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.
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 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.
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 but it wears down quite quickly and can become compressed. There are many different densities available today, some of which are more resilient than others. Memory foam that allows conformity is the most effective. The fact that foam is easier to cut and cheaper than some of the other options affords therapists the opportunity to try out different shapes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 but it wears down quite quickly and can become compressed. There are many different densities available today, some of which are more resilient than others. Memory foam that allows conformity is the most effective. The fact that foam is easier to cut and cheaper than some of the other options affords therapists the opportunity to try out different shapes.
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.
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.
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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