The gel seat cushion from maxVitalis made a very good impression in our test. In addition to the elegant but simple design, the product impresses with its high-quality workmanship. We could not find any seam defects, the material of the cushion cover is elastic and yet retains its shape. The viscoelastic foam and the gel surface on the inside adapt perfectly to the shape of the body, ensuring a comfortable sitting experience. The cover and the nubs on the underside underline the manufacturer’s well thought-out concept. As a real all-rounder, the product is suitable for a wide variety of surfaces and can be cleaned in the washing machine if the cushion cover gets dirty. The only thing that would be desirable is a choice of different firmness levels.
Advantages
✅ Ergonomic, noticeable relief for the back
✅ Comfortable even after hours of office work
✅ Anti-slip studs on the underside
✅ Versatile in use
✅ Cover is washable
Disadvantages
❌ Selection of different degrees of hardness desirable
The test
General information
We took a close look at and tested the product in a practical test. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. From the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling, the product is subjected to our test procedure.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum achievable score per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weighting. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and contents
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | No unnecessary packaging waste, but use of plastic | 80 points |
| Package contents & scope | Gel seat cushion | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | In German, illustrated, clearly written | 100 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The gel seat cushion makes a positive impression as soon as it is unpacked. The sturdy cardboard box offers sufficient protection during transportation. Although unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided, the use of plastic film could possibly be a point of criticism for some consumers. The product packaging contains a gel seat cushion. An illustrated instruction manual in German is also included.
Packaging
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Attractive design | 100 points |
| Processing | Very good workmanship, no seam defects | 100 points |
| Stability | Stability equivalent to a cushion | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | No information on sustainability, but high-quality workmanship | 80 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Inner life
The gel seat cushion not only impresses with its attractive design, but also with its high-quality materials. The workmanship is very good, with no visible defects such as seam faults or unclean transitions. The material used appears stable and makes a robust impression. Although no explicit information is given on the sustainability of the product, the high-quality workmanship suggests a certain longevity.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Ergonomics | Optimal sitting position, viscoelastic, suitable for therapeutic purposes, gel surface | 100 points |
| Application | Non-slip, versatile | 100 points |
| Seating comfort | High seating comfort, recess for the coccyx | 100 points |
| Cleaning | Removable seat cover washable, interior not | 80 points |
| Variants | No variants | 95 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Sitting on the gel seat cushion from maxVitalis enables a comfortable posture. The gel surface and viscoelastic foam adapt perfectly to the shape of the body. The recess for the coccyx further increases comfort. The product is also approved for therapeutic purposes. The cover provides a velvety feel on the legs. The nubs on the underside prevent the product from slipping off the seat. It can be used on various surfaces such as office chairs, in the car or on the floor. The cushion cover can be machine washed at 30 °Celsius. It retains its original shape after the first wash and can be easily pulled over the inside. In our test, two test subjects weighing around 60 and 90 kg sat on the seat cushion while working in the office. Both testers were able to confirm a comfortable sitting experience and significant relief for the back. The gel layer provided a personalized sitting experience.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the lower price segment | 90 points |
| Rating cut | 4.1 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 55 points |
| Total | 73 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the platform Amazon, customers rate the product with an average of 4.1 stars. Customers praise the effective pain relief, comfort and ease of use. The degree of firmness is too firm for some buyers, so that there is no noticeable relief of discomfort .
Prices of over €200 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available for as little as €9 . The gel seat cushion from maxVitalis is therefore currently in the lower price segment with a price of €29.99. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & contents | 20% | 95 points |
| 2. product processing & appearance | 20% | 95 points |
| 3. in the practical test | 45% | 95 points |
| 4. price/performance & consumer ratings | 15% | 73 points |
| Total | 92 points |
The gel seat cushion from the maxVitalis brand was awarded an overall score of 1.4 and thus successfully qualified for our test seal. The test was carried out in the test period 11/23 and is stored in our database under the license number 231115018 . Further information on our test procedure can be found at www.pruefengel.de/testverfahren.
Test result:
1,4
