Are you looking for the best wheelchair cushion for preventing pressure sores?
Wheelchair users may spend hours each day sitting on their wheelchairs.
Pressure can lead to painful pressure sores, which is why being careful to avoid undue stress and keeping your spine upright when sitting is extremely important.
Table of Contents
Things to Consider Before Buying Wheelchair Cushions to Prevent Pressure Sores
Before buying a wheelchair cushion, you must better understand it. Every detail must be read and understood before making a decision.
Product Dimensions
If you have trouble getting in and out of the chair, buy something compact and safe.
Some cushions are hefty and may cause a fall [2]. You also don’t want anything heavy and inflexible to store that you can’t use.
Pressure Relief
Consider your stress points. Is the cushion you choose easing that pressure? If you have tailbone pain, choose the gel wheelchair cushion that relieves it [3].
Comfort and Support
Pay particular attention to the cushion’s support. Foam or memory foam cushions can soon wear down and flatten.
Some cushions are better than others, so check reviews and see what others say before buying.
Why Use a Wheelchair Cushion for Pressure Sores?
- Pressure sore cushions for wheelchairs assist in the transfer of weight uniformly over the sitting area, reducing pressure points.
- A cushion prevents pressure sores and other skin diseases caused by prolonged sitting [4].
- A cushion helps you to sit comfortably while remaining upright.
- It prevents sweat and adhering to the wheelchair surface.
- Lessen friction and stress.
Fortunately, I reviewed the 10 best wheelchair cushions to prevent pressure sores, so let’s check them out!
Check: Most Expensive Wheelchair
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Pressure Relief Cushions Top Picks at a Glance
- TOP CHOICE (WINNER): Luxury Gel Wheelchair Cushion
- BUDGET CHOICE: CYLEN Orthopedic Seat Cushion for Car and Wheelchair
- SAFETY CHOICE: 5 Star United Wheelchair Seat Cushion
- Action Akton Polymer Adaptive Flat Pad
- Wheelchair Cushions with Gel Bladder
10 Best Wheelchair Cushions for Pressure Relief (With Reviews)
Discomfort or lacking support could cause your skin and bones to rub against each other for an extended period.
So, pressure sores might result from this. If left untreated, these sores can actually become life-threatening, so you really want to do whatever you can to prevent them [1].
That’s where these great cushions really help.
1. TOP CHOICE (WINNER): Luxury Gel Wheelchair Cushion
A valuable addition to your wheelchair: The world’s first designer wheelchair cushion for pressure sores has been developed specifically for it.
This dual-bladder gel cushion offers piping details at a competitive price and a non-medical-looking design.
Physical Attributes
Make your wheelchair more comfortable with the first customized wheelchair cushion.
There are many key features for your comfort and health in this dual-bladder gel cushion, including a non-medical-looking cover with navy blue and tan piping accents and all of the impressive features for your welfare and convenience.
The cushion contains a dual-chamber gel pod, decreasing gel migration and preventing “bottoming out” during use.
Dually density foam layers make it supportive while the gel cools the skin.
The cushion is also equipped with a strap and buckle that makes it simple to carry over your shoulder and attach it to a wheelchair with ease, even with extended periods.
It is antimicrobial and mildew-resistant, and it is manufactured in the United States.
Measurements
Luxury gel cushions are built with just appropriate measurements: 18″ width, 16″ depth and 3″ thickness.
The product weight is 4 lbs and can hold a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Luxury Gel Cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Premium cushion materials | Not lightweight |
| Antimicrobial and mildew-resistant | Others find it too stiff |
| Dual-density foam layers | |
| Washable and removable cover |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This amazing cushion for pressure sores has a premium design that is elegant and doesn’t look like a medical device.
It is built of two layers of high-density foam for a more comfortable ride, and it comes with a strap and a buckle for more accessible transport.
Tips
It is recommended for relieving pressure sores because of its distinctive gel/foam design, which cools and decreases the strain on the body interface.
Check: Power Wheelchair Cover
2. BUDGET CHOICE: CYLEN Orthopedic Seat Cushion for Car and Wheelchair
CYLEN is the best affordable option for ventilated memory foam cushions. You will be saying goodbye to any chances of getting a hot seat.
The cushion allows a maximum amount of airflow because of its breathable and washable air mesh cover. This cushion will be beneficial.
Physical Attributes
CYLEN is known for its bamboo charcoal’s ultimate power, which contains the most refined memory foam and bamboo charcoal infusion mixed into the foam.
Besides eliminating odors, it has superior ventilation capability.
The state-of-the-art memory foam stabilizes the mattress’s temperature to not rise for as long, which helps to extend the life of the bed.
CYLEN seats and lower back cushions are specially designed to help relieve pressure on your tailbone and lower back.
The memory foam conforms to your body’s curves and keeps its shape and contour while offering maximum comfort.
Measurements
CYLEN seat cushion dimensions are 17.5 x 13.39 x 3.27 inches and weigh about 1.8 pounds.
Benefits & Drawbacks of CYLEN cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Bamboo charcoal infusion | Easily worn out when used over time |
| Thermal regulating | Others find cushion size too small for taller people |
| Breathable and washable cover | |
| It is available in black and grey | |
| Anti-slip |
How it Compares to Others
Bamboo charcoal is used to regulate the humidity and temperature of the cushion, preventing the moisture from flowing in.
This is one of the most distinctive features; it’s thermal regulating for a very affordable price.
Tips
This cushion is made to treat back, hip, tailbone, and coccyx ulcers. Removal cover and non-slip features have been included in the new cushion cover design.
To reduce the cushion slide, apply padding where it’s needed.
3. SAFETY CHOICE: 5 Star United Wheelchair Seat Cushion
The 5 Star United seat cushion is perfect for people who spend more than eight hours every day seated. This chair adds to your overall posture support while helping retain the typical posture of your spine.
Physical Attributes
5 Star United features a breathable mesh cover for optimal air circulation, as well as a non-slip rubber base of the pad is firmly attached so that it will not slide.
Memory Foam is used in a cushion insert that matches your shape and reduces pressure. Your body’s weight is equally distributed, which relieves pressure on the spinal discs.
Ergonomic design is suitable for increasing blood flow, and it helps relieve pain in the lower back, reduces muscular fatigue, and improves hamstring flexibility.
You can sit in an upright position naturally without pain.
Measurements
Measures 17.7″x 13.8″x 2.8″
Benefits & Drawbacks of 5 Star United Cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Evenly distributes your weight | It does go “flat” faster than others I’ve tried. |
| Washable cover | Some found it a little too firm. |
| Firm and supportive | |
| Takes pressure off your tailbone |
How it Compares to Others and Why
5 Star United has created a good balance between firmness and comfort in their seat cushion.
The anatomical shapes of your body are echoed by this thick pad, which supports your lumbar area, and the pressure on your back is lessened.
How the Product Evolved
This seat cushion fits a variety of office chairs. To alleviate compression, the tailbone-satisfying U-shaped contoured form sits low to the ground.
If you move around a lot, this cushion is also an excellent alternative to consider.
Tips
An orthopedic doctor who reviewed it on Amazon recommends these wheelchair seat cushion pressure sores. Please remember that the cushion is supportive and firm. It’s not supposed to feel soft.
Check: Best Wheelchair Backpacks
4. Dual-Chamber Gel Cushion
The Dual-Chamber Gel Cushion is a gel bladder and foam cushion hybrid that reduces pressure sores.
Physical Attributes
Dual-Chamber gel cushion is nylon-coated, flame-resistant, antimicrobial, and the anti-mildew covering is fluid-resistant and anti-mildew.
It also features an elegant, soft navy-blue tint. It has a non-slip bottom which keeps the cushion in place.
Moreover, a hook and loop strap allows the cushion to connect to the wheelchair frame. Velcro has been included in the wheelchair frame so that it can attach to the gel bladder.
This dual-chamber gel cushion is designed and manufactured in the United States.
Measurements
The product specifications are: 16″ – 22″ width, 16″ depth, 3″ thick and weighs 3 lbs. It is heavy-duty with a weight limit of 300 lbs.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Dual Chamber Cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Moderate pressure relief | A bit heavy |
| Non-slip and water-resistant | |
| Soft foam |
How it Compares to Others and Why
A dual-chamber pressure-reducing gel bladder provides an inner foam cushion for a more comfortable seating position.
Its foamed nylon has a non-porous, urethane-coated outer surface, antimicrobial, anti-mildew, and flame-resistant.
Tips
It is best recommended for users looking for extra stability and balance. It is securely affixed Velcro straps that connect to the wheelchair frame and are built into the cushion so it doesn’t slide.
5. Action Akton Polymer Adaptive Flat Pad
Action Akton chair pad is a cushion-like pressure reliever that can be used to cushion and protect padded areas, like arm pads, footplates, headrests, leg rests, and splints or braces.
Check our list of the best wheelchair armrest pads!
Physical Attributes
Akton Polymer Adaptive Flat Pad is composed of a viscous, non-leaking polymer. For traditional and non-traditional mobility issues, the Action 1/2 inch Akton Polymer Adaptive Flat Pad is quite helpful.
The thick 1/2 inch pad is intended for comfort cushioning and is not mainly a medical device. This type of cushion allows for reduced pressure and shear by moving with you instead of pushing against you.
Measurements
Akton Polymer flat pad is available in different sizes. It is available in small (16x16x1/2″), medium (18x16x1/2″), and large (18x18x1/2″).
Benefits & Drawbacks of Akton Polymer flat pad
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Exceptional pressure relief | Not recommended for medical use |
| Functional | |
| Very easy to clean with wipes |
CHECK: How to Clean Wheelchair Cushion?
How it Compares to Others and Why
Akton Polymer provides several cushion functions by reducing pressure sores and giving skin protection to different body areas.
Tips
The Action 1/2 inch Akton Polymer Adaptive Flat Pad must be used with an Action brand cover as part of their warranty policy. This item cannot be returned for sanitary reasons.
The Akton Polymer Adaptive Flat Pads 1/2 inch are gel pads made of 100% smooth Akton Polymer. Caregivers will find these 1/4 inch thick gel pads can be used for multiple applications for providing increased comfort and pressure relief. Adaptive Pads can be cut and used for spot protection on arm pads, foot plates, head rests, leg rests, splints or braces.
The Akton Polymer Adaptive Pads 1/2 inch is ideal for use as a cushion for comfort, not medical intervention. Akton polymer will not leak, flow, or bottom out.
The gel pad is tissue equivalent, designed to move with user, not against them, to reduce pressure and shear, the two leading causes of pressure sores. The gel pads are easy to clean with standard disinfectant, will not support microbiological growth, and will not absorb body fluids or odors.
6. M2 Active Cushion with 3D Quadra Gel (Zero Elevation)
M2 Active cushion with 3D Quadra gel and zero elevation is a pressure-relieving cushion aid. The ischial and coccyx area and delicate skin are protected with a Quadra 3D gel pack.
Physical Attributes
A 3D Quadra Gel pack is incorporated into the M2 Active Cushion to prevent shear pressures, skin disintegration, and heat accumulation.
The gel is evenly distributed between four 3D gel compartments under the sitting area, helping create a natural appearance.
Additionally, two levels of high resilience foam maximize surface area, allowing for better comfort of bony prominences (example, your tailbone).
Quantitative Measurements
M2 Active cushion is16″ – 24″ width, 16″ – 20″ depth, and 3 lbs. Its weight capacity is about 250 lbs. to 400 lbs.
Benefits & Drawbacks of M2 Active Cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Foam and gel cushion type | It does not correct body posture |
| Reduces peak pressure |
How it Compare to Others and Why
This unique gel used in the M2 was designed to ensure the surface stays excellent for individuals with MS and ALS. There are two densities of high resilience foam, resulting in greater surface area.
It is equipped with non-skid treads and hooks, and loops for secure attachment.
Tips
It is particularly well-suited for people who have difficulty with pressure-related injuries (rashes, sores, etc.). With the use of adduction and abduction, it’s possible to position a contouring device.
7. SUNFICON Inflatable Air Cushion Chair
SUNFICON inflatable air cushion is made with highly resilient Lycra fabric covers that provide comfort and hard-wearing. Silica gel gives you a firm, long-lasting hold on your pillow.
Physical Attributes
It provides maximum hip and back support with 3D air chambers coated in breathable Lycra fabric. It’s shown to help relieve aches and pains, especially when sitting for an extended period.
The air around it flows to adjacent cells when one of the air cells is compressed.
In other words, it helps reduce heat transfer and that irritating “sat too long” feeling while also protecting your posture.
Measurements
Product dimensions are 18 x 16 x 1 inches. Item weight is 10.6 ounces.
Benefits & Drawbacks of SUNFICON Cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Breathable Lycra Fabric | Not returnable |
| Air-filled cushion |
How it Compares to Others and Why
SUNFICON’s Inflatable Seat Cushion is heavy-duty and adjustable in comparison to foam support cushions.
Tips
You can adjust your preferred air pressure level, 70%, 80%, or even fully pumped; it’s your preference and comfort level.
8. Drive Molded Foam Cushion
Drive Medical’s new cushion features an innovative construction of high-resilient molded foam that provides maximum stabilization, alignment, and pressure relief in a comfortable and supportive package.
Physical Attributes
The foam is contoured to fit the lower body and promotes proper posture as you sleep.
An easily removable, machine washable, and flame retardant stretch polyester knit cover with a non-slip bottom is included for further comfort and safety in use.
Measurements
Product dimensions are: 16″, 18″ width, 16″, 18″ depth, 1.75″ thick, and 2 lbs. weight. It can fit from 250 lbs to 300 lbs.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Drive Molded Cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Molded foam cushion for wheelchair | Others find the armrest too high |
| Non-slip |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Drive molded foam cushion is made with high-quality materials that will last you for an extended amount of time. It is convenient and very affordable compared to other competitors in the market.
Tips
The removable knit cover is machine-washable and has a high level of resilience. The bottom of the chair has a non-slip texture.
9. The Drive Medical Gel, “E” 3″ Wheelchair Cushion
The Drive Medical Gel, “E” 3″ Wheelchair Cushions for pressure relief with gel bladder will help you avoid getting a pressure ulcer and provide you with the comfort you need.
Physical Attributes
The Drive Medical Gel cushions are made of a high-density, high-resilience foam that allows for the best possible seat stabilization, positioning, and pressure reduction results.
They are equipped with viscous gel bladders that are unique in the industry and help to reduce pressure. It includes a soft, water-resistant top that protects in the event of incontinence.
Measurements
Drive Medical cushions are available in different sizes: 16″ x 16″, 18″ x 16″, 20″ x 16″ , and 22″ x 18″.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Wheelchair Cushion With Gel Bladder
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Fire retardant polyurethane foam shell | A bit stiff |
| Reduces risk of pressure sores |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Drive Medical Gel is specially manufactured cushions with gel bladder fire-retardant polyurethane foam cover.
10. ROHO Heavy Duty Adjustable Seat Cushion
ROHO seat cushion is one of the amazon product advertising choices. It is a heavy-duty, inflatable and adjustable cushion, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Physical Attributes
ROHO cushions for wheelchairs provide a convenient, functional, customized seating solution for persons with discomfort while sitting.
Each cushion’s air pockets are quick and straightforward to establish and can be easily fine-tuned to get the optimal level of comfort. Choose between a non-skin mesh cover or a water-resistant heavy-duty cover. All coils are fitted with a hand pump for easier pumping.
Lightweight, easy-to-wear wheelchair paddle for bedside chairs, vehicle seats, and sports events with a weight restriction of 315LB/143Kg.
Measurements
ROHO wheelchair cushions come in two available sizes: 18″ Wide x 16″ Deep and 18″ Wide x 18″ Deep.
Benefits & Drawbacks of ROHO Cushion
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief cushions | Not returnable |
| Lightweight and easy to transport |
How it Compares to Others and Why
ROHO cushion is designed to match the user’s contour, responding to each movement to minimize the risk of skin breakdown, even for long sitting hours.
How the Product Evolved
ROHO features a 3″ easily inflated, interconnecting polyvinyl air cell, non-skid cover, repairs kit, instructions and inflation pump for quick installation.
Tips
This item is an excellent choice for anyone at risk for skin/soft tissue deterioration, with pain, compromised sensibility, and a need for greater comfort when sitting.
READ MORE: How much does a standard wheelchair weigh?
Check out more gift ideas for someone in a wheelchair.
FAQs
How do you prevent pressure sores in a wheelchair-bound patient?
Sit on foam or gel seat cushions for pressure sores. Natural sheepskin pads also aid relieve skin pressure.
Do wheelchair users get pressure sores?
Yes. Pressure sores occur more frequently in wheelchair users who cannot reposition themselves.
What are three different types of pressure care cushions?
Foam, gel, and air-filled are the standard type of wheelchair cushions. Choose which type of cushion gives you more comfortability and support.
Conclusion
Wheelchair users should have enough personal comfort and convenience all day long. You don’t have to sit through chairs that are painfully harsh and terrible.
Getting the best wheelchair cushion can completely change your experience of getting around. It also allows better circulation, improved posture and most importantly, pressure sores are less likely to occur.
Final Recommendation
This Luxury Gel Wheelchair Cushion comes in at number one for the best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores. It contains many beneficial qualities that are dedicated to providing a quality and comfortable experience.
Luxury Gel Wheelchair Cushion is our overall winner that reduces tension and discomfort and gives you a pain-free sitting experience that will keep pressure sore away!
References:
- 1. Pressure Ulcer – Syed Rafay H. Zaidi; Sandeep Sharma.January 3, 2024 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553107/
- 2. Falls in the Elderly: Causes & How to Prevent Them [Internet]. MedAlertHelp.org. 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 10]. Available from: https://medalerthelp.org/blog/falls-in-the-elderly/
- 3. Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia): Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 10]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10436-coccydynia-tailbone-pain
- 4. The dangers of sitting – Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. Harvard Health; 2019 [cited 2021 Dec 10]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/the-dangers-of-sitting
For you, what is the best wheelchair cushion for preventing sores? Please let us know in the comments below!
Thank you for your post. It brings so much value for people who are using wheelchairs everyday.
I am glad there are lots of cushion options. I would always want the person to be as comfy as they can be!
I didn’t know that wheelchair users experienced pressure sores. That makes sense to get a comfortable cushion.
Such good info. My mom was in a wheelchair for a short time and I remember her pain.
I think if I had to choose a wheelchair cushion that I would want a memory foam one with the tailbone cut out. I get tailbone pain on occasion.
These are good products to consider for those who are wheelchair bound and also those who are not very mobile in general.
These look like very comfortable wheelchair cushions, I bet a lot of them would make for great PC chair cushions too!
It looks like these wheelchair cushions are very comfortable and amazing! I am glad you shared this!
Preventing is definitely better than healing. So I am willing to do everything possible to feel comfortable!