Picking the Perfect Wheelchair Cushion

Gone are the days of a “one-size-fits-all” mentality when it comes to wheelchair cushions. Today, there’s a cushion to meet every need.

Whatever the fabrication, the four primary goals of wheelchair cushions are to improve comfort, aid posture, absorb shock and reduce pressure on tissues.¹ Ideally, wheelchair cushions should be purchased at the same time as wheelchairs because the two components work together as a system. When this isn’t done, less-than-ideal performance can occur.

When selecting a wheelchair cushion, keep the following factors in mind to help you evaluate a cushion’s clinical appropriateness¹:

•  Distribution of stresses on soft tissues
• How much stability the cushion provides
• Whether the cushion allows moisture to accumulate
•  Heat accumulation and loss
• The cushion and cover’s frictional properties
• Durability and need for maintenance
• Flammability

Each type of wheelchair cushion has its own strengths. We’ve created the following chart to help you select the best cushion for each of your residents.²

Type	Strengths
Foam	Inexpensive       Lightweight    Multiple densities            Even support
Gel	Excellent pressure redistribution            Very comfortable
Gel/foam hybrid	Combines benefits of foam and gel cushions
Air flotation (inflated cells)	Lightweight            Even pressure redistribution            Will not bottom out if inflated properly            Can be modified to relieve pressure sores            Can be inflated to resident’s specific needs            Waterproof

The following specialty cushions can also help meet individual resident needs:

• Lap positioners provide upper torso support and can help assist with upper-body alignment. They also serve as a gentle reminder to residents to stay seated.
• Abductor (pommel) cushions hold the legs slightly apart to help keep a resident’s hips and knees properly aligned and reduce forward sliding. They can also be used to help prevent hip dislocation following surgery.
•  Wedge cushions offer improve posture and slide control.  

ProMed stocks a complete collection of wheelchair cushions and positioners. To learn more, give us a call at 800.648.5190.

References

1 Ferguson-Pell M. Seat Cushion Selection. JRRD Clinical Supplement No. 2: Choosing a Wheelchair System. Available at: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/mono/wheelchair/ferguson-pell.pdf. Accessed August 7, 2013.

2 Karp G. Choosing a Wheelchair: A Guide for Optimal Independence. O’Reilly Media; 1998.