Buying advice - lumbar support for car seats

[Jim Richards]

Hi all. Can any of you recommend a good lumbar pad/pillow/support thingie to use in my 964? Both my wife and I are unimpressed with the factory "comfort" seats for any drive longer than a couple of hours. Thanks!

[Tobra]

Weight lifter belt is nice, small, cylindrical or wedge shaped pillow will work well

[billybek]

I used the Obus Forme backrest in my old work truck and it worked well for me.

[Jim Richards]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

[LWJ]

I got a little cylinder pillow from my physical therapist. I bet amazon has them for nothing.

[sc_rufctr]

Trust me. These are great.

I used to drive a taxi on the side and most of the drivers used these.

[JAR0023]

I've added one similar to this to the driver's seat in my '86. IIRC the 964 seats are similar in that the center section can be lifted. Corbeau sells a bladder only, no foam model. Quote is from a response I made some time back in the technical forum. -J

Amazon.com: Core Products Small Inflatable Lumbar Cushion - Blue: Health & Personal Care

I added lumbar to my stock seats. Love the stock seats but a previously herniated L5-S1 means I'm picky about my lumbar support. I found an inflatable lumbar support on Amazon and inserted it between the seat back springs and foam. Easier than it looks. On these seats the center section of the seat back is a separate piece and clipped to the side bolsters. You can separate the center section carefully for access. I cut the cover off a cheap three ring binder. The flexible plastic type just to have a backer for the lumbar support. Just seemed like that would be better than cloth and foam against the springs. Slid that and the support in from the side. Ran the tube that connects the inflation bulb out the rear corner and just let it lay in the rear footwell. If I want to make an adjustment I can easily reach back and find the bulb.

If I had to do it again I would locate a lumbar support that is just a bladder. Mine has foam wrapped around it and fully deflated may still be too much for some users. -J
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[Racerbvd]

This is by far, the best product out, you can tailor it to fit your back, also available with memory foam. I use one in my Carrera and in the Jag. And we are going to be starting a new business catering to over the road drivers with these.

Relieve lower back pain while you drive with McCarty's Sacroease Auto Back Support. Sacroease lifts you from a slumped position and helps the spine maintain a healthy seated posture.

It was orthopedically designed to provide a firm yet comfortable seating surface.

It's metal frame and comforting elastic straps accommodate both buttock and lower back, providing flexible support while overcoming road vibrations.Quality Posture Correction Products since 1940.

Drive in complete comfort with a Sacro-Ease posture seat

I also have a few of these left, use one in my Suburban.

The ObusUltraForme Backrest is the only backrest clinically proven to relieve back pain. Its unique, combination convex/concave design offers complete spinal support, providing total back postural alignment and aiding in the relief and prevention of back problems.

Features

Extensively tested at Stanford University, UCLA and the Mets Clinic
Shifts the spine into a positive neutral curve, taking pressure off the lumbar discs
Reduces sedentary muscle contraction, alleviating back strain
Moves the shoulder blades upwards and medially, reducing slouching and improving respiratory capacity
Portable and lightweight, turns any chair into an ergonomic seating system
Available in three different sizes for optimal ergonomic alignment
Small for heights 5'2" and under (UF-BLK-SM)
Medium for heights 5'3" - 6'2" (UF-BLK-MD)
Large for heights 6'3" and above (UF-BLK-LG)

Yes, I can trade, since

[Jim Richards]

Thanks for the recommendations, guys!

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Thanks for the recommendations, guys!

Because of all the damage I have done to my back from the different extreme sports I was active with, I use to have to put Recaro SRD seats in everything I drove, after the Sacroease, I could just fit it to my lumbar and am good

[Porchdog]

After reading this thread I ordered an Obus Ultraforme from Amazon. I've only had it a few days but the seat in my K1500 is transformed by it.

I'll be heading 1000 miles into Quebec next week to do a little fishing - I'm hoping for a much more comfortable ride.

Thanks Guys

[Jim Richards]

I'm really interested in your feedback after your Quebec trip, Porchdog.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Jim, you could also consider trying out some different Porsche seats. I have a royally messed up back and really don't care for any of the "comfort" seats, but love the 996/997 sport seats. I think they are a direct bolt-in on a 964. It's a more expensive solution, but also a little better integrated. Aftermarket seats would be an option as well, like Byron I love the Recaro SRD.

[Porchdog]

Matt -

My 81 SC had comfort seats which were only OK. My son sought an 88 944 with previously installed 84+ sport seats last year - those are better than the Comfort seats, but I still didn't think there was enough lower back support.

I put a used set of Sparco Milano's in my SC this spring - I think they are fantastic. Adjustable lumbar. They feel almost to firm at first but after about 10 minutes you settle in (maybe the foam warms up?). I was out to Hershey and back two days in a row (1-1/2 hours each way) with no back discomfort at all.

[Racerbvd]

I still have some, you didn't have to go through amazon

[Porchdog]

Sorry about that - I missed that in your post.

[Porchdog]

I have put about 2500 miles on my 98 K1500 in the last 3 weeks.

The Obus Ultraforme completely transformed my experience in that seat. I used to be completely uncomfortable after 1-2 hours. Now I don't get to the point of having pain.

I used to drive with the seat as upright as it would go and the lumber fully inflated. With this unit I can lower and recline the seat some, which puts me in a better position relative to the wheel.

I highly recommend this.