Factors to Consider when Buying a Pressure Relief Cushion

A pressure relief cushion is of great help to those with mobility restrictions. They help prevent development of pressure sores and maintain skin integrity in bed-bound or wheelchair-bound people. Sometimes, finding a suitable pressure cushion may be tricky just like in the case of other mobility aids.

Though a professional's recommendation is always the first thing to seek for, considering some basic factors while selecting the pressure cushion may simplify your process a little.

So, let's walk you through what all points to bear in mind while selecting a pressure cushion.

• Pelvic Stability

Pelvic stability is an important factor to consider while selecting a pressure cushion. The pressure relief cushion you choose should provide you with sufficient pelvic stability.

This means that your pelvis should be in a 'neutral' position. It shouldn't rotate forwards or backwards. A proper coordination between your lower trunk and proximal posterior muscles helps attain stability in your spine. A stable spine helps the trunk extend properly keeping your body straight. Thus, not only your posture stays straight but also your abdomen and chest don't feel unnecessary pressure that facilitates proper breathing and digestion. Further, a stable pelvis and spine may facilitate using your arms without losing your upper body control.

To achieve pelvic stability, matching the contours of the cushion surface with those of your posterior may be a good idea.

• Immersion

Bottoming out is the condition when the pressure relief cushion doesn't provide adequate support resulting in the transfer of the person's weight to the bed base. If this happens, the pressure cushion may induce pain. Even worse, a person may develop Ischial Tuberosity or Ischial bursitis (severe inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between tendons and muscles in Ischia, the bones in the base of pelvis) overtime.

Therefore, ensuring that your cushion supports 'immersion' is advisable. A cushion that is not too soft or easily compressible but still lets your body to sink without bottoming out may be a good choice.

• Off-Loading

Off-loading is removing the pressure from a small surface area (Ischial Tuberosities, lower pelvic bones) and distributing it to a greater surface area (to femur and thigh bones). This helps even distribution of pressure that provides more stability and skin-protection.

• Envelopment

Apart from immersion, envelopment is also a crucial factor. Immersion and envelopment are often inter-linked.

After ensuring you sink well into the cushion without bottoming out, you should also ensure that your cushion provides envelopment. This means that it envelops your bony areas and distributes pressure across the entire surface area.

This reduces pressure on bony areas preventing their inflammation.

• Heat

The increase in heat may lead to the development of ulcers. So, choosing a pressure cushion that keeps your body temperature optimal is recommendable. If you tend to perspire more, a gel cushion may help slow down the rise in body temperature and keep your body cool.

On the contrary, if you tend to feel colder, a standard foam cushion can give you extra insulation.

• Waterproofing

If you suffer from incontinence issues, a simple cushion may not suffice for you. A cushion provides adequate water-proofing may work well. Such a cushion won't only keep you dry but also prevent damage to your skin from continuous moisture.

• Fire Retardancy

Ensure that your pressure cushion is fire-proof and complies with the British Standards Institute (BSI) for pressure cushions, especially if you smoke often or need support getting up from your wheelchair or bed in an emergency.

• Portability

If you travel frequently and need to transport your cushion from one place to another, the weight of the pressure cushion also matters. A foam or gel cushion may not be as easily transportable as an air cushion due to it being heavier.

Hence, an air cushion may be an ideal choice for easy and frequent transportation.

In a Nutshell

A pressure relieving cushion is one of the essential mobility aids for the individuals bound to spend hours in sitting/seated or supine position. However, it is important to bear in mind that all mobility aids are useful only when you choose them wisely. Hence, if you consider the factors mentioned above while selecting a pressure cushion, it may help you arrive at the right decision easily.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.