Foam, Gel or Air?

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Wheelchair Accessories and other Wheelchairs topics.

Which is better, a foam, gel or air wheelchair cushion?

Foam, Gel or Air?

You're in the middle of a lecture and you can't stand it. How much longer is your chemistry professor going to talk? Admittedly, she gets a little long-winded when she talks about covalent bonding. But your discomfort isn't the usual bored-student variety.

When you're sitting too long in one spot, you need comfort. When you have any kind of a muscular or neuromuscular condition (arthritis, anyone?), you need a supportive cushion for your seat and/or back. The question for the ages, and one your chemistry prof will love, is: foam, gel or air?

With so many choices, from basic models to deluxe-contour "ahhh" wheelchair cushions, let's review the options on the blackboard before your head explodes from picking wheelchair cushions to buy!

FOAM CUSHIONS
Example: Jay Soft Combi W/Lumbar Support Option Foam Wheelchair Cushion
• Easily the cheapest, but high-quality.
• Won't leak.
• Can be shaped to fit your back, which is not easy because you used to be a linebacker.
• Wear out quickly and lose shape.

GEL CUSHIONS
Example: Invacare Gentle Contour With Flogel Gel Wheelchair Cushion.
• Can leak. Your professor would tell you it's viscosity.
• Contoured to support your spine and often include memory foam.
• Absorb less impact, say if you hit a wall while cramming for the chemistry final.
• Too heavy.
• More expensive, especially for a college student.
• Have inserts to keep your legs from getting restless during class.

AIR CUSHIONS
Example: ROHO Airlite Air Wheelchair Cushion
• Inflate as large as you need.
• Distribute pressure evenly, which your prof will tell you is important.
• Higher maintenance, a con when you're trying to concentrate on chemistry lectures.
• More expensive, especially with your student loans.
• One jab from the wiseguy behind you and all the air leaks out.

Did you take good notes? For a college student, foam or gel wheel chair cushions may be your best bet, especially if you need the extra comfort of a cooling wheelchair cushion for when your prof. talks for thirty minutes about viscosity. The good news: With all you've learned from your wheelchair cushions, you can ace that chemistry final with confidence.

   

Comments

6/10/2011 2:38:24 PM
Mistie Witt said:

A lesser known but high-quality polymer option is the Action(r) series of cushions that have been on the market over 40 years, sold worldwide. Check out www.actionproducts.com to see a wide variety of options, many of which are Medicare reimbursable and all of which may be ordered online. Thanks!




Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Wheelchairs Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Candi Wingate