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.
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 wheelchair and cushion must work together. There are many sizes and depth of cushions available. The correct one has to be chosen to ensure that when the individual is sitting on the cushion, the height is correct in relation to the armrests and the back of the chair.
There are many different types of materials used for these products. Foam, air, gel and water are all used for their ability to distribute pressure, allowing blood to circulate freely, limiting edema and enhancing healing. These materials all have different qualities with regard to stability, heat conduction, moisture absorption, weight and cost.
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 conforms well to body shape and movement, providing good weight distribution. It is also suitable for those who often feel hot and sweaty as it helps to keep the skin feeling cool. However, it is heavy in weight which makes it unsuitable for users who often have to be lifted in and out of the car or the wheelchair.
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.
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 wheelchair and cushion must work together. There are many sizes and depth of cushions available. The correct one has to be chosen to ensure that when the individual is sitting on the cushion, the height is correct in relation to the armrests and the back of the chair.
There are many different types of materials used for these products. Foam, air, gel and water are all used for their ability to distribute pressure, allowing blood to circulate freely, limiting edema and enhancing healing. These materials all have different qualities with regard to stability, heat conduction, moisture absorption, weight and cost.
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 conforms well to body shape and movement, providing good weight distribution. It is also suitable for those who often feel hot and sweaty as it helps to keep the skin feeling cool. However, it is heavy in weight which makes it unsuitable for users who often have to be lifted in and out of the car or the wheelchair.
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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