5 Best Donut Pillows - Versions You Can Actually Sleep On

Updated 14 Jun 2022

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We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 14 Jun 2022

Written by

Mark Joseph Aduana

Kieba Hemorrhoid Treatment Donut

BOTTOM LINE
Easiest to Use
An oval-shaped comfort foam donut pillow with better support and coverage of the tailbone.

PROS
The design's versatility makes it ideal for treating hemorrhoids, prostatitis, pregnancy, and lower back pain. It's simple to keep clean since it contains dense foam and fabric.

CONS
Users with large frames or those who require a lot of support may find that the smaller profile of the pillow is difficult to sleep on.

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Dr. Frederick's Original Donut Cushion

BOTTOM LINE
Simple Yet Solid
A comfortable donut pillow for long periods of sitting.

PROS
The circular design distributes the bodyweight to relieve discomfort and pressure. For individuals who are sensitive, hypoallergenic materials are ideal.

CONS
After prolonged usage, the design may begin to leak air or not inflate at all.

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Bonmedico Orthopedic Pillow

BOTTOM LINE
Customer Favorite
A high-quality donut pillow for people who have hemorrhoids or other medical problems.

PROS
Better comfort and support than typical donut pillows, thanks to the memory foam and gel construction. Great for post-surgery recovery.

CONS
Can be uncomfortable for some people looking for a softer pillow.

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Primica Orthopedic Donut Pillow

BOTTOM LINE
Donut Seat Cushion
This ergonomic doughnut-shaped pillow provides maximum comfort and reduces back pain.

PROS
Memory foam was used in its construction for maximum comfort. It aids in the alignment of the spine while also raising and stabilizing the body. It aids individuals suffering from bedsores, tailbone concerns, hemorrhoids, prostatitis, pregnancy, or other back-related

CONS
Can sometimes slip out.

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H. Donut Pillow

BOTTOM LINE
Feature-rich
This charcoal donut pillow excels in relieving pain. One of the best in the market.

PROS
The bottom of the mattress is cooled by a ‘Hydro Allieve' cooling gel-filled charcoal-infused foam cushion. It relieves pressure from bedsores, ulcers, and prostate discomfort. The medical memory foam features 100 percent natural bamboo charcoal. It absorbs odors and camouflages stains.

CONS
There are limited color options.

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How to Choose the Best Donut Pillows

Tailbone injuries, hemorrhoids, and many other conditions might cause significant discomfort that gets worse by sitting on flat surfaces. This is where a donut pillow can help. Center cavities in donut pillows alleviate painful pressure when sitting.

However, not all donut pillows are built equal. Some have a basic circular form, while others have depressions strategically placed throughout. Construction materials also vary; from inflatable rubber to high-tech memory foam are available. You should also consider the size, cover, and firmness of the pillow before buying one.

Donut pillows can also support and relieve the strain caused by sitting. They can also improve your general seated posture while reducing pain and pressure.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Material

While inflatables can still be useful for posterior and pelvic pain management, there are sturdier options to consider.

Memory foam: The memory foam’s excellent support and unrivaled resilience made it a favorite material in making orthopedic pillows and mattresses, and also for donut pillows. Memory foam molds to your unique curves for customized pressure relief and it springs back to its original form after cooling, so you'll never sleep on a flat, unsupportive pillow again.
Polyurethane foam: PU foam costs less than memory foam and has a springier, softer texture. While PU foam may make for a pleasant and reasonably supportive donut pillow, it can lose its shape over time. Choose a high-density type if you want greater support and durability.
Inflatable: Inflatable donut pillows are made of rubber or vinyl. Users can adjust the pillow’s firmness by adding or removing air. These pillows are the most cost-effective, but they're also prone to leaks and punctures. With that in mind, an inflatable donut cushion may still get the job done if you want to spend less while relieving pain in the short term.

Firmness

Firmness levels vary for donut pillows, with options ranging from somewhat soft to very firm. While a softer donut pillow may appear more comfortable, especially if you have a delicate backside, these are more likely to lose their form over time or become severely compressed when sat on. We recommend going with a medium-firm to firm donut pillow for balanced comfort and support.

Size

The sizes of donut pillows range from 14 inches to 22 inches in diameter. Your donut pillow should fit your frame well, but also consider how you're going to use it. Will you use it to add more comfort to your office chair? Do you think your car seat is a great match? The most versatility comes from an option that works on several surfaces and fits your frame.

FEATURES

Contours

Some donut pillows are designed with carefully placed contours to improve comfort. Some have coccyx cuts on either side to relieve tailbone pressure, while others include a coccyx cutout on one side and leg depressions to encourage proper blood circulation. Contours can be helpful whether you’re suffering from a tailbone problem or not.

Cover

Removing the pillow cover isn't always necessary, but it's a must when it comes to keeping your donut cushion clean. A machine-washable cover that is simple to remove and replace will keep your donut cushion looking brand new.

Cooling technology

Memory foam has a lot of advantages, but it's also known to retain body heat. If you reside in a warm environment, a memory foam pillow with cooling technology, such as ventilation holes or a layer of cooling gel, can help keep your bottom from getting uncomfortably hot.

Non-slip base

A shifting seat cushion is the most annoying thing in the world. Even tiny motions like crossing and uncrossing your legs, leaning forward, or stretching to the side may cause a donut pillow to slide out of position, especially on a smooth surface such as leather or wood. A non-slip foundation will keep your donut pillow in place.

"Donut pillows aren't just for seats or sofas. You may use your donut pillow almost everywhere you need to sit, such as in cars, buses, trains, and airplanes."

TEAM
BestReviews

DONUT PILLOW PRICES

Donut pillows vary in price depending on their construction materials and features.

Budget-friendly

The most inexpensive inflatable donut pillows are constructed of light, low-density foam. Several low-density foam models may be found in the $10 to $15 price range. While many budget-priced donut pillows are capable of relieving pain and pressure, keep in mind that they are generally intended for the short term.

Mid-range

Both polyurethane foam and memory foam choices are available for around $15 to $20 if you're searching for a simple foam donut pillow that doesn't need additional contours or extra comfort features.

High-end

If you need to use your donut pillow for a longer period, it's well worth the investment to get a higher-quality product with a longer warranty. Pillows made of high-density foam, one-of-a-kind patterns, and other features can cost anywhere from $20 to $50.

TIPS

Take care to place your donut pillow in the correct way. Make sure your donut pillow is positioned in the middle of the seat with the rear against the backrest before you sit down. Avoid sitting on the solid part of the pillow because it can cause discomfort, so pay attention to the contour of your cushion.
Put soft areas over the hole in the pillow. Sit so that your tailbone and other sore areas are over the hole.
Make sure you don't lay all the way back. If you're reclining against your chair's backrest because it might put an uncomfortable strain on your tailbone. For improved comfort, try to maintain a neutral position or lean slightly forward.

Although donut pillows can help relieve various pain symptoms, they are not a cure-all. Always consult with a medical expert before attempting to treat problems at home,

FAQ

Q. Can I wash my donut pillow?

A. Check the product's care instructions first. In most cases, it's better not to wash the donut pillow itself because this might destroy some of the foams. Keeping your donut pillow covered in a pillow cover, cleaning the cover once a week, and washing it separately will keep your pillow clean.

Q. Can a donut pillow help when I have bedsores?

A. Bedsores are painful. They need to be treated in a special way so that they can heal. While many donut pillow manufacturers claim that their pillows can help to treat or prevent bedsores, this is not generally advised by medical experts. Instead of a donut pillow, try an alternating pressure bed or a specialized wheelchair seat cushion.

Q. I have tailbone pain. Why does using a donut pillow worsen the pain?

A. Donut pillows may cause discomfort for a variety of reasons. The most prevalent reason, however, is size. A donut pillow that is too little will place you uncomfortably because it will rest above the cavity rather than contact the tender areas. If you're confident that the size you've chosen is correct, consider trading your old pillow for one with a cutout for your coccyx.