Whether you’re looking for a seat cushion to add a little height, or just want to ensure a more comfortable flying experience, here’s what I recommend.
Best OverallThe FOMI Orthopedic Seat Cushion manages to both be comfortable and offer a generous height boost .
New: $36.50
With most seat cushions, you either have to sacrifice height or comfort. The FOMI Coccyx Orthopedic Seat Cushion is different. It is my most recommended seat cushion for pilots because it delivered the best of both worlds.
Made of high-density memory foam, the seat cushion was comfortable and able to reduce pressure on my spine, tailbone, and lumbar discs while also relieving painful pressure points.
With a height of 3.5 inches, it is also thicker and taller than many other seat cushions, making it a great choice for pilots who need a boost yet aren’t willing to forego comfort.
Best for Height Boost: Essential Medical Supply Rehab Cushion
Made of high-density polyurethane foam, and designed to provide firm seating and pressure relief, it didn’t flatten like many other seat cushions do, making it my top pick if you need to gain some height in the cockpit.
Best for Lower Back Support: LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support Back Cushion
Best for Lower Back Support A good deal of comfort and adjustable straps mean that you can precisely target where you need support the most.
New: $29.99
The LoveHome Memory Foam Cushion is your best bet if you’re looking for a seat cushion that offers excellent lower back support.
Designed to support your back’s curve and encourage proper spinal alignment, the cushion was firm and didn’t flatten easily, yet still provided a high level of comfort.
Two adjustable straps meant that I could tailor the cushion to the exact position I wanted without having to worry about it sliding down. A breathable, mesh cover also helped keep air circulating to keep me cool.
Best for Summer/Warm Weather: Skwoosh Pilot Travel Gel Cushion
Best for Summer/Warm WeatherStay cool in the cockpit thanks to the Skwoosh's unique gel construction.
New: $40.73
In the summer, it can get uncomfortably warm in the cockpit, which is why you need a seat cushion that offers plenty of breathability.
Made of breathable fabric, the Skwoosh Pilot Travel Gel Cushion is just the ticket as it helps circulate air for enhanced comfort.
Uniquely, the cushion uses gel instead of foam in an attempt to better maintain circulation, relieve pressure, reduce numbness, and lower back discomfort.
Things to Consider When Buying a Seat Cushion for Pilots
Firmness vs. Softness
When it comes to the firmness of pillows and mattresses, you likely have your own preferences. The same applies to the firmness or softness of seat cushions too. However, sometimes your choice might have to be made up for you.
If the main purpose of buying a seat cushion is to boost your height, you probably don’t want a soft cushion that will compress too much.
Thickness & Height
If you’re buying a seat cushion as a height boost, look for ones that are at least 3 inches thick and aren’t too soft.
Ease of Adjustment
Some seat cushions come with straps that can fit around the back of a seat. This can be useful to precisely adjust the position of the cushion and keep it in place, thereby giving you support in the area where you need it most.
Breathability
There’s plenty to enjoy about summer flying, but one pitfall is trying to stay cool in a stuffy, small cockpit.
So to help stay cool in those long, hot summer months, look for seat cushions that are made from breathable, mesh fabric.
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
