Best Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushions

7 July 2023

Best Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushions

If you spend a significant amount of time sitting in a wheelchair and are at risk of developing pressure sores, it is crucial that you own a comfortable pressure-relieving wheelchair cushion. Pressure-relief cushions can help you avoid painful pressure ulcers, reducing the likelihood of medical complications while improving comfort.

In this blog, we would like to introduce you to some of the Best Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushions currently available in the market. Whether you're at high risk of pressure ulcers or require a cushion for posture correction, this versatile product recommendation guide can help you find a suitable cushion that will make your sitting experience much more pleasant.


What's Covered in This Guide?


Why Should Wheelchair Users Worry About Pressure Sores?

Pressure ulcers are wounds that appear on the skin or underlying tissues as a result of unrelieved pressure on bony, weight-bearing points of the body, including the hips and lower back. People with limited mobility who spend extended periods in wheelchairs are at risk of developing these pressure sores. Pressure ulcers are not only painful and difficult to heal, but they can also negatively impact an individual's quality of life, potentially becoming life-threatening.

Pressure relief cushions work to reduce pressure by evenly distributing a wheelchair user's weight across the seat surface, this way reducing sores from developing in high-risk areas, including the seat bones, hip bones and tail bone, and they reduce shear by assisting the wheelchair user to sit in an upright position. 


Best Overall Wheelchair Cushion for Pressure Sores

Our Winner: Invacare Propad Revolve V Pressure Relief Cushion

Invacare Propad Revolve V Pressure Relief CushionWhy We Love It...

Features a lightweight construction that moulds to the shape of your body
Viscoelastic foam insert for high-level immersion and pressure redistribution
Available with a welded cover for protection against leakage

Ideal For...

Users who are at a high or very high risk of developing pressure sores
Residential and home care environments

Not the Best For...

Children in need of a pressure-relieving wheelchair cushion (See our solution)

 

Editor's Verdict: Whether you have a high or low risk of developing pressure ulcers, the Invacare Propad Revolve V Pressure Relief Cushion is designed for all patients who spend long periods of time sitting in a wheelchair. This cushion is crafted from a lightweight yet durable moulded foam and includes a viscoelastic foam inner layer that provides high-level immersion, pressure redistribution and stabilisation to ensure maximum comfort and protection as you go about your day. What's more, the Invacare pressure relief cushion is available in different sizes and colours to cater to all wheelchair users in need of some extra support.


Best Pressure Wheelchair Cushion for Elderly Users

Our Winner: Apex Sedens 500 Portable Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion

Apex Sedens 500 Portable Pressure Relief Wheelchair CushionWhy We Love It...

Features an alternating one-in-two cell cycle for excellent active pressure relief
✔ 
Includes an integral foam insert to support the thigh for guaranteed comfort
Available as a bulk pack for a reduced price making it perfect for care homes

Ideal For...

Patients who are at low to medium risk of developing pressure sores
Use with a wide variety of chairs including rise recliners

Not the Best For...

Users who are at a high or very high risk of pressure sores (See our solution)

 

Editor's Verdict: Elderly users who are at risk of developing pressure sores would particularly benefit from an extra pressure-relieving cushion such as the Apex Sedens 500 Portable Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion. This inflatable cushion features dynamic air cells that alternate to provide pressure relief to users who are at a low to medium risk of developing sores. It also includes an integral foam insert that supports the thigh area for optimum comfort all day long. The Apex Sedens 500 is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery with up to 12 hours of battery life, making it the perfect travel companion through your long journeys.

Customer's Verdict: "...It just works great, the battery lasts a long time and it is so comfortable you just forget it's there doing its job and stopping sores and cramps. I would highly recommend it, and yes, it's worth the money..." - Richard ★ 


Best Wheelchair Gel Cushion for Pressure Sores

Our Winner: Drive Medical Wheelchair Gel Foam Seat Cushion

Drive Medical Wheelchair Gel Foam Seat CushionWhy We Love It...

Made from a viscous gel to reduce the impact of pressure during long sittings
Features an incredibly easy-to-clean design for ongoing hygiene maintenance
Available with a thickness choice of either 2" or 3" to suit every user

Ideal For...

Patients who are at low risk of developing pressure ulcers
Users with a maximum weight of 115kg

Not the Best For...

Users at a medium, high or very high risk of pressure sores (See our solution)

 

Editor's Verdict: Gel cushions are considered one of the best types to provide maximum pressure relief and comfort for wheelchair users. This is because the gel material helps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on bony areas, which can prevent pressure sores and skin breakdown. The Drive Medical Wheelchair Gel Foam Seat Cushion is an excellent option, featuring a viscous gel that lessens impact pressure during long periods of sitting. A unique selling point of this cushion is that it allows users to choose between two thickness options (2" or 3") based on their needs and preferences.

Customer's Verdict: "It does what the advert says and the service was spot on thank you." - Bryan ★★★★ 


Best Wheelchair Air Cushion for Pressure Sores

Our Winner: Viola II Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion System

Viola II Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion SystemWhy We Love It...

Designed with manual pressure adjustment for optimal care and comfort control
Features an integral foam base that provides additional support and stability
Includes low-pressure and power failure alarms to ensure safety

Ideal For...

Users at very high risk of pressure sore development
Patients of up to 220kg in a range of chairs

Not the Best For...

✘ Users looking for a non-powered pressure-relief cushion (See our solution)

 

Editor's Verdict: If you're at extreme risk of developing pressure ulcers, we highly recommend you opt for an extra supportive cushion that will provide you with the utmost care. The Viola II Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion System is a step ahead of your typical pressure-relief cushion, as it comes with alternating air to provide outstanding pressure redistribution. This cushion offers exceptional levels of around-the-clock pressure care when combined with a mattress, and the control panel system allows you to customise your cushion to suit your specific needs or the needs of your patient. For added convenience, this cushion is available in two sizes and includes a two-way stretch waterproof cover to ensure both hygiene and durability.

Customer's Verdict: "Made so much difference to someone that was bed-bound but who can now sit in a chair in comfort" - John ★★★★ 


Best Foam Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion

Our Winner: Maximise Contour Foam Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion

Maximise Contour Foam Pressure Relief Wheelchair CushionWhy We Love It...

Chequered modular foam design functions to evenly distribute weight 
Helps postural alignment and body positioning for comfortable sitting
Supplied with either a vapour permeable cover or a terry towelling cover

Ideal For...

People at high risk of developing pressure sores and ulcers
Users searching for an economical option that will protect against pressure sores

Not the Best For...

Patients who weigh more than 127kg (See our solution)

 

Editor's Verdict: You don't have to spend hundreds of pounds to get relief from sitting pressure. The Maximise Contour Foam Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion is an economical choice that protects against pressure ulcers while allowing you to sit comfortably for extended periods of time. Featuring a chequered modular foam design, this cushion works by distributing weight and pressure evenly and this way preventing the formation of pressure sores. What's also great about this cushion is that it can be purchased with a wipe-clean, permeable cover for enhanced ventilation, or a terry towelling cover for extra sweat absorption depending on your particular needs – what's not to love about it? 


Best Paediatric Wheelchair Pressure Relief Cushion

Our Winner: StimuLite Corbee Paediatric Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion

StimuLite Corbee Paediatric Pressure Relief Wheelchair CushionWhy We Love It...

Features StimuLite honeycomb that flexes and shapes based on user weight
Controls shear forces, heat and moisture for use throughout any activity
Available in a standard and sling version for different wheelchair types

Ideal For...

Children who require added stability and protection against decubitus ulcers
Children with a maximum weight of 79.4kg

Not the Best For...

Adult patients in need of a pressure-relief cushion (See our solution)

 

Editor's Verdict: This guide wouldn't be complete without a suitable option for younger wheelchair users. The StimuLite Corbee Paediatric Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion is perfect for children with mobility issues that are constantly sitting down. Featuring a soft, flexible form of aerospace memory honeycomb, this cushion flexes and shapes based on user weight and movement to reduce shearing forces, meanwhile providing effective ventilation and controlling heat to keep moisture levels down.


Find Comfort While Preventing Pressure Sores

It is crucial to invest in a pressure-relief cushion to minimise the chances of developing painful and dangerous ulcers. Our helpful guide has introduced you to various wheelchair cushions that ensure a comfortable sitting experience, allowing you to use your wheelchair for extended periods without any worries.

If you haven't found what you're looking for in this page, make sure to browse the rest of our Pressure Relief Cushions until you find the perfect one that will cater to all of your needs.

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