Pressure relief cushions can be of great help to individuals confined to wheelchairs. Sitting for many hours causes problems and these products can help to address these issues. They help to redistribute weight and prevent shear force, keeping the skin healthy. They are also an important tool for postural 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 proper combination of cushion and wheelchair is also important as there are various depths and sizes of cushions for purchase. The size of wheelchair, position of armrests and height of chair back all matter when it comes to choice. An individual does not want to sit too high or too low in the chair.
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 comes in many densities and may be cross cut or contoured to allow for greater conformity to body shape and movement. Memory foam models the shape of the body better than ordinary foam. Foam is quite inexpensive and easy to cut. This allows a therapist to experiment with shape, customizing a cushion for the needs of an individual. However, foam can become compressed and lose its shape quite easily.
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.
A gel cushion provides excellent weight distribution as it conforms to the shape of the body. It is very comfortable and it helps keep the surface temperature of the skin cool. A disadvantage is its weight as portability is important for users who frequently have to lift in and out of a wheelchair and a car.
Pressure relief cushions vary in cost, depending on materials used and complexity of construction. Various facts need to be considered when making a purchase including durability, ease of cleaning, comfort and effectiveness. A more expensive item may be more cost effective in the long term.
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 proper combination of cushion and wheelchair is also important as there are various depths and sizes of cushions for purchase. The size of wheelchair, position of armrests and height of chair back all matter when it comes to choice. An individual does not want to sit too high or too low in the chair.
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 comes in many densities and may be cross cut or contoured to allow for greater conformity to body shape and movement. Memory foam models the shape of the body better than ordinary foam. Foam is quite inexpensive and easy to cut. This allows a therapist to experiment with shape, customizing a cushion for the needs of an individual. However, foam can become compressed and lose its shape quite easily.
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.
A gel cushion provides excellent weight distribution as it conforms to the shape of the body. It is very comfortable and it helps keep the surface temperature of the skin cool. A disadvantage is its weight as portability is important for users who frequently have to lift in and out of a wheelchair and a car.
Pressure relief cushions vary in cost, depending on materials used and complexity of construction. Various facts need to be considered when making a purchase including durability, ease of cleaning, comfort and effectiveness. A more expensive item may be more cost effective in the long term.
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