A wheelchair cushion is designed to provide support and to allow even weight distribution so that pressure sores are avoidable. Different types of wheelchair cushions are available in the market, each having its own pros and cons. The most common types of wheelchair cushion are
- Gel memory foam
- Roho wheelchair cushions
- Air
- Foam
- Hybrid
- Alternating pressure
Among all, air, alternating pressure and hybrid wheelchair cushions are considered ideal for those who are unable to do pressure relieving exercises during the day. Despite being expensive, these cushions are thought to be best for avoiding pressure sores.
While gel memory foam and foam are the most common choices among the buyers. Here, we will provide you with our 5 best wheelchair cushion for pressure relief in order to help you to make a reliable purchase.
Why You Should Use a Wheelchair Cushion
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Pressure relief. Using a wheelchair for the whole day is tiresome. People using wheelchairs have skin tissue breakdown which is one of the leading causes of pressure sores and using a good wheelchair cushion can help in resolving the issue.
Heat, pressure and moisture are leading factors of pressure sores and using a reliable cushion can get rid of the issue.
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Improve stability within your wheelchair seat. Traveling on roads and an uneven surface is unavoidable sometimes. Such bumpy movements can cause you to slip or fall out of your wheelchair causing serious injuries. Thus, using a wheelchair cushion can enhance your safety while traveling as well as can provide stability.
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Improve posture while in your wheelchair. Those having weak muscles or mobility issues, often face the problem regarding their posture while sitting on the wheelchair which leads to more pain and pressure sores.
So, using a wheelchair cushion can not only help with better posture but can also enhance your comfort level by keeping your spine and shoulder in an upright position so that you can enjoy the movements.
Features to consider before buying wheelchair cushion for pressure relief
Following are the features that should be kept in mind before buying wheelchair cushion for pressure relief.
Material: best wheelchair cushion for pressure relief are made of specific materials each of which has its own pros and cons. Such as foam cushions are of reasonable price but will deform quickly and need to be replaced and are not preferable if regular distribution of pressure is required.
Gel cushion is a preferable choice for even pressure distribution but needs to be taken care of as the gel it contains may need to be kneaded.
Height and Weight: A cushion that’s not of ideal height can definitely affect your daily tasks. Therefore a cushion for a wheelchair seat must have an ideal height and should allow you to transfer from wheelchair to any other piece of furniture.
On the other hand, seat cushions for wheelchairs which are heavy can have a negative impact on self-propulsion abilities. It is difficult to be removed from the wheelchair while traveling by a vehicle.
Skin Protection: In addition to choosing a best seat cushion for wheelchair that provides pressure relief, other factors need to be considered as well.
For example, gel cushions are a preferable choice as a best wheelchair cushion for pressure relief as they can alleviate shear force which is one of the main reasons for skin damage.
By sheer force, a person moves forward and attains an uncomfortable position, according to ANTP. Cushion for wheelchair if it has a waterproof washable cover, it can also provide protection against skin ulcers.
Breathability: body temperature and pressure can have a bad impact on skin and can lead to skin breakdown. That’s why the best wheelchair cushion for pressure relief are those which have high breathability and good airflow so that skin is protected despite staying in a wheelchair for a longer duration of time.
Cost: best wheelchair cushion must be reasonable. Wheelchair cushion price varies on the basis of material used, type of cushion and quality of the cushion.
Off the shell models have a price range of $20 to $75, while cushions of advanced features such as optimal stability and even pressure distribution have price ranges of several hundreds of dollars.
Thus, before the best wheelchair cushion for pressure relief, consult your physician in order to know about the requirements that you need in your relevant purchase.
Everlasting Comfort Wheelchair Seat Cushion - Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pad - Hip, Tailbone,...
The gel infused memory foam seat cushion is designed in such a way that the body’s overall weight is evenly distributed so that you have a balanced posture and a support system for your lower body while sitting in the wheelchair.
It has strategically placed ventilation holes so that your body is enjoying a cooling vibes even if you are sitting in the wheelchair for the whole day.
This wheelchair cushion is tested by OEKO-TEX and has been given the label STANDARD 100 label. The label indicates that every component of the wheelchair is certified harmless and safe.
While sitting, the body generates heat which is ultimately used to cradle your back side in order to provide support; one of the most important features which is usually missing in most of the wheelchair accessories.
This cushion is perfect for daily use and is never flattened thanks to its gel memory foam. There is more to support and comfort for this Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion as it is easily machine washable and is portable as well.
It can be brought with you anywhere so that you never feel the back pain ever again. Best thing about this cushion is that it sits well with any wheelchair, even office chair, car seat and dining chair.
What’s so good about it?
- Its gel infused construction and mesh cover for keeping you cool during your work hours.
- To prevent lower back pain and body aches, thanks to the optimal support that it provides.
- Its versatile installation and non-slip bottom.
What’s not so good about it
- Too big for chairs of smaller build.
Vive Wheelchair Cushion - Gel Seat Pad for Coccyx, Orthopedic Back Support, Sciatica & Tailbone Pain...
This Vive Wheelchair Cushion – Gel Seat Pad product is specifically designed for office chairs and wheelchairs but can easily be used for other seats. It is black in color and is made of foam and gel in order to provide maximum support. It is made of 4 layers,
1) interior of inner liquid gel, 2) foam layer, 3) waterproof seal and 4) exterior of water resistant cover.
The interior gel layer allows the evenly distribution of body weight across the cushion so that pressure is relieved for sciatic nerves. It also helps in providing comfort so that you can remain seated for the maximum duration of time.
Thanks to its external water resistant cover, it is waterproof and can be used in different environments. Its waterproof seal makes sure that no liquid can penetrate down the layers so that your cushion is in top condition all the time.
What’s so good about it?
- It is waterproof.
- Its gel core helps in evenly distributing the body weight.
- It has a 60-day unconditional guarantee.
What’s not so good about it
- Its inner gel can slip to an uncomfortable and unusual position.
MobiCushion Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Air Cushion
Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Cushion by MobiCushion - Pneumatic Air Pillow - Relief for Pressure...
The pneumatic seat cushion uses cycles of alternating low air pressures which continuously flow through the cushion. The alternating low air pressure allows some areas of the cushion to rest so that the pad can be used in static mode.
In static mode, a constant cushioning effect can be enjoyed. This cushion has five comfort level settings. While continuously sitting in the chair can lead to pressure sores, thus affecting your daily functionality. To avoid this usage of an advanced pneumatic cushion is necessary.
We can say that by using this cushion you can enjoy your time while sitting in this wheelchair either indoors or outdoors, without worrying about the worsening of the pressure sores. This cushion works well with almost every wheelchair and even for other seats.
This portable cushion has a solid foam base along with a thigh support so that you can enjoy posture stability and can avoid thigh adduction. Its 4-way stretch cover is vapor proof, fluid resistant and has low shear.
It has pressure sensor technology which is adjustable according to your body’s particular needs. It has a visual and audible operating status owed to its controlled touchpad and has a fault indicator as well.
You can mute the sounds according to your will with the help of its mute button. It is rechargeable thanks to its lithium battery; once recharged it can be used for twelve hours.
You can monitor the battery status with the help of a battery monitor and get to know the status of the device; low on power, charging, low on pressure or fully charged, leaving behind all the worries.
What’s so good about it?
- It promotes healthy blood flow circulation.
- It has customizable settings.
- It has alternating pressure technology.
What’s not so good about it
- Its battery technology can be finicky.
Ultra-Wedge Gel/Foam Wheelchair Cushions
Ultra-Wedge Gel/Foam Wheelchair Cushions
Like all other wheelchair cushions, this one also provides stability, comfort and relieves pressure. But the way it achieves all this is fascinating. Its firm foam prevents the seat from sagging and ham mocking so that the user is sitting in a 90-degree sitting position.
The cushion has tie straps to keep it in place and to avoid sliding. It has a unique shape as well. Its convex foam bottom makes sure that the user is not raised too high and can work in a comfortable position.
The Ultra Gel-Foam Wedge Cushion combines the gel and firm foam so that pressure is greatly distributed. It has gel pods as well for making the cushion cool, while the foam is there to provide firmness. Its incontinence-proof cover discourages shearing.
Its wedge shape helps in preventing sacral sitting positions such as sliding forward making the sitting highly uncomfortable and can lead to skin breakdown near the coccyx.
This uncomfortable position can make the user unable to do any task and can also reduce the quality of life. Thus, a proper posture and comfortable seating position can make your sitting in the chair enjoyable. Those who are using their wheelchair for longer time duration must opt for this cushion because of its positional and protective qualities.
What’s so good about it?
- Its unique wedge shape prevents sagging of the seat.
- It helps in attaining an upright position.
- Tie straps keep the cushion in its position.
- It also reduces the risk of pressure sores and pressure ulcers.
What’s not so good about it
- More expensive
Repose Cushion - Pressure Relief Seat Cushion with Manual Pump - Clinically Proven to Prevent Bed...
The Repose Cushion is one of the comfortable wheelchair cushions which distributes the pressure evenly and can be used in a wheelchair as well as a static chair with great convenience.
It has a collection of air filled, pressure distribution support surfaces for protecting skin from excess moisture, pressure and shear force.
It is ideal to be used in the home healthcare sector and relieves pressure especially for those who have high chances of getting pressure ulcers and are at high risk by getting fitted on the wheelchair seat.
Its smart valve technology makes sure that repose has ideal pressure at all time and has one of the kind simple to use inflating pumps. Its smart valve allows it to be used in seconds and makes sure that it has the right internal pressure.
What’s so good about it?
- Tried, Trusted and Clinically Proven
- Lightweight for easier transport
- Can be cleaned and reused
- Silent and unobtrusive
- No electrical requirement
- Maintenance-free
What’s not so good about it
- The cushion doesn’t keep its shape and as such needs to be replaced in too short a time
FAQ’s
What is the most comfortable cushion for a wheelchair?
Ultra-Wedge Gel/Foam Wheelchair Cushions is one of the most comfortable cushions as it provides stability, comfort and relieves pressure. But the way it achieves all this is fascinating. Its firm foam prevents the seat from sagging and ham mocking so that the user is sitting in a 90-degree sitting position.
The cushion has tie straps to keep it in place and to avoid sliding. It has a unique shape as well. Its convex foam bottom makes sure that the user is not raised too high and can work in a comfortable position.
What is the best pressure cushion to buy?
The Everlasting Comfort Gel Memory Foam Wheelchair Seat Cushion is the best cushion to buy as it is designed in such a way that the body’s overall weight is evenly distributed so that you have a balanced posture and a support system for your lower body while sitting in the wheelchair.
It has strategically placed ventilation holes so that your body is enjoying a cooling vibes even if you are sitting in the wheelchair for the whole day.
What is the best wheelchair cushion for pressure sores?
MobiCushion Alternating Pressure Wheelchair Air Cushion is the best cushion for pressure sores. The seat cushion uses cycles of alternating low air pressures which continuously flow through the cushion.
Roho cushions are much recommended for pressure sores.
The alternating low air pressure allows some areas of the cushion to rest so that the pad can be used in static mode. In static mode, a constant cushioning effect can be enjoyed.
This cushion has five comfort level settings. We can say that by using this cushion you can enjoy your time while sitting in this wheelchair either indoors or outdoors, without worrying about the worsening of the pressure sores. This cushion works well with almost every wheelchair and even for other seats.