Finding a good wheelchair cushion is a very important task, whether you are using it for yourself or you are shopping for someone else as a caregiver. The need for a comfortable, reliable cushion is never more important than when you are shopping for someone who uses a wheelchair and who may have neurological problems that prevent normal movement or sensation in the lower body.

The first thing to consider about wheelchair users is that they all have unique requirements that need to be met. Having a good knowledge of the person you are shopping for is key. Knowing the risks of pressure ulcers and what kinds of materials help prevent issues like pressure points are essential. If you lack expertise or knowledge of the right cushion to buy to provide the most comfortable, safest option, you might want to consult the physician or nurse practitioner of the person in question to gain useful guidance.

Although it’s useful to go by the size and design of the cushion and how the materials will react to long-term use, the main priority is to fit the pillow to the person. Good communication should take place if you are shopping for someone else about exactly what does or does not work, because they will know better than anyone else what has and has not worked for them in the past. 

What to Look for When Shopping for a Wheelchair Cushion:

• What material is the cushion made of? Is it a foam cushion? Polyester? Is it high quality? Is it good for circulation? Is it ergonomic?
• Do you prefer memory foam, viscous fluid cushions, or air? Do you even like the feel of memory foam? 
• Does the material of the chair cushions allow for adequate cushioning?
• If it is multi-layered and do the layers serve the purposes you need?
• Is the outer material taut or stretchy? Which is better for you?
• How does the cushion withstand moisture or potential bacteria? Does it protect against mildew? 
• Is it easy to reposition someone on the cushion?
• Does the cushion with the cover allow adequate airflow?
• Can the whole cushion be laundered? 
• What are the hours of use? Will the chair pads be used 24/7? 

Ways To Test Out A Wheelchair Cushion

Unfortunately, you can’t sit on every single cushion to know exactly how a cushion will feel if you’re shopping for someone else. You can use your elbow to push in on the cushion, to mimic the ischial tuberosities (weight-bearing bones) of the pelvis. 

Since people in wheelchairs frequently have atrophy of the buttocks to a degree, the pelvic bones will sink into the cushion more than in an able-bodied person. Check out the dimensions of the cushion before you checkout. It's hard to make adjustments to a chair that has already been bought. Make your first purchase your only purchase.

Selecting an Airplane Seat Cushion

If you have back trouble and you travel a lot, a good cushion for the airplane is a real miracle compared to trying to struggle through long, crowded flights without one. The standard airplane seat cushions are pretty uncomfortable, even in business or first class. 

When you have issues with sciatica, stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or herniated discs, these cushions become unbearable. Here are some ideas to help you find a cushion to make flights more comfortable and make travel pleasurable for you once again, whether you’re flying to Alaska or Hawaii. 

Quality Materials

The most important thing to consider when choosing a good cushion for your airline travels is the materials it is made of. Unfortunately, there are many low-quality options out there that will fall apart after a few uses and provide less than adequate support for the lower back than is needed. If you know what to look for when shopping for a good cushion, then there is no need to spend too much or rely upon hyped-up advertisements that make false promises.

Ordinary foam cushioning has become obsolete in recent years with the advent of memory foam and other advanced materials that hold and cushion the injured or painful lower back in such a way as to make sitting tolerable again. They don’t lose their shape as quickly over time, they are resistant to liquids or dirt, and the public has accepted them with enthusiasm.

The outer covering is subject to sitting on all sorts of public transit, hard and soft. You’ll probably want to choose a durable outer covering that can be removed for laundering and has a no-skid fabric on one side for slippery surfaces. It’s a bonus if you can find a soft, comfortable covering that is pleasing to the touch -- and also tolerates laundering.

Portability

Because having anything bulky to drag around is the last thing you want to do in an airport, you’ll definitely want to choose something reasonably small. Especially if you travel a lot, it’s important to find something that fits in a small carry-on. At the same time, you want to make sure it is big enough to feel right to sit on. 

Ergonomic Design

Recent innovations in design have shown that U-shaped cushions are optimal for low back issues. Testing and public feedback have backed up the idea that the U shape can help a great deal. There are, of course, other shapes of cushions available, and maybe the best answer is to try out a few (if possible) to see how your own body reacts to the cushion design. One kind of cushion that is not recommended for long travel with a low back injury is one that has a nondescript design, with little or no support for the low back.

Lightweight Materials

Of course, weight is an issue anytime you are traveling. Luckily, many of the most desirable cushions available are made of very light materials that don’t make travel a burden. 

If you are still traveling without a cushion designed for low back issues, and you are suffering through each flight with painful pinching, numbness, burning, or shooting sensations, it is worth the small investment to give an ergonomic seat cushion a try. They have been given lots of good reviews from real people who use them and say they make their lives better. Reviews can help you find the best options. 

Find a Seat Cushion that Works

If you are in doubt that a seat cushion could help back pain, rest assured that it can definitely make a difference in back pain. A good seat cushion from the top sellers will help whenever the need to sit arises and make what used to be miserable a more than tolerable, even comfortable journey. 

Finding a great cushion is not hard if you have a few facts to go by when shopping. So whether you’re shopping for a wheelchair user, or you’re someone who loves to travel (or both!), make sure your seat cushion is supportive of your exciting life. 

Sources:

Wheelchair Fitting | Physiopedia

Why Are Airplane Seats So Miserable, and What Can Be Done About It? | Popular Science

Traveling Light and Packing Light: A Beginners Guide | Travel Light