Written by Mike Price, OT
When you sit for a long time, especially when it’s regularly, you raise your risk significantly for developing pressure injuries. Also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, pressure injuries are painful and hard-to-heal wounds that arise from sustained pressure, friction, and shear forces against the skin. Most often appearing on the buttocks, pressure sores also formulate on bony areas of the body, such as the tailbone (coccyx).
Pressure relief seat cushions help immensely to alleviate the pressure, shear, and friction that can lead to pressure sore development. Highly recommended by healthcare professionals around the world for people at risk for skin breakdown and pressure sores as well as those already trying to heal existing pressure wounds, our product experts help you choose the best pressure relief support for yourself or a loved one in this article.
 | 1) ROHO LTV Air Cell Cushions with Shape Fitting Technology View Product |
Although we recommend consulting with a medical professional to determine the best pressure relief seat cushion to meet your unique requirements, here are some of the main design components to consider when you’re trying to find the best cushion to fulfill your needs or those of someone you care for.
It’s important to measure the sitting surface you intend to use the cushion for before you purchase to ensure it will fit correctly and provide the right support. Measure the length and width and choose a cushion that meets those specifications. If you’ll be using the seat at a table or desk, it’s crucial to figure out the height of the cushion and if this will cause too high of a sitting position to fit underneath the desk or table. Because you may want to enjoy pressure-relieving support for several different seats, such as in a car, on a motorcycle, in a wheelchair, or on an office chair, it may be necessary to purchase several different cushions to fit those various seat dimensions.
Based on the style and material used, pressure relief seat cushions offer various weight capacities to ensure safe support and pressure redistribution. While most can safely accommodate user weights of at least 225 pounds, it’s important to check with the manufacturer to ensure the cushion you want to purchase can safely hold your weight. If the user is too heavy for the intended weight capacity, it can bottom out the cushion which may result in injuries.
Most quality pressure-relieving cushions will include specialized coccyx (tailbone) relief, as this area incurs some of the most pressure when we sit and is often the site of pressure-induced sores. The cushion design may use the form of a cutout or recessed coccyx area, while more recent innovations include specially-shaped pockets to relieve this coccyx pressure.
Pressure relief seat cushions are typically made from various kinds of foam, gel, or air-filled pockets. As the most commonly used material, the best foam cushions are often made with high-density polyurethane foam, Viscoelastic foam, or memory foam. The best gel cushions generally use some kind of proprietary technology to ensure correct support, while air cushions provide dynamic support, moving air between the cells as users shift their weight.
While foam cushions are usually the most affordable and easiest to maintain, unless they are multi-density, they are generally a better choice for small-to-average weight and height users as they can compress and lose their shape over time.
Gel-filled cushions vary widely in their construction and are usually more cooling than foam, although some manufacturers use proprietary technology to combine foam with gel to optimize comfort and relief. Gel pressure relief cushions are more effective than foam in preventing skin redness that often leads to pressure sore development.
Air cushions are ideal for heavier users, using multiple air cells that slowly release air from one chamber to another, providing dynamic support that constantly adjusts to the user’s weight and movement. Often preferred by users over foam or gel, they also may have a higher price point and require monitoring of the air pressure.
Selecting a cushion that comes with a protective cover is one of the best ways to extend the life of the cushion. Choose covers that are waterproof to protect against spills and incontinence. They should be easy to wipe down or place in a washing machine to clean for the easiest care. They should be zippered or otherwise enclosed for optimal protection of the cushion.
A pressure relief cushion helps to prevent pressure injuries like ulcers and bedsores from forming. It’s also used to help treat existing pressure sores. Ranging in design and price, quality pressure relief cushions remove the pressure and weight load from specific areas like the coccyx where pressure wounds are more likely to form. Formulated according to the four basic pressure wound development levels of individual risk, these specialized seat cushions include design elements to accommodate people at low, moderate, high, and very high risk of pressure injury formation.
The best cushion to relieve pressure sores will reduce peak pressure zones on the user’s body, usually spreading the weight out over a larger surface area. The best cushion will also reduce shear forces on the skin, in addition to offering good breathability and airflow so it doesn’t get too hot, diminishing perspiration and optimizing user comfort. Memory foam and gel are two favorite materials used in pressure relief seat cushions, but multi-density foams and air cells work very well for effective pressure relief as well. The higher your risk is for pressure ulcer formation, you’ll generally want to choose cushions that use a combination of materials for the best results.
Gel cushions are good for preventing and treating pressure sores if they are well-constructed. High-quality gel seat cushions often involve some kind of proprietary technology in their design which enables them to retain their shape and functionality for effective long-term support. Cheap gel cushions often turn into heavy bricks that don’t provide any support or redistribution of the user’s weight.
A high-risk cushion is specially designed to offer premium pressure reduction for people with a high or very high risk of skin breakdown and pressure sore development. Often utilized for the elderly or people who sit for extended periods, a high-risk cushion alleviates pressure on the bony areas of the user’s buttocks, hips, and pelvis to decrease the risk of pressure ulcer formation. It also helps ease discomfort from existing pressure sores, promoting circulation to enhance healing.
A donut pillow is not a good choice for pressure sores, as it reduces blood flow and causes swelling - two conditions that can cause pressure sores to form. A donut pillow can also cause sacral sitting, an unhealthy posterior pelvic tilt posture that increases the risk of pressure ulcer development. It cuts off circulation to the ischium and sits bones, creating pressure and pain rather than the relief offered by well-designed pressure relief seat cushions.
A good quality pressure cushion should last an average of 3 to 5 years, depending on how often it’s used, the weight and movement of the user, and the materials utilized in its design. Premium quality pressure relief seat cushions can last even longer, with some designs providing 10 to 15 years of dependable functionality. Using the cover that’s included with the cushion will help to extend its performance, protecting it from the typical wear and tear that can cause these cushions to break down more quickly.
Anyone who sits for extended periods could use the benefits a pressure relief cushion provides. People who are required to sit for their jobs, such as truck drivers and office workers, often use these cushions, as do folks going on extensive car trips or plane rides. Elderly people and individuals of any age experiencing limited mobility either temporarily or permanently should use these cushions to alleviate the pressure and shear that often results in pressure injuries. They can be used for just about any sitting surface, such as chairs, benches, wheelchairs, and seats in vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, planes, and buses.
 | Gel Support Cushion - Driver Comfort Car Seat Cushion by SKWOOSH View Product |
Included for its exceptional vehicle seat support, the Gel Support Cushion - Driver Comfort Car Seat Cushion by SKWOOSH takes the 3rd spot in our review as one of the most affordable cushion options as well. Accommodating seats in cars, SUVs, trucks, RVs, vans, buses, and even airplanes, this foldable, ultra-portable pressure relief seat cushion utilizes patented TEKPAD fluidized gel packs to evenly distribute the user’s weight, effectively reducing loading and pressure as it enhances circulation and comfort. Neither solid nor liquid, this innovative, medically-proven gel is super lightweight, immediately adapting its 1-inch support as the user moves around on the seat.
The Driver Comfort Car Seat Cushion by i-Tek/SKWOOSH keeps users cool and dry with its breathable mesh fabric and cooling middle air channel. Relieving coccyx pressure, spinal compression, and lower back discomfort with its recessed tailbone area, the shape of the cushion also flares out at the front to keep the user’s knees just outside the hip line, matching the natural driving position. Its slight forward tilt promotes correct posture while further alleviating spinal pressure. The cushion’s non-removable outer fabric is waterproof and easy to spot-clean, or it can be hosed off and then shaken out to let air dry.
 | Gel Seat Cushion with Foam by Mckesson View Product |
As another good-quality, low-cost pressure relief choice, the Gel Seat Cushion with Foam by McKesson makes our list at number 2 with a benefit-rich design that comes in both high and low-contoured options and multiple sizes to suit specific user needs. Constructed with molded high-density PU foam that surrounds a gel bladder that’s then topped with gel-infused Visco memory foam, this combination cushion from McKesson delivers effective pressure relief for users up to 275 pounds with its 3-inch depth. Immersing the user’s pressure points into the comfy top layer to optimize shock absorbency and pressure relief, the open-cell Visco memory foam enhances breathability, while the gel acts as a cooling agent, mitigating perspiration and maximizing temperature control.
Postural symmetry and thigh alignment are enhanced with the molded leg troughs, while the trochanter cutouts ensure pressure redistribution and promote stability, posture, and pelvic support. The raised front ridge of the cushion helps to control sliding and proper positioning for users prone to slouching and/or those who tend to slide forward when sitting. Reducing skin friction, the low-shear stretch nylon cover is breathable and moisture-wicking, along with being waterproof to resist stains and spills. It’s easy to unzip and remove for cleaning in a washing machine for simple maintenance.
 | ROHO LTV Air Cell Cushions with Shape Fitting Technology View Product |
Coming in at number 1 with scientifically-proven pressure relief, the mid-priced ROHO LTV Air Cell Cushions with Shape Fitting Technology use multiple air cells to support your body in an air-light design. Like other seat cushions made by the ever-popular ROHO Group, the LTV offers extraordinary comfort for multiple seating applications. Its proprietary Shape Fitting technology contours to each user’s unique shape with dynamic air chambers, shifting the air between the multiple cells as it immediately adjusts to the user’s movement, minimizing pressure and maximizing comfort. Easy to inflate with the included pump, this ROHO cushion allows you to customize your comfort level with its twist valve, facilitating minute adjustments for a cushion thickness of 1 to 2 inches.
Ideal for users with a low-to-mild risk of pressure ulcer development, the light, cool ROHO LTV cushion is protected by a designer quilted fabric or trademarked UltraLeather cover. Both are removable and the quilted fabric cover can be washed in a cold, gentle cycle of a washing machine, while the UltraLeather cover can be wiped down or hand-washed for simple care and cleaning. The LTV is also foldable and lightweight with a built-in carry handle, so you can take it wherever you need its comfort and support.
Providing crucial medical support for adults of any age who need pressure relief for long-term sitting, pressure relief seat cushions come in a wide array of styles and sizes with various levels of support. Optimizing comfort, stability, and support for people who sit a lot because of age, mobility impairments, illness, injury, post-surgery, or work requirements, these pressure-relieving cushions help to minimize the risk of pressure injury development along with helping existing pressure wounds to heal.
Thank you for reading and we invite you to peruse our comprehensive Pillows, Cushions, and Pads catalog for more high-quality support selections. You can also learn more helpful caregiving tips at our educational resource, Caregiver University.
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Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
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