Buying a pressure cushion is only half the job. A cushion that is positioned wrong, inflated incorrectly, or covered with too many layers can offer little or no pressure relief, even if you paid several hundred dollars for it. Here is how to use yours correctly, and the mistakes worth knowing before they become a problem.
How to Position a Pressure Cushion Correctly
Most pressure cushions have a front and a back, and a correct orientation that is easy to miss if you do not check first. Using one the wrong way around means the shaped zones designed to relieve pressure at the sit bones end up in the wrong place entirely.
Step-by-step: placing a foam or gel cushion
- Check for a label, arrow, or "front" indicator on the cushion or cover. If one is present, orient the cushion accordingly.
- Place the cushion on the chair seat before the person sits, not underneath them after.
- Make sure the cushion sits flat and does not overhang the front or sides of the seat.
- Ask the person to sit down and settle their weight before checking the position.
- Do a quick hand-slide check: slide your hand under the back of the cushion. You should feel slight resistance, which tells you the person's weight is being supported by the cushion, not the chair frame beneath.
Inflating an air cushion correctly
Air cushions need to be inflated to the right pressure, not too firm and not too soft. Over-inflation defeats the purpose: the cells become rigid and stop distributing weight. A correctly inflated air cushion should feel like a water balloon, firm but with visible give when you press it. The standard test is to slide a flat hand under the seated person. You should feel their weight through the cushion, but your hand should not be pinched against the chair frame.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the mistakes that reduce or remove the cushion's effectiveness entirely.
Mistake 1: Using the cushion the wrong way around
As mentioned above, this is the most common issue. Many contoured and air cushions have a specific orientation. Always check the label first.
Mistake 2: Too many layers between skin and cushion
A thick blanket, a sheepskin overlay, or multiple clothing layers placed between the person and the cushion reduces the immersion effect significantly. The cushion should be as close to the person as practical.
Mistake 3: Stacking two cushions
Placing one cushion on top of another, for extra height for example, creates instability and often reduces pressure redistribution. If more height is needed, look for a cushion with the right profile height, or add a firm foam chair raiser underneath instead.
Mistake 4: Neglecting repositioning
A pressure cushion reduces peak pressure but does not eliminate it. The person still needs to shift their weight regularly. For most elderly users, a full weight shift every two hours is the minimum. For high-risk users, every 15 to 30 minutes is recommended.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance keeps the cushion performing as it should.
Check for wear
Foam cushions lose density over time. Press down firmly on the centre. If the cushion compresses to less than half its original height before bouncing back, it has bottomed out and needs replacing. Most foam cushions last 12 to 18 months with daily use.
Clean the cover regularly
Most clinical covers are machine washable. Check the care label for the recommended temperature — most are safe at 40°C to 60°C. Always air-dry rather than tumble-dry, as heat can damage the waterproofing on the cover.
For the right cushion to use with these techniques, browse our foam, gel, and air pressure cushion ranges.
Key takeaways
- Always check orientation — most contoured cushions have a front and a back
- Air cushions should feel like a water balloon, not a firm seat
- Remove layers between the person and cushion for best pressure redistribution
- Replace foam cushions every 12 to 18 months and wash covers regularly