Pressure Management and Cushions
Pressure sores can occur at any point of contact between the rider and the wheelchair, including but not limited to backrest, seat or cushion surface, an edge of the seat, calf strap, and footrests. If riders do not have complete sensation, or if they cannot communicate effectively, riders should have a competent person evaluate the risk of pressure sores. Riders should monitor themselves carefully, and be monitored by an assistant, to minimize the risk of pressure sores. Whirlwind recommends professional fitting and rider training from a well-trained wheelchair user.
For more information about assessment and fitting, refer to the World Health Organizations’s
Commercially Available Low-Cost Cushions for Pressure Management
“UCP Fit” Wheels For Humanity Cushion, Download PDF, 1.1M and Download Fitting Guide, 726K
Jarik Fluid Cushion by Rick Jay and Jarik Medical
CARVED FOAM PRESSURE RELIEF CUSHIONS
Whirlwind has developed instructions to make carved foam pressure relief cushions based on designs by Jamie Noon.Download Cushion Carving Guide PDF (6.9 MB)
Download Cushion Carving Jig Files PDF, E-DRAWINGS, and DXF