Wheelchair Cushions

Today's high tech seating products include powered seating products, back supports for wheelchairs, custom cushions and seating accessories. They come in many forms but serve two basic functions: pressure reducing and positioning.

Wheelchair Cushions Provide Relief From Pressure Ulcers and Sores

Skin ulcers and sores, can be caused by a combination of factors including the inability to shift one’s own body weight, heat, moisture, and shearing. Heat can be generated by your body when sitting on a surface that doesn't allow your skin to breathe, moisture can be caused by sweat or urination and shearing is a result of repeated friction between your body and the seat. This explanation is oversimplified, and other factors can be involved, but the result is skin breakdown leading to pressure ulcers and sores which are extremely uncomfortable and can lead to tragic results. Wheelchair cushions and back supports for chairs are strategically designed to reduce the factors contributing to skin ulcers and sores.

Types of Wheelchair Cushions Available

High Density Foam Wheelchair Seat Cushions

Foam cushions are constructed of different densities of high quality foam. These foam cushions are contoured for correct positioning and covered with a waterproof inner cover and breathable outer cover. Foam cushions are low maintenance and popular for users who are not at the highest level of risk for developing pressure ulcers and sores.

Alternating Air Cushion for Wheelchairs

Air cushions provide the highest pressure reduction and are great for pressure sores and the prevention of pressure ulcers, but they offer the lowest positioning benefit. Air cushions distribute weight over a large area without bottoming out. Getting the proper pressure takes a bit of practice and should be checked daily. These wheelchair cushions should only be used when the user or caregiver is willing and able to perform this maintenance. As with gel, air cushions are naturally waterproof but waterproof covers are available.

Gel Cushion for Wheelchairs

There are two types of gel seat cushions. The first is a no maintenance polymer gel, similar in consistency to jello with a plastic membrane cover. The gel is cut into smaller shapes and used as padding.

The second type of gel seat cushion has gel with the consistency of soft putty sealed in a plastic bladder, mounted to a foam base. Contoured pieces of foam can be added between the gel bladder and foam base for added positioning benefits. They are excellent for pressure reduction and positioning, but require a bit of maintenance. The gel has a tendency to sink and should be kneaded before each transfer into the wheelchair. These are naturally waterproof wheelchair cushions and do not require waterproof covers.

Powered Wheelchair Seating

Powered seating systems are designed to be installed on high-end power wheelchairs, and provide a superior level of positioning to help address pressure relief, spasticity, feeding, edema, etc. The systems can be controlled by the regular joystick, or by any number of the alternate control systems available. Common applications include power tilt in space, recline, elevating leg rests and elevating seats. These are very complex and specific applications, so a consultation with a professional is required to choose the correct combinations of power bases, accessories, cushions and backs.

Wheelchair Back Cushions

Like wheelchair cushions, backs support cushions are available in a variety of models ranging from basic foam products that provide moderate positioning and pressure relief, to high-end foam and gel or air combination products with aggressive positioning characteristics. Many wheelchair back cushions are designed with versatile mounting systems that allow adjustments of height, depth and back angle to accommodate the individual user.

Wheelchair Seating Accessories

Wheelchair seating accessories work in conjunction with wheelchair cushions, wheelchair back cushions and power seating bases to provide a better solution for some clients. Common accessories include headrests/neckrests, lateral supports, pommels (abductors), bolsters and wedges (adductors), arm troughs, trays, positioning belts, and special footrests.

 We’ll Help You Choose the Best Wheelchair Cushion and Wheelchair Back Cushion for Your Specific Needs

Choosing the correct seating product and installation is extremely important to both the health and function of the wheelchair user. It is for this reason that only trained and experienced professionals should be involved. Contact us and we’ll connect you with one of our stores across Canada who will work with qualified health care professionals to ensure you receive the best seating solution to help you maintain maximum comfort, mobility and overall health.

You Might Be Interested in…

Featured
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ROHO® AGILITY® Mid Contour Wheelchair Cushion Back
US$0.00

The AGILITY Mid Contour Back System is recommended for individuals who need postural support and mid-thoracic trunk support and is appropriate for those who are independent or may require some assistance with transfers.

Two options: Air Insert with Lumbar Support or Air Insert Only

Sizes Offered:

Widths: 14" - 20"
Depths: 4"
Heights: 10", 13", 16", 18", and 20"

Stronger

  • AGILITY passed 100,000 cycles without damage or slippage when 300 lbs. of force was exerted directly to the most vulnerable part of the back, the top. See the video.

Easy to Adjust

  • AGILITY angle, height and depth can be adjusted with the individual in the wheelchair – all with one tool. Watch the video.

Comfortable

  • Only AGILITY offers ROHO’s adjustable AIR FLOATATION Technology along the spinal column to increase overall comfort and to better conform to any individual.

Flippable

  • Shell can be “flipped” to accommodate more body types using the same hardware.

ROHO AGILITY Back Systems are changing how you help individuals with their seating and positioning needs.

We have built upon ROHO’s 40 years of superior quality and AIR FLOATATION™ Technology to create the strongest, most comfortable, and most adjustable replacement back on the market.

Why AGILITY?

Our innovative hardware. The cutting-edge, durable Zytel® composite hardware lets you say: “AGILITY Backs will not slip!” AGILITY gives you the peace of mind knowing that when your client’s replacement back is fitted properly to your client’s wheelchair, the back will stay in position. Your clients will have the confidence that no matter what their activity level, their AGILITY back will keep them secure now and in the future. And that is only part of how AGILITY Backs help you put the individuals needs first.

Interested in wheelchair seating options?

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ROHO® Quadtro Select® High Profile® Wheelchair Cushion
US$0.00

Select Series cushions set the standard for performance in wheelchair seating.

  • With the ability to customize the fit with the push of a button, the revolutionary ISOFLO® Memory Control offers shape-fitting capabilities while you’re seated. You will no longer have to sacrifice maximum skin/soft tissue protection to get stability, positioning or convenience.

Adjustable

  • The QUADTRO SELECT HIGH PROFILE is adjustable to your shape and weight and will adjust to changes in your position over time.

Lightweight

  • Easy to handle and carry, at just 3.8 lbs/1.7 kg (QS99C). Varies by size.

  • Washable

  • Cushion can be easily cleaned with soap and water.

Repairable

  • The flame-resistant, black neoprene (not made with natural rubber latex) cushion can be patched or repaired to extend its use.

Based on clinical, scientific or engineering evidence, this product may be suitable for individuals who:

  • have a history of skin/soft tissue breakdown and/or any category/stage pressure injury (including deep tissue injury), skin grafts, and/or myocutaneous flap surgery

  • currently have skin/soft tissue breakdown and/or any category/stage pressure injury (including deep tissue injury)

  • are at risk for skin/soft tissue breakdown

  • have normal or impaired sensation

  • require accommodation of pelvic asymmetry, up to approximately 3"/ 7.5cm

  • require increased stability – require correction of pelvic asymmetry (medial lateral and/or anterior posterior)

  • require different positioning of the left and right femur

Protection

  • ROHO is the worldwide leader of seating solutions to prevent and treat pressure injuries including deep tissue injury while providing skin and soft tissue protection.

Clinical Evidence

  • ROHO has been in over 90 scientific and clinical studies to reinforce and verify that a ROHO DRY FLOATATION® cushion heals, treats and prevents pressure injuries including deep tissue injury.

Adjustability

  • ROHO DRY FLOATATION cushions, unlike foam products, provide the ability to constantly adjust and conform with an individual’s body, now, and as he or she changes throughout the months and years.

Adaptability

  • ROHO DRY FLOATATION cushions support the shifts and movements that individuals make throughout each day.

Specifications

  • Includes QUADTRO SELECT HIGH PROFILE Cushion, two-way stretch cover, hand inflation pump, repair kit, and operating instructions. Optional Heavy Duty cover available.

  • Construction flame-resistant, black neoprene (not made with natural rubber latex)

  • Height 4.25"/10.25cm without load

  • Widths 12.75"/32.5cm to 24.25"/62.5cm

  • Weight Varies by size, approximately 3.5 lbs/1.6 kg (based on size QS99C)

  • Weight Limit There is no weight limit, yet the cushion must be properly sized to the individual.

  • Warranty Cushion: 36-Month Limited Warranty, Cover: 6-Month Limited Warranty

Interested in wheelchair seating options?

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ROHO® Hybrid Elite SR® Wheelchair Cushion
US$0.00

The stability of foam. The protection of air. All in one.

The ROHO Hybrid Elite SR Cushion combines the skin/soft tissue protection and Shape Fitting Technology® of a ROHO DRY FLOATATION® cushion with stability from a contoured foam base. This cushion design allows for improved pelvic alignment and stability for improved position and function while maintaining optimal immersion and envelopment of both the ischial tuberosities and greater trochanters. The ROHO shape fitting cushion insert provides critical pressure redistribution around the pelvis area giving the individual skin/soft tissue protection that ROHO is known for.

Positioning

  • The individual can achieve greater positioning ability with the ROHO Hybrid Elite SR cushion. The contoured foam base provides the opportunity for both lower extremity and pelvic alignment and control.

Skin/Soft Tissue Protection

  • The Hybrid Elite SR cushion hydrostatically loads the ischial tuberosities and the posterior shelf of the greater trochanters for those who are at risk of skin/soft tissue breakdown. It provides an adjustable, reduced friction and shear environment that can help protect the individual from acquiring pressure injuries from sitting.

Stability

  • The ROHO Hybrid Elite SR’s customized contoured foam base provides improved positioning of the pelvis and lower extremities, enhancing sitting posture. This added stability assists the individual in achieving a safer transfer in and out of their wheelchair.

Confidence and Independence available only with Smart Check:

  • Take the guesswork out of checking the inflation level of your cushion. Even as your body changes, the optional Smart Check allows you to verify the inflation level to ensure optimal performance and protection.

The ROHO Hybrid Elite SR Cushion is appropriate for individuals who:

  • have a history of skin/soft tissue breakdown and/or any stage pressure injury (including deep tissue injury), skin grafts, and/or myocutaneous flap surgery

  • currently have skin/soft tissue breakdown and/or any stage pressure injury (including deep tissue injury)

  • are at risk for skin/soft tissue breakdown and/or any stage pressure injury(including deep tissue injury

  • have normal or impaired sensation

  • require accommodation of pelvic asymmetry, up to approximately 2"/ 5cm

  • require increased stability

  • require lower extremity alignment

Additional Benefits:

  • Adjustable to shape and weight in the pelvic loading area

  • Adjustable to changes in individual’s position in the pelvic loading area over time

  • Hydrostatic distribution of load across the pelvic loading area

  • Provides up to approximately 2"/7cm of immersion

  • Adds little weight to entire mobility system

  • Air-filled cushion insert can be easily cleaned and disinfected

  • Cover is machine washable and can be disinfected, foam base may be wiped with damp cloth

  • Neoprene cushion insert can be patched or repaired to extend use

  • Contoured foam base, foam insert, and air-filled insert are fluid resistant

  • Foam insert is contoured to provide support to the legs

Interested in wheelchair seating options?

Read more →