Wheelchair Cushions

How to Choose the Best Foam Cushions

The foam cushion is the most basic of all types of wheelchair cushions. Foam wheelchair cushions help improve comfort, stability, and support while relieving pressure points and skin breakdowns that cause pressure ulcers. Foam cushions are lightweight and inexpensive to maintain. They are available in various sizes, densities, thicknesses, and varying degrees of support.

Foam seat cushions have evolved, incorporating advanced contouring features suitable for different positioning needs. It may be overwhelming to select the right foam wheelchair cushion with such a wide variety available.

Below is a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best foam cushion for your needs.

1. The Foam Cushion Design

The structure of the foam cushion varies depending on positioning challenges. Some include wedge-shaped cushions, pommel, waterfall front, coccyx cutout, etc.

Wedge cushions prevent forward-leaning and slumping, pommel-shaped foam cushions encourage leg abduction and prevent legs from knocking together, while waterfall front contour cushions protect the backs of the knees.

Seat cushions with an anti-thrust contour keep hips from sliding forward and encourage the users to sit back comfortably. Foam cushions with coccyx cutouts may take pressure off the tailbone and lower spine.

2. Level of risk for Pressure Sores

All-foam cushions for wheelchairs work well for those with a low risk of developing pressure ulcers. For people with a higher risk or who are already living with pressure ulcers, a foam wheelchair cushion with a gel insert or gel topping may be an option. Materials such as memory foam are used to prevent skin breakdown in combination with foam.

3. Size of the Foam Cushion

Foam seat cushions come in various sizes to suit different body types, including standard, bariatric, and pediatric. Foam thickness matters when choosing a seat cushion. The heavier the user, the thicker the foam cushion is required as foam tends to compress and slowly flatten out over time.

A 100% foam cushion is not usually an ideal choice for individuals weighing more than 250 pounds. Foam cushions with gel inserts offer optimal support. One should consider all these factors when making a purchase. Additionally, the seat cushion size must match the size of the wheelchair seat.

4. Cushion Cover Options

Usually, all foam cushions come with covers that offer varying degrees of protection against moisture. Moisture repellant cushion covers made from polyester or nylon are easy to clean when stains occur. These cushion covers offer moisture reduction and can reduce the build-up of body heat and sweat. Those with incontinence issues can use seat cushions with fully fluid-proof covers that keep cushions dry and protect skin from breakdown. Most of the cushion covers are antimicrobial resisting mold and mildew.

Since 2002, Health Products For You has offered high-quality medical supplies. We offer a wide range of comfortable and functional foam cushions to suit everyone's needs.

 

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