Why is the comfort of wheelchair cushions so variable from one brand of cushion or type of cushion to another? Why does a wheelchair cushion initially feel comfortable, but in a short time becomes uncomfortable? Are there any wheelchair cushions that will provide extended comfort? The best answer to those questions is to understand how each wheelchair cushion works when a client’s shape and weight is placed on top. Let’s investigate the various types of wheelchair cushion materials to determine the comfort level of each. This article will compare foam, air, liquid and buckling column cushion technologies. See which is best for you. Continue reading THE COMFORT OF WHEELCHAIR CUSHIONS
Category: Cushion Selection
EquaGel vs ROHO
EquaGel vs ROHO – This could be the healthcare matchup of the century. Even though the EquaGel® wheelchair cushion using buckling gel technology was introduced in 2011 (five years ago) it is still unknown to many healthcare professionals who continue to use the old technology of foam or air. It is time for all to understand the true comparisons between EquaGel® cushions and ROHO® cushions. Continue reading EquaGel vs ROHO
What Makes Equagel Cushions Different from All Other Cushions?
Cushions have been around since biblical times. They have always been an envelope of material into which some soft material is placed to provide the cushioning. The materials used for cushioning have ranged from leaves, straw, wood shavings, wool, foam, liquid and air, to name a few. The only difference between most of the cushions of today and those of biblical times is the cushioning material inside the cover. Continue reading What Makes Equagel Cushions Different from All Other Cushions?
What is New About Pressure Ulcers?
Pressure sores, pressure ulcers, pressure wounds, decubitus ulcers bedsores all names of what we commonly include as skin breakdown. These wounds and their terms have been around for a long time – so what is new?
Here is a new term – Deep Tissue Injury (DTI). In several articles published in Mobility Management in 2014 there is new light on tissue deformation and how this internal deformation can cause Deep Tissue Injuries that can be even more insidious than traditional pressure ulcers. DTI is harder to identify and observe than the typical pressure ulcer. Research by Amit Gefen, Ph.D. and professor of biomedical engineering at Tel Aviv University has adopted an unconventional, but very effective approach to understanding the forces from within the body that eventually lead to skin breakdown. Continue reading What is New About Pressure Ulcers?
Does Wheelchair Cushion Design Affect its Performance?
Today’s wheelchair cushions are expected to perform several major functions:
- Comfort
- Positioning
- Protection against pressure wounds
The wheelchair cushion is a relatively small part of the overall wheelchair as it relates to size and weight, however it is critical to the performance of the entire seating and mobility system. Cushion manufacturer’s invest a great deal of money and time into creating cushions with contours, cut-outs, profiles and bladders using a host of different materials. Continue reading Does Wheelchair Cushion Design Affect its Performance?
