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 size and construction of the wheelchair must be taken into consideration when purchasing a cushion. This will help to determine what depth and size of cushion is required. Once the user is sitting on the cushion, the armrests should be at the correct height.
Different materials like air, foam and gel are used in the manufacture of these products. These materials are used because they conform to the shape and movement of the body, allowing for distribution of pressure. Qualities like weight, heat conduction, stability, durability and cost vary from product to product.
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.
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 size and construction of the wheelchair must be taken into consideration when purchasing a cushion. This will help to determine what depth and size of cushion is required. Once the user is sitting on the cushion, the armrests should be at the correct height.
Different materials like air, foam and gel are used in the manufacture of these products. These materials are used because they conform to the shape and movement of the body, allowing for distribution of pressure. Qualities like weight, heat conduction, stability, durability and cost vary from product to product.
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.
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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