Pressure relief cushions can be of great help to individuals confined to wheelchairs. Sitting for many hours causes problems and these products can help to address these issues. They help to redistribute weight and prevent shear force, keeping the skin healthy. They are also an important tool for postural stability.
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.
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 wheelchair and cushion must work together. There are many sizes and depth of cushions available. The correct one has to be chosen to ensure that when the individual is sitting on the cushion, the height is correct in relation to the armrests and the back of the chair.
There are many different types of materials used for these products. Foam, air, gel and water are all used for their ability to distribute pressure, allowing blood to circulate freely, limiting edema and enhancing healing. These materials all have different qualities with regard to stability, heat conduction, moisture absorption, weight and cost.
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.
Pressure relief cushions vary in cost, depending on materials used and complexity of construction. Various facts need to be considered when making a purchase including durability, ease of cleaning, comfort and effectiveness. A more expensive item may be more cost effective in the long term.
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.
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 wheelchair and cushion must work together. There are many sizes and depth of cushions available. The correct one has to be chosen to ensure that when the individual is sitting on the cushion, the height is correct in relation to the armrests and the back of the chair.
There are many different types of materials used for these products. Foam, air, gel and water are all used for their ability to distribute pressure, allowing blood to circulate freely, limiting edema and enhancing healing. These materials all have different qualities with regard to stability, heat conduction, moisture absorption, weight and cost.
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.
Pressure relief cushions vary in cost, depending on materials used and complexity of construction. Various facts need to be considered when making a purchase including durability, ease of cleaning, comfort and effectiveness. A more expensive item may be more cost effective in the long term.
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