With the use of wheelchairs, it is important to employ a comfortable wheelchair seat cushion to minimize the pain and discomfort for the patient. These seat cushions also ensure to prevent, let alone worsen, skin irritation as well as bone damage which can happen from prolonged immobility. Although there is a wide range of wheelchair cushions which are available in the market to choose from, some of the best options have been compiled here to give the readers a basic idea.
Let us dive into the best wheelchair cushions as well as their characteristic features:
1. NYOrtho Gel Foam Wheelchair Cushion
NYOrtho gel foam-based wheelchair cushion is one of the top-rated products by consumers. It consists of high-density foam which renders it durable. The gel is filled in a dual-chambered membrane which is highly protective for the consumer against pressure-related injuries. The product is water-resistant and non-slippery which increases the user’s compatibility. Moreover, the NYOrtho cushion is resistant to mildew as well as the microbial buildup.
NYOrtho Gel Foam Wheelchair Cushion
2. Drive Deluxe Gel Skin Protection Cushion
The Drive Deluxe gel ‘E’ skin protection wheelchair seat cushion is a cushion carrying a gel bladder wrapped within a fire-resistant foam sheet. It has the remarkable ability to redistribute the pressure thus making the user experience comfortable at its maximum. Its water-proof upper surface does not irritate the skin as well as is non-slippery in nature. The Drive Deluxe gel cushion can tolerate up to 500 pounds of pressure. A handle has been affixed to it for the ease of carrying it around. As an added advantage, the Drive Deluxe cushion is very affordable and thus falls into the category of the best wheelchair seat cushions.
Drive Deluxe Gel Skin Protection Cushion
3. Gel and Foam Gel-U-Seat Cushion
The gel and foam Gel-U-Seat cushion is a water-resistant double-chambered cushion filled with a gel designed to minimize the pressure by distributing it. The material used to manufacture the Gel-U-Seat cushion is non-irritant to the skin and handles the pressure really well. Furthermore, the slip-and-slide risk is minimum with the use of a Gel-U-Seat cushion. Its features such as high weight capacity as well as secure tying to the wheelchair have made it one of the best cushions for wheelchairs.
Gel and Foam Gel-U-Seat Cushion
4. Gel Foam Pressure Redistribution Wheelchair Cushion
The Gel Foam pressure redistribution wheelchair cushion consists of a gel pad surrounded by two sheets of highly resilient foam. It is particularly helpful in deflecting the pressure away from the bony as well as sensitive areas. It is uncomplicated to clean and carry around. The Gel Foam redistribution cushion is waterproof and can bear pressure up to 300 pounds. These features have rendered it one of the best seat cushions for wheelchairs.
Gel Foam Pressure Redistribution Wheelchair Cushion
5. Drive Gel-U-Seat Lite Gel Cushion
The Drive Gel-U-Seat Lite gel cushion is a double-compartment cushion filled with cooling gel and covered with durable foamy layers. With a thickness of 2 inches, the Gel-U-Seat cushion works perfectly in handling pressure. The top sheet of the cushion is made up of nylon and vinyl which is moisture-resistant and waterproof. It is, although, a little slippery but the ties attached to it in order to secure it on the wheelchair work really well to prevent it from displacement.
Drive Gel-U-Seat Lite Gel Cushion
6. MobiCushion Pneumatic Seat Cushion
The MobiCushion pneumatic seat cushion is a portable electronic wheelchair pad. It is adjustable in terms of pressure settings which can be set as static or as alternating cycles. The device is also fitted with a pressure sensor to suit the consumer’s needs at its best. The MobiCushion pneumatic seal cushion is battery-operated and rechargeable. With its use, the chances of pressure sores are reduced.
MobiCushion Pneumatic Seat Cushion
7. ROHO Low Profile Single Compartment Wheelchair Cushion
The ROHO low profile single compartment wheelchair cushion is an air-filled cushion designed to modify according to the needs of the consumers. It can adjust easily with varying body shapes in terms of its pressure distribution as well as structure. The best part is that the ROHO low-profile cushion is not designed for a limited weight which means that it can tolerate higher pressure with no difficulty. The cushion seat is comfortable and non-irritant to the consumer. Moreover, it is easy to hand clean it with water and soap or it can be washed in a washing machine. The only limitation in its extensive use is its high price but looking at the advantages it can provide, the cost becomes a secondary concern.
ROHO Low Profile Single Compartment Wheelchair Cushion
8. ROHO High Profile Single Compartment Wheelchair Cushion
The ROHO high-profile single-compartment wheelchair cushion, just like the low-profile one, is filled with air. The only difference between the two types is the height after being inflated i.e. in the case of the ROHO low profile cushion, the air-filled cushion reaches 2 inches in height while for the ROHO high profile cushion, this height reaches up to 4 inches. Apart from this, the rest of the features are similar.
ROHO High Profile Single Compartment Wheelchair Cushion
9. Comfort Foam Wheelchair Cushion
The Comfort Foam wheelchair cushion is a 3-inch thick wheelchair pad fabricated for deflecting the pressure away from the bones especially from the tailbone as well as from the pelvic bones. Its unique design helps minimize the risk of skin damage. Its outer cover is waterproof and very easy to clean. The Comfort Foam cushion comes with a warranty of 5 years.
Comfort Foam Wheelchair Cushion
Conclusion
The wheelchair seal cushion becomes a necessity when it comes to using a wheelchair for a patient. It is essential for these seat cushions to be good at redistributing the applied pressure, minimizing the pain, as well as maximizing patient comfort. In this article, a summary of the best available options, particularly including the best wheelchairs cushions for the elderly, in the market has been presented to help you better choose for your patient.
