Although wheelchairs provide an immense amount of support to users, comfort can also be a challenge to maintain, especially if your loved one deals with injuries such as bedsores, back strain or even nerve damage.
Your older adult shouldn’t have to settle for pain. Luckily, countless different types of cushions are available to cater to your senior loved one’s mobility needs! All available for purchase on Amazon, each cushion comes with a different material and feel. Listed below are the top five wheelchair cushions that may catch your older adult’s eye:
Designed to cool and reduce body interface pressure, the NYOrtho cushion is the perfect add-on. This cushion is made up of three different layers to provide support and comfort, with the gel pod placed in the middle. If your older adult is searching for a cushion that has more of a solid feel, this might be a great option. Available in firm and semi-firm, both varieties cost right under $60 and come in a variety of sizes; you can even customize your senior’s cushion size as well! This seat comes with a breathable waterproof cover that’s easy to remove and wash.
If you’re in search of a cushion that’s compact, flexible and easy to store, this inflatable pad is a perfect option. Designed to help prevent ulcers and bedsores, the EMS inflatable seat comes in a waffle-patterned cushion to help improve comfort. Its thin layer also makes it easy for your older adult to sit on and move around without having to worry about slipping. Made of hospital-grade materials, its vinyl covering is not only hygienic but simple to clean as well! With a pump included, this cushion is easy to break down and inflate in just a matter of seconds.
Memory foam is proven to not only mold around your body’s unique shape but it also provides immense pressure relief. If your senior loved one holds a lot of tension in their lower body, this memory foam cushion can really come in the clutch. Its U-shape design can help relieve a variety of symptoms such as tailbone pressure, leg tightness, muscle fatigue and back pain. Starting at $43, this seat comes in a variety of colors with the option to purchase a pack of two as well. Keep in mind this cushion is made of foam and rubber material, which gives it a firmer feel. So, make sure your senior loved one takes about one to three weeks to adjust to the cushion while using their wheelchair!
The Vive wheelchair seat cushion offers more of a snug feeling than your regular single-pad cushion. Made with a soft velvet-like polyester material, this padding covers not only the bottom seat but the back and armrests as well! Available in one extra-large size on Amazon, this cushion can cover wheelchair seats up to 17 inches. (Note that this cushion must be washed by hand because of its extra-soft material.)
With a collection of patented air cells, this cushion can mold around each body’s unique contour and help reduce pressure. It’s also the perfect fit for seniors who are at risk for skin or soft tissue damage, thanks to its air floatation technology, which helps lower the chance of injury. Sold in two sizes, each cushion also comes with a washable cover, repair kit and an inflator pump.
Looking for your older adult’s wheelchair cushion isn’t always a one-size-fits-all scenario, given each person’s unique comfort and pain-relieving needs. However, this list can surely help narrow down your choices with so many other great cushion options on the market!
