Wheelchair cushions are made from a wide range of material and are designed to meet a variety of different purposes. The first thing to address when choosing a wheelchair cushion is why it is needed. For example, everyone setting in a wheelchair could use a cushion to provide additional comfort. However others may have a more serious need, such as pressure relief due to skin issues. And then there is the matter of positioning. Proper posture never goes out of style.

Regardless of what material you choose you must make sure that you/client never bottoms out. The phrase to “bottom out” indicates that the end users bottom has come in contact with the seat. This means that the material that was selected to provide comfort, pressure relief and or positioning has failed. All cushions require that some material, whether its foam, gel, fluid or air must remain between the end user and the seat of the wheelchair.

Wheelchair cushions can be broken down in to four categories.

The first type is the “comfort cushion”. The most common material used is foam. Foam comes in different grades and quality. Inexpensive foam cushions are generally 2 to 3 inches thick and provide a minimal amount of comfort. One of the benefits of a foam cushion is that they are light weight, an important feature if you are in a manual wheelchair and are self propelling. Other benefits include: no leaks or spillage, no required maintenance or upkeep, inexpensive and can be cut to size. The most negative aspect of a foam cushion is that it retains fluids and odor. The life expectance of the average foam cushion is two years.

The second category is the “pressure relief cushion”. This is a cushion that has been tested and approved by SADMERC to meet the standards set by the Federal Government. Gel products, high end foam products and air/dry flotation are popular material/methods used for pressure relief cushions. Gel/fluid is often used as the primary material to provide pressure relief. Gel/fluid tends to be heavy material adding a substantial amount of weight to the wheelchair. Keeping the wheelchair as light as possible will provide the end-user the greatest amount of individual freedom. Most gel/fluid cushions have a solid foam base. This provides a foundation for the gel/fluid and makes the cushion lighter. Like foam gel/fluid cushions require very little maintenance or upkeep from the end-user. Gel/fluid can be ruptured or pierced and cause it to leak. The more expensive gel/fluid cushions will have removable replacement packs of gel/fluid. The quality of the gel/fluid cushions vary widely. Life expectance is between two and five years, depending on the brand.

Air/dry flotation is the product that is most often used when trying to heal an open wound. It provides excellent pressure relief and maximum comfort. Air/dry flotation is a very light product as well. If this cushion is ruptured or pierced it can generally be repaired, much like a bicycle tire. Air cushions also require they be check more often to assure the end-user does not “bottom out”. Occasionally you will need to add air to maintain the correct pressure.

The third type of cushion is the “pressure relief and positioning cushion”. This wheelchair cushion provides two different functions. First is provides pressure relief and in addition it helps keep the end-user in the proper posture or position. An example of that would be cushion that provides pressure relief with gel/fluid and has a foam base that provides positioning through leg cut outs and a bucket or cut out for the clients bottom to set down in, holding them in position. Or the air/dry floatation cushion that has a second valve that locks the air in place, giving the client a stable base helping them maintain proper trunk support.

The fourth type of cushion is the “alternating pressure cushion”. This wheelchair cushion is the ultimate in pressure relief. The cushion is specifically design to each individuals wound needs. The cushion circulates air through the different chambers moving the pressure points around seat. This action in turn provides much needed pressure relief on open wounds. It does require a power source, either a portable battery pack or direct connection to a power chair battery. The air can be adjusted to each individual’s personal preference as well the length of time between cycles. This helps maximize comfort and pressure relief. Pierced cushions can be repaired but require being shipped back to the manufacture. This is an excellent cushion with a heavy price tag, that’s worth every penny.

To summarize the select process first consider what needs you hope meet, whether it be just comfort or does it need to provide pressure relief? Is positioning an issue or it will it become one if not addressed. Make a list of priorities and it will lead you to the type of cushion most likely to meet or exceed your needs.

Alan Lee has over 20 years of experience in the durable medical equipment field, and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and assisting others make the correct decisions concerning home health care. He is the CEO and president of USA Medical, Inc. and the vice president of General Medical Store,

General Medical Store Cushions
http://generalmedicalstore.com/cushions.htm

Alternating Pressure Cushion
http://generalmedicalstore.com/cushions/aquila_airpulse_pk.htm

General Medical Store Inc.
http://generalmedicalstore.com

Source: www.articlecity.com