Choosing the Correct Cushion - Increasing Your Quality of Life

 When it comes to buying a cushion for your wheelchair, car or home; comfort should be your first concern with price a close second. More than ten name brand manufacturers and a large number of local custom shops combine to offer thousands of styles and sizes of cushions allowing the buyer nearly unlimited flexibility with pricing and fit.

The first aspects of buying a cushion the consumer should investigate are the necessary dimensions. There are three initial dimensions that will help narrow down ones choice; the width, depth and height/thickness. These dimensions are typically measured in inches; for example a standard size wheelchair cushion is 18 inches wide by 16 inches deep and 2 inches high - 18" W x 16" D x 2" H. While cushions can coussin de sol be made any size by custom shops, they typically range from 16" to 24" wide, 16" to 22" deep and 1" to 6" high.

The surface in which the cushion will rest should be measured to help determine the width and depth of the cushion that should be ordered. If the cushion is to be used on multiple surfaces; for example in a car and on a wheelchair, the smaller surface of the two should be measured. To determine the height, or thickness, the consumer must consider several factors. If the cushion is to be used on a wheelchair and the individual typically uses their feet to propel themselves, they will want a lower profile cushion so they may still reach the ground with their feet. The drawback with a low profile cushion is less foam for cushioning. However, this can be offset by the use of specialty foams and gel; while a bit more expensive, they cushion more effectively than standard foam while reducing the overall height.

Once the dimensions of the cushion are determined, it is time to consider its ultimate function. Most will need a cushion to do basically just what its name implies, provide relief to one's bottom-side. There are many more reasons why a cushion could be needed including: Coccyx (tailbone) relief, pressure sore prevention, stabilization and spinal relief to name a few.

The inner workings of a cushion determine its effectiveness for its intended purpose. Cushions will use foam, water, gel and air, or a combination thereof to serve their purpose. The most common and least expensive form of cushions is foam. There are three types of foam to consider when buying a cushion; convoluted (egg-crate), standard and memory (visco-elastic) foam. Convoluted foam cushions have the egg-crate look to them and typically do not have a cover; they are the least expensive form of cushion selling for roughly $5-$10. Standard foam cushions have been the norm for decades; standard foam comes in a variety of densities and priced reasonably in the $30-$40 range. The latest in foam technology is memory foam, otherwise known as visco-elastic foam. Memory foam supports all point of contact from the body versus just the significant pressure points as with standard foam. This dispersion of pressure, while a bit more expensive in the $75 to $190 range, has led to memory foams quick growth in popularity.