Comfort is a must when it comes to a seat cushion. However, there are many other benefits that a new cushion will provide throughout the day. These include pressure management and better body positioning which can help reduce fatigue greatly and improve seated balance. Since everyone’s opinion on comfort is different, there are many options and technologies available. Understanding these options will help you choose a cushion that provides the best comfort you need.

Gel Cushions

One of the newer technologies available, gel cushions are excellent for pressure relief. This design allows your body’s pressure points to “sink down” into a layer of soothing gel which greatly reduces pressure on your body.

Gel cushions may be best for you if you are looking for:

  • Best available pressure relief

  • Stable seating surface

  • Improved body positioning

While there are many benefits of a gel cushion, this may not be the ideal choice if you are looking for a cushion that is inexpensive or light weight.

Foam Cushions

While this may be the oldest technology for a cushion, this is also the most cost effective while still providing great results. Foam cushions offer various firmness levels designed to meet the personal comfort needs of the user. Foam cushions are designed to improve pressure management and body positioning.

Foam cushion may be best for you if you are looking for:

  • Low cost and minimal maintenance

  • Lightweight and very stable

  • Multiple firmness options

While there are many benefits of a foam cushion, this may not be the ideal choice for you if you are looking for a cushion that provides above average pressure relief or new “state of the art” technology in body positioning features.

Air Cushions

This design is great for varying comfort levels. The cushion is filled with air which allows adjustment in air pressure which results in changing cushion firmness. Out of the 3 options, the air cushion provides the least amount of stability and body positioning but provides excellent pressure relief. With different height options available, a good guide to go by is – the lower the height (1-2”) the more stable but less pressure relief is provided. The taller the height (3-4”) the better the pressure relief but less stability is provided.

Air cushions may be best for you if you are looking for:

  • Best pressure relief with adjustable firmness

  • Light weight and minimal maintenance

While there are many benefits of an air cushion, this may not be the ideal choice for you if you are looking for a cushion that is inexpensive, low maintenance or has new “state of the art” technology in body positioning and stability features.

Sometimes the cushion can be overlooked as an important part of the wheelchair, however, this is the exact opposite. It is one of the most important factors when deciding and it literally can change the comfort and health of a person very easily. So make sure you research all you can because it is not a which is BEST scenario as they each have their own benefits. It is figuring out what your or your loved ones body needs. Feel free to visit our Amazon Powered store and search the webs largest selection and best prices and there you can also see real customer reviews.