Finding the right seat cushion for your wheelchair

[deann-r]

Who knew it would be so difficult to find a comfy cushion!  When the company I go through for my cushion “updated” it, I absolutely hated it.  I have no idea what changes they made, but my butt didn’t appreciate it.  After being allowed to try out a few from my durable medical supply company I ended up choosing one from the same manufacturer just a different style.  I think it’s a Jay.  It’s basically a gel foam, so it’s pretty durable.  Probably not as soft as you’re used to though Kevin.  Knock on wood, I’ve never had a pressure sore, but don’t want one either, so it’s very important to get a cushion that works for you.  Is it difficult to get positioned with the ROHO?  That’s why I shied away from trying it.

[kevin-schaefer]

Seriously! It’s like, of all the things that are complicated for us, you’d think that this would be easy. Oh well.

As far as getting comfortable, it’s generally pretty easy. But I do have to get into a specific position, regardless of whether I’m in my chair, bed or another chair. The ROHO is pretty widely used among SMA people. I’ll look into the one you mentioned though.

[david-z]

I’ve found this site useful for seating/padding supplies.

https://www.sunmatecushions.com/

[kevin-schaefer]

Thanks David! Yeah my cushion is feeling better since I got it adjusted, but I’ll keep this site in mind for future reference.

[michael-morale]

I recently had a CT scan performed on my right leg. The doctor told me that I had severe muscle damage in my right hip and he recommended that I get a new wheelchair cushion. Laura, my physical therapist, told me about a cushion that would be beneficial for me. One recommendation that I would have for anyone looking for a new wheelchair cushion would be to talk to the company that is going to be providing it to you and ask if they could bring one of these cushions to you so that you could try it for a few days. Never buy a new cushion until you try it first, because the correct wheelchair cushion is very difficult to find. You do not want to spend that kind of money, or have your insurance company spend that kind of money until you know that you have chosen the correct wheelchair cushion. Once you have had a few days to try it to make sure that it works for you, then you know that you are getting the cushion that you need.

[kevin-schaefer]

I totally agree. I’ve used the same wheelchair service-provider since I was a kid, and they’re great about letting me test out equipment before I use it. You need to see what works and what doesn’t.

[richard-bale]

you can get the comfortable cushion at Flexispot store.
I also get the cushion for my grandfather, it is very comfy and he is really comfortable with it.

[patrick-lenihan]

I have a Roho and a Synergy Solutions foam and gel combo cushion. I prefer the Synergy Solutions cushion because it is a bit firmer and that enables me to shift and adjust myself in the chair a little easier.

[mike-volkman]

Roho is the best cushion. I first saw them at an expo in Chicago in 1978. I started using them in 1982. Yeah, they do develop leaks. They come with a patch that never works. You can always send it back to the plant to be fixed. That’s why you should always have a spare. You don’t have to use the spare very often, but it is great to have it there.

[alyssa-silva]

I’m intrigued about this Roho cushion. I’ve used a custom molded seat for most of my life. It’s basically foam and some gel that’s fitted to my body. I wonder how this compares? I’ve always had trouble with my sea cushion even though it’s custom made.

[susana-m]

I’m glad to hear the ROHO cushion has been helpful for so many people. It was a total bust for me. Every time a therapist suggested it, I tried it with terrible results. Like Alyssa, I’ve been using a custom molded seat with gel layer for many years now, and it has been the best solution so far.

That said, it’s so important to know the options available, especially if you want to try something different.