1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Fabric / Cloth Seats and Lower Back Pain

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by zyx345, Aug 16, 2011.

  1. zyx345

    zyx345 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2010
    42
    0
    0
    Location:
    Northern, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I just purchased a Prius Three (III) and I'm really happy with everything on the car however I am experiencing some lower back pain with the fabric seats.

    My prior car was an Acura with Leather seats and lumbar support.

    Prior to my purchase I rented a Prius II from Hertz for 3 days and did not experience any lower back pains after about 100 miles of driving. I also test drove a Prius IV for about 20 minutes and also did not experience any lower back pains.

    I did some Google searches as well as searches on this forum and it seems that most suggest adding a Lumbar Cushion.

    Has anyone done this with success? If so, any recommended brands/models?
     
  2. donee

    donee New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2005
    2,956
    197
    0
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hi z...,

    I had this problem, and resolved it with a seat pad. The issue was the lumbar support , although there, is too high for me, when my weight compressed the seat pan cushions. So, I made some cushions from high density foam for the seat pan. This lifted me up, aligning my lumbar region with the seats lumbar support.
     
  3. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2010
    491
    73
    0
    Location:
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have had chronic lower back pain fo 40 years. I have used a lumbar pillow in my cars and trucks for many years to relieve the pain. The kind with memory foam seem to work the best.
    Try it.
     
  4. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    1,049
    192
    0
    Location:
    NH
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    +1, can't sit for ten minutes without it, often sit for 12 hours with it.


    Duro-Med Lumbar Cushion with Strap, Navy, 14 x 13
     
    1 person likes this.
  5. Skoorbmax

    Skoorbmax Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2010
    2,641
    264
    0
    Location:
    Western NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Has the worst support in any car I've had in years (Prius II). My last trip of 90 minutes (is an absolute eternity in that seat without some extra support) I just folded up a towel and it worked great.

    One of the great frustrations of my life is chairs made without even an inkling of consideration for proper spine alignment.
     
  6. MikeR5

    MikeR5 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    185
    7
    0
    Location:
    Sherman Oaks
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Ut oh- I am planning on buying a II in the next week or 2. Maybe I need to rent one and do a long trip? I have had back problems in the past.
     
  7. zyx345

    zyx345 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2010
    42
    0
    0
    Location:
    Northern, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
  8. zyx345

    zyx345 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2010
    42
    0
    0
    Location:
    Northern, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    If you rent one, I'd recommend doing at least a 90 minute trip with it straight to give you an idea of how the seats are. I rented one but did a bunch of short trips at about 30 minutes each and did not experience any back pain.

    I think its the longer trips that get uncomfortable. The car is awsome otherwise.
     
  9. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2010
    4,539
    1,435
    9
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    A rental is a good idea:cool: but it can take at least 3 hours for discomfort to show up.
     
  10. MikeR5

    MikeR5 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    185
    7
    0
    Location:
    Sherman Oaks
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Well- I think I'm buying and hoping for the best. My Gf has a Rav 4 and I have had no back problems- anyone know how those seats compare?
     
  11. donnaj56

    donnaj56 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    4
    1
    0
    Location:
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I had the same problem when we first got our Prius and I know this sounds too simple and it will not work for everyone but I leaned my seat back just one stop farther than I would usually keep it. I haven't had a problem since.
     
    1 person likes this.
  12. zyx345

    zyx345 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2010
    42
    0
    0
    Location:
    Northern, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
  13. zyx345

    zyx345 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2010
    42
    0
    0
    Location:
    Northern, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Actually this has helped tremendously. Thanks! Still not perfect but appears to be the best I can get it.
     
  14. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    1,049
    192
    0
    Location:
    NH
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The lack of straps is good, kiss "keep it simple stupid", just don't sit on it when you get in, then adjust it exactly where you want it once you're in and it stays.
     
  15. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2004
    3,790
    152
    0
    Location:
    Park View, Los Angeles, CA. U.S.A
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    +1 to zyx345's comment. i have one of those cheap stretchy mesh lumbar supports.. super cheap... and works wonderfully... it feels like it's not there most of the time.. i rest my elbow on the edge of it at times.. i really really like them.
     
  16. mainemanx

    mainemanx Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2008
    355
    40
    1
    Location:
    State O' Maine
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I've a set of Clazzios waiting to be installed... but plan first to get a professional auto upholstery shop to fit a memory foam lumbar support under the standard fabric... and then install seat heaters between the fabric and the Clazzios.

    I tried the Wal-Mart air thing... worked pretty well, but wouldn't want it under the Clazzios, with the heaters, etc.
     
  17. ChaiLove

    ChaiLove Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2011
    32
    2
    0
    Location:
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I have major back problems which I was born with. My last car was very uncomfortable and I did have to use a lumbar support in it. I have found that by adjusting the tilt of the seat I have no problems with back pain in my Prius.
     
  18. eroeder

    eroeder Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2011
    72
    22
    0
    Location:
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I will have to try the tilt further back too. I LOVE the car, but could not understand why my sciatic nerve hurt after long drives, causing me to limp for about 20 seconds until the blood flow started again. I bought a memory foam lumbar support and it has really helped, but it doesn't stay put and always has to be positioned.

    Man, I thought it was just me....
     
  19. priusrick

    priusrick Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2011
    257
    40
    14
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I bought one of those Medi supports but it doesn't fit real well between my back and the seat, maybe I need to do the custom install under the cloth. hmmmm./.....
     
  20. Den49

    Den49 Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2010
    498
    268
    0
    Location:
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    One of the reasons I bought the IV was because it was the first level that had a seat with an adjustable lumbar support.

    The seats were comfortable for two years, but after two years of wear, I had to augment the seat cushions by removing the seats and inserting one inch upholstery foam between the springs and existing foam. This restored the cushioning and made them comfortable again. Toyota seats in general are not as good as they once were.