Dec 13, 2023

Clinical Considerations: Wheelchair Cushion Materials

Although cushions may look similar in design on the outside, the materials used on the inside can have a significant impact on their performance.

Understanding how materials perform will improve the clinician’s ability to select a cushion based on their client’s goals

In this guide, we'll explore a wide range of cushion materials, their advantages and disadvantages, and tips for selecting the right one for individual needs.

Types of Wheelchair Cushion Materials

Foam:

Foam is a material which is formed by trapping pockets of gas. It can be a variety of densities, firmnesses and weights. Based on the uniformity of the cells, they will be more or less rigid.

Elastomer

Elastomer is a man-made polymer with varying degrees of viscoelasticity.

Gel

Gel is a solid jelly-like material that can have properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough.

JAY® Flow Fluid

JAY Flow Fluid is a non-Newtonian fluid. A non-Newtonian fluid remains in a semi-solid or highly viscous state. In a non-Newtonian fluid, viscosity changes when under force to either more liquid or more solid.

JAY AIR™

JAY AIR is a Newtonian fluid. A Newtonian fluid maintains its viscosity independent of stress. A Newtonian fluid only changes its viscosity in response to temperature.

Advantages

Material	Advantages	Additional Considerations
Foam	Inexpensive and lightweight Low maintenance Absorbs impact loads well Firm foam can provide a level base of support Soft foam can be used for comfort Viscoelastic memory foam has vibration-dampening properties Various densities can be combined for pressure relief, moving load from high risk bony prominences to lower risk areas	Compresses over time Difficult to clean and absorbs moisture May create tension on the tissue depending on the softness of the foam May create shear forces on the tissue depending on the foam design May retain heat in hot climates and get harder in cold climates Memory foam may hold more heat than standard foam and it becomes more compressed over time, with less return May increase pressure on bony prominences over time
Elastomer	Easy to clean Allows some compression Immersion is dependent upon the rigidity of the elastomer Can be lightweight depending on design, e.g. honeycomb structure Design may allow airflow which may improve microclimate Has shear reduction qualities due to higher viscoelasticity properties	Limited displacement Less immersive than lower density foam or fluids More difficult to modify in the field in response to specific postural needs
Gel	Some movement and viscosity Often easy to cut, modify and put in small places Can offer good friction/shear control Easy to clean	Heavy Temperature sensitive Holds heat but can feel cold to the touch initially Limited displacement, less immersion than liquid, air, or most foams used in cushions
Jay Air	Lightweight Moves with the body Easy to clean Pressure distribution Can be used as entire cushion or within a foam base for stability Provides good immersion while creating a large area of surface contact to distribute	Reduced stability, particularly in an air-only cushion Risk of puncture Frequent maintenance to ensure proper inflation Sensitive to pressure changes, such as during air travel
Jay Flow Fluid	Good pressure distribution Conforms to the body Weighs less than gel Moves with the body Can help control shear Does not respond to load with counterforce of foam, thereby extremely good for pressure care Provides good immersion while creating a large area of surface contact to distribute	Heavier than foam or air Needs some maintenance May require redistribution following use due to migration with pressure