Gel Seat Cushion / Gel Cushion for Wheelchair

Types of Wheelchair Gel Seat Cushions

While many people view gel cushions simply as an accessory pad, there are indeed numerous types of wheelchair gel cushions. Most premium gel chair cushions offer advanced pressure relief and positioning by using advanced technology and lightweight medical-grade materials. There are T-Gel™ cushions which are made of a special gel that mimics our own natural body tissues. This technology allows movement with the skin in order to reduce friction. It is ideal for pressure sores and provides better relief from friction sores as well.

Other gel cushions provide the same natural response as our skin as well, and they are able to adapt to natural positioning and provide extra support just the same as T-Gel, but without the added price tag. Other wheelchair gel cushions are made in combination with foam in order to achieve maximum pressure relief and add more comfort for the user by aiding in positioning stability. These go by many names and are often called “hybrid” cushions. Many come with a cover to protect the user. At AvaCare Medical, every gel cushion for wheelchairs does indeed come with a cover which also protects the gel pad itself from extensive wear and tear.

Types of Covers for Gel Seat Cushions

When it comes to choosing gel seats, having the right cover for a user’s gel pad can benefit the user in different ways. Some types absorb more perspiration moisture, while others may benefit from anti-shear covers (frictionless), or a combination of the two. Some covers even feature waterproof tops and feature fabric bottoms to help avoid slipping and provide proper positioning along with the wheelchair’s gel seat cushion itself. 

Gel Seat Cushions Can Be Used for More than Just Wheelchairs

If a user needs additional protection and must sit in a chair most of their workday, he can also benefit from having gel pillows to sit on. Some people like to prop a gel cushion in their office chair for everyday relief. Gel office chair cushions enable them to have ultimate protection even if they’re not a wheelchair user. Depending on what functionalities a person is looking for, they can use medical gel cushions to ease the fatigue and discomfort associated with a sedentary work environment.

Other applications may prove advantageous to professional drivers who need to sit for long periods of time behind the wheel. Many truckers and road-based employees who drive as a career use gel filled seat cushions every day while they’re working. They often have to sit for long hours, and because of this, they can greatly benefit by using wheelchair gel cushions such as the Equagel cushions. These models remain especially popular among many people.

Frequently Asked Questions

A lot of people have questions when it comes to purchasing gel seats for wheelchairs and general applications. Here at AvaCare Medical, we hope to provide as much information for our customers so they can feel confident in knowing they’re getting the best option possible from the top brands in the medical industry.

Can Gel Pads for Wheelchair Seats Keep Users Cool?

One of the great features of using medical gel seat cushions is that users can benefit from the cooling features. Gel pads for wheelchair seats are built to wick away moisture, and therefore they allow the body to stay cooler in the heat. During the cooler months, users can still benefit from having gel cushions to sit on because they provide enough insulation for them to retain heat.

Do Gel Cushions Only Come in One Color?

The primary color that is often used for medical gel is blue. Blue gel seat cushions are often just the standard color, but there are different types of anti-shear pads and other cushion overlays that may come in different colors.

What About Gel and Foam Together?

Gel foam cushions are actually quite popular, and many gel cushions that are on the market are indeed hybrid cushions that allow the most in comfort and positioning. This helps to provide maximum weight support and even allows users bariatric solutions when it comes to finding an appropriate gel seat cushion for chairs that provides more weight support without compromising its shape and integrity.

Are Gel Pads Expensive?

As with all medical device customers, many are concerned about cost. Gel cushion prices depend on the materials, the brands, and their intended application. Therefore, some gel cushion options can be found for just over $20, while higher-priced chair cushions may cost anywhere from $50 up to over $100.

What Kind of Gel Do I Need?

This is the most important question that people looking to purchase gel wheelchair cushions face. The primary factors that determine which gel cushion that you need to purchase are your individual medical and comfort needs and goals. First off, gel cushions may not represent the wisest choice for a user who needs an ultra-lightweight cushion simply because the gel adds a little more weight to the cushion. Users also need to determine numerous factors when ordering any seat cushion. These are:

• Whether it is for pressure sore relief or not.
• How long a user will transport in and out of their chair.
• The thickness of the cushion (so it won’t be too high).
• The cushion’s weight and weight capacity.
• The wheelchair seat width and depth. 

Here at AvaCare Medical, we can help you find the right gel seat cushion for your wheelchair or even your everyday application. Simply give us a call at 1-877-813-7799 and we’ll answer any of your questions. Also, feel free to share concerns in order to allow us to help you find the best cushion for your needs!