Cushion recommendations

[xsfxsf]

I am getting a new waterproof cushion for a manual chair. Any advice?

Is it better to be firm (e.g. like the Permobil cushions) or soft? Thick or thin?

I have not had any pressure sores so far and want to keep it that way.

[Dale]

I have (2) the ROHO. Five years and there great.

[a la carte]

I tried two kinds of Rohos (including the one with the four chambers) and had difficulty adjusting air pressure and getting them to work. Got sores.

On the other hand, I really like my Evolutions. Great and user-friendly.

Keep in mind, you need to patch any air cushion as soon as it gets a leak, or you will get a sore - it's like having no cushion at all.

[rdf]

What kind of cushion are you using now? That might be the way to go, if they have the type you need.

I am getting a new waterproof cushion for a manual chair. Any advice?

Is it better to be firm (e.g. like the Permobil cushions) or soft? Thick or thin?

I have not had any pressure sores so far and want to keep it that way.

[WC_Sage]

xsfxsf,

Regarding:

"... cushion for a manual chair. Any advice? ... Is it better to be firm ... or soft ..."

Based upon a cursory look at your situation as referenced here and elsewhere in this forum, air-type cushions (e.g., Vicair, Roho, etc.) may not be ideal for you, particularly in the matter of transfers. Stability in transfers is; generally, best accommodated by using foam, honeycomb, or gel/fluid type cushions. Among these types of cushions, foam - all foam - cushions are the least effective in preventing pressure sores when prolonged cushion use is necessary. With respect to cushion efficacy, honeycomb cushions (e.g., Stimulite) are substantially more effective than all-foam cushions, and honeycomb cushions provide good stability during transfers. There is a relatively new fluid/foam cushion called the Jay Union cushion that offers good stability during transfers while exhibiting significantly greater cushion efficacy than all-foam cushions.

The Jay Union cushion; however, lacks the breathability, lightness (i.e., weight), and reduced height (ref. your "Thick or thin?" inquiry) of many otherwise comparable honeycomb cushions. The needed cushion thickness is; in part, a function of the cushion's material, the softness and stability desired, the sore-preventing efficacy for a given user's weight, etc.

The "water proof" factor that you mention is most easily accommodated by the honeycomb type cushions, but can; of course, be achieved by any cushion type with a waterproof cover. Note that using a truly waterproof outer cover necessarily eliminates the breathability factor associated with a cushion.

[roc21]

http://www.ergomedic-usa.com ...its like a styrofoam on the bottom and reg foam on top half..they mapped me for pressure spots....great cushion..they r in south florida so dont know how they deal with customers outside area as far as pressure mapping goes

[chubby2]

Roho....Thick & thin,C3-4,6yrs,never a problem.

[rybread]

The best cushion should be decided by a physical therapist who does seating evaluations and can do a proper pressure mapping. I would go on someone else's opinion. Your seat cushion is probably the most important part of your wheelchair besides the wheels. The wrong one can land you in bed for months. Good luck on your quest. I've gone with several different cushions that didn't work out right and landed me in bed or with surgery.

[wheelboy]

I use a varlite pro with psv vent .using it 4 2 years now .and iam very satisfied .iam a spastic with sensation and a urin incontinence .but whats good for me doesnt have be good 4 you.as raybread says dont underestimate the importence of a good seat cushion.i fully agree

[stumpybushman]

I've been in a chair for almost 19 years and my first cushion was a Jay but within the first six months from the time of my injury I regained some feeling in my butt and found the Jay cushion to be very uncomfortable. I changed to an Invacare Uti-Mate (foam type) and have used it ever since. Although I do replace my cushion every 2 years and so far no problems.

[rdf]

I used a Jay2 for as long as I can remember, but now I'm tilting to the left, and it's not good for that ischial. Every cushion I was mapped on showed lots of pressure on both ischials, so I don't put much faith in pressure mapping. So I sat in a demo Ride, and it straightened me out and kept my ischials from taking any pressure; pressure is offloaded to my thighs and the back of my butt. I was fitted with a mold, and they sent it in. Said it'd be up to 6 weeks, and it's probably $1400, but it's worth it. I felt good in it, felt like I was finally sitting level again, and it helped my posture.

Good luck, but don't put all your eggs in the pressure mapping basket. At the University of Iowa, the seating clinic people don't even use pressure mapping, they claim it's useless...I tend to agree with 'em.

Now I'm in Montana, and they also don't have faith in pressure mapping, although they will map you if you request it.