Gel cushion recommendations?

[benjamin]

Looking for advice on gel cushions after using Roho for a decade. While I recognize what may be a good fit and comfortable for one person varies between user but it seems both Stealth (Quantum) and Jay (Sunrise) have very little detail to articulate the differences between models.

I currently have a Stealth Spectrum Gel SPP on my F5 and while I sweat less than my Roho it feels very hard to me and I have to transfer after only a couple hours. I really like the Cool Core cover and find it works well for me.

Does anyone have experience with the Stealth Solution cushion? Does it have more gel content? Seems it may based on the increased weight from official specs (5lb for the Solution Gel vs 3.5lb for the Spectrum Gel) but again it’s hard to know.


Also looking at the Stealth Glacial and Jay “fluid” cushion. It put “fluid” in quotes since that is their terminology. Of course, a fluid is defined as the physical state of an object or either a liquid or gas which isn’t the most precise descriptor here but I digress.

Any suggestions appreciated. With the extreme heat in the U.S. right now I really can’t stay outside long and while I like my Roho I sweat too much after going out for lunch break or errand to then return to meetings.

[ex-Gooserider]

Just to add to the confusion, have you looked at / tried the Supracore Stimulite honeycomb style cushions? I have been using them for years, and they work well for me. I didn't like gels because I found they trapped to much moisture. As one that spends a lot of time making sharp chips in the machine shop and sparks in the welding shop, or in front of a grinder, Roho's are just not going to work, and I also found them uncomfortable...

The Supracore cushions have an elastic silicone honeycomb construction that they claim is more ventilated, and uses a fabric cover, not a waterproof 'incontinence cover' - the downside is that if you have leakage or a 'blowout' it will soak the cushion, but it is easy to wash it off in the shower, or you can also supposedly put it in a large washer and dryer... They also claim that your movement from weight shifting and other activities or the bouncing of a moving chair acts to 'force ventilate' the cushion... All I can say is that when I used to sit on a gel cushion my but was always WET, on the Supracore it is just damp....

ex-Gooserider

[Jay_x]

I am currently using a standard issue Permobil seat cushion with 2 gel cushions stacked on top. Its okay, best configuratin I have found so far. But still not happy with it.

I have decided I am going to try to build myself a cushion with steel springs. YOu can get the springs from upholstery supply stores. Gonna see how that goes.

[scottnj@gmail.com]

I've used a J2 Deep Contour for 25 years now. I'm skinny with a boney butt. No pressure sores.

Every person is different, what works for me, might not be best for you.

You might want to try getting pressure mapped with different cushions with a therapist.

[ex-Gooserider]

I'd agree with the pressure mapping suggestion, as it will at least give you a starting point.

There have been lots of threads about pressure mapping in the past, and they boil down to the idea that it is a tech that has limitations that the wheelchair techs don't really want to talk about, but it does have it's uses. I figure that at the very least it will give you some idea about what sort of things will work for you, and what you will be best off to look at for in the way of profiles...

ex-Gooserider

[benjamin]

Thanks ex-Gooserider and scottnj I will ask for a referral to get pressure mapped. Fortunately it is finanlly cooling off a bit in New England.

[Burgerman]

I live in the original england and its still quite warm here.
I used Jay2 for years. Ended up with a hug pressure ulcer and 12 months on bed...
Worked fine for 10 years.
Since then tried everything.
Inc home made, alternating air, etc.
Only Roho brand quadro quadra? works... Dont like the pressure sensitivity. And lack of stability for transfers.

Mapping is a tool. It shows that as you move around, as the weather or your clothes or weight changes and as you drive or "re settle" on the cushion that everything changes... So at best its a guide to help. Its really meant as a tool to see where skin pressure is above the point that causes it to break down. To prevent ulcers. Its not really about comfort.

If you are not paralised as I am then comfort is subjective and you can feel what works for you for yourself.

Also mapping tells you little about temperature, ventilation, sweating, stability, pressure chages as you move arond in a chair up and down slopes, bumps and angles. These things all help circulation and are a good thing when trying to prevent ulcers. Which are caused by pressure stopping circulatiion and oxygenation. So if you move about a lot a harder more rigid cushion may even help with circulation.