Finding the perfect wheelchair cushion is a critical step in ensuring your comfort, protecting your skin, and improving your posture. It’s an investment in your long-term health, and at NextGen HME, we’re committed to helping you make the right choice.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve put together a curated guide to some of our favorite cushions from the industry’s best brands.
1. Air Cushions
Air Cushions
Air cushions are made of individual, interconnected air cells that conform to the user’s body. This design disperses pressure evenly across a large surface area, making them ideal for high-risk individuals who are susceptible to skin breakdown.
Brands We Carry: Roho and Star are leaders in this category. Their cushions provide unmatched pressure relief and are highly adjustable to suit individual needs.
Air cushions are provide most contact surface area
Air cushions are widely considered the most therapeutic for preventing and treating pressure ulcers.
Air cushions are for users spending a significant portion of their day ( over 8 hours) in their power wheelchair, scooter, or manual wheelchair.
Key takeaways
These cushions are all about protecting your skin. Individual air cells perfectly contour to your body, evenly spreading your weight.
✅ Pressure Redistribution: Ideal for high-risk users.
✅ Custom Fit: Conforms to your unique body shape.
✅ Lighter Weight: Easy to move and transport.
Best sellers
ROHO Quadtro Select®:
Four-Compartment Design: Adjust air levels in each section for a truly custom fit.
Stability & Protection: Get both from one cushion.
Star Stabil-Air®:
Internal Foam Cylinders: Adds stability you don't find in a typical air cushion.
Unmatched Comfort: Provides a supportive, secure feeling.
Air Cushion FAQ
Most common issue with Air Cushions?
Issues with tears and pumps going bad.
How do I know what size cushion I need?
Proper sizing is crucial. You’ll need to measure the width and depth of your wheelchair's seat, as well as the width of your hips. Your cushion should be just wide and deep enough to fill the seat while allowing for full coverage beneath you, but without being so large that it bunches up or interferes with your posture.
How do I clean and maintain my cushion?
Maintenance varies by cushion type. Most cushions have a removable, washable cover. For the cushion itself, a mild soap and water solution is usually all that’s needed. Air cushions, like those from ROHO or Star, require a regular pressure check, while foam cushions should be inspected for any wear or breakdown over time.
How do I know when it's time to replace my cushion?
A: It's time to replace your cushion when you notice signs of wear, such as tears in the material, loss of shape, or a "bottoming out" feeling. For air cushions, a frequent need to inflate can be a sign of a leak. You should also consider a new cushion if your medical condition or mobility needs have changed.
Air Cushion Best Sellers
2. Hybrid Cushions
Hybrid Cushions
Hybrid cushions combine the best features of air and foam. They typically use a contoured foam base for stability and posture control, paired with an air insert or gel pack to provide targeted pressure relief. This creates a cushion that is both supportive and highly protective.
Brands We Carry: Axiom and Comfort Company excel in creating hybrid cushions that offer a perfect balance of comfort, stability, and pressure management.
Air cells protect your skin by distributing pressure evenly. They also help reduce and manage pressure ulcers.
A solid foam base provides a secure and stable seating experience.
The cushion's contoured shape helps you maintain perfect posture and prevents sliding.
Its lightweight design and stable base are perfect for an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
It provides the ultimate combination of advanced protection and reliable support.
Key takeaways
Get the stability of foam with the pressure relief of air or fluid. A perfect blend of technology.
✅ Balanced Support: Great for moderate- to high-risk users.
✅ Postural Control: Foam base helps with stability and alignment.
✅ Targeted Protection: Focuses pressure relief on key areas.
Best sellers
- Dual-Layer Foam: Prevents forward sliding and promotes good posture.
Air Cells: Adds an extra layer of protection and comfort exactly where you need it.
- Hydrolite™ Bladder: Uses a lightweight fluid for superior pressure envelopment.
Superior Stability: Provides a secure feel without compromising skin health.
Hybrid Cushion Best Sellers
3. General Use Cushions
General Use Cushions
General use cushions are designed for everyday comfort and light use. They are perfect for individuals with a lower risk of skin breakdown who need a comfortable and supportive surface for short periods.
Brands We Carry: Axiom / ROHO offers a small collection of reliable, cost-effective general use cushions that are perfect for short term use / traveling with.
They provide a simple, reliable, and stable seating solution.
The contoured design of a cushion like the Axiom G helps you maintain perfect posture at the fraction of the price of a traditional, premium foam cushion, such as the Comfort Company M2.
These cushions are low-maintenance with no air to adjust or worry about.
Their lightweight design makes them easy to transfer and great for travel.
Most common issue with General Use Cushions?
Issues with tears and pumps going bad.
Why are there fewer sizes with general use cushions?
Proper sizing is crucial. You’ll need to measure the width and depth of your wheelchair's seat, as well as the width of your hips. Your cushion should be just wide and deep enough to fill the seat while allowing for full coverage beneath you, but without being so large that it bunches up or interferes with your posture.
What happens if my cushion pops?
Maintenance varies by cushion type. Most cushions have a removable, washable cover. For the cushion itself, a mild soap and water solution is usually all that’s needed. Air cushions, like those from ROHO or Star, require a regular pressure check, while foam cushions should be inspected for any wear or breakdown over time.
How long do general use cushions last for?
A: It's time to replace your cushion when you notice signs of wear, such as tears in the material, loss of shape, or a "bottoming out" feeling. For air cushions, a frequent need to inflate can be a sign of a leak. You should also consider a new cushion if your medical condition or mobility needs have changed.
General Use Cushion Best Sellers
4. Top Picks
Air Cushion: ROHO® QUADTRO SELECT® HIGH PROFILE® Cushion
Hybrid Cushion: ROHO Hybrid Select
Foam Cushion: Axiom P Positioning Cushion
General Use: Axiom G Cushion
