It’s probably the understatement of the century to say that truck drivers spend a lot of time in their truck seats. The long shifts worked and many miles traveled by truckers can not only cause stiffness and soreness, it can also contribute to significant problems, as remaining sedentary for long periods can result in negative impacts on musculoskeletal health.
Making sure that truck seats are comfortable and following good ergonomic principles can help truck drivers avoid the severe back pain that plague many members of their profession. Here are a few tips that experienced drivers use to make their seats comfortable and conducive to good musculoskeletal health.
How to Fix Uncomfortable Truck Seats and Protect Your Health
Comfort and proper ergonomics are vital for long-haul truck drivers to avoid pain and fatigue. Here are some key strategies for maintaining comfortable trucks with properly adjusted seating.
1. Adjust the Steering Wheel for Comfort
Your truck’s steering wheel can influence your seating position in your truck. To get into proper position, make sure that you’re able to put your wrist flat over the wheel while your shoulder blades are firmly placed against the back of your seat.
2. Position the Seat for Pedal Control
Your seat should be positioned so that your legs are parallel to the ground and your legs bend at about 120 degrees when you press the brake pedal.
3. Use Lumbar Support for Your Lower Back
Many newer trucks have power lumbar support features. When starting a route, use a low level of lumbar support and adjust to increase lumbar support as you travel. If your vehicle doesn’t have lumbar support, there are lumbar support truck accessories you can purchase.
4. Invest in a Seat with Heating and Cooling Features
If you’re spending long hours in your truck, comfort is key. Consider upgrading to a seat with built-in heating and cooling functions. These features can improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and enhance overall comfort on long hauls.
5. Properly Adjust Your Mirrors to Reduce Strain
Mirrors tilted at the wrong angles may cause you to have to stretch or strain to see cars behind or beside you. Over time, this can have a negative effect on your back. Position your mirrors so no stretching is needed to get a clear view.
6. Adjust the Seat Angle
For many seats, the backrest should be angled slightly backward to support your spine's natural curve. A recline of 100 to 110 degrees is usually ideal to minimize pressure on your lower back while keeping you alert and comfortable during long hauls.
7. Use a Truck Seat Cushion for Extra Support
If your seat doesn’t provide enough cushioning or feels too firm, adding to or replacing it with a new memory foam or gel semi truck seat cushion can greatly enhance comfort. These truck driver seat cushions help distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure on your hips and lower back.
8. Take Regular Breaks to Stretch
Even with the most comfortable truck seats, sitting for long hours can cause stiffness. Make sure to take regular breaks to get out of the truck, walk around, and stretch your muscles. This helps prevent fatigue and reduces muscle tension.
9. Adjust Your Seat Height
The height of your seat should allow your knees to sit at a comfortable angle, just below hip level. A higher seat also helps you maintain a clear view of the road and improves posture, reducing strain on your back and legs.
10. Keep Your Seat Suspension Properly Tuned
If your truck seat has a suspension system, make sure it’s properly adjusted for your weight and driving style. A well-tuned seat suspension helps absorb the bumps and vibrations of the road, reducing the strain on your body. Regularly check and maintain the suspension to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
11. Mount Necessary Devices for Easy Viewing
Having proper phone or laptop mounts in your truck can significantly reduce unnecessary twisting or bending. These mounts keep your devices at eye level, allowing you to access important information, such as navigation, without straining your neck or back. Invest in adjustable mounts that are securely fastened and easy to reach to maintain an ergonomic posture while on the road.
Is It Time to Replace Your Truck Seat?
Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, making a comfortable seat crucial for maintaining health and productivity. Over time, even the best truck seats wear out. If you've tried every adjustment, from altering your seat position to adding lumbar support, but still can't find comfort, it might be time to replace your truck seat. When your truck seat cushion flattens, lumbar support weakens, or your seat no longer adjusts as it should, you might need to replace the seat to prevent chronic discomfort and pain.
Discover the Most Comfortable Semi Truck Seats
Suburban Seating & Safety is a leading provider of premium seating solutions for the trucking industry. We offer a wide selection of replacement truck seats and accessories designed to improve driver comfort, safety, and ergonomics. With decades of experience, our team is dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality products that keep truck drivers comfortable on the road.
When you shop with us, you can trust you're investing in both your health and long-term driving performance. For comfortable seating that can help ensure proper back support and comfort, check out the high-quality replacement truck seats at Suburban Seating & Safety.
