Download the cushion properties table
Why is this cushion made like this and is it right for my client? Wheelchair cushions are created using scientific properties to address the needs of wheelchair users. Understanding these properties will help the clinician select a cushion based on the desired effect that they are trying to achieve. This resource explains the technology used in cushions and the clinical application that should be considered when choosing a cushion. Examples of cushions which demonstrate these properties are also provided, however all cushions use these properties and are key to making your cushion selection.
Firmness
{^widget|(imagealt)Firmness+icon|(column1)%3cp%3eFoam+firmness+relates+to+the+amount+of+stiffness+or%26nbsp%3bsoftness+in+a+foam.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eIndentation+Force+Deflection+(IFD)%2c+also+referred+to+as+Indentation+Load+Deflection+(ILD)%2c+is+a+measurement+of+foam+firmness.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cul%3e%0d%0a%09%3cli%3eHigh+IFD+is+stiff%3c%2fli%3e%0d%0a%09%3cli%3eLow+IFD+is+soft%3c%2fli%3e%0d%0a%3c%2ful%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)left|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f1362cc37-685f-469b-8f33-19bdc8ca24dc%2ffirmness.gif%3fwidth%3d277%26height%3d248%26ext%3d.gif|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Clinical Application
{^widget|(imagealt)Jay+Union|(column1)%3cp%3eFirmness+does+not+describe+density+or+durability%2c+it+describes+the+spring+(ability+to+compress+and+rebound)+of+a+foam.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eThe+softness%2ffirmness+of+the+foam+will+impact+positioning+and+pressure.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eThe+clinician+must+select+foams+that+are+durable%2c+yet+provide+the+level+of+stiffness+or+softness+to+achieve+the+positioning+goals.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eThe+clinician+must+also+consider+the+foam%26%2339%3bs+reaction+to+heat+(including+body+heat)+because+foam+(i.e.+memory+foam)+may+soften+when+sitting+on+it%2c+thus+reducing+the+IFD.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)right|(linktext)JAY+Union|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f5a42fe0d-e9be-401e-b904-aba7444689f0%2fJAY-Union.jpg%3fwidth%3d400%26height%3d390%26ext%3d.jpg|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Density
{^widget|(imagealt)Density+icon|(column1)%3cp%3eFoam+density+relates+to+the+durability+of+a+foam.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eFoam+can+be+either+high+density+or+low+density+and+measured+in+Newtons.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eFirm+foam+can+be+either+high+density+or+low+density.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cul%3e%0d%0a%09%3cli%3eHigh+PCF+is+more+durable%3c%2fli%3e%0d%0a%09%3cli%3eLow+PCF+is+less+durable%3c%2fli%3e%0d%0a%3c%2ful%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)left|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2fa4ac8ae3-44f1-4fdd-afb4-9adb11d9a51e%2fdensity.gif%3fwidth%3d282%26height%3d250%26ext%3d.gif|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Clinical Application
{^widget|(imagealt)JAY+Soft+Combi+P|(column1)%3cp%3eDensity+is+important+to+consider+when+selecting+a+cushion+so+it+lasts+the+intended+amount+of+years.+Regardless+of+foam%26%2339%3bs+IFD%2c+it+is+important+that+high+density+foam+is+used.+This+is+important+because+density%2c+not+firmness%2c+influences+durability.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eManufacturers+who+use+low+density+foams+may+reduce+cost%2c+but+ultimately+sacrifice+durability.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eCushions+that+use+low+density+foams+may+compress+over+time+(bottom+out).+They+harden%2c+lose+shape%2c+and+no+longer+provide+appropriate+support+and+pressure+distribution.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)right|(linktext)JAY+Soft+Combi+P|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f8120dbd2-9721-4402-b9ae-5358ebafa5b7%2fSoft-Combi-P-Cushion.png%3fwidth%3d400%26height%3d430%26ext%3d.png|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Reaction Force Reduction
{^widget|(imagealt)Reaction+Force+Reduction+icon|(column1)%3cp%3eReaction+force+reduction+is+the+ability+of+the+material+to+reduce+the+resulting+force+from+compressing+or+deforming+a+solid+elastic+material.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eThe+maximum+reaction+force+occurs+at+the+area+of+highest+compression+(i.e.+when+you+push+a+finger+down+into+a+block+of+foam%2c+the+highest+reaction+force+is+at+your+fingertip).%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)left|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f7aaff177-70a8-45b1-8af2-ee0cf21ffa78%2freactionForce_1.gif%3fwidth%3d307%26height%3d283%26ext%3d.gif|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Clinical Application
{^widget|(imagealt)JAY+Ion|(column1)%3cp%3eIt+is+important+to+have+a+cushion+which+reduces+reaction+force+as+much+as+possible.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eWhen+a+pelvis+is+seated%2c+the+ischial+tuberosities%26nbsp%3bare+positioned+at+the+maximum+point+of+compression%2c+resulting+in+high+reaction+force+that+often+contributes+to+tissue+breakdown+and+the+formation+of+pressure+injuries.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)right|(linktext)JAY+Ion|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f16941647-5097-4a18-88cc-0fb97b4d483c%2fJAY-ION-Cushion.jpg%3fwidth%3d400%26height%3d447%26ext%3d.jpg|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Hydrostatic Force
{^widget|(imagealt)Hydrostatic+Force+Icon|(column1)%3cp%3e%26nbsp%3b%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eHydrostatic+force+is+the+amount+of+force+of+a+fluid+at+rest.+It+is+the+force+that+occurs+in+objects+that+immerse+in+fluids+(liquid+or+gas).+Hydrostatic+forces+that+are+in+balance+or+equally+distributed+will+have+less+pressure+against+the+tissue.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)left|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f4c2d30e2-6072-4792-a3e1-db2afb5dd05e%2fhydrostatic.gif%3fwidth%3d271%26height%3d246%26ext%3d.gif|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Clinical Application
{^widget|(imagealt)JAY+Balance|(column1)%3cp%3eHydrostatic+loading+evenly+distributes+pressure+to+reduce+buildup+under+sensitive+areas+of+the+pelvis%2c+which+helps+prevent+the+formation+of+pressure+injuries.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eHydrostatic+forces+that+are+in+balance+give+the+feeling+of+weightlessness+or+floating+in+a+pool.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eIt%26%2339%3bs+important+to+provide+the+correct+amount+of+fluid+to+enable+proper+reduction+of+hydrostatic+forces.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)right|(linktext)JAY+Balance|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f99e1fa87-103b-4367-93e2-437b4ca7efc8%2fJay-balance_1.jpg%3fwidth%3d400%26height%3d396%26ext%3d.jpg|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Tension Reduction
{^widget|(imagealt)Tension+Reduction+Icon|(column1)%3cp%3eTension+reduction+is+the+use+of+materials+to+reduce+the+effects+of+creating+tension+on+the+tissue.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eTension+is+the+state+of+being+stretched+or+strained+when+the+materials+attempt+to+accept+the+body.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eThe+more+stretch+within+a+material%2c+the+more+tension+is+reduced.+An+example+is+comparing+stretch+denim+with+original+denim.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)left|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2fa524f29f-15bb-434d-8144-badbdbb65e2c%2ftensionReduction.gif%3fwidth%3d277%26height%3d255%26ext%3d.gif|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Clinical Application
{^widget|(imagealt)JAY+2+Deep+Contour|(column1)%3cp%3eTension+can+cause+increased+forces+at+the+point+of+greatest+immersion%2c+usually+the+area+around+the+ischial+tuberosities.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eFoam+is+a+prime+example+of+a+tension-producing+cushion+material%2c+whereas+fluids+are+tension-reducing.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eUsing+materials+such+as+4-way+stretch+in+covers+reduces+tension+on+the+tissues.+Although+tension+is+a+common+concern+in+cover+materials%2c+it+can+also+be+a+problem+with+the+actual+cushion+material.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eSinking+the+pelvis+into+a+cushion+fluid+(JAY+fluid+or+air)+or+a+pre-molded+shape+significantly+increases+contact+area+and+helps+reduce+peak+pressure+areas.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)right|(linktext)JAY+2+Deep+Contour|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2fdec5cec7-cd36-44cf-b3af-cea810bc7e9f%2fJAY-J2DC.jpg%3fwidth%3d400%26height%3d418%26ext%3d.jpg|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Microclimate
{^widget|(imagealt)Microclimate+Icon|(column1)%3cp%3eMicroclimate+is+the+temperature+and+moisture+created+in+a+particular+area.+Too+much+heat+may+cause+sweating%2c+leading+to+moisture.+Too+much+cooling+may+interfere+with+healing.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)left|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2f926b43e5-94b6-4054-b2df-664ae712deaa%2fmicroclimate.gif%3fwidth%3d258%26height%3d246%26ext%3d.gif|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Clinical Application
{^widget|(imagealt)JAY+Fusion+with+CryoFluid+Insert|(column1)%3cp%3eThe+microclimate+of+an+area+while+sitting+on+a+cushion+must+be+monitored+to+prevent+temperature+build-up+which+leads+to+moisture%2c+maceration%2c+and+pressure+ulcer.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eClinicians+should+consider+microclimatic+materials+which+cool+the+area+and+delay+temperature+build-up.+Microclimatic+materials+will+also+reduce+perspiration+(moisture).%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eAlthough+tissue+breakdown+has+been+attributed+to+excess+heat+and+moisture%2c+skin+that+is+too+dry+is+also+more+prone+to+pressure+ulcer.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eMicroclimatic+material+encourages+the+passage+of+air%2c+heat%2c+and+water+vapor+from+the+user%3b+therefore+materials+that+promote+a+stable+microclimate+in+the+cushion+should+be+considered.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)right|(linktext)JAY+Fusion+with+CryoFluid+Inse|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2fd039181e-f7d6-414d-b972-581c5f4fb6d5%2fCRYO.jpg%3fwidth%3d400%26height%3d513%26ext%3d.jpg|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Vibration Dampening
{^widget|(imagealt)Vibration+Dampening+Icon|(column1)%3cp%3eVibration+dampening+is+the+use+of+material+to+disperse+the+energy+caused+by+vibrations+by+reducing+the+amplitude+and+frequency+of+the+vibration.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eWhole-body+vibration+(WBV)+is+the+vibration+transmitted+by+supporting+surfaces+to+the+entire+human+body.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eSome+materials+can+reduce+or+dampen+this+effect+of+WBV.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)left|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2fbf09dd7c-b94f-4808-9b8b-df29764ded10%2fvibration.gif%3fwidth%3d281%26height%3d254%26ext%3d.gif|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
Clinical Application
{^widget|(imagealt)JAY+Xtreme+Active|(column1)%3cp%3eCushions+which+provide+vibration+dampening+to+reduce+the+WBV+are+important+for+those+who+experience+pain%2c+fatigue%2c+and+nerve+damage.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eA+vibration-reducing+material+should+be+able+to+perform+over+a+wide+range+of+temperatures+while+still+absorbing+shock+and+vibration+energy.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a%0d%0a%3cp%3eVisco+foam+is+an+example+of+a+material+that+performs+well+in+absorbing+shock+and+vibration.%3c%2fp%3e%0d%0a|(name)layout_2_columns_Text_Image|(align)right|(linktext)JAY+Xtreme+Active|(image)%7e%2fgetmedia%2fa6cc51f4-bc3b-4d5d-98c8-8c924b9059d2%2fXtreme-Active_1.jpg%3fwidth%3d400%26height%3d341%26ext%3d.jpg|(widget_displayname)Column+with+Image|(width)|(height)^}
