If you are looking for the best wheelchair cushion for preventing pressure sores then you have come to the right place. Our guide is specially composed to help you find the best cushion for your wheelchair and we are also taking a look at some cushions that are practical for other chairs.
Pressure sores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues that are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. This usually happens when someone sits or lies down, in the same position, for too long.
Anyone can develop a pressure sore. These sores usually occur when the blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than 2 – 3 hours.
If you have to sit down in a wheelchair for hours on end then it is important to have a good cushion. Here is a quick look at the best cushions to get. In this guide, we are going to compare the best cushions for pressure sores.
Table of Contents
Types of Wheelchair cushions
Before we start comparing the top cushions for pressure sores, it might be a good idea to discuss the different types of cushions so you can learn more about the main differences between these cushions. Here is a quick loss at different pillow types that are ideal for preventing or healing painful pressure sores.
Foam cushions
Foam cushions for pressure sores are usually quite affordable, and light, and they are often sold in a wide range of sizes, densities, thicknesses, and shapes. The soft foam of the cushion is an excellent choice for reducing excessive pressure on specific parts of the skin when you sit down. One of the top reasons to choose these types of materials is that you can get a good cushion height and design at an affordable price range.
Gel cushions
A gel cushion for pressure sores is usually designed with a gel pocket or gel pack in the middle that is surrounded by high-density foam or memory foam. Gel foam wheelchair cushions are a bit pricier but they are also available in different sizes and some are also contoured to enhance your stability while you sit down.
Air cushions
Air wheelchair cushions are usually designed with lots of pockets or chambers inside that can be inflated. The cushions are extremely light and offer good shock absorption when you are traveling on rough surfaces. It is also relatively easy to keep these cushions clean since they usually come with removable covers.
Honeycomb cushions
This type of wheelchair seat cushion can be made from different materials like thermoplastic or gel. The materials tend to soften up when it gets warm but harden when it gets cold and they are usually designed with a honeycomb or matrix pattern that keeps the pillow from flattening when you use it. These cushions offer good weight and pressure distribution, they are nice and cool to prevent skin rashes and they offer good shock absorption.
Combination or hybrid cushions
A hybrid cushion is a cushion that is usually crafted from various materials like air and foam or gel and foam. These cushions can give you the best of both worlds since the different materials have unique benefits.
The Best Wheelchair Cushion for Preventing Pressure Sores: A Top 8 Review
There are quite a few types of wheelchair cushion products out there on the market. But not all cushions will make a true difference in the health of your skin when you sit for an extended period every day. Our guide includes a wide range of the best cushions to get for preventing pressure sores specifically.
1. The Roho Quadtro Select High Profile Seat Cushion – The overall best for preventing pressure sores in a wheelchair
Inflatable cushions like this one by Roho are frequently recommended by medical professionals because these cushions have an adjustable profile. The cushion is also designed with individual pockets that allow the air to shape according to your weight. Pressure is distributed more evenly across your skin surface instead of targeted in a single area. This greatly reduces the chances of getting pressure sores.
The Roho Quatro cushion is a great cushion to get for a wheelchair because it fits most wheelchair sizes and it is made of remarkably durable flame-resistant neoprene. The cushion has a great many air pockets to help redistribute the pressure you feel when you sit down. Many do however feel that this cushion is a bit challenging to use.
The cushion comes with a removable mesh cover that can be machine-washed. The neoprene cushion interior can also be washed by hand using mild soap and water.
This cushion doesn’t come with a hand pump so be sure to get one. A few straps to help you secure the cushion to a wheelchair would also have been a nice addition. But if you have trouble keeping the cushion in place then you can also consider gluing Velcro strips to the cushion cover.
Caution is needed when you use this cushion. The air pockets can be punctured by a sharp object in which case the cushion can deflate. Small holes can be repaired but doing these repairs is not the easiest.
Specifications
- Weight 3.8 Pounds
- Size – 18 x 20 x 4.5 Inches
- Color – Black
- Cushion materials – Black flame-resistant neoprene
- Cover materials – Removable mesh cover
- Type – Inflatable cushion
- Application – Wheelchairs, car seats, mobility scooters, chairs, sofas, and others
- Cleaning – Wash with soap and water and wash the cover in the machine
- Straps – None
- Included – Inflatable cushion with cover
Pros
- Extremely good for reducing pressure sores
- The individual pocket design adjusts to your body so you can sit comfortably
- The cushion reduces pain in your tailbone and back
- An air valve allows you to adjust the pressure in certain compartments of the chair
- Some of these cushions last up to 20 years because it is made from durable materials
- Adjust the firmness of the seat by adding different amounts of pressure
- The removable cover is machine washable
- The cushion is large and covers most of the wheelchair base so you can easily sit
Cons
- Some do find it a bit hard to sit on
- It does not come with a hand pump
- It is a bit complicated to use
- Expensive compared to other non-inflatable cushions
2. The Drive Medical Skin Protection Gel Seat Cushion – Our runner up cushion for preventing skin ulcers in a wheelchair
We chose the Drive Medical skin protection gel seat cushion as our second-best option. If you want to avoid the chances of your cushion deflating then this is the best pressure sore cushion you can buy.
The cushion is designed with fire-retardant polyurethane foam. This layer of foam is very soft to the touch and offers comfortable sitting while offering good support. The center of the cushion has a gel bladder. This gel bladder helps redistribute the pressure as you sit.
When the pressure is re-distributed, the chances of getting a pressure ulcer or skin breakdown are greatly reduced.
The gel cushion doesn’t come with a removable cover. It is covered with a urethane-coated nylon shell. This shell is water-resistant to protect the delicate sponge and gel bladder on the inside. The cover does however wipe clean relatively easily.
It is not very easy to firmly secure the gel cushion to a wheelchair because it doesn’t come with straps. It does however come with a handy carry handle so you can easily carry it wherever you go.
It is a nice and wide cushion that will cover the entire sit area of most wheelchairs but you can also use it for other applications such as on the sofa.
Specifications
- Weight – 4.4 Pounds
- Size – 20 x 16 x 3 Inches
- Color – Gray
- Weight limit – 275 Pounds
- Cushion materials – Fire retardant polyurethane foam shell with gel bladder inside
- Cover materials – Urethane-coated nylon shell that is water-resistant
- Application – Wheelchair cushion but can be used on the sofa as well
- Cleaning – Wipe clean only (waterproof surface)
- Straps – Cary strap only
- Included – One cushion
Pros
- The cushion is nice and wide so it will cover the entire wheelchair base
- The cushion is fire retardant
- It is made with a waterproof surface
- The polyurethane foam is soft to sit on
- The gel bladder is ideal for reducing pressure to prevent pressure sores
- The gel inside can be warmed or cooled to suit the climate
- The cushion is easy to clean since you can wipe it off
- Large weight capacity of 275 pounds
- Use in a wheelchair or on a sofa
- A carry strap makes it easy to take along
Cons
- It can be bulky for certain chairs like car seats
- No straps to secure it to a wheelchair
- The cover does not remove and is not machine washable
3. The Roho 1981 Inflatable Mosaic Cushion – A good alternative inflatable wheelchair cushion for sores on the skin
This inflatable cushion by Roho is a good alternative to our top pick. It isn’t made with the same quality materials but it is a lot easier to use and it comes with a hand pump.
The Roho cushion is designed with interconnected polyvinyl air cells. These air pockets can be hand-inflated to a pressure of your choosing. For people with a body weight of about 250 pounds, it is best not to fully inflate the cushion so it will have more give or so you can avoid damage to the cushion. Lighter people can fully inflate it for a firm seat or keep it slightly deflated for a softer feel.
The air inside the individual air pockets will transfer to other pockets when pressure is applied to one of these pockets. This method transfers the pressure from one point on your skin to several target points on your skin which reduces the chances of getting sores on your skin.
The air pocket comes with a removable cover that is machine washable. This cover has an anti-skid mesh base to help keep it in place. While the anti-skid base is good for reducing movement, straps would have been nice to fully secure the cushion to a wheelchair.
This air-filled cushion has various applications. It can be used on an office chair, wheelchair, car seat, or at home on the couch.
You do need to take good care of the cushion since sharp objects can puncture holes in the air pockets.
Specifications
- Weight – 2.4 Pounds
- Size – 16 x 16, 18 x 16 or 18 x 18 Inches
- Color – Black
- Weight limit – 250 Pounds
- Cushion materials – Polyvinyl interconnected air cells
- Cover materials – Removable anti-skid mesh
- Application – Office chairs, wheelchair, car seat, and home living
- Cleaning – Cover is machine washable
- Straps – None
- Included – One cushion, one cover, and one hand pump
Pros
- Very light and portable
- Use on just about any type of seat, wheelchair, or mobility scooter
- The air cells will adapt to the weight of different parts of your body
- Good for reducing pain or for preventing pressure sores
- The washable cover is removable and machine washable
- The set includes a hand pump so you can fill it anywhere
- The non-skid bottom keeps it in place
- The cushion has a large weight limit of up to 250 pounds
- You can choose to fully inflate for a firm sitting or deflate a bit for a more comfy seat
Cons
- The air cushion can get punctures
- No straps to secure it to a wheelchair
- It is pricey compared to other cushions
4. The Feagar Memory Foam Chair Pad – The best pressure sore cushion for tailbone and back support
This is a great memory foam chair pad for people in wheelchairs and especially for those who underwent surgeries on the tailbone or other sensitive regions. This is mostly because of the materials the cushion is made of.
This type of wheelchair cushion has a hole in the middle that enhances breathability and that reduces pressure in genital regions. It is also made from 100% memory foam which means the cushion will flatten in areas where a lot of pressure is applied so more pressure will be distributed to other parts of the delicate skin. This is very helpful for preventing pressure ulcers.
The cover of this coccyx cushion is not removable which does make it challenging to clean. Ideally, you should get a loose cover to accommodate your cushion because memory foam doesn’t recover well after getting wet.
This cushion can be challenging to use if someone is paraplegic because it has a rather slim design and needs to be positioned perfectly or it won’t offer good functioning. It is also going to be tough to secure it in the wheelchair since it doesn’t come with straps. It is however a great cushion to use to soften your wheelchair while recovering from injuries or to use to reduce back pain.
If you are using this pillow to reduce back pain or to correct your posture then you can also consider our other guide where we compare the best living room chair for neck pain. One of these chairs combined with this pillow is sure to transform the way your back feels.
Specifications
- Weight – 1.54 Pounds
- Size – 17.72 x 5.12 x 14.96 Inches
- Color – Black/white or navy
- Cushion materials – 100% Memory foam
- Cover materials – Non-removable mesh cover
- Type – Memory foam coccyx
- Application – Car seat, office chair, sofa, gaming chair or wheelchair
- Cleaning – Removable cover can be machine washed (so not wash cushion)
- Straps – None
- Included – Memory foam cushion and removable cover
Pros
- The memory foam cushion is very comfy to sit on
- You can get other cushions like a back cushion that accommodates this one
- The seat can be used for all sorts of chair types or wheelchairs
- Use it to improve your posture
- Use the cushion to relieve lumbar and back pain
- The cushion can help prevent pressure sores and pressure-related injuries
- The breathable hollow design is ideal for people with mobility problems
- Provides tailbone relief
- The cushion is made from durable materials
- The cushion returns to its original shape after use
Cons
- The mesh cover isn’t removable
- No straps to secure it to a chair
- Can be challenging to position underneath someone in a wheelchair
5. The Puzzle Gel Seat Cushion – The best pain reducing wheelchair cushion for summer time
This type of cushion is relatively new on the market but deserves a spot on our list because it is so flexible and functional.
It is a great cushion to use during the summertime because the honeycomb design of the cushion allows a lot of air through the cushion. This will keep your skin nice and breezy which can also help reduce the chances of getting sores on your skin.
The cushion is made from a flexible TPE Gel that is a lot like jelly or silicone. When wheelchair users sit on the cushion, the materials give away under their weight so pressure can be distributed to other parts of their buttock.
The cushion comes with a removable cover that is machine washable. This cover is made of a mesh that is very light and breathable.
The cushion offers lots of support yet is thin enough to use on any type of sofa, chair, or wheelchair. It might however be a bit small to cover the entire sit area of your wheelchair. It doesn’t come with straps to secure it to the wheelchair which means it can be hard to use if you have mobility issues.
This cushion will work great on any of the office chairs we discussed here; Top 7 Best Serta Office Chairs – Ultimate Review.
Specifications
- Weight – 2.31 Pounds
- Size – 17 x 14 x 1.4 Inches
- Color – Blue
- Weight limit – None
- Cushion materials – Gel TPE
- Cover materials – Removable non-slip mesh cover
- Application – Seat cushion for office chair, car seat, or wheelchair
- Cleaning – The cover is machine washable, and the cushion can be washed with water and mild soap
- Straps – None
- Included – Gel cushion and cover
Pros
- Made from durable materials
- Comes with a removable non-slip mesh cover that can be machine washed
- The gel can also be washed with water and mild soap
- Use it in a wheelchair, car seat, office chair, or on your sofa
- The cushion reduces back and tailbone pain
- It reduces pressure which prevents sores from forming
- The cushion is breathable thanks to a honeycomb design
- The cushion is ideal for summer use because it is breathable and cool
- The cushion is affordable
Cons
- It might be too small to cover the entire wheelchair base
- No straps to secure it to a wheelchair
- Only available I one size
6. The DMI Seat Cushion – The best budget friendly wheelchair cushion to prevent pressure ulcers
Wheelchair users that need a budget-friendly cushion to use on their wheelchair or with the Best Affordable Office Chairs for Back Pain then this cushion by DMI is a good option. It is quite affordable and you can get it in 2, 3, or 4-inch thicknesses. Thinner cushions can be more practical for lighter individuals or children while thicker ones are more suitable for large people.
The cushion is made from high-density foam. Some do feel that this foam seat cushion is a bit too firm but it does offer tremendous support. The cushion does transfer some of the pressure across your buttock but isn’t as effective as our first four options.
The cushion has a removable poly/cotton cover that you can machine wash for easy cleaning.
A carry handle or a few straps would have been nice for securing the cushion to the wheelchair or chair but sadly, this cushion doesn’t include any.
Specifications
- Weight – 8.8 Ounces
- Size – 16 x 18 Inches (Available in 2, 3, or 4-inch thickness)
- Color – Navy
- Cushion materials – High-density foam
- Cover materials – Removable poly/cotton cover
- Application – Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, office chairs, kitchen chairs, car seats
- Cleaning – Removable cover can be machine washed
- Straps – None
- Included – One cushion with cover
Pros
- You can get the cushion in three different thickness sizes
- The cushion is made with high-density foam
- The cover is removable so you can machine wash it
- The cushion is ideal for wheelchairs but also great for other uses
- Good cushion size so the entire sit area of the wheelchair will be covered
- The cushion is extremely affordable
- Helps prevent sores and skin issues when you sit for long a period of time
Cons
- It doesn’t have straps to secure it to a wheelchair
- It is not waterproof
- Some do find the seat to be too firm
- The cushion will eventually flatten after lots of use
7. The Trenton Gifts Comfort Cushion – The best mobile cushion for preventing injuries to the skin
This cushion is a great pick if you want to soften up your entire wheelchair. Unlike the others, it covers the entire interior of your wheelchair to reduce the pressure in other parts of your body like your back. The cushion is also highly effective if you use it inside the best recliner for sleeping after surgery we also review it in some of our other guides.
These cushions for pressure sores are nice and bright with a red block design. It has plenty of straps to help create a cupped seat design and to secure the cushion to a wheelchair. The cushion is stuffed with polyester fiberfill that is great for pressure distribution so you can reduce peak pressure on certain points. Some buyers do however feel that a bit more stuffing would have been nice.
The cushion has a non-removable poly/cotton liner but you can still easily clean it because you can stuff the entire cushion into your washing machine for a quick clean.
It isn’t as effective for preventing pressure sores and reduces the risk of skin breakdown in the buttock area as some of the other cushions on our list but it is a good cushion for overall pressure relief.
Specifications
- Weight – 1.7 Pounds
- Size – 42 x 38 x 2 Inches
- Color – Red block pattern
- Weight limit – None
- Cushion materials – Polyester fiberfill
- Cover materials – Polycotton
- Type – Wheelchair lining
- Application – Wheelchairs, recliners, or seat cushion
- Cleaning – Machine wash the entire pillow
- Straps – Lots of straps to secure it to a wheelchair
- Included – One cushion with straps
Pros
- The cushion or chair liner provides good support on all sides
- Great for warming up a wheelchair
- Made with durable fiberfill materials
- Lots of straps so you can secure it to your wheelchair
- Also, fit recliners or other chairs
- You can put the entire cushion in the washing machine for cle3aning
- The red block pattern is stylish
- Good for sitting for prolonged periods
Cons
- The lining is not very thick
- Some do prefer stuffing
8. The Xtreme Comfort Large Seat Cushion with Carry Handle
This cushion by Xtreme is a great portable cushion to have whether you are traveling by wheelchair, plane, bus, car, or want to sit more comfortably at home. If you are a gamer then you should check out our guide where we discuss the Best Gaming Chairs Under $100 because we do feel that this cushion will be a very good add-on for more comfortable sitting during long gaming sessions.
The cushion is made from high-density foam that isn’t quite as effective for reducing the risk of pressure sores and pressure-related injuries as some of the other ones on our list. But it will still make a huge difference in the amount of pressure you feel in hard chairs.
The chair has a removable mesh cover that has a non-skid bottom that helps keep it in place.
It comes with a carry handle so you can easily grab it and take it along on journeys. It might be a bit too small for a wheelchair seat but it is still a good portable option to have if you frequently transition between a wheelchair and a chair.
Specifications
- Weight – 1.39 Pounds
- Size – 17.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 Inches
- Color – Black
- Cushion materials – High-density foam
- Cover materials – Nylon mesh cover with a non-skid bottom
- Application – Seat for cars, trains, planes, office chairs, yoga, wheelchairs, and maternity
- Cleaning – Removable cover can be washed
- Straps – Handle carry strap
- Included – Cushion and cove
Pros
- The cushion is mobile so you can take it anywhere
- The cover can be removed for machine washing
- A non-skid bottom surface keeps it from sliding around
- It has a handy carry strap
- It is made with thick high-density foam
- Use it in your wheelchair as well as other chairs like a car seat, office chair, living room chair and more
- Good for relieving back and lumbar pain or tailbone pain
- Good for reducing the chances of getting pressure sores
Cons
- No straps to secure it to a wheelchair
- The high-density foam might feel a bit too hard or stiff
- The high-density foam has a tendency to flatten over time
Buying Guide
If you have a tough time choosing the best chair cushion then perhaps this handy guide can help you choose the right one to get.
The Most Effective For Preventing Pressure Sores
The Roho Quadtro seat cushion is our top pick because its compartments are ideal for reducing your chances of getting sores.
But if you are afraid of getting a puncture in the air cushion then you should get the Drive Medical cushion. This one has a gel cushion inside it that is also ideal for redistributing the pressure over your buttock so you can prevent getting these sores.
In third place, we have the Roho 1981 cushion. This one is also a good air cushion to help you maintain good health although it is not quite as durable as the Quatro.
The Best After-Surgery Cushion
The top 3 cushions are all great for recovering from surgery. But if your surgeries are in a sensitive area then we recommend the Feagar memory foam cushion with its hole in the middle. It is nice and breathable and offers good posture support.
The Best for Summer
In hot summers, you might need something a little bit lighter and more breezy. The Puzzle gel seat cushion is our top pick because it has a honeycomb design that allows lots of air through.
Alternatively, you can consider the Feagar memory foam cushion. It is also very breathable, and compact, and allows lots of air through.
The Budget-Friendly
The cushion by DMI is the most affordable on our list. This one isn’t going to last extremely long but it will still offer good results while it lasts.
The Best for Overall Pressure Reduction
Pressure sores can appear anywhere on your body.
If you use a wheelchair all the time then it is best to get the Trenton Gifts cushion in addition to a seat cushion.
This one will also offer good relief for other parts of your body like your back.
The Best Mobile Cushion
The Xtreme comfort cushion is one of the most mobile cushions to get. This one is compact, it is easy to take along on trips and it can fit in most chairs or seats.
Final Thoughts
We do hope that this guide helped you find a good cushion so you can sit comfortably in your wheelchair or other chairs without getting painful sores. And if you are in the market for other great products like a zero gravity chair for a tall man, the best chair mat for a heavy person, the best ergonomic chair for watching TV, or perhaps the Best Reclining Office Chairs With Footrests, then we welcome you to have a look at some of our other guides.
