Cushions—pressure care (low level)

Cushions can provide support and make seating more comfortable, especially when using a wheelchair or sitting for long periods of time. Specialised pressure cushions are designed to disperse weight and are used to both provide comfort and prevent the development of pressure areas that could lead to pressure sores from periods of extended sitting. Low level pressure cushions are suitable for those at a low risk of developing pressure sores. The risk level of pressure sores is determined using an assessment that takes into consideration the person’s body mass index, continence, skin type, mobility, gender, age and nutritional status.

Workplace solutions and adjustments:

Sitting for long periods at work can be uncomfortable for many people with injury or disability, especially those that are wheelchair dependent.

There are various reasons why a person may require low level pressure relief including:

• altered sensation
• continence difficulties
• poor circulation
• fragile skin or
• poor skin condition.

A range of pre-made cushions are available or customised designs can be manufactured for specific needs. Types of cushions available include:

• foam cushions which are often used for comfort but can also offer low level pressure relief. They are easy to customise to meet the person’s needs and are available in various densities
• fibre filled cushions which provide a stable base and low level pressure relief but flatten quickly under the person and require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to provide comfort
• gel filled cushions which mould to the person’s shape and can provide low to high level pressure relief depending on the type of gel used. These cushions can help to absorb vibration
• fluid filled cushions which can be useful for low to high level pressure relief depending on the cushion selected.

(LifeTec Queensland (no date specified); Queensland Health 2004)

References:

LifeTec Queensland (no date specified), Pressure Ulcer Prevention, LifeTec Queensland, Brisbane, viewed 31 March 2008, <http://www.lifetec.org.au/_uploads/factsheets/PressureUlcerPrevention_elec.pdf>.

LifeTec Queensland (no date specified), Pressure Cushions, Mattresses and Protectors, LifeTec Queensland, Brisbane, viewed 31 March 2008, <http://www.lifetec.org.au/_uploads/factsheets/PressureCushionMattressesandProtectors_elec.pdf>.

Queensland Health 2004, Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management Resource Guidelines, Queensland Health, Brisbane, viewed 2 April 2008, http://www.health.qld.gov.au/quality/Publication/pressure_mgt2004.pdf.

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