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Driver's seat uncomfortable

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Mjclarge, Nov 3, 2015.

  1. Mjclarge

    Mjclarge New Member

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    III
    Does anyone have any suggestions about how to modify my driver's seat experience?

    The head rest tips my head forward and the seat curves my upper back forward, and this posture has taken a toll on my body. I'm 5'9" and medium build. I feel like I've been bent over a rice patty all day after my commute;)

    Can anyone suggest anything that has worked? These seats should be recalled!
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The design is to minimise the time it takes for the headrest to "catch" your head in the event of a rear-end collision (to minimise whiplash injury). One option is to recline the seatback one more notch rearward to "straighten" out the headrest.
     
  3. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    You can try and flip the head rest around.

    Mike
     
  4. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    When I drove my old Toyota Corolla DX Wagon (see threads passim) I found the somewhat limited comfort of the driver's seat greatly improved by the addition of a beaded-cover
    - I found I've never needed it in my Prius, however it might just work for you! (YMMV) Good luck! - hope this helps - Wil
    BTW - Welcome to PriusChat!
     
  5. Mjclarge

    Mjclarge New Member

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    Thx for your reply- the shape of the seat will be the same though- I've tried sitting up straight in the seat but it's hard sit up in this seat without support.
     
  6. Mjclarge

    Mjclarge New Member

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    Thx!!
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    IF you had a IV or V, you could fiddle with the lumbar support but I see that you have a III and the cloth seats don't have adjustable lumbar support.
     
  8. Mjclarge

    Mjclarge New Member

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    Thx anyways!!
     
  9. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Unfortunately, we humans are all shaped differently. I find the Prius seats adequate. The only suggestion I have for you is try to get electric seats from a 4 or 5 installed.
     
  10. Mjclarge

    Mjclarge New Member

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    T
    Thx for the suggestion! I'll check into it- it's probably pretty expensive but it's worth checking into.
     
  11. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    I always install authentic sheep skin covers on my front seats. They make the seat much more comfortable due to the increased bulk of the pelt. They are also much cooler in the summertime. Another idea would be to add additional foam padding in between the covers and the seat. This would allow you to literally customize you seating.
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    trade for a 2016!:)
     
  13. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I have a 2010 Prius II and a 2015 Prius Four with the heated, lumbar, fake leather (vinyl) seats. Both are uncomfortable. Don't waste your money trying to put the factory Four/Fives in, it's not worth it.
     
  14. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    Not sure if the 2010 III seat is the same as the 2011 III seat. Maybe. I have a micro-adjuster on my seat that allows up or down motion from a pivot point at the back of the seat. The whole seat rotates on this point. I spent quite a bit of time making minor adjustments to get it as right as I could. I tried many variations of the micro-adjuster and seat recline setting. I spend 3 hours in that seat every day so I was able to test the adjustments. I was able to find a happy medium after a couple of weeks. The steering wheel is quite adjustable also, up, down, in, and out. You might try all that.
     
  15. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Any car seat that takes a couple of weeks to find a happy medium is not considered comfortable by any stretch. My advice to Mjclarge is just learn to live with it like the rest of us...using whatever works for you. I still think the mistake was using a smaller body standard (Japanese) in design, reductions in weight and cheaping out on construction. Regardless the reason "so many" people find them uncomfortable, let's hope they fixed it on the Gen IV's.
     
  16. Ozark Man

    Ozark Man Member

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    I use a large throw pillow for a cushion and it really helps the comfort (probably doesn't look too cool but what the heck).
     
    frodoz737 likes this.
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Would one of those aftermarket "posturer-pedic" seat pads help?
     
  18. PLSPUSH

    PLSPUSH Active Member

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    after several pillows and every angle possible I got rid of my v after only a few months. a year later I bought a c and have no complaints about it!
     
  19. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Although the Prius seat seems much heavier than those of my smaller 1972 and 1981 Japanese cars, the fundamental problem with the back seems to be exactly the same---near-zero lower back support structure, forcing the occupant to slump. The lower cushion has a similar problem. I modified those older seats to provide some support, but didn't have to worry about air bags in them. My mother's 2000 Camry's seats were much better than all the above.
     
  20. Toppcat

    Toppcat Member

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    Everyone is shape differently, they try to design seats that will accommodate the majority of their buyers of that car! You can get custom made seats but expect to fork out up $3000 per seat, well worth it if you spend lots of time or enjoy the pleasures of driving!