| A seat cushion or cooling wheel chair pad is | | | | These cushions have air chambers and can be |
| an important accessory for those who spend | | | | inflated to adjust to the wheelchair user's |
| extended time in a mobility chair. Sitting | | | | comfort and sensitive areas. While |
| for long periods puts people at risk for | | | | lightweight and waterproof, they are subject |
| developing pressure sores and bruises. In | | | | to leaks and punctures, and should be checked |
| addition, vibration and heat can cause | | | | regularly. |
| additional pain and discomfort. | | | | |
| | | | COOLING WHEEL CHAIR PADS |
| Following is an overview of the seating pads | | | | |
| and cushions available to wheel chair users. | | | | Cooling wheel chair pads are similar to |
| | | | cooling cushions people use on car seats and |
| FOAM CUSHIONS | | | | office chairs. They are specifically designed |
| | | | to reduce heat build-up and moisture from |
| These standard seat cushions are lightweight | | | | underneath the legs and buttocks that occur |
| and inexpensive. They come in a variety of | | | | from extensive sitting. Cooling wheel chair |
| densities and sizes to accommodate the wheel | | | | pads offer pain relief and provide comfort |
| chair seat. Yet, foam cushions typically last | | | | for a number of hours, based on pad design |
| no longer than six to 12 months and should be | | | | and construction. |
| checked regularly to ensure they are | | | | |
| providing comfort and pressure relief. | | | | HYBRID AND OTHER TYPES OF CUSHIONS |
| | | | |
| GEL CUSHIONS | | | | Some manufacturers make cushions by combining |
| | | | materials like foam and gel. Others have |
| Gel cushions are heavy, distribute weight | | | | developed new materials for their cushions |
| evenly, and provide good seating protection. | | | | and pads such as composite foam to enhance |
| While they are extremely durable, it is | | | | air circulation and moisture prevention. |
| important to sure that gel cushions maintain | | | | |
| their shape and the wheelchair user isn't | | | | Before deciding on a cushion, ask your health |
| "bottoming out" on the pad. If so, it needs | | | | care professional which type is best for you. |
| to be replaced. | | | | Then try different cushions and pads for |
| | | | yourself to see which you like the best and |
| AIR CUSHIONS | | | | gives you the most comfort. |
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