Choice Of Pressure Relief Cushions

Choice Of Pressure Relief Cushions

by Maryanne Goff

Pressure relief cushions are an important tool for helping individuals required to sit in wheelchairs for long periods of time. They help to maintain the health of the skin by distributing pressure in a variety of ways. They also help give postural stability and prevent shear force.

Lack of circulation means that supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells decreases. This in turn means that ulcers may form. Once these ulcers have formed, they may be hard to treat so it is better to prevent them. Shear force occurs when a part of the body tries to move but the surface of the skin remains fixed, pulling skin and tissue apart. This may happen when an individual slips forward in the chair.

A number of different factors must be taken into consideration when choosing the right cushion. It is important to have the input of a clinical professional in making the decision. How long the user spends in the chair, how much moving around takes place and other factors like incontinence and posture problems must all be considered.

The wheelchair and cushion must work together. There are many sizes and depth of cushions available. The correct one has to be chosen to ensure that when the individual is sitting on the cushion, the height is correct in relation to the armrests and the back of the chair.

Different materials such as gel, foam, air and water are used in these products. This is because they are able to conform to the shape of the body, distributing weight and allowing for optimum blood flow. They all have this in common but when it comes to cost, weight, heat conduction and stability there are different advantages and disadvantages.

A foam cushion is one of the least expensive options but it wears down quite quickly and can become compressed. There are many different densities available today, some of which are more resilient than others. Memory foam that allows conformity is the most effective. The fact that foam is easier to cut and cheaper than some of the other options affords therapists the opportunity to try out different shapes.

Static air cushions use air-filled balloons or pathways for channeling the air. An air alternating cushion works with a pump that allows rows of air cells to inflate and deflate. The main drawback of an air cushion is that it requires regular maintenance to ensure the correct degree of inflation.

Sores and ulcers are more likely to develop when skin is damp, so a cushion that wicks moisture away from the body is a good idea, especially for people who tend to get hot easily. Gel is useful for this reason and it is also comfortable, conforming well to body shape and providing good weight distribution. One disadvantage is that it is heavy, making it unsuitable for users who need a light weight for easy portability.

The cost of <A href="http://xlentcare.com">pressure relief cushions</A> can vary considerably, according to the materials with which they are made, covers, size and depth. It is worthwhile to purchase a product with proven performance over time. This may not be the cheapest option but durability, comfort and effectiveness should take precedence over cost.



When you want to find reliable <a href="http://xlentcare.com">pressure relief cushions</a>, visit the web pages online here today. You can see examples of styles and colors at http://xlentcare.com now.

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