The Best Donut Pillows for Pain Relief
The Joint’s Dr. Kevin Lees, D.C. is featured in an article from Good Housekeeping on the benefits of donut pillows for pain relief.
Original article published by Good Housekeeping on August 9, 2023 on GoodHousekeeping.com
By Elizabeth Berry
Sitting in an uncomfortable chair for long hours can be bothersome, and if you experience chronic pain or are in recovery post-surgery or childbirth, it can be downright unbearable. Thankfully, for certain folks, a donut pillow can help. "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. We researched the best donut pillows of 2023 to help you find the right pillow for your needs, whether you're struggling with tailbone pain or looking for postpartum care products to soothe post-delivery discomfort.
Our top picks:
BEST OVERALL DONUT PILLOW
Primica Orthopedic Donut Pillow
BEST VALUE DONUT PILLOW
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR TAILBONE PAIN
Encore Essentials Memory Foam Donut Pillow
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR HEMORRHOIDS
Kieba Hemorrhoid Treatment Donut Tailbone Cushion
BEST POSTPARTUM DONUT PILLOW
Frida Mom Perineal Donut Pillow
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR AFTER SURGERY
Ergonomic Innovations Donut Pillow for After Surgery
MOST VERSATILE DONUT PILLOW
Everlasting Comfort 2-in-1 Donut Pillow
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR EAR PAIN
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we spoke to medical experts in order to gain insight into what to look for when choosing the right donut pillow to suit a variety of needs. From versatile pillows to products designed with specific uses in mind, plus affordable picks under $30, we have donut cushions for every need and budget. After our top-rated picks, continue scrolling to learn more about the purpose of a donut pillow, who may benefit from using one and features to keep in mind when shopping.
Editor's note: While our expert picks can help with pain relief, a donut pillow should not be used in replacement of medical care and advice. "Consulting a healthcare professional before using one is a good idea, especially if you have underlying medical conditions," notes Dr. Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT and Owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in Sparta, NJ.
BEST OVERALL DONUT PILLOW: Primica Orthopedic Donut Pillow
A popular seller on Amazon with a 4.4-star average rating, this portable donut pillow is designed for helping ease tailbone and back pain as well as lessening pain post-surgery and after childbirth. Its relatively compact size means it can accompany you on your travels, whether that's to the office or on a road trip. The manufacturer says you can place it on an office chair, wheelchair, couch or in the car. The memory foam fill provides a pleasant cushion and helps promote good posture, while a breathable cover helps regulate body temperature. One of the over 4,500 five-star reviews writes, "I bought this butt pillow a few years ago and I still use it every day. It's held up remarkably well and is very comfortable and supportive."
BEST VALUE DONUT PILLOW: Lexia Coccyx Donut Pillow
This donut pillow has over 12,000 customer reviews and comes with an option to add cooling gel for just a couple of dollars more. Its contoured shape is designed to evenly distribute pressure and help relieve coccyx and tailbone pain. The manufacturer notes that the pillow is especially helpful for individuals who have recently given birth and it works well on pretty much any seat you can think of from a plane, bus or car seat to a wheelchair or office chair.
We appreciate the grips on the bottom of the pillow that help it stay in place. Although some customer reviews note that the pillow feels hard, one five-star review writes, "After surgery, I was sitting in a recliner most of the day and night. This helped relieve the back pain and also prevented bedsores."
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR TAILBONE PAIN: Encore Essentials Memory Foam Donut Pillow
A ring shape helps relieve pressure if you have a bruised or broken tailbone. The ergonomic pillow and memory foam fill is meant to promote good posture and natural alignment in the hips and spine. Similar to other donut pillows on the market, you can pack this lightweight pillow in your bag and use it on a restaurant chair, park bench or wherever your travels may take you. We appreciate the many positive online Amazon reviews highlighting the softness and comfort of this pillow as well as the pain relief users have experienced. One customer shared, "This is definitely a solution to any tailbone and or lower back issues. [It] provides ample cushioning that relieves any pain-inducing pressure or hardness."
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR HEMORRHOIDS: Kieba Hemorrhoid Treatment Donut Tailbone Cushion
Dr. Prestipino recommends this donut cushion, and over 3,800 five-star online customer reviews agree. The pillow is made from durable foam so you can sit easy knowing that it won't deflate over time, plus it has a non-slip bottom to minimize sliding. The manufacturer notes that the pillow can be used to help reduce pain related to hemorrhoids — as well as lower back pain and recovery after childbirth.
One customer who recently had surgery to remove a hemorrhoid left a five-star review saying, "This thing has been attached to my hip since the surgery and I take it everywhere. It's even perfect for sitting up in bed to do a little computer work. I'm almost half tempted to take it to the movie theater even after I recover." We appreciate the removable velour cover that is machine washable for speedy cleaning.
BEST POSTPARTUM DONUT PILLOW: Frida Mom Perineal Donut Pillow
If you're a new mom, sitting on a donut pillow while you're nursing or holding the baby can help soothe postpartum pain. Try this popular reusable pillow by Frida Baby that has close to 2,000 online customer reviews. We appreciate that it automatically inflates in just 30 seconds with no batteries required. It also comes with a reusable and removable contoured ice pack to soothe pre- and post-delivery pain. One five-star review writes, "I ordered this after being about 2 days postpartum. Once it came I immediately inflated it which was super easy. I used it everywhere in my home that I sat down. It just took the pressure off my bum and lady parts. The ice pack was a nice perk when I didn’t want to use a pad ice pack."
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR AFTER SURGERY: Ergonomic Innovations Donut Pillow for After Surgery
Another doctor-recommended pillow, this Amazon #1 Best Seller has almost 17,000 online customer reviews and a 4.4-star average rating. The cushion is medium firm, lightweight and portable. Its ComfortSupport foam fill provides even weight distribution while sitting on a chair, car seat or wheelchair cushion. Although you can use the donut pillow for a variety of purposes, it is listed as a great choice for individuals that have recently undergone surgery. In fact, multiple five-star reviews confirm it provides pain relief after major operations. One satisfied customer writes, "I bought this for my mother as she was recovering from major surgery and was too weak to get up. She ended up getting bed sores and had extreme tailbone pain so I ordered this for her and this pillow has given her so much relief. "
MOST VERSATILE DONUT PILLOW: Everlasting Comfort 2-in-1 Donut Pillow
This two-in-one cushion transforms from a donut pillow to a regular seat cushion thanks to a unique insert. When you're experiencing pain, you can remove the cushion insert to turn the pillow into a donut shape. Or place the insert into the hole and enjoy sitting on the pillow to upgrade any chair you use in daily life. A 4.3-star rating across more than 1,700 online customer reviews suggests it's a versatile product that will serve a wider set of needs than your typical donut pillow.
BEST DONUT PILLOW FOR EAR PAIN: WOWSEA Soft Nap Donut Pillow
This donut pillow is unlike the rest of the pillows on our list. It's not for your seat, but rather your head! It has wedges underneath to prop the pillow up so you can slide your arm underneath. It's designed to promote natural ventilation and free breathing, and you can remove the cover and toss it in the washing machine. The included storage bag has two shoulder straps for easy portability, and the pillow is lightweight too. Still, it has a somewhat chunkier shape that may take some getting used to. But multiple five-star reviews note how amazing this pillow is to lessen pain from new ear piercings. "My un-pierced ear was getting sore from sleeping on it after getting two new piercings and this pillow is perfect for letting me sleep on my pierced side. Pierced ear fits in hole, no pain at all, and it’s firm enough to support your head," one customer writes.
What is the purpose of a donut pillow?
"A donut pillow provides comfort for anyone dealing with pain or discomfort due to back issues, sciatica, hemorrhoids, fissures, surgery and pregnancy," explains Dr. Prestipino. Its circular shape and center hole aid in even weight distribution, which can help lessen pain in sensitive areas.
But even if you don't have an underlying medical issue, donut pillows can simply feel more comfortable while sitting on flat surfaces — and they may improve posture!
What to look for when choosing a donut pillow
First and foremost, you want a durable pillow that "provides proper support for your intended use," says Dr. Prestipino, but the following characteristics are also important:
✔️ Size: Before purchasing, check the dimensions to make sure the donut pillow will be a good fit. Most donut pillows average around 16" x 13" x 3" but some can be a few inches longer, shorter or thicker. When ordering a pillow online, double-check the return policy in case the size doesn't feel comfortable.
✔️ Fill material: The majority of the donut pillows in this roundup have a memory foam fill, which can make the pillow feel firmer compared to air-filled options. Dr. Lees recommends a firm contoured pillow for ultimate support and durability but notes that an air-filled pillow is nice if you want to bring your pillow while traveling or stow it away in your desk drawer when not in use.
✔️ Features: Although donut pillows can be pretty basic (especially if your priority is portability), some have additional add-ons that may be worth it. Dr. Lees points out that a gel or cooling material is great if you run hot as it can help minimize sweating. Cutouts can improve blood flow and a non-slip bottom ensures the pillow won't slide around.
✔️ Care: As with all pillows, it's important to note the care instructions before purchasing, as a hard-to-clean pillow can be a real nuisance. Look for a removable cover that can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
Who should use a donut pillow?
Dr. Lees explains that donut pillows can provide pain relief for various complaints and medical conditions. "People who have tailbone injuries or who feel pressure on their tailbone while sitting may benefit from a donut pillow that distributes the pressure around the glutes and thighs."
For individuals suffering from hemorrhoids, a donut pillow "helps to relieve the pressure around the affected area" by evenly distributing the weight across the buttocks rather than the tailbone, explains Dr. Prestipino. In addition, postpartum women can find pain relief when using a donut pillow as it helps lessen pressure in painful areas. "Though not all women will need or desire a donut cushion after childbirth, many women say that it is one of the easiest and best investments they made for their own comfort after delivering a child."
Do donut pillows work?
To sum it up from a medical standpoint: Yes, donut pillows can help relieve pain. "The design of the pillow with a hole in the center helps to alleviate pressure on the tailbone, coccyx and lower back, making it a popular choice for individuals with issues like hemorrhoids, coccyx pain or post-surgery discomfort," explains Dr. Prestipino. However, the effectiveness of a donut pillow hinges on proper sizing and support as well as comfort.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the GH Institute where she edits product guides to ensure all information reflected is accurate. She covers a wide variety of topics from travel pillows to velvet sofas and more. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant at Woman's Day.
To learn more about who should use donut pillows and gain medical insight on the product category, Elizabeth interviewed Dr. Kevin Lees, D.C., Director of Chiropractic Operations at The Joint Chiropractic, as well as Dr. Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT and Owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in Sparta, NJ.
About The Joint Chiropractic
The Joint Corp. revolutionized access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail health care business model in 2010. Today, it is the nation’s largest operator, manager and franchisor of chiropractic clinics through The Joint Chiropractic network. The company is making quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for millions of patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. With 800+ locations nationwide and nearly 11 million patient visits annually, The Joint Chiropractic is a key leader in the chiropractic industry. Ranked number one on Forbes’ 2022 America’s Best Small Companies list, number three on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list and consistently named to Franchise Times “Top 400+ Franchises” and Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500®” lists, The Joint Chiropractic is an innovative force, where healthcare meets retail. For more information, visit www.thejoint.com.
Business Structure
The Joint Corp. is a franchisor of clinics and an operator of clinics in certain states. In Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, The Joint Corp. and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional chiropractic practices.
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