subject: Wheelchair Cushion - Finding A Great Wheelchair Cushion [print this page] If you or a relative are going to be spending a lot of time in a wheelchair or even just a short amount of time, it's a great idea to think about finding a chair with a great wheelchair cushion. Whether you are asked to sit in a wheelchair as you simply enter or exit a hospital or if you are wheelchair-bound, your cushion can be a serious concern for a variety of reasons. A pregnant woman or a woman who has just given birth can certainly appreciate a comfortable cushion just as someone who is recovering from injuries that require a wheelchair.
Comfort is probably the biggest concern you might have about a wheelchair cushion, especially if you've had an injury, surgery, or other condition that is affected by your posture and how you sit. The next concern you might have concerning a cushion is whether or not it can be easily cleaned. If your cushion is vinyl, it can be easily wiped when necessary with a recommended cleaning product. If the cushion is covered in fabric, you should find out if the cushion can be removed easily so the fabric cover can be machine or hand-washed. You may also want to find out if a cushion can be easily replaced if it is torn or damaged in some way. Stain resistant materials are helpful.
A concern for some wheelchair users involves style and design. If someone has to use a wheelchair, it's nice to be able to pick a desired style or color of cushion. Having the ability to pick from a variety of wheelchair cushion covers is fun for kids. They could have a whimsical design on their cushion that makes them smile. There is no reason why people can't have a little fun with their cushion style and design. Perhaps a user wants a custom-made cushion for a better fit. The type of cushion material can impact how long the cushion lasts too. Some materials could sag and become compressed and less comfortable over time so be sure to explore your options when selecting a cushion.
When you are choosing a wheelchair cushion, make sure it won't slip around too much in the chair or slip off while trying to sit or stand. There are other types and shapes of cushions to supplement wheelchair seating in addition to the main cushion. Some of these cushions are wedge-shaped and come in various sizes to help relieve pressure in particular areas.
