How Thick Should Seat Cushions Be?

seat cushion

The thickness of seat cushions will vary depending on your furniture and style. Some seats are extra-large, while others are standard.

While the label on your furniture may give you a rough idea, you need to measure your furniture to make sure the seat you want to use will fit the cushion.

In general, seat cushions should have a thickness of 50mm to 70mm. This thickness will ensure comfortability when you sit on it, and aim for 100mm thickness for a daybed.

Regardless of brand, do not assume that the seat size on your furniture is standard or extra-large – you need to purchase a cushion that fits in its seat area.

Seat Cushions Should Be 50mm to 70mm thick

Seat cushions are a great option for a variety of applications, but they are not necessarily the most environmentally friendly products.

Traditionally, they are made from polyurethane foam, a form of plastic that is derived from crude oil.

Although polyurethane is durable, it eventually turns to waste, and millions of tons are discarded each year in the U.S. alone. In the case of ergonomic seat cushions, however, the choice is relatively clear.

Most feather and down seat cushions are comfortable, but many manufacturers add polyester fiber to the down fill.

Polyester fiber creates lumps and bumps within the down-proof casing, and this makes for an uncomfortable cushion. If you prefer a down-filled cushion, look for a down-proof casing without polyester fiber.

These cushions will last longer and be more comfortable without the added fiber. Several manufacturers of seat cushions have made it easy to remove this filling, making them an excellent choice for most seating applications.

Purple, for example, produces a wide variety of seat cushions that are designed for different scenarios. Its two-inch-thick Double Seat Cushion uses Purple Grid technology, which supports the tailbone and bounces back when the user stands up. The cushion is also breathable.  

Double Seat Cushion has over 3,500 customer reviews, and an average rating of 4.3 stars. For the same price, you can also get a seat cushion that has a memory foam insert for the neck and tailbone.

100mm – 150mm Seat Cushions

If you’re looking for a seat cushion that’s both comfortable and supportive, there are a number of options on the market. There are memory foam, and cooling gel seat cushions, as well as ergonomic design options.

You can choose between black or gray versions, and all of these cushion options feature a zippered cover and non-slip bottom. This seat cushion also offers plenty of support and adjustability to suit your body’s shape and position.

Its popularity is reflected in the average rating of 4.4 stars across over seventy thousand Amazon reviews.

Outdoor cushions are usually much thicker than normal cushions, due to the added weight and density that come with being exposed to rain and the elements.

To ensure comfort, choose cushions that are 100mm to 150mm thick, but be aware that a lower quality foam can cause damage over a season. If you’re planning on using your seat cushions outdoors, you’ll want to look for an outdoor specific foam, as this will ensure they last for many years.

If you’re concerned about cleaning the seat cushion, start by testing a hidden portion first. You can use upholstery shampoo on the foam surface to remove any stubborn stains.

Once you’re satisfied with the results, you can proceed to wash the rest of the cushion in a bathtub or sink.

Ensure that you use warm water enough to fully submerge the cushion, and that you use the correct detergent.

Tempur-Pedic

The Tempur-Pedic brand is known for its high-density memory foam mattresses, and their seat cushions are no different. These cushions conform to the shape of your body, alleviating pressure points and making it easy to relax.

Designed to be comfortable on any surface, the seat cushions are machine-washable and have cooling covers.

Tempur-Pedic seat cushions are available in a wide range of thicknesses to accommodate various body types.

When deciding on the thickness of a seat cushion, look for a cushion that is firm to the touch, but not too soft. The Tempur-Pedic Purple Double Cushion is a popular option that measures 18 inches by 16 inches. Its hyper-elastic polymer construction is designed to provide support and conform to your body.

A seat cushion that is too thin may also raise your hips and legs, which can be uncomfortable.

Choosing the correct thickness of a cushion depends on your personal preference, and isn’t a reliable way to gauge the quality of the cushion. The firmness of foam is measured using a test called the Indentation Load Deflection (ILD), which measures the amount of pressure necessary to indent four inches of foam. The higher the number, the firmer the foam.

Tempur-Pedic Purple Grid

The Tempur-Pedic Purple Grid seat cushion is a comfortable option for anyone looking to improve their sleeping posture. It comes with two distinct levels of firmness – a firm side and a soft side – and a removable cover. It also has a dense, thin memory foam core, which helps you maintain proper seating posture. Compared to other seat cushions, it is a good value for the price.

It features the same groundbreaking technology found in its mattresses. It is instantly firm and soft where you need it, and firm where you want it. If you’re looking for a universal size seat cushion with ample height, the Purple Royal seat cushion might be the best choice. Purple Grid technology also allows the cushion to absorb and move heat, so it is also machine-washable. The cover features a handle for convenience and is machine washable.

Tempur-Pedic’s purple-colored cushion is the most expensive. It is firm and supportive, yet it doesn’t get hot even after hours of sitting. Its design helps relieve pressure from the hips and tailbone, which can cause an achey feeling. Despite the price, you’ll definitely benefit from its excellent comfort. It also doesn’t require a bed frame fit comfortably.

Fiberfill wrap

When making a seat cushion, the fiberfill wrap must be cut to fit the cushion’s size. It should be cut so the width and depth are the same.

In addition, it should be cut so that it overlaps the cushion’s edges by at least half.

Wrapping the fiberfill requires you to fold one end of the fiberfill wrap over the end of the foam, so that the edges of the fiberfill and the foam meet horizontally in the middle of the cushion’s depth.

Fiberfill wrap for seat cushions is made from polyester, also known as Dacron, and is often used to add extra padding to cushions. It helps to give cushions a more rounded appearance and makes them easier to slide into a fabric cover.

When wrapping a seat cushion, a medium fiberfill is suggested for the seat back, seat cushions, and throw pillows.

When purchasing a roll, note that it comes with a size tolerance and may be cut into two 30-foot rolls for shipping. For example, an 88″ wide x 120-foot roll of fiberfill will be cut into six 20-foot rolls.

Another option for filling a seat cushion is to use Dacron batting, which can be purchased locally.

Dacron is a durable material, but it comes shrink wrapped and may take a week to regain its loft. It can also take a long time to recover its loft and may develop hard creases that will show through the cushion’s cover. You can also use a down envelope.

This option will give your seat cushion a softer look and feel, and you can choose to buy a 100% down insert for the ultimate sink-in feel.

Tempur-Pedic Back Relief Lumbar Support Pillow

If you’re looking for a high-quality lumbar support pillow, you might consider purchasing the Tempur-Pedic Back Relief Lumbare Support Pillow.

This type of pillow is made with premium memory foam and ergonomic design to support your lower back. Moreover, it distributes your weight evenly and can help relieve pressure and stiffness.

This pillow is made with high-quality materials and comes with a removable cover for easy cleaning.

Most lumbar support pillows are made from memory foam. This type of foam conforms to your body’s unique shape while still offering adequate firmness.

However, if you don’t want to buy a memory foam pillow, you can opt for a pillow made of other materials.

Summary

A memory foam pillow is best for people who suffer from back pain and aches. In addition, memory foam is also ideal for people who are side sleepers.

Besides helping you sleep better, these pillows are available widely. Although lumbar support pillows are available for both sitting and lying down, they differ in design but function in a similar manner.

When you sleep, gravity is the major force on your body, which can deform the soft tissues in your back.

Hence, lumbar pillows can help you reduce back pain and improve your quality of sleep.