Pressure relief cushions are important for those who spend their time sitting in wheelchairs. These long periods of sitting cause compression of skin and tissue between bones and the surface of a chair, resulting in circulation problems. Use of these products can help to keep the skin healthy, reduce shear force and help with stability.
Lack of circulation means that supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells decreases. This in turn means that ulcers may form. Once these ulcers have formed, they may be hard to treat so it is better to prevent them. Shear force occurs when a part of the body tries to move but the surface of the skin remains fixed, pulling skin and tissue apart. This may happen when an individual slips forward in the chair.
Each and every individual will have different requirements when it comes to choosing a cushion. A clinical professional will be able to assist with making the right choice. Specific factors such as how much time is spent in a chair, how much the user moves around, stability of posture and nature of a disability must all be taken into consideration.
The size and construction of the wheelchair must be taken into consideration when purchasing a cushion. This will help to determine what depth and size of cushion is required. Once the user is sitting on the cushion, the armrests should be at the correct height.
Different materials such as gel, foam, air and water are used in these products. This is because they are able to conform to the shape of the body, distributing weight and allowing for optimum blood flow. They all have this in common but when it comes to cost, weight, heat conduction and stability there are different advantages and disadvantages.
A foam cushion is one of the least expensive options and it comes in a range of densities and varying degrees of memory. If the foam is cross cut, contoured or convoluted, it allows greater conformity so that the surface moves with the user. As it is relatively inexpensive and easy to cut, a therapist can experiment with shapes without incurring too much expense. On the downside it does wear down more quickly than other materials, losing its shape and becoming compressed.
An air floatation cushion supports the body with air. For example, it may consist of rows of small rubber balloons or it may channel air via pathways. A cushion like this is relatively lightweight and waterproof. There is also an air alternating variation that works with a pump, allowing cells to deflate and inflate. These products require regular maintenance to ensure proper inflation.
Sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when skin is damp, so a cushion that wicks moisture away from the body is a good idea, especially for people who tend to get hot easily. Gel is useful for this reason and it is also comfortable, conforming well to body shape and providing good weight distribution. One disadvantage is that it is heavy, making it unsuitable for users who need a light weight for easy portability.
Another consideration when purchasing pressure relief cushions is cost. These products vary widely in price but the more expensive items are probably most cost effective in the long run. Most of these products are fairly durable, depending upon the amount of wear and tear to which they are subjected. Some manufacturers are prepared to offer limited warranties.
Lack of circulation means that supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells decreases. This in turn means that ulcers may form. Once these ulcers have formed, they may be hard to treat so it is better to prevent them. Shear force occurs when a part of the body tries to move but the surface of the skin remains fixed, pulling skin and tissue apart. This may happen when an individual slips forward in the chair.
Each and every individual will have different requirements when it comes to choosing a cushion. A clinical professional will be able to assist with making the right choice. Specific factors such as how much time is spent in a chair, how much the user moves around, stability of posture and nature of a disability must all be taken into consideration.
The size and construction of the wheelchair must be taken into consideration when purchasing a cushion. This will help to determine what depth and size of cushion is required. Once the user is sitting on the cushion, the armrests should be at the correct height.
Different materials such as gel, foam, air and water are used in these products. This is because they are able to conform to the shape of the body, distributing weight and allowing for optimum blood flow. They all have this in common but when it comes to cost, weight, heat conduction and stability there are different advantages and disadvantages.
A foam cushion is one of the least expensive options and it comes in a range of densities and varying degrees of memory. If the foam is cross cut, contoured or convoluted, it allows greater conformity so that the surface moves with the user. As it is relatively inexpensive and easy to cut, a therapist can experiment with shapes without incurring too much expense. On the downside it does wear down more quickly than other materials, losing its shape and becoming compressed.
An air floatation cushion supports the body with air. For example, it may consist of rows of small rubber balloons or it may channel air via pathways. A cushion like this is relatively lightweight and waterproof. There is also an air alternating variation that works with a pump, allowing cells to deflate and inflate. These products require regular maintenance to ensure proper inflation.
Sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when skin is damp, so a cushion that wicks moisture away from the body is a good idea, especially for people who tend to get hot easily. Gel is useful for this reason and it is also comfortable, conforming well to body shape and providing good weight distribution. One disadvantage is that it is heavy, making it unsuitable for users who need a light weight for easy portability.
Another consideration when purchasing pressure relief cushions is cost. These products vary widely in price but the more expensive items are probably most cost effective in the long run. Most of these products are fairly durable, depending upon the amount of wear and tear to which they are subjected. Some manufacturers are prepared to offer limited warranties.
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