You’re relaxing in your sauna when you realize your back is a little tight. You think maybe it’s time for me to get out. And cut your sauna session short? No way. A light bulb goes off in your head. The solution is so simple. You need a backrest. So you hop on Google and now here you are.
If this story sounds familiar, and that’s why you’ve found our humble sauna blog, you should know that this is a more common problem globally than you’d think. It’s estimated that up to 84% of adults worldwide experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, including yours truly.
So, if you’re in the Venn diagram of back pain sufferers and sauna owners then first, welcome to the club and second, this article is definitely for you. Back pain may be the one issue that unites us all.
Here I go rambling again. Enough preamble. Let’s explore the different types of backrests and outline 10 of the best products available on the market in 2024.
Oh and it doesn’t matter if you own an infrared sauna, a traditional dry sauna or a steam sauna. These products will work in all of them.
NOTE: We’re reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps us continue to provide high-quality content for the Squad.
What types of backrests are there?
There are a few different types of backrests available out there in the marketplace today. They’re all a little different but they all share a few common traits. It really depends what you’re looking for. There are nice, easily portable types and others that are permanent fixtures in your sauna.
Let’s quickly take a look at the types and the best products available on the market in 2023.
1. Curved (S-shape) ergonomic sauna backrest
Curved sauna backrests are designed to follow the natural curvature of your spine to support your lumbar, thoracic and cervical vertebrae. These are by far the most popular type of back support in the sauna world because so many reputable brands have opted to carry them.
We especially love that they’re typically made from a good quality cedar wood, so you know they’ll last a long time. For those of you out there with small sauna spaces, these backrests will likely be your best option.
One potential con or disadvantage to note is that these products tend to be pretty lightweight. A common complaint is that some people find they don’t stay in place for very long.
Now let’s take a peek at the best products available today.
3 best curved (S-shape) backrests in 2024:
1. Pasithea Canadian Red Cedar Sauna Backrest
Crafted from red cedar wood, the Pasithea Sauna Backrest is a quality backrest, especially for the price. They’ve thought through the little things with this backrest.
Key Features:
- Slip-resistant pads to better hold the rest in place
- Constructed from sturdy red cedar wood
- Ergonomic design
- No assembly required
- 4.9 star rating on Amazon, which makes it one of the highest rated backrests on the market
2. Golden Designs S-Shape Backrest
Golden Designs is a trusted brand in the sauna space. They are known for high-quality craftsmanship on their products and their S-Shape Backrest is another shining example of that.
Key Features:
- Golden Designs is a trusted brand in the sauna industry
- Sold as a two-pack for you and a friend
- Made from red cedar wood
- Ergonomic design
- No assembly required
- One year warranty
HSE Canadian Cedar Ergonomic S-Shape Sauna Backrest
While HSE doesn’t quite have the same brand power as Golden Designs, this backrest is certainly worth your time. As with the others, these units are also constructed from red cedar.
Key Features:
- Red cedar construction
- Ergonomic design
- Free shipping
2. Wedge lumbar support backrests
Lumbar support backrests are designed as a sort of wedge to provide support for your lower back while you’re relaxing in the sauna. They’re traditionally made from solid wood and have some versatility in that they can be used as a head support if you’re lying down or backrest if upright.
There are a few things to look for in a wedge-style support. The first is construction from a good quality wood like cedar, which can withstand high heat without cracking. Do they use glues and adhesives or screws? You’ll want to stay away from glues and adhesives as they can fall apart in the high heat.
One con or disadvantage to the wedge style rests is that while they’re good at providing lower back support, they don’t offer much for your upper back and shoulders.
Alright, let’s take a look at the best ones out there:
1. Northern Lights Saunas Cedar Backrest
Northern Lights is one of our favourite sauna brands. They are headquartered in Canada and have a distribution network in the United States. Hey we gotta represent our fellow Canadians! Anyways, Northern Lights has great customer support and usually ships fast.
Key Features:
- Reputable brand
- Good customer service
- Quality cedar build; they guarantee the wood is free from sap or knots
- Solid wood design
- No assembly required
- Fast shipping
- Log Furniture & More Elite Backrest –
2. Log Furniture & More Elite Backrest
Hey look, another Canadian company. Log Furniture & More isn’t strictly a sauna brand but they do have a reputation for building high quality wood products. These slightly curved backrests have a nice aesthetic in addition to being a quality build.
Key Features:
- Canadian made
- Cedar built
- Solid wood design with nice aesthetic
- Sold as a two-pack
- No assembly required
3. Almost Heaven Cedar Sauna Backrest
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Almost Heaven Cedar Sauna Backrest is ANOTHER good product from a reputable company. Are you sensing a theme here? There’s nothing fancy about this guy, just a good solid build from a good solid brand.
Key Features:
- Reputable brand in industry
- Made in the United States
- Cedar built
- Solid wood design
- Slight curve for lumbar support
- Good customer service
3. Mountable sauna backrests
Mountable backrests are designed to be permanent fixtures and are fastened to the frame of your sauna. They are great for traditional dry saunas, especially cabin saunas with a lot of space.
These backrests are designed to provide a stable and secure place for you and your sauna mates to rest your backs. They are typically made from a good quality wood like cedar and may feature a contoured design for added comfort.
A good mountable sauna backrest should be easy to install, durable, and comfortable.
Here are our picks for the top 3 mountable sauna backrests in 2023:
1. Superior Saunas Deluxe Curved Cedar Backrest
Superior Saunas is another reputable brand in the sauna industry and these types of backrests are uniquely positioned in the industry. There are not many companies building custom mountable supports like these.
Key features:
- Manufactured in the United States
- Constructed from high quality cedar wood
- Curved design for lower and mid-back support
- Available in sizes 24” (60 cm) to 72” (183 cm) and priced by the linear foot
- Custom ordering available
2. Superior Saunas Deluxe Curved Basswood Backrest
Similar to the unit above, the Curved Basswood Backrest is another quality product from Superior Saunas. Very similar in specs to the Cedar version, this unit is constructed with basswood, which can save you a few dollars if wood type isn’t a huge consideration for you.
Key features:
- Made in the USA
- Constructed from white basswood
- Curved design for continual back support
- Available in sizes 24” (60 cm) to 72” (183 cm) and priced by the linear foot
- Custom ordering available
3. Cedarbrook Mountable Backrest Kit
The Cedarbrook Mountable Backrest Kit is a beautiful addition to your sauna. It’s priced a little higher than the Superior products but it’s all in the craftsmanship. Cedarbrook uses clear cedar wood, which gives off a rustic vibes.
Key features:
- Reputable brand in the sauna industry
- Manufactured in the United States
- Constructed from clear western red cedar
- Comes in a kit for assembly (with assembled pricing option, too)
- Standard 9’ (270 cm) length, with custom options available
So, which is the best sauna backrest?
The best backrest will depend on how big your sauna is, how much back support you need, whether you’d like it to be portable and your budget. At the end of the day, all three types are going to give you a more comfortable sauna experience.
The ergonomic S-shape products are best for full back support. If you value versatility, the wedge-style products can be used as a headrest, too. If you want a permanent fixture in your sauna, then definitely go with the mountable units.
Wrap up
We hope we’ve provided some value in your backrest quest. It seems like an insignificant thing, but it’ll enhance your sauna experience big time. So taking the time to find the best one for your needs is well worth it.
A message from Sauna Squad
We hope we’ve provided some value in your research. But if you have any questions or concerns, hit us up on Instagram @thesaunasquad or feel free to fire us a message on our contact page.