Wheelchair cushions are cushions specifically designed to provide comfort and protection against injury for
wheelchair users. They also aid in properly positioning the user in the correct posture.
Wheelchair users are at great risk for
pressure sores.[1] A number of factors are included in the formation of these ulcers including:
Insufficient
vascularization in areas of high pressure, typically under bony prominences.[2]
The collection of sweat on the skin due to inadequate air flow.[3]
The presence of local areas of elevated temperature.[4]
A number of studies point to interface pressure between the body and the seating surface as the primary contributor to the formation of pressure sores.[1] In response, manufacturers have developed a number of wheelchair seat cushion alternatives. Over 200 models of wheelchair cushions were on the market[where?] as of 2001.[6][needs update]
Characteristics
Various characteristics, combined with a number of cover material options, offer a myriad of possibilities, which can be manipulated to provide various performance properties. These properties are intended to provide the wheelchair user optimal comfort, stability, and postural support, as well as aid in the prevention of
pressure ulcers.[6]
The effectiveness of a particular choice of material and design has high variance with respect to a user's medical needs and activities. For instance, if a wheelchair user frequently moves on rough surfaces, gel cushions are less optimal as they are not as effective at absorbing impact.[7]
Sprigle et al. proposed the following criteria for defining and describing cushion characteristics:[6]
Material and construction
Cushions using cellular materials –
foam (convoluted, segmented), flexible matrix,
viscoelastic foam or matrix, nondeforming foam or matrix
Cushions containing fluid – viscoelastic fluid, air cushion, water cushion
Other construction – solid
elastomer and solid gel, cushion with displacing solid elements
Features –
preischial support, lateral
pelvic support, medial thigh support, lateral thigh support
Other – bonded, compartment or chamber, stiffness, flat or curved base
Design examples
Convoluted foam cushion
Segmented foam cushion
Low profile segmented air cushion
High profile segmented air cushion
Foam and viscoelastic foam cushion
Foam and viscous fluid cushion
Honeycomb cushion
References
^
abFerrarin, M; Andreoni, G; Pedotti, A (2000). "Comparative biomechanical evaluation of different wheelchair seat cushions". Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 37 (3): 315–24.
PMID10917263.
^Kosiak, M (1961). "Etiology of decubitus ulcers". Arch Phys Med Rehabil: 19–29.
PMID13753341.
^Stewart, SFC; Palmieri, V; Cochran, GVB (1980). "Wheel chair cushion effect on skin temperature, heat flux, and relative humidity". Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 61 (5): 229–33.
PMID7377945.