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How to choose the best therapeutic cushion for your needs

Posted by Larissa at Patient Handling on 14th Aug 2017

Therapeutic cushions are typically wedges or cushions used by health professionals to position patients and help alleviate any discomfort an individual may be experiencing. Choosing the best therapeutic cushion is unique to specific needs and should be used with caution while under medical advice.

Therapeutic cushions can be used to:

⦁ Support limbs

⦁ Support body trunk

⦁ Sitting support

⦁ Support lumbar spine

⦁ Support posture

Products include:

Bed Wedge

A Bed Wedge is a therapeutic cushion that is used for sleeping and made from moderately firm foam. The Bed Wedge is triangular in shape with a tapered incline allowing the individual to maintain a semi-upright position during sleep. It is multi-purpose in nature, with the side of the pillow against the bed determining the incline height of the pillow, enabling both sleeping position and upright reading position.

Bed Wedges can be used to elevate head and shoulders to help sinuses drain easier, due to flu and colds, and alleviate symptoms from acid reflux and Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Bed wedges can also be used to elevate an individual’s legs to relieve pressure from their lower back and to help reduce swelling due to Edema and Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Seating Wedge

A Seating Wedge is a therapeutic cushion that is designed for individuals sitting for an extended period of time. The tapered angle encourages correct posture when sitting through maintaining the spine’s natural curvature to alleviate pressure from the nerves in the back area. The seating wedge is typically used with the lower end in the front however for use in cars it can be turned to prevent a downward slide and lower back strain.

The angle of the Seating Wedge sold by Patient Handling is 9 degrees: the most anatomically desired to reduce lumbar disc pressure, encourage correct pelvic tilt and minimise potential back problems. Seating Wedges are designed to tilt the pelvis forward to relieve load on the lower back relieving pain and stress therefore reducing incidence of back pain.

Lumbar Cushion

A Lumbar Cushion is used to correct posture and eliminate lower back pain. The lumbar cushion is designed to support the curve of the lower spine and can be used for clients who sit for long periods of time.

The lumber cushion sold by Patient Handling features a gel pack which can be warmed or cooled to provide therapeutic relief while supporting the lumbar area. The reusable gel back can be easily removed or inserted into the built-in sleeve of the cushion. There is also a buckled strap which allows the back of the cushion to the attached to the backrest of a chair, enabling the cushion to be portable.

Bed Heel Elevator

The bed heel elevator is designed to help with blood flow and pressure care under the calf. It is made from a wedge-shaped foam that is shaped to support the calf comfortably and increases blood and lymph flow to the area. The heel rests over the end of the cushion to allow the heel to be suspended in the air above the mattress. This product can be used when patients are on their sides and two bed heel elevators can be used for both heels if necessary.

The bed heel elevator can also be used in conjunction with which prevents pressure sores caused by foot-drop, helps blood flow and ensure that the patient’s ankle remains in a position close to 90 degrees.

Please remember to consult a medical professional to discuss the best type of therapeutic cushion suitable to your individual needs.

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