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Your Ultimate Guide on How to Choose a Wheelchair Cushion

Your Ultimate Guide on How to Choose a Wheelchair Cushion

Your Ultimate Guide on How to Choose a Wheelchair Cushion

Are you looking for a wheelchair cushion? There’s a lot to consider, whether this is your first cushion or a replacement. Make sure you know everything so you make the right purchase and find a comfortable cushion. Talk to your doctor or therapist about what would work best for you. You can browse our extensive catalog, but first, learn more about your options below.

Why does the right cushion matter?

Find the Right Material

Should you be looking for a cushion with positioning support?

Do you need extra positioning aids?

Reduce Sliding With a Belt

Do you need a bariatric cushion?

Do you need an incontinence resistant cushion?

Make sure you consider:

Why does the right cushion matter?

Your comfort matters. Just like nurses who buy comfortable shoes because they’re on their feet all day, if you’re going to spend most of the day sitting, you need a comfortable cushion.

The right wheelchair cushion also helps you stay in the proper position. This makes it easier to talk to others and keeps you safe by reducing your risk of sliding out of the chair.

Cushions can help prevent pressure sores which are painful and can be expensive if further treatment is needed. The right wheelchair cushion is a must-have if you use a wheelchair. Why does the right cushion matter?

Find the Right Material

Different materials fit different needs and budgets. The best option will depend on what you’re looking for and how much time you spend in your wheelchair.

Material Benefits Drawbacks Buy Now!

Foam

sp bariatric memory foam cushion

  • Low cost

  • Lightweight

  • Stable surface

• Can “bottom out” quickly (lose its shape) Order a foam cushion!

Gel

gel

  • Good pressure distribution

  • Keeps you cool and can be used with a foam base

  • Heavier, adds weight to the wheelchair

  • Knead prior to each use to keep gel in place

Order a gel cushion!

Air

air

  • Exceptional pressure relief

  • Adjustable firmness

  • Air levels need to be checked daily for leaks

  • Less stable

Order an air cushion!

Honeycomb

Honeycomb

  • Lightweight

  • Keeps you cool

• Moderate pressure distribution and positioning Order a honeycomb cushion!

Alternating Pressure

Alternating Pressure

  • Automatic pressure distribution to prevent sores

  • Ideal for those who can’t adjust position

  • Higher cost

  • Battery needs to be recharged

Order an alternating pressure cushion!


Should you be looking for a cushion with positioning support?

If you need more support than a standard cushion, there are a variety of options to correct your posture and keep you in the best position. Talk to a medical professional to see if one of these cushion types would work for you.

Aid For... Buy now!

Contoured

Contoured

  • You have a posterior pelvic tilt that causes you to look downward when seated.
Order a contoured cushion!

Anti-Thrust

Anti-Thrust

  • You have an anterior pelvic tilt that causes you to look upward when seated.
Order a anti-thrust cushion!

Wedge

Wedge

  • You slump forward and slide a bit in your chair.
Order a wedge cushion!

Pommel

Pommel

  • You need more support to prevent you from sliding or need to keep your knees from knocking together.
Order a pommel cushion!

Sacral Cut Out

Sacral Cut Out

  • You need to reduce the pressure on your tailbone to help prevent sores.
Order a sacral cut out cushion!

No Lean

Lateral Lean

  • You have pelvic obliquity and lean to one side when seated. You can correct fixable obliquity or manage fixed obliquity with the same cushion!
Order a no lean cushion!

Amputee

Amputee

  • You need a cushion to support a left, right, or bilateral amputation.
Order a amputee cushion!

Do you need extra positioning aids?

There are a variety of cushioned options to support you. Sit comfortably using these aids that help position your arms, hips, and more.

Aid For... Buy now!

Arm and Trunk Support

Arm and Trunk Support

Arms and Trunk

Buy Now

Lap Cushion

Lap Cushion

Upper Body and Trunk

Buy Now

Side Support

Side Support

Upper Body

Buy Now

Flip-Down Pommel

Flip-Down Pommel

Knees

Buy Now

Lateral Hip Guide

Lateral Hip Guide

Hips

Buy Now

Foot and Leg Support

Foot and Leg Support

Legs and Feet

Buy Now

Recliner Overlay

Recliner Overlay

Full Body

Buy Now

Reduce Sliding With a Belt

The right belt can help keep you in your seat. There are several options depending on how much support you need.

Belt Options Benefits Buy now!

Auto Seat Belt

Auto Seat Belt

  • Easy to open, push the button, just like a car seat belt

Buy Now

Soft Seat Belt

Soft Seat Belt

  • Comfortable, wide belt
  • Opens in the back to ensure safety and prevent accidental opening during use

Buy Now

Harness

Harness

  • Extra trunk support helps keep you upright while in your wheelchair

Buy Now

Do you need a bariatric cushion?

Most wheelchair cushions are recommended for users up to around 250 pounds. If you need a higher weight capacity, you’ll want a bariatric cushion. These cushions are larger and wider to fit your wheelchair and provide the comfort you need. After you find the right cushion, consider getting a bariatric backrest for back support.

Material Benefits Drawbacks Buy now!

Memory Foam

Memory Foam

  • Lower cost
  • Comfortable
  • Retains heat
  • Compresses the most, possibility of “bottoming out”
Buy now!

Foam and Gel

Foam and Gel

  • Cooler due to gel
  • Comfort of foam
  • Reduces pressure
  • Adds weight to the chair
  • Requires kneading daily to spread out the gel
Buy now!

Honeycomb

Honeycomb

  • High performance
  • Maximum pressure relief
  • Ventilation keeps you cool
  • High cost
Buy now!

Do you need an incontinence resistant cushion?

Incontinence resistant cushions have covers that help prevent the cushion from absorbing liquids. This protects the wheelchair cushion and extends its life.

Option Benefits Buy now!

Cushion with Incontinence Resistant Cover

Cushion with Incontinence Resistant Cover

  • Cover is made to fit the included cushion
  • Removable cover can be washed as needed
Buy now!

General Incontinence Resistant Cover for Any Cushion

Incontinence Cover

  • Cover can be used on existing cushion
  • Easy to continue using even if you change cushions
Buy now!

Make sure you consider:

  1. Comfort: Whether you’re going to sit on this cushion for a few hours or all day long, it needs to be comfortable
  2. Stability: A stable cushion helps you balance without sliding and makes it easier when you’re reaching or doing other movements while in your chair
  3. Skin Protection: Cushions that offer pressure relief and reduce friction can help prevent painful pressure sores
  4. Microclimate: The temperature and moisture of your body against the seat affect skin breakdown. You want a cool seat with good airflow
  5. Cushion Weight: Heavier cushions offer more comfort but add weight that could affect self-propulsion in a lightweight wheelchair. Consider what makes the most sense for your needs
  6. Cushion Height: A taller cushion could make it easier to reach counter surfaces, but it might mean your chair doesn’t fit under a table or desk. Make sure the height still allows you to transfer too
  7. Maintenance: Some cushions require maintenance with each use (like air cushions that need to be checked for leaks) while others are low maintenance (like honeycomb cushions)
  8. Price: Does the cushion fit your budget? Think about how long each type lasts on average and the features it offers to make an informed decision

Ready to find your perfect cushion?
Check out all of our options!

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.