Wheelchair cushion – is it time for a change?

The main function of your wheelchair cushion is to protect you from any skin damage that can result from sitting in the chair all day. And only a well-maintained and clean cushion can protect you from pressure ulcers, a trouble all of us can do without. Wondering if your wheelchair needs a makeover? This article will help you decide if you its time for you to get a new wheelchair cushion.

As a regular user, you must check your cushion daily for signs of wear and tear or any other malfunctioning. An ideal wheelchair cushion should be able to support you so that you do not have excessive pressure on your ischials or other bony points. Check if your cushion can do that. Or does it make you uncomfortable after a few hours?

If you are using an air wheelchair cushion, make sure the cushion does not leak. You must also know how to check for the proper amount of air in the cushion. If you use a gel cushion, you have to make sure that the gel is protecting the skin over your ischials. Ask someone to put his or her hand under the gel bladder of the cushion. This may be awkward, but it is the best way to find out if the gel is doing what it should do.

As with gel cushions, foam cushions should also protect the skin over your ischials with the foam. Your friend should feel if there is soft foam right under your ischial bone. If your ischial bone goes through the foam and onto the seat upholstery, your wheelchair cushion may need to be replaced. Foam cushions may also need changing if they are hard to the feel.

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