Alternating pressure wheelchair cushions Aquila or Kalogon

[relative]

Has anyone Used and Aquila or a Kalogon pressure Adaptive Wheelchair cushions
(or know of any others) and was your experience using these type of cushions ( I am dealing with Excessive pressure on my Ischial tuberosity bones ( sitting bones).

[ueckland]

I purchased the Aquila cushion when I had to have surgery on a pressure sore stage 4 - 5 very bad I was in bed for about a month then started getting up a few hours a day and was able to do some research and found the Aquila I called and spoke with Justine Kohlman 608-782-0031 and ordered one when I got it I got up about 4 hrs a day for about a week then kept an eye on the sore and it was still healing so I went to 6 hrs and soon was getting up 8 am to 6 pm I'm still doing this and the pressure sore is so small its like a freckle but it isn't over yet but close. in my opinion I believe. this cushion helped with the healing I no everybody different but I'm happy with the cushion
Tim.

[Broken Doll]

I’m happy you had a good experience. I purchased the Aquila Cushion for helo healing my right hip wound with the understanding that the cushion would provide prevention from pressure points. However I ended up getting a stage four ischeal wound below my hip wound that has resulted in 155 days so far of offloading in bed.When I contacted the Aquila company the response was that they customized the cushion for my right hip wound and ignored responsibility for the lack of pressure prevention for the ischeal area. However I could send it back in for $400 they would customize the cushion for the new wound. Postage both ways would be billed to me. Not wanting to risk getting any more wounds from this question I have now purchased a Roho.

[selaine]

I've relied on Aquila cushions for well over a decade. Unfortunately, they've become more difficult to work with and turn-around time on repairs is very slow and not so reliable. I too wound up with an ischial sore after they modified my cushion to 'offload'. I had to pay shipping and another maintenance fee afterwards. Another downside is that their new cushion has the controller inside of the cushion. This is a very bad design for me, so I need another solution. I've considered the Ease cushion but am unsure. I'd really like to know if anyone has found success using the Kalogon cushion.

[Broken Doll]

We’ve had the same experience. I was shocked at their customer service. First they give you all this confidence that their $5,000+ cushion will heal your wound while you sit, but they forget to tell you that when they customize it to heal your wound, you are at a high risk to get another. They offered to customize it for my new wound at a cost of $400 + shipping. Insurance doesn’t cover the repair. Any other company I know would be a little more accommodating especially with a cushion that expensive.

You are the 3rd or 4th person that I’ve heard getting a second wound from the Aquila cushion. No bueno.

[SCI-Nurse]

I will just say that we evaluated the Aquila cushion when it first came out and found it inadequate in providing pressure reduction as good a doing regular and effective weight shifts on a non-powered, properly fit cushion. (KLD)

[SCI-Nurse]

No cushion is effective in healing a pressure ulcer. Weight shifts every 15 minutes and weight relief every hour to PREVENT ulcers. A cushion with these will help prevent pressure ulcers. This is the only research showing prevention. Sacral ulcers consider seating and special cushion because PU is higher. Not others. CWO

[selaine]

I'm 60 years old and this is my 40th year as a C6 quad. My work is demanding, and I sit long hours in an electric wheelchair with a tilting mechanism. I used a ROHO for about 20-25 years but when I developed my first pressure sore and could not get it to heal, I decided to try the alternating pressure cushion route. Time after time, I saw wounds heal while sitting up, including the first one. I recognize that protein and proper nutrition is key as well. Over the years, wounds were introduced by a malfunctioning cushion or by inadvertently sitting all day with the cushion off. I deal with incontinence as well. Based on my experience, I have to disagree that alternating air cushions cannot prevent and heal sores. My experience for the most part, has been favorable. What's funny is that I am now sitting on a thin purple cushion, that's laying on top of a poorly designed Aquila. It seems to be supporting my ischial areas nicely. I have one cushion that's been in the shop for a while, and I have been waiting for a new one for nearly 2 months. I agree, shifting ever 15 minutes needs to be a part of my routine and I appreciate the advice. I'd like to find another option and am hoping to hear some positive reviews about the Kalogon or Ease cushions.

[rdf]

...I agree, shifting ever 15 minutes needs to be a part of my routine and I appreciate the advice. I'd like to find another option and am hoping to hear some positive reviews about the Kalogon or Ease cushions.

Hi Selane. Have you tried a RIDE custom cushion...it's not alternating air. It's the opposite really. But your DME person makes a mold of your own butt/ischials, which off lifts your weight away from ischials. I've used one safely for many years. Good luck to you.

https://www.ridedesigns.com/ride-cus...on-wheelchairs