Wheelchair users spend a lot of time sitting in their wheelchairs. For people with severe disabilities, the wheelchair may be their full-time, daily environment. It goes without saying that wheelchair cushions could make a huge difference to their comfort, safety, and health. Wheelchair cushions are designed to distribute the user's weight evenly over the seat area, and also to relieve pressure on certain points that may be more likely to get pressure ulcers. (A pressure ulcer is an area of skin that is damaged by constant pressure.)
There are a wide range of cushion types for each style of wheelchair, from simple, inexpensive foam cushions to hybrid gel/foam/air cushions. Different wheelchair cushions work best in different situations. It's important to find the wheelchair cushion that's most appropriate for you.
Much like the structural materials that are used in wheelchair frames, the materials for wheelchair cushions have seen a great deal of advancement in recent years. The type of material used to construct wheelchair cushions can make a difference to the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers. It can also change the way you reach for items, transfer in and out of the wheelchair, and propel yourself from place to place.
There is no such thing as "one size fits all" for wheelchair seat cushions. Each type has its own pros and cons. The wide range of cushions available should make finding the perfect wheelchair seat cushion possible, but not necessarily simple. Not only are there many types of wheelchair cushion materials, but they are also described using different terms.
When choosing wheelchair cushions, there are other characteristics you should investigate besides the cushion's ability to support your weight and avoid pressure ulcers. The type of material used will have an impact on your skin temperature. Depending on the climate where you live, you may want to be sure the cushion won't make you sweat. The cushion should also draw any moisture that does develop away from your skin, keeping your skin dry. Wet skin is more prone to damage.
Wheelchair cushions should have just the right amount of friction. If there's too little friction you might slide off. Too much, and you'll have trouble transferring in and out of the wheelchair. Try to find out the life expectancy of the cushion material. For safety's sake, cushions should be constructed of inflammable material. Cleaning and maintenance should be as easy as possible.
If a wheelchair user has difficulty sliding forward or sitting with an erect posture, wheelchair wedge cushions can be added to most wheelchairs. These wedge-shaped cushions are placed on top of the existing wheelchair seat. Wheelchair wedge cushions are often constructed of high-density foam and include a strap to hold the cushion firmly in place.
ROHO wheelchair cushions are among the most popular add-on wheelchair cushions. The company's founder, an electrical engineer named Robert H. Graebe, developed a new cushion technology when looking for ways to heal pressure ulcers. The ROHO "Dry Floatation" technology mimics the behavior of water, but in a dry, air-fluid environment.
Actually, seats aren't the only part of wheelchairs that can benefit from the addition of cushions. Cushions for wheelchair footrests can provide extra support and raise the footrest surface for greater comfort. Wheelchair footrest cushions and positioners help keep the user's feet from slipping off the footrests.
To summarize, you should consider many characteristics when selecting wheelchair cushions. If possible, get recommendations from your medical team and see if you can try out some samples.
The style and manufacture of wheelchair cushions make a big difference in comfort and skin health