Power Wheelchair Cushion Types

The most appropriate therapeutic wheelchair cushion for an individual may best be determined by a medical diagnosis.¹ However, before you purchase a wheelchair cushion for your power chair, take a moment to understand your choices. This could help you to better identify the wheelchair cushion type that's right for your particular needs.

Choosing the Right Power Wheelchair Cushion is Important

Power chair cushions directly contribute to the comfort and support wheelchair users need for beneficial mobility. But, just as important is how the right seating system and the right power chair cushion can aid in body positioning, healthy skin maintenance and essential pressure relief. Addressing these medical concerns, especially for someone who may be at great risk of tissue trauma and skin damage, is why choosing the right cushion is such a crucial issue.

What to Expect From a Good Seat Cushion

Wheelchair cushion types range from foam and gel-filled cushions, to air and (poly) urethane honeycomb. Regardless of the differences in design and material, a seat cushion of good quality should be expected to:

• Relieve pressure at point-of-contact to prevent and/or treat skin sores
• Keep skin aerated, cool and dry
• Aid in proper weight distribution and body alignment
• Minimize slide-induced shear and friction during transfers
• Be easy to keep clean (cushion covers may help in this regard)

Specific Wheelchair Cushion Types

Every wheelchair user has their own unique mobility, seating, positioning, lifting and pressure relief needs. Finding the ideal wheelchair cushion means matching those needs with the wheelchair cushion type that offers the most effective treatment.

For instance, foam-filled power wheelchair cushions can be customized, as medically-prescribed, to create a contoured fit suited to the individual patient's specific diagnosis. Whether it's an air-filled cushion, a contour foam cushion, or a combination of materials, it will be up to the wheelchair user, their doctor and/or a rehabilitation mobility specialist to conclude which kind of cushion is likely to provide the necessary health benefits.

If you have any questions or would like more information about available wheelchair positioning aids, simply give us a call today at 800-542-7236. Let Hoveround help to enhance your renewed mobility with power wheelchair accessories for improved seating, positioning and healthy comfort.

This article is general in nature and intended solely for informational purposes. It should not be interpreted as a substitute for medical advice nor as a guarantee of insurance coverage.

¹A physical exam and a doctor's diagnosis can identify the medical need for custom power wheelchair cushions. If determined to be medically necessary, a wheelchair cushion may be covered by Medicare and/or other insurers. Complete documentation of a mobility exam and a valid doctor's prescription are required. Insurance coverage depends on medical necessity as determined by the insurer.