Dynamic Wheelchair Cushion Seating

heelchair cushions that employ one or more active—physically moving—components may be categorically referred to as dynamic wheelchair cushions.

Due to the additional components required to make these cushions dynamic, the cost of these cushions is substantially greater than the traditional passive types of cushions. The dynamic aspect of these designs addresses the cushion's weight bearing function differently than cushion designs employing only passive elements.

assive cushion pressure management approaches require that the wheelchair user; in some cases with the assistance of a helper, be solely responsible for performing the movements that relieve localized buttocks pressures. A good dynamic cushion automatically performs temporally cycled pressure reducing actions at strategic locations across the buttocks area. The localized pressure reductions occur at the expense of pressure increases (of equal magnitude and duration) at less critical areas. The result is a superior pressure management seating solution for people whose condition warrants: a substantially greater cushion cost, a not-perfectly-silent cushion sound level (the sound level not being applicable to passive cushions), and a more complex cushion mechanism which suggests a greater maintenance factor.

Whether independently performed, or accomplished with the help of an assistant, manual periodic pressure-relieving bodily movements are part of the "ideal sitting scenario." However, there is real-world evidence indicating that a dynamic cushion like the high-end Ease model can—alone in some cases—provide adequate pressure relief when the "ideal sitting scenario" is simply not achievable.

esigns and efficacies of dynamic cushions vary considerably. The cushion's power source and controller size, together with the associated power consumption rate, cell topology, actuation method, and operating sound level are also factors that should be considered. Dynamic cushion seating solutions include the Ease, Biologics, Best Seat, Aquila, and Chair-Air alternating pressure cushions.

A person whose disability entails a physical condition equal to or less severe than paraplegia; for example, will not likely desire or need a dynamic wheelchair cushion. However, a person whose impairment involves high-level quadriplegia; for example, may indeed find a dynamic cushion to be the most effective seating solution for their specific situation. It is interesting to note that some completely ambulatory pilots - when restricted to the confines of a cockpit - use a dynamic cushion to prevent pressure sores during long flights.