We all know how "plain, simple & non-adjustable", not to mention very uncomfortable, the Prius front seats are (actually reminds me of the high back computer desk chair I bought at Staples) and the dozens of threads written here complaining about it. My Wife loves our new Prius but because she is short (5' 2") she needs a PILLOW to raise her up about 3". Standard throw pillows from our couch work just okay, but she also complains of lower back pain, so I was wondering if any of you out there in PriusLand have tried any of the OBUSFORME seat pillows? [attachmentid=9037] http://www.obusforme.com/product_nav.asp?ID=24# Above is the seat cushion, around $49 [attachmentid=9038] http://www.obusforme.com/product_nav.asp?ID=32# This is one of the seat back cushions, list $84 on SALE for $34 [attachmentid=9039] http://www.obusforme.com/product_nav.asp?ID=31 This is another seat back cushion, around $70 ALL the products on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/s.html/104-1455267-9...nd=Obus%20Forme
I've got the Obus seat, as pictured in your post, and I also have the ObusForme "Ultra" seat back, which comes in sizes. I'm tall, so I got a tall size. The seat puts me up a bit too high, so I've given that to my wife, who is short. The Ultra seat back seems to help me on longer trips. I have complained to Toyota about the Prius driver's seat, its lack of adjustments, and the fact that it's just the wrong shape for my back. Harry
I'm not as short as her, but I still need additional height too. When I sit in the seat I feel like I can't see close enough to the front of the car. In my Corolla I had the seat adjusted to max height and it helped. I would love to find a cushion that would raise the bottom of the seat but not the front. I currently am using a folded large towel, but it is always wrinkling. That top cushion shown might be helpful. I just need something to fill the lowest part of the seat - not cover the whole seat. Height adjustable seats, auto-on headlights and my sunroof are the things I really miss that my Corolla had. Does anyone have a link to Toyota that you can email suggestions to?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rangerdavid @ Jun 19 2007, 07:51 AM) [snapback]464559[/snapback]</div> That's a good question.... probably can be answered on the Obusforme website, http://www.obusforme.com/ , thru "FAQ" or just calling their toll free phone number, 1-888-225-7378. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rangerdavid @ Jun 19 2007, 07:51 AM) [snapback]464559[/snapback]</div> You are welcome, glad to be of help. See not ALL my PriusChat posts are "bitchen'n'complaining" !!
OBUS FORME Ltd. Helps Drivers Ease on Down the Road TORONTO, Ontario – OBUS FORME Ltd., The Bodycare Experts™, goes the extra mile to ease the pain of traffic jams, daily commutes, and family car trips. Obus Forme Ltd. introduces the OBUS FORME Driver’s Seat Obus 92, a specialized car cushion that combines personalized comfort with high-performance style. Designed to make the ride in any vehicle more comfortable, the Obus 92 is the latest addition in a series of one-piece back and seat cushions designed to provide increased comfort and support to Canada’s 20 million drivers. Ideally suited to commercial drivers and those who experience discomfort while driving, the OBUS 92 allows drivers to reap the benefits of massage, pulse, and heat via an ergonomically designed hand control. Massaging motors soothe upper and lower back, and thigh muscles independently or together, helping the driver stay relaxed and alert whether driving around the corner or across the country. A heat option in the lumbar and seat area eases tense muscles and warms cool bodies. Composed of strategically placed high-density foam, the OBUS 92 provides cervical and lower back support, and reduces pressure placed on the sitting bones to take the driving experience to a whole new level of enjoyment. Designed with contemporary styling and finished in rich black to adapt to all vehicle interiors, the OBUS 92 also features an AC adapter for usage in the home or office. The OBUS 92 is available at major retailers across Canada. Further information is available at www.obusforme.com or by calling 416-785-1386 or 1-888- 225-7378. OBUS FORME Ltd. is a Canadian company with a passion for developing and manufacturing innovative consumer products that are engineered to enhance people’s lives by delivering comfort and support to the human body. From the original, award-winning Lowback Backrest Support to therapeutic pillows, mattresses, foot insoles, office chairs and the groundbreaking Comfort Support System Backpacks, OBUS FORME and its licensee’s create valued products for use in the home, office, car and on the go. OBUS FORME products are now available in more than 40 countries worldwide. Further information is available at www.obusforme.com. For further information contact: Tiffany Bourré/Jon Packer Geoff Tomlinson The Idea Workshop Ltd. OBUS FORME Ltd. (416) 504-3977 (416) 785-1386 [email protected] [email protected] jon@theideaworkshop.
Ah, a Canadian company. That explains why I see them in our stores all the time yet when I suggest them to Prius owners, I get "blank stares". If you have any questions on them I'm willing to go have a look for you. I see them in Superstore (grocery store), Canadian Tire (auto/hardware store), drugstores, and I think I even saw them in Walmart.
I have the bottom and the back that I moved from my deceased Saab 900. I am VERY happy with them particularly on long rides. Excellent support, no back discomfort. Highly recommended.
My wife is 5-2 and complained of back pain. Becuse the seat does not have adjustable tilt the thigh area is not supported. This transfers weight to the base of the spine causing back pain. We found an inflatable air cushion used for wheelchair patients help. They are usually avaiable at medical supply locations. Look for the cushion with thicker material. It is a shame that such a wonderful care requires such modifications.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Jun 19 2007, 12:03 PM) [snapback]464710[/snapback]</div> Hello David, I'm the original poster (FloridaWen) and my Wife wants to know if the "bottom" cushion (Post #1) is really a well made piece and do you think it is wide enough to "properly" fit the Prius seat ?? Also, of the two "backs" pictured (Post #1) do you recommend any of those or do you think Obus makes even a "better" back cushion for the Prius and a 5' 2" female driver ?? <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(appgap @ Jun 19 2007, 12:16 PM) [snapback]464723[/snapback]</div> Hello appgap, Which model "back" do you have.... any of the two pictured in post #1 ?? Also, how high does the "bottom" raise you (2", 3"?) and do you have that exact bottom cushion as in Post #1 ??
OK, sorry to take so long, the site was off to me for a couple of days. First, the Prius non-leather seat. Seat bottom - 21" wide at the front, 18" wide at the rear, 19" from front to rear. Seat Back - 20" wide at the bottom, 16" wide at the top, 24" top to bottom. Obus Forme "Ultra" seat bottom (one you posted) - 16" wide at front, 17" wide at back, about 1/2-1" thick (hard to measure if I sat on it). 15" to 17" front to back, (sort of adjustable with removeable section - if that's removed it gets 3" shorter than just listed). There are two "velcro" tabs about 5" long at the front (cloth tabs). It's $80 at London Drugs in Canada (Can $). Obus Forme Ultra seat back (don't think you posted it) - This one comes in three sizes, London Drugs had M and L. M - 23 1/2" high, 12" wide, 1 1/2" thick. $130 at London Drugs. L - 26" high, other dim. as above. Obus Forme Lowback backrest (one you posted with removable lumbar pad). 17" wide, 22" high, 2" thick, and removable (velcro) lumbar pad is an extra 1 1/2" thick. $70 at London Drugs. All above made with foam on a flexible plastic frame, covered with a soft cloth (ones they had in stock were black - several colours available). Seem reasonably well made. All are "fastenable" to the seat, either with elastic loops around the back, click fasten loops (eg faston plastic buckles), or velcro tabs. The velcro will not fasten to leather. It's for cloth. These were in the "orthopedic" section of the store. Note Dr Scholles also makes some. They had one with heat and vibrate! Works in a car or at home. Thanks London Drugs for letting me take them out of the packaging and measure etc.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Jun 21 2007, 01:30 PM) [snapback]465829[/snapback]</div> David, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for taking the time and effort to measure the seats and cushions, this was very nice of you to do this and is extremely helpful....
You're very welcome. I may need to use these at some time as well, so it wasn't totally non-selfish. So far I don't have a problem with the seats. Note that the seat bottom Obus unit will raise the person up, perhaps too much. It seems to me that the Prius seats are a little high stock. I may use this approach to get seat heating. With six months of winter here (and six months of poor sledding) seat heat is very desirable.
After my first 100+ mile drive in my new Prius last weekend, my back hurt so badly that I continued to be uncomfortable for the following several days. My back hurt just below my shoulders. Even short trips to the store aggravated the pain. I tried a small lumbar support wedge, and it didn't help, even trying several positions up and down along the seat back. I then tried an Obus Forme Highback back rest support. They have replaced the wide adjustable pillow with a smaller one, which didn't provide support across my back. The sides of the back rest bend inward and squeeze in my sides too much. Plus, it's so thick that it pushed me way forward in my seat. I tried the Obus Ultra Forme today and it was just what I needed. It pushes me forward a little, but not nearly so much as the wider cushions. I'm also able to bring the Pruis's seat to just about complete upright position without feeling like I'm about to eat the steering wheel. I did try lowering the steering wheel, and that seems to help as well. There's a somewhat smaller, similarly shaped, and much cheaper back support that is made my Temper-pedic. A friend of mine with a Prius has one and loves it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ Jun 19 2007, 10:57 AM) [snapback]464778[/snapback]</div> These are carried in the "Relax the Back" stores, a nationwide franchise. I ended up buying the tall Obusforme seat back and it has really helped me; the seat cushions were comfortable, but the main issue for me was the seat back. It was a few dollars more than the ones on-line, but being able to put it (and 6 or 7 others) in the car and sit against it more than paid for possibly returning it by shipping it back to someone. For me, the Prius seat backs are too narrow, with bolsters on the back pushing my shoulders forward. The Obusforme high seat back is narrow at the top and fits between my shoulder blades, allowing my shoulders to rest in a more natural position. The contour of the back helps position me correctly also.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ Jun 19 2007, 01:57 PM) [snapback]464778[/snapback]</div> Hi. Soooooooooooo sorry. I only just respotted this thread. I have the less expensive of the 2 back options and am very happy with it. I have taken several long trips with nary a pain.
We have these for sale at really discounted prices, if anyone is interested. Backrests & Seats. From $49.99 Visit us at ShopBestDirect.com - Catalog for more info. Thanks, Happy Prius-ing! Kate
I have an Obusforme office chair and it's very comfortable and supportive. I would expect no less of their seat cushions.