7 Best Donut Pillows Reviewed in Detail (Winter 2022)

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If you struggle with any kind of discomfort or pain while sitting, it might be time to invest in a donut pillow. Specially designed to relieve discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, pressure ulcers, herniated discs, injuries, surgery pains, and other problems, the best donut pillow models can make sitting down much more comfortable. They’re also highly effective for people with tailbone or back pain of all kinds, as well as simply providing comfort and support in other ways.

When writing up this list of the best donut pillows, we looked at a wide range of options, including the Primica Donut Pillow, which we found to be the best pillow out there. We considered both expert and user reviews of these products, as well as looking at a variety of factors in their design and construction, paying special attention to their dimensions, the materials used to make them, their weight, and any additional features or design aspects that could make them stand out as the best possible option for you.

Below, you’ll find a comparison table to provide a brief glimpse at our favorite donut pillows and the ratings and nominations we gave each one. After that, you’ll be able to read through more in-depth donut pillow reviews, with pros and cons lists and detailed feature and specification breakdowns. Finally, you’ll find an handy buying guide and FAQ section, telling you all you need to know about buying a donut pillow.

Quick Summary

Editor’s Choice: Primica Donut Pillow

"The Primica donut pillow is the ideal size and shape to relieve tailbone pain."
Best Memory Foam Donut Pillow: AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion

"Great-quality pillow made from memory foam, features a cooling gel layer that keeps you cool."
Best Donut Pillow for Tailbone Pain: Ergonomic Innovations Donut Tailbone Pillow

"Comfy foam pillow with a contoured shape that works well for tailbone pain in particular."
Most Comfortable Donut Pillow: H. Charcoal Donut Pillow

"One of the most comfortable pillows in the market. Guarantees premium comfort, has a Hydro Allive cooling gel for soothing relief, and is recommended by professionals."
Best Portable Donut Pillow: RELIEVVE Donut Pillow

"Lightweight contoured memory foam pillow with a non-slip base and a 1-year warranty."
Budget Pick: Milliard Foam Donut Pillow

"Foam donut pillow with a washable 3D mesh cover that hides its shape and allows you to use the pillow discreetly."
Best Value: Healthy Spirit Gel Donut Pillow

"All rounded pillow that has a ventilated mesh cover that cools the cushion and a gel layer for pressure relief."

Top 7 Donut Pillows Review 2022

9.8

Editor’s Choice

Primica Donut Pillow

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Features

Material(s): memory foam
Dimensions: 16.3 x 13.1 x 8 inches
Weight: 1.87 lb

Extra features: heat responsive, washable and removable case

The Primica donut pillow is the ideal size and shape to relieve tailbone pain. It is made using memory foam that supports the body to stabilize and align the spine, allowing you to sit for prolonged periods without causing back and lower body pain. This is a premium quality pillow that is ideal for post injury, pregnancy or if you’re suffering from any other lower back or tailbone pain. The pillow is also heat responsive, adjusting to your body’s shape without making you feel overly hot or uncomfortable. With its discrete and washable case, this pillow is easy to take with you when you’re traveling on a bus, train or plane. The breathable materials ensure that you won’t feel uncomfortable, but you can always remove the case and wash it when you return home to ensure it feels fresh.

The pillow is remarkably easy to use for immediate relief from pain and discomfort. Simply position the pillow under your butt and you can feel comfortable immediately. The memory foam has great buoyancy, allowing you to feel soft comfort while providing the support you need to feel aligned and stable. Additionally, the Primica team offers great customer support, with a promise that you can expect an answer to any question within 24 hours.

Why did it make our list?

Removable and washable cover
High quality memory foam for stability and proper alignment
Breathable materials

What is not ideal about it?

May be uncomfortable if you’re using it with a recliner seat

9.7

Best Memory Foam Donut Pillow

AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion

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Features

Material(s): memory foam with a cooling gel layer
Dimensions: 16.3 x 13.2 x 3 inches
Weight: 2.2 lbs.

Extra features: removable machine-washable cover; breathable mesh; non-slip bottom

Next up, we have a very different donut pillow in the form of the AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion. While many donut pillows are made from firm foam, this hermorrhoid pillow is filled with high quality memory foam, as seen in many modern mattresses. This material actually shapes itself to your body and retains that same contoured shape over time, so it adapts to the user in order to provide a more personalized level of comfort.

There’s a lot to love about the AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion beyond its memory foam construction. It also features a washable cover, making it very easy to clean, and the cover is highly breathable too, even featuring a layer of cooling gel. These additional factors help to make this donut cushion more comfortable on warm days in particular, as the cushion won’t start getting hot over time. The breathable nature of the fabric also helps to keep it fresh and clean for longer.

In terms of actual comfort, the AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion is a big winner. It provides the support you need for all kinds of common problems like tailbone pain, coccyx pain, sciatica, bed sores, hemorrhoids, and more. It’s also one of the best donut pillows for pregnant women, being effective both during and after pregnancy. The only real possible downside to this pillow is that it’s a little on the small side compared to other models, so might not quite work for everyone.

Why is it special?

Contouring memory foam
Breathable cover
Non-slip base
Cooling gel prevents heat build-up
Very comfortable
Washable cover

What are the flaws?

Size might not suit all

9.5

Best Donut Pillow for Tailbone Pain

Ergonomic Innovations Donut Tailbone Pillow

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Features

Material(s): foam
Dimensions: 17.5 x 14 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 0.9 lbs.

Extra features: ergonomic, contoured shape; non-slip base

The Ergonomic Innovations Donut Tailbone Pillow is another excellent donut pillow with a lot of advantages. Whether you’re looking for a hemorrhoid donut pillow or a cushion for better spinal support, this one can do the job. It’s one of the best donut pillows for back pain in particular, featuring an ergonomic, contoured shape and an orthopedic-style design to give your body the support and care it needs. Lots of users have nothing but great things to say about this product, and it’s helped a lot of people who were suffering from all kinds of aches and pains.

As well as offering a contoured shape, the Ergonomic Innovations Donut Tailbone Pillow is also filled with very firm foam, so it can provide a lot of long-lasting support, and it keeps its shape well over time. It’s one of the most durable and resilient donut pillows around, able to last for several years. The cover can be removed and washed with ease as well, and the pillow also comes equipped with a non-slip base, letting it be used on office chairs and similar surfaces.

The only real downside of the Ergonomic Innovations Donut Tailbone Pillow is that its firmness might be a little too strong for those who prefer to sink into their pillows a little more, but its advantages far outweigh its flaws. It’s very lightweight and highly portable too, perfect for taking along on journeys and trips of all kinds.

What makes it stand out?

Orthopedic quality
Lightweight
Non-slip base
Contoured design
Great for back pain
Keeps its shape well

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

Might be too firm for some

9.2

Most Comfortable Donut Pillow

H. Charcoal Donut Pillow

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Features

Material(s): memory foam
Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.5 x 3 inches
Weight: 2.69 lbs.

Extra features: enhanced with ‘Hydro Allieve’ cooling gel; available in soft, medium, and firm

When it comes to pain relief, a one-size fit’s all approach doesn’t work. Some people prefer firm cushions, others are looking for comfort, while there are some that want both. In an effort to enhance support, most donut pillows end up being too firm, causing discomfort for some people. The H. Charcoal Donut Pillow, however, proves that it’s possible for a pillow to be luxurious & comfortable and still provide the necessary support.

If you’ve been experiencing a lot of pain from postpartum surgery, hysterectomy, hemorrhoids, sciatica, tailbone, and pregnancy, you can bid it goodbye because this pillow has a modern coccyx cushion that provides pain relief. It’s also unisex and is suitable for users that weigh up to 260 pounds.

The beauty of this pillow is that it’s available in soft, medium, and firm sizes, so you can easily choose the one that brings you the most comfort. Its pain-relieving abilities have been fortified with ‘Hydro Allieve’ cooling gel that ensures your bottom stays cool.

This medical butt pillow is designed with pure bamboo charcoal that not only absorbs all odor but also keeps stains hidden. You can use it during car travels, on office seats and wheelchairs. It also has a ventilated mesh cover, and the manufacturer gives you one extra cover for free.

This pillow has also been recommended by several professionals and will help you improve your posture.

Why are we impressed?

Free ventilated mesh cover.
Available in 3 sizes ( soft, medium, and firm)
Has an ergonomic design.
Uses hydro Allieve technology to keep your bottom cool.
Has charcoal-infused memory foam.

What negatives must you be aware of?

Some users find it too small.

9.0

Best Portable Donut Pillow

RELIEVVE Donut Pillow

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Features

Material(s): memory foam
Dimensions: 16.45 x 13.27 x 3 inches
Weight: 1.81 lbs.

Extra features: non-slip base, washable pillow cover

Another excellent donut cushion, the RELIEVVE Donut Pillow is one of the most portable options you can buy. Many people like to make use of donut pillows while on the move, and they can offer a lot of advantages if used while driving, in the office, on a plane, or elsewhere, so if you’re looking for a pillow that can be easily taken along on all your various trips and journeys, the Astoria Wellness Donut Pillow might be a good option, weighing in at 1.81 lbs.

It’s also worth noting that this pillow comes with a full year long warranty and even a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not fully satisfied in the first month of use, so the manufacturers clearly have a lot of confidence in the product, and users have been very happy so far, with many talking about how comfortable and supportive this pillow is, with its contoured design and memory foam interior offering a very enjoyable sitting experience.

The RELIEVVE Donut Pillow also comes with a non-slip base, making it a good option for slippery plastic office chairs, and its cover can be easily removed and washed at any time, which is always an important feature to think about when buying a donut pillow. It’s a good size too and should fit most people without any problems, but some users have claimed that it starts to lose its shape relatively quickly, so it might not last for years and years like other models.

What do we love it for?

1 year warranty
Non-slip base
Very lightweight and portable
Perfect for travel
Contoured design
Good size

What were we disappointed with?

Lacks durability

8.8

Budget Pick

Milliard Foam Donut Pillow

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Features

Material(s): foam
Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 3 inches
Weight: 1.2 lbs.

Extra features: washable 3D mesh cover; 3.5 density foam

Last but not least, we come to the Milliard Foam Donut Pillow, which is our Budget Pick for this list of the best donut pillows. It’s the most affordable entry on our list, so it’s a great option for people with limited budgets or those who aren’t quite sure about donut cushions and just want to test the waters with a smaller purchase first of all. The Milliard Foam Donut Pillow may have a small price tag, but it’s a big pillow. In fact, it’s one of the largest on our list at 20 x 15 x 3 inches.

The large size of the Milliard Foam Donut Pillow can be seen as a big plus point, as it should be a comfortable fit for most users. As to be expected from a budget pick, however, the design and construction of this donut pillow is relatively simple. It doesn’t have the same contours and features as some of the other pillows on the list, so it can’t quite offer the same standards of pain relief and support for people with tailbone issues, hemorrhoids, or other problems.

Still, the Milliard Foam Donut Pillow offers a lot of value for money. It comes with a washable cover, which is a nice bonus, and the foam inside is very firm and stable, so it can keep its shape for a surprisingly long time and still offer very reasonable and satisfying support to those who just need a simple pillow without any frills or fancy features.

What are its best features?

Very large
Firm foam for solid support
Washable cover
Very affordable

What could be improved?

Quite a basic design
Lack of contours and features

8.7

Best Value

Healthy Spirit Gel Donut Pillow

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Features

Material(s): foam
Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 2.7 inches
Weight: 1.68 lb

Extra features: pressure reducing gel layer, ventilated mesh cover

If you suffer from back pains or are in your post-surgery period, then you know how uncomfortable sitting for long periods can be. The Healthy Spirit Donut Pillow, has a top layer of gel that enhances pressure relief. It reduces pressure on your tailbone and coccyx and can double as a pregnancy pillow.

This gel donut pillow comes with a ventilated mesh cover that keeps your seating surface cozy, while the gel keeps the cushion cool, adding to your comfort. The cover is removable, washes easily, and dries fast, so you won’t be off your cushion for long.

If you’re worried about sliding off the pillow, then you’ll appreciate the non-slip bottom that keeps the cushion in place, even when you’re seated on the floor. The small compact size of the pillow makes it portable, so you can carry it with you wherever you go. You can also use it in your wheelchair, car, office chair, etc.

This pillow’s design enhances even weight distribution, preventing pressure from building up in one poison. It is also made with premium medical foam that allows it to support women during their last trimester and people of varying weights. This foam also allows for premium comfort and deep immersion.

Why is it special?

Medical foam construction for premium comfort.
Ventilated mesh cover that keeps the seating area cozy.
A non-slip bottom that keeps the donut pillow in place.
Highly durable.
Can support people of various weights.

What are the flaws?

Some users find it too firm.
It's a bit pricey

Things to Consider

Now that you’ve seen some of the best donut pillow options on the market, let’s take a closer look at individual factors and features to help you decide which one might be best for you. Buying a donut pillow can make a big difference to your daily life, but it’s vital to choose the right one to get the best results.

Advantages of using a donut pillow

There are many different advantages to using a donut pillow, including:

Pain Relief – The number one advantage of a donut pillow is that it really can help relieve all kinds of pain and discomfort caused by problems like tailbone pain, hemorrhoids, post-surgery pains, and more.
Portable – These cushions are often lightweight and highly portable, letting you take and use them at work, on the move, on your vacations, and more.
More Comfort – Like any pillow or cushion, donut pillows provide an added layer of comfort and support to your body, so even if you don’t have any aches or pains, you can still get plenty of positive benefits.
Improve Posture – Many people slouch or sit incorrectly, putting extra pressure on certain parts of their bodies. The donut pillow can actually help to improve your posture with regular use.
Multifunctional – As well as being useful for relieving aches and discomforts, donut pillows can also be placed behind the back for added support, used by pregnant women, or even enjoyed by office workers who spend endless hours sitting on hard chairs.

Who can benefit from a donut pillow?

Many different people can get a lot of benefits from regular use of a donut pillow. These pillows are especially popular with those who suffer from medical conditions or other problems that make sitting uncomfortable. Whether it’s because of hemorrhoids, tailbone problems, herniated discs, or something else entirely, these pillows can make a big difference. They’re also highly effective for office workers to improve posture and prevent soreness, as well as for pregnant women too.

Features to consider when choosing a donut pillow

There are several key features to think about when buying your donut pillow. The materials it’s made from, its dimensions, and the outer cover all have an impact on the overall quality and comfort of each pillow. Read on to learn more.

What is it made from?

The materials that make up your donut pillow are of high importance. They have a direct impact on the quality of the pillow, determining how comfortable it is to sit on and how well it alleviates pain or discomfort in the user. Some material are also much more durable and stronger than others, like the gel foam used in the Healthy Spirit Gel Donut Pillow, so these pillows will be able to retain their shape for longer and thereby last longer too. Most donut pillows feature foam, with some, like the AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion, containing memory foam to offer a contouring effect that shapes itself neatly to your body.

Dimensions

The size of your donut pillow is also a key factor to think about. Obviously, you’ll want a pillow that is just the right size for your body, so your own body shape and size need be taken into account when shopping for your pillow. The Milliard Foam Donut Pillow is a large donut pillow with plenty of space and material to offer a lot of support to larger people, while smaller models are also available.

Outer cover and base

When shopping for a donut pillow, don’t forget to consider the material used on the cover, as well as the base. It can be very convenient to buy a donut pillow with a removable and washable cover like the AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion, as this makes cleaning and maintaining your pillow a lot easier in the long run. You’ll also need to think about whether the material is soft and comfortable to the touch, and breathability can be a big thing to think about too. In terms of the base, getting a donut pillow with a grip on the base or a non-slip material of some kind can be advantageous, as seen on the Ergonomic Innovations Donut Tailbone Pillow.

How to use a donut pillow

Once you actually buy a donut pillow, you’ll need to know how to properly use it. Many new owners of these pillows can be a little hesitant at first and aren’t sure if they’re sitting in the right way. To use your donut pillow, just follow these simple steps:

Place the donut pillow on the chair in a way that the back edge of the pillow is just touching the back of the chair or the area where the back and the seat connect.
Sit down onto the donut cushion with your tailbone over the hole in the center and your buttocks resting on the sides. You want to feel balanced and supported on both sides, so be sure to adjust your body accordingly until it all feels right.
To reduce pressure on the coccyx area, you can lean forward a little while seated, and this can help to alleviate some pain or discomfort. Everybody is different, so don’t be afraid to move around a little to get yourself in a position that works for you.

FAQ

Will a donut pillow help with back pain?

A donut pillow can definitely help with back pain in a big way. They offer additional support for the spine and body, alleviating various common aches and pains throughout the back, and especially around the lower back area. They also work to improve your posture, which can contribute to reducing back pain too. These pillows can even be placed behind the back while sitting for comfort and support.

Is it better to get a donut pillow or a coccyx cushion?

It’s important to differentiate between donut pillows and coccyx cushions. The latter are very different, being formed in a totally different shape with a little cut-out section at the rear, and they’re designed specifically with the tailbone in mind, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort in this particular part of the body. They’re more suited for those with coccyx pain from things like childbirth or physical injuries. The donut pillow and coccyx cushion are very different items for different needs; neither is better than the other.

How often will I need to replace a donut pillow?

This will all depend on the make and model of the donut pillow you buy. Some donut pillows are much more durable than others, and especially those which are easy to wash and clean tend to last longer overall. In general, a good quality donut pillow like the Healthy Spirit Gel Donut Pillow should last for a minimum of five years, if not much longer. It’s just important to look after your donut pillow and treat it with a lot of care to preserve it and extend its lifespan.

Our Verdict

Overall, the Primica pillow was our top-rated donut pillow. This is a high-quality pillow with breathable materials and a washable cover. The memory foam is heat responsive and provides sufficient support to ensure your spine feels aligned and stabilized for immediate comfort and pain relief.

Our next best donut pillow was the AnboCare Donut Seat Cushion, which features a breathable mesh cover and a layer of cooling gel, making it very popular with people who don’t want their legs or buttocks to get too hot while sitting down.

Finally, our third top pick was the Ergonomic Innovations Donut Tailbone Pillow, which is definitely one of the best donut pillows to choose if you’re struggling with any kind of aches or pains. It’s a professional grade, orthopedic-style donut pillow with maximum support and durability.