Pressure relief cushions are an important tool for helping individuals required to sit in wheelchairs for long periods of time. They help to maintain the health of the skin by distributing pressure in a variety of ways. They also help give postural stability and prevent shear force.
Blood needs to circulate freely so that oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to the cells. When blood flow decreases, problems like ulcers can occur and areas like the buttocks and shoulders are particularly vulnerable. Ulcers can cause significant problems, resulting in a need for surgery at times. Shear force is a problem that occurs when the skin outer layer and the inner tissue are pulled apart. This can happen when a person slips 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 like air, foam and gel are used in the manufacture of these products. These materials are used because they conform to the shape and movement of the body, allowing for distribution of pressure. Qualities like weight, heat conduction, stability, durability and cost vary from product to product.
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.
Static air cushions use air-filled balloons or pathways for channeling the air. An air alternating cushion works with a pump that allows rows of air cells to inflate and deflate. The main drawback of an air cushion is that it requires regular maintenance to ensure the correct degree of 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.
The cost of pressure relief cushions can vary considerably, according to the materials with which they are made, covers, size and depth. It is worthwhile to purchase a product with proven performance over time. This may not be the cheapest option but durability, comfort and effectiveness should take precedence over cost.
Blood needs to circulate freely so that oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to the cells. When blood flow decreases, problems like ulcers can occur and areas like the buttocks and shoulders are particularly vulnerable. Ulcers can cause significant problems, resulting in a need for surgery at times. Shear force is a problem that occurs when the skin outer layer and the inner tissue are pulled apart. This can happen when a person slips 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 like air, foam and gel are used in the manufacture of these products. These materials are used because they conform to the shape and movement of the body, allowing for distribution of pressure. Qualities like weight, heat conduction, stability, durability and cost vary from product to product.
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.
Static air cushions use air-filled balloons or pathways for channeling the air. An air alternating cushion works with a pump that allows rows of air cells to inflate and deflate. The main drawback of an air cushion is that it requires regular maintenance to ensure the correct degree of 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.
The cost of pressure relief cushions can vary considerably, according to the materials with which they are made, covers, size and depth. It is worthwhile to purchase a product with proven performance over time. This may not be the cheapest option but durability, comfort and effectiveness should take precedence over cost.
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