the Everlasting seat cushion does not have a cooling gel layer on it. On the other hand, it was tested by OEKO-TEX to earn the STANDARD 100 label -meaning every component is certified safe and harmless for human health.

Also, the company offers a lifetime replacement policy, which is important since all memory foam pillows are destined to flatten at some point.

Pros

• The best-selling tailbone seat cushion on Amazon with high ratings
• Lifetime warranty
• Tested for safe materials and passed
• Supports people up to 400 pounds properly

Cons

• The lowest height on this list

✅ Available on Amazon ($60) and at Walmart ($61)

5. Best for Large Seats – Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion

• Dimensions – 21.75“ x 18“ x 2.5“
• Material – memory foam with air channels

The Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion is the largest and deepest seat cushion on this list, and the only one proudly made in the USA. It has a few unique qualities that make it best for people suffering from tailbone sensitivity while sitting and sciatica pain.

This extra wide pillow is highly recommended for truckers, drivers, gamers, and every person that sits on larger chairs or is heavier.  It has an indentation where your tailbone rests to relieve pressure, and the grid cradles your tailbone (and even wallet!) while cushioning the rest of your seat.

Hundreds of air pockets prevent sitting on a sweat seat, and the high-quality foam is made to last and bounce right back the minute you get up.

Pros

• Wider and deeper tailbone pillow
• Ultimate buttock support for sciatica sufferers
• Stays cool
• Fits larger chairs, recliners, and gaming chairs
• Has a grippy bottom
• Free shipping and a 30-day trial
• Made in the USA

Cons

• May not fit narrow office chairs

✅Available at Purple ($134) and on Amazon ($110)

6. Best Inflatable – Dr. Frederick’s Original Donut Pillow

• Size – 15-inch/18-inch
• Material – Nylon ring, synthetic flannel cover

The best thing about Dr. Frederick’s donut pillow is the ability to inflate the pillow to the exact stiffness and height you need, while the durable shape distributes your body weight evenly around the tailbone. It can hold up to 330 pounds!

This donut-shaped cushion is free of latex and harsh chemicals and unlike many other donut pillows – has no odor. The synthetic flannel cover is hypoallergenic and machine washable.

You can choose from 2 sizes – 15 inch/18 inch, and it comes with a small air pump for easy inflating. The smaller size is better for travel, the larger one is better for most people.

If you opt for an inflatable tailbone pillow, this physician-developed donut pillow is our top recommendation and has a fair price tag too.

Pros

• Adjustable height and firmness
• Removable and washable soft cover
• Holds high weight
• Odorless
• Lower cost than memory foam pillows

Cons

• No cooling elements and the flannel cover is quite warming

✅Available on Amazon ($14)

Does a Donut Pillow Help Sciatica?

Although a donut pillow can feel comfortable and supportive at first, it does not have the optimal shape and design to relieve pressure on lumbar discs and usually does not fix your posture while you sit. The best seat cushion for sciatica is a coccyx wedge pillow, which encourages correct pelvic tilt to reduce pressure on the lumbar discs, and has a small cutout section in the rear to relieve pressure on the coccyx.

For example, the TravelMate Wellness Seat Cushion has all the elements to relieve sciatica pain while you sit on your office chair and car seat.

More Ways to Naturally Relieve Coccyx Pain 

Coccyx pain affects your daily life not only when you sit, but also when you sleep, work, and perform your chores. Any tool that keeps your spine aligned and boosts blood circulation can help your body heal faster and better.

We recommend using a deep-penetrating infrared heating pad as a natural pain relief tool to reduce the need for OTC medication, switch your mattress to a hybrid mattress for optimal back support, or at least using a body pillow to keep your spine aligned while you sleep.

A wireless TENS unit can help you manage your pain on the go, and so can a portable heating belt to wrap around your buttocks.

To your health and happiness,

The Back Pain Relief Products Team