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.
Lack of circulation means that supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells decreases. This in turn means that ulcers may form. Once these ulcers have formed, they may be hard to treat so it is better to prevent them. Shear force occurs when a part of the body tries to move but the surface of the skin remains fixed, pulling skin and tissue apart. This may happen when an individual slips forward in the chair.
A number of different factors must be taken into consideration when choosing the right cushion. It is important to have the input of a clinical professional in making the decision. How long the user spends in the chair, how much moving around takes place and other factors like incontinence and posture problems must all be considered.
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.
Sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when skin is damp, so a cushion that wicks moisture away from the body is a good idea, especially for people who tend to get hot easily. Gel is useful for this reason and it is also comfortable, conforming well to body shape and providing good weight distribution. One disadvantage is that it is heavy, making it unsuitable for users who need a light weight for easy portability.
The cost of pressure relief cushions can vary considerably, according to the materials with which they are made, covers, size and depth. It is worthwhile to purchase a product with proven performance over time. This may not be the cheapest option but durability, comfort and effectiveness should take precedence over cost.
Lack of circulation means that supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells decreases. This in turn means that ulcers may form. Once these ulcers have formed, they may be hard to treat so it is better to prevent them. Shear force occurs when a part of the body tries to move but the surface of the skin remains fixed, pulling skin and tissue apart. This may happen when an individual slips forward in the chair.
A number of different factors must be taken into consideration when choosing the right cushion. It is important to have the input of a clinical professional in making the decision. How long the user spends in the chair, how much moving around takes place and other factors like incontinence and posture problems must all be considered.
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.
Sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when skin is damp, so a cushion that wicks moisture away from the body is a good idea, especially for people who tend to get hot easily. Gel is useful for this reason and it is also comfortable, conforming well to body shape and providing good weight distribution. One disadvantage is that it is heavy, making it unsuitable for users who need a light weight for easy portability.
The cost of pressure relief cushions can vary considerably, according to the materials with which they are made, covers, size and depth. It is worthwhile to purchase a product with proven performance over time. This may not be the cheapest option but durability, comfort and effectiveness should take precedence over cost.
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