Written by Hulet Smith, OT
Foam cushions were once considered a lightweight option in the world of wheelchair seating. But they now come in a wide variety of designs and incorporate advanced contouring features and positional support. Rehabmart’s product team tested thousands of dollars worth of wheelchair cushions to find the best items on the market right now.
Wheelchair cushions are meant to address four needs: comfort, stability, pressure relief, and positioning.
Of these, the most important for foam cushions is stability. But today, foam cushions do more than provide a solid seating base! The foam cushions we are highlighting here are also super-comfortable, and suitable for various positioning needs.
If you have minimal to moderate positioning needs and are searching for a lightweight, inexpensive cushion, a foam model might be best for you!
The five foam wheelchair cushions we’ve chosen break the mold by offering all-around stability, comfort, and therapeutic positioning options.
1. Geo-Matt Contour Wheelchair Cushion
2. Curve Cushion by Comfort Company
3. Jay Union Wheelchair Cushion
4. Support Pro by Comfort Company
5. Jay Basic by Sunrise Medical
6. Wheelchair Cushion - Memory Foam by RehabMart
 | Wheelchair Cushion - Memory Foam by RehabMart View Product |
Offered in various sizes, the Wheelchair Cushion - Memory Foam by RehabMart offers unparalleled flexibility and is compatible with just about any wheelchair. The standard sizes of 16, 18, and 20-inch seat widths offer weight capacities between 275 and 350 pounds, making them effective for a broad range of patients, and additional sizes are available upon request. Made from high-quality memory foam and held in a cover made from durable 4-way-stretch Gortex material, the cushion is built for maximum comfort and offers proper support for the body.
Speaking of durability, the cushion cover is easily removable and machine washable, and won’t wear out even after heavy use. It effectively prevents moisture from getting into the cushion itself, maintaining a high level of sanitation during long periods of sitting.
The cushion is designed with a non-slip surface to keep it in place on the wheelchair’s seat. The soft memory foam that comprises the interior of the cushion contours to the user’s body, providing lasting comfort and promoting active support. While seated, the user will receive proper hip and spine alignment, alleviating soreness and bolstering the natural healing processes of the body.
Competitively priced at under $75, this is a great option for people who need a cushion to take with them on the go, thanks to its low weight and simple application. It offers ample comfort and support at a low price point without any unnecessary hassles.
Additionally, this cushion excels in an environment where messes are common, thanks to its easily washable Gortex cover!
For those with more particular positioning needs, this cushion might not be the best fit, as it only offers the basic model. For everyone else, though, this Memory Foam Wheelchair Cushion has a great deal to offer in terms of utility and convenience.
With three standard sizes and options for custom sizing as well, this simple, effective wheelchair cushion is a support solution that can benefit many different people. Its relatively high weight capacity further reinforces its broad range of appeal.
The durable Gortex cover protects the interior foam from damage and is easy to clean. The foam is soft and supportive, supporting healthy hip and spine alignment while ensuring you a pleasant sitting experience!
 | Sunrise Medical Jay Basic Wheelchair Cushion View Product |
There’s nothing wrong with being basic. Sunrise Medical’s Jay Basic foam cushion is a straightforward model ideal for users at low risk of skin breakdown or pressure sores from sitting, as well as for those who have few to no special positioning needs.
This cushion is ideal for use with sling upholstery wheelchairs. The beveled bottom keeps the seating surface level, with no hammocking or sinking. This cushion is one solid block of foam, and lightly contoured for comfort and stability.
The Jay Basic is also easy on your bank account: prices range from around $70 to $160. But don’t let the inexpensive price tag fool you! This cushion is constructed of high-quality foam that is soft, yet durable. It stabilizes the user while working to reduce sliding and shearing.
The water-resistant cover features a non-slip bottom, which helps keep the cushion in place during transfers.
This Jay Basic offers solid support and comfort at a very reasonable price. Best for those at a low risk of skin breakdown and without posture-related concerns, this cushion is available in a variety of sizes and can support up to 300 pounds. As such, it will suit many users but is not currently available in pediatric or bariatric sizes.
It’s unsurprising that feedback for this cushion has been overwhelmingly positive! One customer mentioned that the low profile increases the ability to sit comfortably at a variety of tables and desks. This review also noted that the Velcro strips add stability during transfers.
The Jay Basic is a great choice if you or your loved one is looking for a cushion that offers mild support and maximum freedom of movement. This solid, basic cushion may not be the fanciest on the market, but it’s an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers!
 | Support Pro Wheelchair Cushions by Comfort Company View Product |
If you have moderate positioning needs, Support Pro by the Comfort Company is a non-contoured model available in three different styles designed to give you the support and comfort you need!
The lack of contouring on this cushion makes transfers easier and distributes pressure evenly across the seating area.
The Moleculon foam distributes pressure evenly, while optional QuadraGel packs regulate temperature and further relieve pressure.
Three models address three different positioning needs. Each model includes a waterfall front for leg comfort, as well as a coccyx cutout. Optional features include a pommel for leg abduction, and a rigid insert for bariatric users.
The Zero Elevation model does not add height to the wheelchair, and so allows for maximum freedom of movement while seated in your mobility device. If you need extra positioning support, a cushion with more advanced contouring may be ideal.
The Wedge prevents forward leaning with an angled edge at the front of the cushion. It helps with postural instability that can cause sliding out of the wheelchair, which can lead to pressure and discomfort on the lower back and sit bones.
The Anti-Thrust design prevents forward leaning while using a wheelchair. It accomplishes this by adding height in the front of the cushion. In preventing the hips from shifting forward, this cushion prevents discomfort that can arise from improper hip alignment.
All Support Pro models have a stretchable Solace fabric cover that is water-resistant, easy to clean, and helps to regulate temperature.
The Support Pro offers numerous attractive features. The comfort and positioning assistance offered by this cushion is among its most frequently praised attributes, and customers have pointed out that this cushion is durable and holds up well over time.
Other positive comments have highlighted the anti-thrust feature, which helps to prevent sacral sitting, and the convenience of the washable cover!
This, like the Jay Basic, is probably not the best cushion for those with extensive positional needs or those who spend all their time in their chair. Simple in design, this cushion's several optional features allow for a more individual experience, as you can choose the variety best suited to your needs and add QuadraGel packs or leg pommels for extra support. Bariatric users may opt to use a rigid insert to further stabilize the cushion and prevent hammocking.
With three different positioning options to choose from, the Support Pro by Comfort Company offers a contour-free surface for easier transfers and a waterfall front for enhanced positioning support.
If you are seeking maximum freedom of movement while using your wheelchair, the Zero Elevation is your best choice. The Wedge uses an angled surface to prevent slumping out of the chair, and the Anti-Thrust adds height to the front so the user can avoid forward leaning.
Made in America like all Comfort Company’s products, this affordable item would be a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-use cushion with some positional support. And with a weight capacity up to 350 pounds, it can support many bariatric patients as well!
 | Sunrise Medical Jay Union Wheelchair Cushion View Product |
The Jay Union Wheelchair Cushion takes it up a notch in terms of comfort, positioning, and convenience. For its high-tech cover and positioning support, this cushion wins our award for Most Advanced cushion in the Foam category.
The high-density foam at the base of the cushion provides solid structure. It then combines Lateral wedges for stability, a pommel for leg abduction, a coccyx cut out and waterfall front for precise positioning and comfort.
For even greater comfort, the foam is topped with two layers of super-soft Visco™ memory foam. An added layer of liquid tucked into the pelvic well conforms to the user’s unique contour for even greater pressure relief.
The Jay Union has a double-layered cover, with an inner layer made from stretchable, waterproof Lycra. It has a water-resistant zipper, and uses the same anti-wicking seam thread used on military uniforms and duffel bags. All these features work together to ensure no moisture reaches the cushion.
The unique X-static® fiber is made with 99.9% pure silver, a naturally anti-microbial element. The outer cover layer has a handle, and a zipper with a cover flap and waterfall seams to prevent rubbing. The outer cover is also fully machine washable.
This cushion’s comfortable and breathable cover offers hours of sweat-free sitting, which makes it a good choice for those who remain seated in their wheelchair for long periods of time. The Jay Union’s solid construction and good pressure relief have also been praised by customers.
At over $300, this cushion is more expensive than the other items on this list, and at over five pounds it is also somewhat hefty.
However, the Jay Union is available in a wide variety of sizes and can support up to 500 pounds, making it appropriate for both pediatric and bariatric use!
The Jay Union earns our designation for the Most Advanced Foam cushion because of its stability-enhancing contouring, health-promoting cover, and wide range of sizes.
With its lateral supports and thigh separator, it is a great option for those who need additional help with stability, and the Visco foam keeps users comfortable. For these reasons, for users who require a bit more of a wheelchair cushion than comfort and light support, the Jay Union would be a fantastic choice!
 | Curve Wheelchair Cushion by Comfort Company View Product |
The Curve Cushion incorporates all the best features of the other cushions on the list, with a little extra added in. And at just over $60, it’s no surprise it earns our award for the Best Value in the Foam category!
This versatile cushion is useful for both sling-style and flat-bottomed wheelchair seats. Constructed of high-density molded foam, it goes a long way to protect vulnerable areas from skin damage.
Tapered leg abductors increase in width at the back of the cushion, supporting the hips and the greater trochanters (where your thigh bone connects to your hip joint).
A medial thigh separator helps align the legs and support an upright posture, and a mild anti-thrust shelf adds overall stability.
The Curve is available with two cover options, each designed for comfort and durability.
The Stretch-Air cover variety regulates temperature. It combines a stretchy, polyester top layer with a water-resistant vapor barrier. This fabric dissipates heat, and prevents overheating while seated.
Comfort-Tek fabric is ideal for preventing cushion damage that results from incontinence and other contact with moisture. With its leather-like polyurethane surface it is easy to clean and is also stretchy.
Both cushions are latex-free! They also include hook and loop attachments, a non-skid bottom, and reflective piping that is visible up to 500 feet away, which enhances safety when using your wheelchair after dark.
The Curve is available in a wide range of sizes, including custom sizes. Weight capacity runs from 250 to 400 pounds, so this cushion would suit many bariatric users.
Despite its low price, the Curve cushion still offers fabulous positional support for people who have to sit on their wheelchair for long periods of time and wish to remain comfortable.
This cushion has been commended for relieving tailbone pressure and helping users maintain upright posture. The high-density foam also effectively protects skin integrity and can help prevent problems like skin shearing and ulcers.
While customer feedback for this item is overwhelmingly positive, one customer did note that it was not a great fit for his chair, so take care of item measurements when purchasing!
With its light weight and anti-skid bottom, this cushion is easy to use and stays where it should while in use. And with the choice of two cover options, you can ensure that you get the experience you want!
We named The Curve the Best Value in the Foam category because for the low price, this cushion provides support and comfort in spades while offering Comfort Company’s trademark quality and cover options!
With its many sizing possibilities, it can support a variety of users and can be used with either sling-back or flat-bottomed wheelchairs. If you or your loved one is looking for postural support and skin protection at an unbeatable price, the Curve has got you covered!
 | Geo-Matt Contour Wheelchair Cushions View Product |
Earning the top spot in RehabMart’s foam cushion rankings is the Geo Matt Contour from Span America. With an outstanding combination of affordability and advanced technology, this cushion rises above the rest!
The Geo Matt cushion stands out among foam cushions, even those with positional features: it is constructed of no less than 72 individual cross-cut foam cells.
These smaller cells distribute pressure and respond to a user’s individual comfort needs in a way that solid foam simply cannot do. The foam cells form a “ring of air” that distributes heat, minimizes perspiration, and provides personalized comfort throughout the day.
Attached to the cells is a high-density foam base with a curved bottom. This prevents the cushion from sagging in sling-style wheelchair seats. A contoured top relieves leg pressure and encourages an upright posture by properly positioning the legs and pelvis.
As far as the cushion cover goes, there’s next-step technology here, too. All covers feature a Durafilm coating that can be wiped clean. Covers are stretchable, incontinence-proof, and anti-slip. The fabric is super-soft and prevents shearing, with an optional upgrade to deluxe fabric for an even softer feel.
The Geo-Matt Contour is also a great value: with its innovative construction and posture support, you get a lot for just under $100!
This cushion is especially renowned for its high level of comfort. Customer reviews have noted that it has helped improve bed sores and other skin conditions by circulating air and preventing perspiration. These features are particularly beneficial in warm weather, when sweat-related irritation can become a problem.
At over three inches, this cushion is quite thick, so it may be a little heavy for some users. That heft, however, is part of what makes the cushion so comfortable and supportive.
This cushion has a 250 pound weight limit, and is not recommended for bariatric users.
With its postural support and skin-protection technology, the Geo-Matt Contour is a very high quality cushion for a very affordable price!
The Geo-Matt Contour is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce pressure on their hips and lower back. Its foam construction ensures it will remain cool and comfortable while you use it, and the two cover options help protect the skin.
This cushion is best used for preventative care, as it has a number of features designed to reduce friction and prevent skin shearing. If these have already become problems, more heavy-duty cushions, such as the Jay Union models, may be a better fit!
Rehabmart staff tested thousands of dollars worth of wheelchair cushions, and the five reviewed here were the clear standouts in this category.
Foam cushions are best for those who have full or partial sensation in their seating area, and do not require the kind of intense postural support or alignment assistance offered by some models, such as ROHO/air cushions. If you or your loved one is looking for something cool, comfortable, and cost-effective, foam cushions are a great choice!
Of the models that made this list, all save for the Jay Union by Sunrise Medical begin at under $100, so they are certainly among the more affordable types of cushion. As our pick for the Most Advanced model in this category, the Union incorporates sophisticated features to promote good posture and healthy alignment.
Our pick for Best Value, the Curve by Comfort Company, has the consistent quality and choice of covers the brand is known for, at a price that would make anyone smile.
The Jay Basic is another wallet-friendly model that provides a basic level of support and comfort in a variety of sizes. Slender and lightweight, it has a moisture-resistant exterior and helps prevent skin problems by providing stability.
Comfort Company’s Support Pro cushions come in three varieties: Wedge, Anti-Thrust, and Zero Elevation. Each of these are designed to meet different needs, whether you are searching for maximum freedom or protection against slouching or slipping in your chair.
While all of these provide comfort, convenience, and therapeutic value, they differ in the kinds of support they offer and the technology they incorporate.
For this reason, we’ve named the Geo-Matt Cushion our top choice for foam wheelchair cushions. It incorporates many unique features to provide a high degree of comfort and positioning assistance, while still remaining affordable. If you or your loved one is seeking an affordable cushion with a one-of-a-kind design designed to wick away moisture and provide a supportive seating surface, look no further than the Geo-Matt Contour.
The best wheelchair cushion for you or your loved one will depend upon your budget, preferences, and physical needs. Rehabmart is here to help you on your journey through the sometimes overwhelming variety of options to find the support device that gives you or your loved one the stability, comfort, and freedom you deserve!
Want to learn even more? Find dozens of videos featuring products and caregiver tips like these at Rehabmart’s YouTube channel!
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Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
