Home / Canes, walkers and knee scooters
Cushions for pressure sores: what helps when you sit in a wheelchair
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Adjustable air cell cushion. Best for: High or very high pressure risk, set up with a therapist. See options on Amazon
- Contoured gel and foam cushion. Best for: People who need pressure care and a stable base for transfers. See options on Amazon
- Dual-compartment air cushion. Best for: People who need side-to-side or front-to-back positioning. See options on Amazon
- Breathable, moisture-wicking cushion cover. Best for: Anyone using a pressure care cushion. See options on Amazon
Who needs a pressure care cushion
The NHS says pressure ulcers are more likely if you have problems moving, reduced feeling or pain sensation, poor circulation, fragile skin, are underweight, or have had a pressure ulcer before. The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) matches cushion grades to that risk:
| Grade | Typical build | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Shaped cushions mixing foam, gel or air | Less skin sensation, but can reposition and transfer without help |
| High | Gel and foam combinations or air | No skin sensation, limited movement, or sitting most of the day |
| Very high | Air-based | No skin sensation, needs full help to move, or a history of skin problems |
SIA says the cushion type is often decided at a wheelchair service assessment. That is the safest route if you already have a sore. For basic sizing and materials, see our wheelchair cushion guide.
Setting up an air cell cushion
Permobil, maker of ROHO air cushions, gives this setup:
- Open the valve and inflate until the cushion begins to arch slightly upward, then close the valve.
- Sit centered in your normal position.
- A helper slides a hand under the lowest bony point of the pelvis.
- Release air until the fingertips can just move, then close the valve.
The target is about 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) to 1 inch (2.5 cm) of air between your bottom and the seat surface. Permobil warns that under- or over-inflation reduces or removes the cushion's benefit and says to check inflation regularly, since air is lost with normal use. SIA gives the same 1/2 to 1 inch hand check for any cushion.
Weight shifts: the habit that matters most
MedlinePlus advises shifting your weight every 15 to 20 minutes, leaning forward and to the left and right. The Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System explains how:
- Forward lean. Lock the wheels and bring your chest toward your knees for 30 to 90 seconds.
- Side lean. Lean to one side to take weight off the other buttock for 30 to 90 seconds, then switch.
- Tilt in a power chair. Tilt of 25 to 65 degrees gives pressure relief; 15 degrees or less does not.
- Push-ups. Only if other methods are not possible, because they can strain the shoulder.
A therapist can teach the method that suits your strength and chair.
Checks and warning signs
- Check your skin every day, head to toe, or have a caregiver check, as MedlinePlus advises.
- NHS early signs: discolored patches that do not change color when pressed, skin that feels warm, spongy or hard, and pain or itchiness.
- Have your wheelchair fit checked once or twice a year, MedlinePlus says, especially if your weight changes or you feel pressure anywhere.
- Do not sit on a donut-shaped cushion; MedlinePlus says to avoid them.
The NHS says to get urgent advice for warm, swollen or red skin (which may look purple or blue on darker skin), pus, a high temperature, or severe or worsening pain.
What to look for when you buy
Adjustable air cell cushion
Best for: High or very high pressure risk, set up with a therapist
SIA lists air-based cushions for maximum pressure relief, and Permobil describes ROHO air cells that can be tuned to the user through valves.
Watch out: SIA says air cushions can be a little less stable, and they need regular inflation checks.
See options on AmazonContoured gel and foam cushion
Best for: People who need pressure care and a stable base for transfers
SIA rates gel and foam combinations for high pressure care and positioning support.
Watch out: Heavily contoured cushions can make sideways transfers harder, SIA notes.
See options on AmazonDual-compartment air cushion
Best for: People who need side-to-side or front-to-back positioning
Permobil says dual compartment cushions can be adjusted side by side or front to back, starting with the side under the lowest bony point.
Watch out: More valves to set and check; learn the routine with your therapist.
See options on AmazonBreathable, moisture-wicking cushion cover
Best for: Anyone using a pressure care cushion
SIA recommends breathable, moisture-wicking covers that help regulate temperature.
Watch out: Use only covers made for your cushion so they do not bunch or change its setup.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What cushion is best for pressure sores?
- Usually a high-grade gel and foam or air cushion chosen at a seating assessment. SIA lists air-based cushions as giving maximum pressure relief.
- Should I use a donut cushion for a pressure sore?
- No. MedlinePlus says not to sit on donut-shaped cushions.
- How often should I shift my weight in a wheelchair?
- MedlinePlus advises every 15 to 20 minutes. Hold each lean for 30 to 90 seconds.
- How do I know if my air cushion is inflated correctly?
- Do a hand check under the lowest bony point of your pelvis; there should be about 1/2 to 1 inch of space.
- Will a cushion make a pressure sore go away?
- Not on its own. The NHS lists specially designed cushions alongside changing position regularly, and a sore needs a health professional's care.
Sources
- Preventing pressure injuries (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Pressure ulcers (pressure sores) (nhs.uk), NHS
- ROHO Inflation: Set up and check in five easy steps (hub.permobil.com), Permobil (maker of ROHO cushions)
- Skin Care and Pressure Sores: How to do pressure reliefs (weight shifts) (sci.washington.edu), Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System (University of Washington)
- Travel with Confidence: Wheelchair Cushion Information Sheet (spinal.co.uk), Spinal Injuries Association (UK)