This article is all about wheelchair pads and the best wheelchair cushion you can get as per your requirement.
Wheelchair cushions are not different from any other traditional cushions as it has the same job of providing comfort to their users.
But there are some additional features that are only present in a wheelchair pad that protects its user against injury as well as absorbs unwanted pressure.
But it comes with some if not many Disadvantages one of which is its slippery structure.
As most of the wheelchair pressure absorption pads are made up of foam which might slip from time to time if used for very long.
But thanks to the growing market of cushions people are getting the importance of a good quality cushion.
So here in the post, I will help you understand why does a wheelchair cushion slips and how you can keep some important points in mind while choosing the best Wheelchair cushion that does not slip.
How to choose the Best Wheelchair Cushion that does not slip?
To choose the best cushion you need to sit on it and see whether or not the seat bones are sinking down to the point where you’re actually bottoming out or see if you can feel the sitting bones hitting the bottom of the chair or not.
The best cushion which can give you the best-desired comfort, as well as the protection one needs, is a Gel Cushion.
A gel cushion is best because they have kind of a more solid surface underneath and the gel on top which helps prevent you from bottoming out.
The gel also helps disperse the forces of pressure and make it comfortable.
But the gel cushions come with a lot problem too- as its made of gels during the cold weather they can often get hard and can stay quite cool for a long period of time, which some people likes and some people don’t.
But in warm weather, the gel actually becomes softer and really comfortable as it spreads the forces equally and comfortably.
Important Factors To Consider while Choosing a Wheelchair Cushion
The most important factor to remember when it comes to wheelchair pads is that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for your back, they come in different shapes and sizes.
So one must be very careful while buying a cushion, make sure to get the right cushion shape and cushion material as per your body structure.
1. Different Wheelchair Cushion Shapes
There are mainly four different types of wheelchair cushion shapes:
- Wedge-Shaped Wheelchair Cushions
- Saddle-Shaped Wheelchair Pads
- Anti-Thrust Wheelchair Pads
- Pommel-Shaped Wheelchair Cushions
2. Best Wheelchair Cushion Material
As mentioned above there are mainly 3 types of materials used in a wheelchair pad:
- Foam- Best for maximizing pressure absorbson and pressure management in the whole area.
- Gel- Best for regulating body temperatures as per the temperater of the room.
- Air- Best for day-to-day usuage with advanced pressure management.
Important Points regarding Wheelchair Pads to prevent sliding
The pelvis and the Spine are the most important parts when it comes to a wheelchair user.
So Pelvis and the spine are basically sitting in the chair which comprises two of the main pressure points or two bones which are also called the sitting bones.
We know that the cushions are very soft and because of that the sitting bones sometimes might sink in the pad.
The sitting bones are covered with muscle and fat but despite the bone still sinks inside the cushion as it’s so soft and that’s where we can get uncomfortable.
So the cushion that is more ideal that will help here is the cushion that has a denser foam on the bottom and a less dense foam on the top.
That way it’s comfortable for us to sink into it and allow it to absorb the pressure and on top of that, it prevents you from bottoming out of the wheelchair.
And in the long run, it would be very comfortable and the user would be more comfortable to sit In it for a long period of time and less likely to get out of their chair and fall.
Best Wheelchair Cushion Of All Types:
#1 Best Foam wheelchair cushions-
Memory Foam Wheelchair Seat Cushion – By Everlasting Comfort Store
#2 Best Gel wheelchair cushions
Gel Seat Pad Wheelchair Cushion – By Vive Store
#3 Best Air Wheelchair Cushions
Wheelchair Air Seat Pad – By ASI AIR SEAT INNOVATIONS
Also Read: Wheelchair Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the most common type of wheelchair cushion?
There are mainly three most popular types of wheelchair cushions: Foam made cushion, gel-made cushion, and air-filled cushion. Each has its own benefits.
Q2. What is the best cushion for pressure sores?
Foam-made wheelchair cushions are usually best for pressure absorption and overall pressure management.
Q3. What is the most comfortable cushion for day-to-day activity?
Air-filled cushions and Form-made cushions are the best for long-hour usage.
The Bottom Line
We have presented you with everything one needs to know about a wheelchair cushion with this ultimate guide. Starting from how you can choose the Best Wheelchair Cushion that does not slip? to different types and shapes of wheelchair cushions to the materials used in a cushion.
we have also mentioned some of the best wheelchair pads out there after a lot of comparisons. All you need to do is find while shape and material are best suited as per your body and get that one.