Lumbar Spine “Loses Support & Sags”: Extremely soft pillows (e.g., filled with regular sponge that collapses when pressed) can’t support the natural curvature of the lumbar spine at all. When you sit down, the pillow gets flattened by your body weight, leaving the lumbar spine without support—it even sags backward. Over time, this is like “hunching over,” doubling the pressure on the lumbar intervertebral discs;
“Passive Strain” on Muscles: To stabilize your posture, your lower back muscles unconsciously tense up to “hold” your body, preventing the lumbar spine from wobbling. You originally wanted to relax with the help of the lumbar pillow, but instead, your muscles end up “working overtime”—after sitting for a long time, your lower back feels sore and stiff;
Gradual “Hunching”: Without the lumbar pillow supporting your lower back, your upper body unconsciously leans forward, your shoulders hunch inward, and your neck stretches forward. Eventually, you develop a “hunched posture,” and even your shoulders and neck get sore from the strain.
Sponge-Filled Lumbar Pillows: The most common basic type, divided into regular sponge and high-density sponge. Regular sponge (density < 30D) collapses easily and is suitable for short-term use; high-density sponge (density ≥ 40D) rebounds quickly, offers strong support, and doesn’t deform easily after long-term sitting—it’s the mainstream choice for mid-range chairs;
Spring + Sponge Combined Lumbar Pillows: 1-2 small springs are embedded in the sponge, combining “support” and “fit”—the springs provide core support, while the sponge cushions and fits the lower back. You won’t feel a hard, uncomfortable “push” when sitting, making it suitable for people who sit for more than 6 hours a day;
Mesh-Wrapped Lumbar Pillows: The outer layer of the pillow is made of breathable mesh, and the interior is filled with sponge or elastic cotton, focusing on “breathability to prevent sweating.” But note: The mesh shouldn’t be too weak in elasticity—otherwise, it will reduce the overall support. It’s suitable for summer or people who easily feel hot.
Has “Dynamic Support”: It shouldn’t be a rigid “push” against your lower back, but rather “supports the lumbar curvature without feeling uncomfortable”—for example, the combination of built-in springs + high-density sponge. When you sit down, it fits the curve of your lower back and rebounds quickly within 1 second after being pressed, without collapsing;
Allows “Precise Positioning”: A good lumbar pillow should also be adjustable in height/forward-backward (e.g., 5cm up/down, 3cm forward/backward). Whether you’re 150cm or 180cm tall, the pillow can just fit into the most concave part of your lumbar spine—instead of leaning to the side of your waist or pressing against your ribs.
💡 Summary: Don’t chase “softness” when choosing a lumbar pillow. The key is “can support, can fit, and can be adjusted!” Next time you test a chair, sit down and feel your lower back with your hand—if you can feel support without discomfort, that’s the right lumbar pillow for you!
