Lumbar Pillow

[Hand_Grenade_Pilot]

Looking for recommendations on a lumbar pillow or back support that works well w/ the seat design in the MD500. Can't include a bottom cushion otherwise my head will bust through the top of the canopy...

 

Thanks.

[rotormandan]

Nothing like a good ol' scrunched up hoodie.

[Mikemv]

http://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Portable-Backrest-Inflatable-Support/dp/B000Y4YTXG

 

or similar

[heligirl03]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001MPXQD0/ref=pd_aw_sims_3?pi=SL500_SS115

 

Agree w Mike! I've used one like this for several years. In the Astar/EC130 with the ergonomic seats I used it horizontally. In the A119 with Bell style flat seats, I use it vertically. It makes all the difference in the world. I did try an Oregon Aero seat for a bit, with both back and bottom pieces...I'm short so the height didn't make a difference but the cushion footprint was bigger than the aircraft seat and got caught on my knee/leg/shoe and I dragged it out the door behind me every time. It was not comfortable enough for $250 and the hassle. These little air cushions are AWESOME however! Reasonable $$, portable and adjustable, several manufacturers make them. Totally worth a try.

[Flying Pig]

Go to a medical supply store that does things for wheel chair customers. Thats where I got the one I used. I no longer have it, and don't recall what it was called. But thats where i got it.

[Little Bird]

I bought a foam gardening knee board from Lowe's which works really well. I also have a therm-a-rest inflateable pillow from REI which works well on other seats.

[Gomer Pylot]

I like this style. It's cheap enough to leave in the seat for other pilots, and it lets air get behind my back, which is much cooler and more comfortable. In the end, it's a subjective choice.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Posture-Perfect-Mesh-Lumbar-Support/dp/B004CFHPGQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1405555854&sr=1-6&keywords=lumbar+support

[Azhigher]

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Original-McKenzie-Inflating-Airback/dp/B00EXPWNXA/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1405566766&sr=1-3&keywords=Airback

 

Worked out well for the 130 and astar. I use it for lumbar suppport on most flights and if the seat starts to make hot spots on my back I just turn it vertically.

[palmfish]

I love flying the 500 but the seats are so bad - especially when the cushions are old. For years I took a bath towel folded in half length wise and rolled up - then held with blue masking tape. Heligirl is right about the Oregon Aero cushions. I have a set too and never use it. The lumbar cushion is so mushy and flat as to be unnoticeable.

 

I use a self-inflating "camp mat" on the bottom cushion and it is so much more comfortable.

 

I'm going to pick up the inflatable lumbar cushion that Heligirl suggested and try it this summer

 

EDIT: just ordered it!

[R22139RJ]

REI has lumbar pillows that you can inflate.

[LifeApresMil]

I know you asked for lumbar support... I liked suggestions mentioned already.

 

For the bottom seat, I am VERY pleased using this air cushion in the H500:

 

http://www.amazon.com/AIRHAWK-Aviation-Seat-Cushion-Cover/dp/B00128M4Y4

 

This is MUCH better than the Oregon Aero Cushion I have.

[Hand_Grenade_Pilot]

Ended up getting the McKenzie Self Inflating Airback (http://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Original-McKenzie-Inflating-Airback/dp/B00EXPWNXA/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1405566766&sr=1-3&keywords=Airback) that Heligirl and Azhigher recommended; it has helped tremendously w/ lower back pain.

 

I also replaced the seat cushion w/ a ROHO air bladder wheelchair cushion (http://www.therohogroup.com/products/seat%20cushions/high_profile_single_valve_cushion.jsp)

 

Last problem I'm trying to resolve is the lack of leg room. I start to get pretty bad cramps and some loss of circulation after about 30 minutes of flying. Planning on removing the back cushion and replacing it w/ something thinner to give me an extra 1-2" of legroom.