Power Scooter - Walking Frames Melbourne - Wheelchairs Melbourne

Wheelchair Cushion Selection Guide

Selecting & Maintaining a wheelchair Cushion

A wheelchair cushions size should be matched exactly to the wheelchairs seat size.

Remember that a seat cushions height adds to the wheelchair's seat-to-floor height, so a taller cushion will cause you to sit taller. (which can be an issue fitting under tables and desks)

If there's a chance that the cushion will be exposed to fluids, an incontinence cover should be used (incontinence covers come included with many cushions)

Inspect the cushion regularly for degraded materials or damaged foam. With air cushions, confirm proper inflation daily

 

Most cushions have an optimal use life span of two to three years, so for proper performance, replace a cushion when needed.

 

Foam And Latex Cushions

Foam cushions are the most basic cushion, ideal for those wishing simplicity at minimal cost. While some foam cushions are a single-density (firmness), others feature contoured bases with multiple layers of foam with varying density, designed for enhanced pressure management and positioning.

 

A foam cushion may be best for you if you need:

• Low maintenance
• Minimal cost
• A very stable seating surface
• Low to mid-range positioning
• Light weight

 

A foam cushion may not be best for you if you need:

• Exceptional pressure relief
• Advanced positioning characteristics

 

Gel Cushions

Gel cushions are specifically designed to optimize pressure relief by allowing ones pressure points to "immerse" into a gel pack, reducing pressure. Additionally, gel cushions typically feature a contoured base, with advanced positioning characteristics.

A gel cushion may be best for you if you need:

• Optimal pressure relief
• Advanced positioning
• A very stable seating surface
• Low maintenance

 

A gel cushion may not be best for you if you need:

• Light weight
• Low cost

 

Air Cushions

As the name suggests, air cushions are filled with air, and by adjusting the air pressure, the cushion's firmness can be adjusted. Air cushions typically offer reduced stability and positioning by comparison to foam and gel cushions, but are exceptional in the area of pressure relief, allowing pressure points to "sink" into the cushion. Air cushions are commonly available in 2" and 4" heights, with the 2" offering a low-profile, more stable surface, and the 4" offering maximum pressure relief.

An air cushion may be best for you if you need:

• Exceptional pressure relief
• Adjustable firmness
• Light weight

 

An air cushion may not be best for you if you need

• Low maintenance (air cushions require regular monitoring of air pressure, and can develop leaks)
• Advanced positioning characteristics
• Utmost seating surface stability
• Low cost