What is a Foam Cushion?

The foam cushion is the basic and most popular type of cushion used for wheelchairs and other seating surfaces. Foam wheelchair cushion easily conforms to the user's body contours, support the bony prominences, and relieves pressure points of tissue breakdown that cause pressure ulcers. Foam cushions are lightweight and inexpensive, offering user support, stability, comfort, and skin protection.

Since the foam is easy to cut, it can easily be made to fit the user's shape. If you have an area of skin breakdown, the pressure can easily be reduced by cutting out a portion of the cushion. Your therapist can help you in doing so. Most foams are made from polyurethane, latex, or a combination of both. Foam wheelchair cushions are available in different shapes, densities, and contoured bases with multiple layers for better weight distribution, comfort, and skin protection.

HPFY brings you an extensive range of foam wheelchair cushions with varying shapes, sizes, and densities to meet all your requirements while prioritizing your comfort. Different types of foam cushions are available, including convoluted, high-density foam, incontinent resistant, amputee, and wedge from top manufacturers like Proactive Medical, Hermell Products, Medline Industries, etc.

Why choose a Foam Wheelchair Cushion?

Like any other product, foam cushions have evolved and have come a long way. New advancements have been made in their designs. They are no longer just the soft, airy stuff of the past. The foam cushion now comes in varying densities with multiple layers and holds its shape as you sit, enhancing your stability. The new foams can adapt to any shape, providing even support and spreading pressure across the seating surface. Many foam cushions include a gel insert that provides extra softness.

The following are the benefits of foam cushions:

Foam cushion is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to maintain.
It offers stable seating surface.
High-density foam provides more support and retains its shape and properties for longer.
A combination of foams is used to enhance comfort and body conformation.
The top layer of a multilayer foam cushion can be easily replaced at a low cost in case of damage; there is no need to replace the whole cushion.
The foam cushion is ideal for individuals who use the wheelchair for a short period. It helps prevent the coccyx area from developing any sores.
The foam cushion is not subject to sudden collapse, as in the case of gel or air cushions.

Features to consider when choosing Foam Cushions for Wheelchairs

1. Size of the Foam Cushion

Take proper measurements of the wheelchair seat or other seating surface before purchasing. The cushion size must match the size of the wheelchair seat.

2. Weight capacity

Foam cushions come in various sizes to suit different body types, including standard, bariatric, and pediatric. Foam thickness also plays an important role when choosing seat cushions for various body types. The heavier the user, the thicker the foam cushion should be, as foam tends to compress and slowly flatten out over time.

A 100% foam cushion is not usually ideal for those weighing more than 250 pounds. Foam cushions with gel inserts can be considered for optimal support.

3. Foam density

Foam wheelchair cushions are generally available in 1-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch thicknesses. The cushion's density increases as the cushion's size increases to match the user's needs. The denser the foam, the better it conforms to the body and redistributes pressure.

On the other hand, low-density foams are lightweight and more affordable. They have better air circulation and prevent heat build-up and the discomfort that may accompany it. For bariatric patients, foam cushions are made from high-density resilient foam to support the user and maintain the integrity of the cushion for longer. There is less chance of completely compressing the foam and bottoming out.

4. Level of risk for Pressure

Sores Solid foam cushions for wheelchairs work well for people with a low risk of developing pressure ulcers. However, for people with a higher risk of skin breakdown or who are already living with pressure sores, a foam cushion with a gel insert or gel topping should be considered. Memory foam is often used in combination with foam to prevent skin breakdown.

5. Positioning needs

Foam cushions are available in different shapes and designs, including contoured, pommel, waterfall front, anti-thrust, coccyx cutout, wedge-shaped cushions, etc.

Foam seat cushions with an anti-thrust design keep hips from sliding forward and encourage the users to sit back comfortably, while waterfall contour cushions protect the backs of the knees.

Wedge-shaped cushions prevent forward leaning and slumping, and pommel cushions encourage leg abduction and prevent legs from knocking together. Foam wheelchair cushions with coccyx cutouts help take pressure off the tailbone and lower spine. Therefore, the foam cushion design selection should depend on the user’s positioning challenges.

6. Cushion cover option

If you buy a foam cushion with a cover, it will protect the cushion from moisture and help it last longer. Water-resistant or moisture-repellant cushion covers are usually made from polyester or nylon and are easy to clean when stains occur. Most of the cushion covers are removable and washable. People with incontinence issues can use foam seat cushions with fully fluid-proof covers that keep cushions dry and prevent skin breakdown.

Top-Reviewed Foam Seat Cushions

Where to buy a Foam Cushion online?

Health Products For You offers a wide range of superior-quality foam cushions from leading manufacturers like Skil Care, Performance Health/ Patterson Medical, Span America, and many more. Shop now!