In December 2011, we surveyed cushions!
Of our 34 responders, 6% reported using a foam cushion while 41% use Gel (Jay2, Jay 3) and 53% use an Air cushion (Roho, etc). For best pressure relief, it is recommended to use a gel or air cushion that is customized to your pressure relief needs. It is also good to have a back up cushion in case you need to replace you cushion very quickly, so we are glad to hear many of you have a back up cushion. For our viewers, who don’t have a backup it would be a good idea to consider having one on hand. 70.6% of the survey participants are using a cushion that is less than 2 years old. It is recommended to replace your cushion every 3-5 years, though this can vary based on your use and wear and tear on your cushion. So remember to monitor your cushion and skin daily. Check with your insurance provider to see what your cushion coverage is, and how often they will cover a new cushion, along with coverage of a back up cushion.
Over half of our responders reported experiencing a skin breakdown due to improper use or fit of their cushion. However, over 60% reported that the cushion they are currently using provides the necessary support for pressure relief and proper position. Trial and error is the only accurate way to determine what cushion is best for each individual person. You are your own expert but if you are not sure what the best option is for you, talk to your local seating clinic, a physical therapist, or a local cushion vendor. Also, pressure mapping is a great way to assist you with finding the most appropriate cushion for you. Over 80% reported that they feel adequately knowledgeable about their personal cushion needs having had their spinal cord injury for over 10 years.
We received several comments in regards to how to improve cushions including;
- More research should be done on what types of cushions work best for reducing pressure and also support the spine.
- Skin changes as you age, and how does that effect what kind of cushion you should use and pressure relief routines?
- To advance cushions, manufacturers should take advantage of pressure mapping technologies to create real-time warnings for individuals to do pressure relief.
- Good cushions that relieves pressure but also low maintenance.
Both research and technology regarding cushions and how they affect your skin have come a long way in the last 20 years, but there is still a lot more to learn from a research perspective, and technology will advance to create better cushions that we have today.
If you live in the Washington DC metropolitan area and interested in participating in research, we are currently enrolling for a study that investigates pressure ulcer prevention during wheelchair sitting to monitor the performance of pressure relief maneuvers in individuals with SCI. If you are interested in being screened for eligibility in this project please contact: miriam@sci-health.org or call at 202 877-1060.
Proper seating, positioning and regular pressure relief intervals are crucial for any person who uses a wheelchair. The proper seating and positioning assessment allows for a better quality of life. It may be a good idea to check in with your local seating clinic every few years have your seating reevaluated.
Thank you to all of our survey responders! We really appreciate your feedback and hope you find this information useful!
Please contact us at info@sci-health.org if you have any additional feedback to share with us.
Thank you again!
-RRTC Team
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