Cushions can provide support and make seating more comfortable, especially when using a wheelchair or sitting for long periods of time such as in a non-ergonomic chair or bucket style car seat. A range of pre-made cushions are available or customised designs can be manufactured for specific needs. Types of cushions available include:
Back supports otherwise known as lumbar supports, are a range of transportable cushions that are designed to fit onto chairs such as lounges, non-ergonomic chairs or those chairs that provide minimal back support to provide support to the lumbar spine and improve posture. If sitting at a desk or workstation for prolonged periods it is preferred to locate an ergonomic chair with adjustable lumbar support, rather than attempting to alter an existing chair by adding a cushion. A range of lumbar support cushion designs are available:
Vehicle seat cushions are often used to provide added lumbar support to bucket style car seats where minimal lumbar support is available within the existing car seat. A range of styles and designs are available in vehicle lumbar supports and are worth trialing in the vehicle to ensure practicality and comfort prior to purchase:
Wheelchair cushions are available in either prefabricated models or custom made with specific foam density, size, thickness and covering materials as per individual pressure care requirements. If required these styles of cushions can also be used on other forms of seating to reduce risk of pressure sores:
Body support cushions are available which can include polystyrene pellet filled cushions that once molded to the body have air removed via vacuum pump for stability.
Sleeping or lying cushions allow for positioning and stabilisation of the body in prone (face down), supine (face up) or side lying positions. Prefabricated cushions are available or customised cushions can be made for specific individual requirements.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
For individuals who sit for work whether it be at an office chair or within a vehicle, having a chair with lumbar support can assist in maintaining optimum spinal posture, prevent or reduce back or neck pain or the onset of fatigue. The Australian Physiotherapy Association recommends sitting for no longer than 20 minutes prior to standing, stretching or walking around.
Prior to considering purchase of a lumbar cushion, the existing seating arrangements should be assessed for back rest adjustability. Within an office, if the chair back rest is not adjustable, alternative office chairs should be considered prior to the use of a lumbar cushion. If a vehicle seat back rest is providing insufficient back support, consideration can be given to replacement of the seat or the addition of a rolled up towel or lumbar cushion.
If a lumbar support cushion is required within the workplace and is specific to a person’s disability and not something normally supplied by the employer under their Occupational Safety and Health requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Workplace Modification Scheme. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
(Australian Physiotherapy Association 2003; Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2008).
Relevant Links
References
Australian Physiotherapy Association 2003, APA Patient Information Cards: Back Pain, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Melbourne, viewed 5 January 2008,.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2008, Buyer’s Guide – Back and Neck Supports, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 5 January 2008.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2008, Seating – Back & Body Supports, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 5 January 2008.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2008, Seating – Alternative Positioning Equipment, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 5 January 2008,
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2008, Wheelchairs – cushions –combination, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 5 January 2008.