What is The Best Wheelchair Cushion For Pressure Sores

Cushions are an essential element of comfort for most of us, however for wheelchair users in particular, as well as people who must remain in a seated position for extended periods of time, this is a prominent element, not only for comfort, but for their support, mobility and everyday living. 

As such, we have written this article, not only with our friends and family in mind, but leveraged theirs and our customers' experience; so join us as we explore the various types of wheelchair cushions available, the key considerations when selecting your comfort tool and present our top four favourites based on customer reviews. 

How to choose a wheelchair cushion?

To ensure you find the ideal cushion for your unique needs, here are a few things to consider when choosing a wheelchair cushion 🙂:

Seating material: Whether leather, silicon, cotton or polyester, it is important that the seating material is comfortable for you.  Hygiene is a key aspect for Wheel Chair users to ensure no bacteria build up, and can be help to prevent pressure sores or blisters, thus it is advisable to choose a cushion in which the material used can be easily cleaned, either via being wiped or removable. 

Inner material/ content of a cushion is equally important, with there being a few options available to choose from:

• Roho cushions are known for their advanced design, featuring interconnected air cells. These cushions adapt to the user's body contours, providing exceptional comfort and pressure relief. They are often recommended for individuals at risk of pressure sores.

• Memory Foam cushions are known for their ability to contour to the body, providing personalized support. They are excellent for reducing pressure points and providing a comfortable seating experience. 

• Gel Cushions are filled with a soft gel material that distributes the user's weight evenly. These cushions are good for reducing pressure on sensitive areas. reducing pressure points and providing a comfortable seating experience. 

• Air Cushions are filled with air/polymer that maximize support while relieving pressure on the ischial and coccyx areas. It is also an adept solution to support the correction of postural asymmetry, pelvic obliquities, and posterior tilt.

Size and location for support, arguably the first considerations with posture, back support, and holistic pressure distribution are paramount for wheelchair users and users who sit for long periods of time, it is vital to identify the correct location as to where support and pressure relief is needed, as well as the size of cushion to be chosen.

 

• Standard vs Bariatric Wheelchair Cushions: It is important to choose a wheelchair cushion that is the right size for your wheelchair and for your individual needs. If you are unsure about which size to choose, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or a wheelchair specialist. Standard Cushions  in the US are between 18 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 3 inches thick, however some providers do offer in larger sizes to accommodate Baratric users.  e.g. Airmersus Self Adjusting Seat Cushion S.A.T offers a range of sizes up to 24W x 18 Depth

• Seat Cushions: Seat cushions are the most important type of wheelchair cushion because they provide support and comfort for the lower body. Seat cushions come in a variety of materials, including foam, gel, and air. Foam cushions are the most common type of seat cushion, but they may not be the best choice for people who need a lot of pressure relief. Gel cushions are better for pressure relief, but they can be more expensive. Air cushions are the best choice for people who need a lot of pressure relief and adjustability.

• Back Cushions: Back cushions are important for providing lumbar support and maintaining good posture. Back cushions come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose one that fits your wheelchair and your individual needs. Some back cushions also have adjustable features, such as lumbar support pillows and headrests.

• Wheelchair Pillows: Wheelchair pillows are smaller cushions that can be used to provide extra support or comfort for specific areas of the body. For example, wheelchair pillows can be used to support the neck, head, shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. Wheelchair pillows are also available in a variety of materials, including foam, gel, and air.

• Head Support: Head support cushions are important for people who have difficulty holding their head up. Head support cushions come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be attached to the wheelchair or worn around the neck.

• Lateral and Side Pads: Lateral and side pads are used to provide support and stability for the upper body. Lateral and side pads are especially helpful for people who have difficulty sitting upright or who have a tendency to lean to one side.

• Min and Mid Pads: Min and mid pads are used to provide pressure relief and support for the ischial tuberosities (sit bones) and the sacrum. Min and mid pads are especially helpful for people at risk of developing pressure sores.

• Combination Seat and Back Cushions: Combination seat and back cushions are cushions that are designed to provide support and comfort for both the lower and upper body. Combination seat and back cushions are a good choice for people who need a lot of support and comfort, or who have difficulty using separate seat and back cushions.

What is the best cushion for a wheelchair?

Much will depend on the technology used and the types of material listed below.

Additional Pressure relief technologies: depending on the level of relief needed, there are various technologies available that are available and include:

• Honeycomb cushions: Honeycomb cushions have a unique hexagonal structure that allows for airflow and better weight distribution. This helps to reduce pressure points and improve comfort.

• Roho cushions: Roho cushions use interconnected air cells that adapt to the user's body shape. This provides exceptional pressure relief and helps to prevent pressure sores.

• Pressure pads: Pressure pads are designed to provide targeted pressure relief for specific areas of the body. This can be helpful for people who have existing pressure sores or who are at risk of developing them.

• Adjustable zoning: Adjustable zoning allows users to customize the amount of pressure relief in different areas of the cushion. This can be helpful for people who have different needs in different parts of their body.

• Self-adjusting air chambers: Self-adjusting air chambers automatically adjust to the user's body weight and position. This provides continuous pressure relief and helps to prevent pressure sores.

A few of our top selling favourite cushions include:

1. Posture-Mate® HB Seat and Back Cushioning system for High Back Wheelchairs - with its unique ergonomically designed seat and back cushion seating system, for use in High Back Wheelchairs. It provides postural alignment, comfort and pressure redistribution, and helps with fall prevention, pressure injury prevention, head and torso control, prevention of leaning, slumping, sliding and to improve comfort when confined to the chair. It is available in multiple widths, and can accommodate up to 450lbs to suit your needs.
2. ROHO AGILITY Min & Mid Contour Back Support - Designed to be easily adaptable and fit almost any wheelchair, with its aircraft-grade aluminium  ensuring durability, and the DRY FLOATATION insert promising unmatched stability and comfort. 
3. Airmersus® Adjustable 3-zone seating cushion - with its unique design, and manually adjustable, non-powered cushioning system, it provides superior comfort and therapeutic support for the prevention and treatment of skin breakdown for wheelchair users, as well as enhanced durability  and optimal comfort for diverse user needs. 
4. Airmersus Self Adjusting Seat Cushion S.A.T - with its Self-Adjusting Technology enabling automatic adjusting comfort and therapeutic support for the prevention and treatment of skin breakdown for wheelchair users, as well as being made of a waterproof stretch-knit cover, with an anti-skid base to be comfortable and removable for laundering.
5. Roho Mosaic Cushion - By always matching your shape and following your movements throughout the day, the ROHO MOSAIC cushion is designed  with more anatomically-designed cell heights and a more effective, controlled air flow, you can sit longer, with less pain, knowing you have proven ROHO air-cell-based technology supporting you.

 

In conclusion, Wheelchair cushions offer a number of benefits for people who must remain sedentary for long periods of time. They can provide pressure relief, improve comfort, and reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores.

If you are looking for a way to improve your comfort and well-being, a wheelchair cushion is a wise investment. Visit our website today to learn more about the different types of wheelchair cushions available and to find the perfect one for your needs.