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.
When skin and tissue are compressed between bone and the chair, the blood cannot circulate properly and oxygen and nutrient supply to the cells decreases. Weight bearing bones near the skin surface, like the buttocks, are particularly at risk. This may result in ulcers that can be very serious, leading to hospitalization and surgery. Shear force occurs when the skin and tissue are pulled in different directions, such as when an individual slides down in the chair.
A cushion has to be selected according to individual requirements. A clinical professional is best able to decide on what is most suitable for a particular individual. Factors such as spinal problems and incontinence must be considered as well as how much time is spent in the chair and how much mobility there is.
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.
Air filled cushions are comfortable and widely used. Those with pumps that allow rows of cells filled with air to inflate and deflate, thus alternating the point of pressure, are particularly effective. The main disadvantage is that an air cushion has to be checked regularly to make sure that it is properly inflated.
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.
When skin and tissue are compressed between bone and the chair, the blood cannot circulate properly and oxygen and nutrient supply to the cells decreases. Weight bearing bones near the skin surface, like the buttocks, are particularly at risk. This may result in ulcers that can be very serious, leading to hospitalization and surgery. Shear force occurs when the skin and tissue are pulled in different directions, such as when an individual slides down in the chair.
A cushion has to be selected according to individual requirements. A clinical professional is best able to decide on what is most suitable for a particular individual. Factors such as spinal problems and incontinence must be considered as well as how much time is spent in the chair and how much mobility there is.
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.
Air filled cushions are comfortable and widely used. Those with pumps that allow rows of cells filled with air to inflate and deflate, thus alternating the point of pressure, are particularly effective. The main disadvantage is that an air cushion has to be checked regularly to make sure that it is properly inflated.
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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