Cushions and pressure care supports

Cushions and pressure care supports can provide support and make seating more comfortable, especially when using a wheelchair or sitting for long periods of time. They can also be used to reduce the risk of pressure areas developing on the skin. Products range from a low level to a high level of support.

Workplace solutions and adjustments

The provision of a cushion and or pressure care support can help a person to reduce the risk of developing a pressure sore when seated at work for long periods by:

• providing protection to specific areas such as the heels and elbows
• displacing pressure evenly
• allowing increased air flow and thus reducing moisture build up
• providing increased comfort
• improving posture.

There are other approaches that can be taken in the workplace to reduce the risk of a person developing pressure areas such as:

• changing work position regularly by alternating tasks or implementing a regular posture change break, assisted or independent
• taking regular breaks
• maintaining good skin condition by ensuring adequate air circulation and reduced moisture build up.

For more information on pressure care products available, please see the links below:

• Cushions—pressure care (high level)
• Cushions—pressure care (low level)
• Heel cushions
• Heel and elbow pads
• Heel elevators
• Compression garments and footwear

References

LifeTec Queensland (no date specified), Pressure Cushions, Mattresses and Protectors, LifeTec Queensland, Brisbane, viewed 7 November 2011, http://www.lifetec.org.au/_uploads/factsheets/PressureCushionMattressesandProtectors_elec.pdf.

LifeTec Queensland (no date specified), Pressure Ulcer Prevention, LifeTec Queensland, Brisbane, viewed 7 November 2011,  http://www.lifetec.org.au/_uploads/factsheets/PressureUlcerPrevention_elec.pdf.

Rehab WA 2011, Pressure Relief Aids, Rehab WA, Perth, viewed 7 November 2011,  http://www.rehabwa.com.au/view-list.php?category=Pressure%20Relief%20Aids.

New South Wales Government Department of Health (no date specified), Prevention of Pressure Ulcers, New South Wales Government Department of Health, North Sydney, viewed 7 November 2011, http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/quality/pdf/pressure_ulcers_brochure.pdf.

Therapeutic Pillow International 2011, Multi-purpose Pressure-care Cushion, Therapeutic Pillow International, Cheltenham, Victoria, viewed 7 November 2011,  http://www.the-pillow.com.au/more/multi_purpose_cushion_more.php.

• Cushions and pressure care supports