Pressure sores are one of the most common issues when sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time. Because of this people are always asking what the best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores are.
The right cushion for pressure sores can make sitting in a wheelchair much more comfortable allowing for a better experience.
What are the best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores? Wheelchair cushions with internal air bladders that can adjust pressures to get automatic pressure relief when needed.
We have listed some of the top wheelchair cushions for pressure sores below.
Best Overall
Dual-Chamber Waterproof Gel Cushion

The Dual-Chamber Waterproof Gel Cushion excels in pressure sore relieve because of its dual-chamber gel bladder.
The design of this wheelchair seat cushion helps with comfort, sores and the all to often bottoming out of a seat cushion that can leave us frustrated.
With its waterproof nylon slip cover and attached Velcro attachment this cushion is one of the tops when we researched.
- Dual-Chamber Waterproof Gel Cushion
- The Best Wheelchair cushions for pressure sores
- 1. Dual-Chamber Waterproof Gel Cushion
- 2. PURAP Wheelchair For Pressure Sores
- 3. FOMI Thick Premium All Gel Orthopedic Seat Cushion For Pressure Sores
- 4. ROHO Mosaic Cushion, Standard, Inflatable Seat Cushion
- 5. Egg Crate Sculpted Foam Seat Cushion with Full Back
- 6. Hermell Convoluted Wheelchair Cushion
- Best Wheelchair Cushions For Pressure Sores Buying Guide
- Why you should use a wheelchair cushion
- Wheelchair cushion materials and benefits
- What Are Pressure Sores?
- So, what are the best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores?
The Best Wheelchair cushions for pressure sores
Our Pick | Wheelchair Cushions | Our Rating |
---|---|---|
1. | Dual-Chamber Waterproof Gel Cushion | 4.8/5 |
2. | PURAP Wheelchair For Pressure Sores | 4.7/5 |
3. | FOMI Thick Premium All Gel Orthopedic Seat Cushion For Pressure Sores | 4.5/5 |
4. | ROHO Mosaic Cushion, Standard, Inflatable Seat Cushion | 4.5/5 |
5. | Egg Crate Sculpted Foam Seat Cushion with Full Back | 4.5/5 |
6. | Hermell Convoluted Wheelchair Cushion | 4.5/5 |
Wheelchair cushion comparison chart
Dual-Chamber Waterproof Gel Cushion | PURAP Wheelchair Cushion | FOMI Thick Premium All Gel Orthopedic Seat Cushion For Pressure Sores | ROHO Mosaic Cushion | Egg Crate Sculpted Foam Seat Cushion | Hermell Convoluted Wheelchair Cushion | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Gel | Fluid 3D Flotation technology | Gel | Air Mosaic | Foam | Foam |
Weight capacity | 300 lbs. | 250 lbs. | N/A | 315 lbs. | N/A | N/A |
Dimensions | Width:16″ – 24″ Depth: 16″- 18″ | 18 x 20 x 1.5 inches | 18 inches x 16.5 inches | 18″ x 16 | 17.5 inches x 15.5 inches x 3 inches | 18 inches x 16 inches x 3 inches |
Product weight | 3 lbs. | 2.4 lbs. | 5.64 lbs. | 2.4 lbs. | 0.16 Ounces | 9.6 Ounces |
Editors Choice
1. Dual-Chamber Waterproof Gel Cushion

This wheelchair cushion is our number one choice for the best wheelchair cushion for pressure sores. It has a dual-chamber gel bladder that is in place to prevent gel migration and the dreaded bottom out effect a lot of other wheelchair cushions get.
We love how this cushion uses a waterproof nylon non-slip cover and velcro attached strap that easily attaches to the wheelchair frame to keep the cushion in place.
Not only is this a great cushion but the urethane-coated nylon cover is frame resistant, anti-mildew, and anti-microbial.
This also has a really nice weight capacity of 300 pounds. This is a great all-around wheelchair cushion that you will love.
Proudly made in the USA.
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Pressure-reducing dual gel bladder chambers
- Outer layer foam cushion
- Fluid resistant
- Urethane-coated nylon cover
- Flame resistant, anti-microbial, and anti-mildew
- Non-slip bottom
Cons
- Not available in a wider side
Bottom-line: For those that want a great gel wheelchair seat cushion that is comfortable, keeps its form, and makes sitting in a wheelchair easier and for longer will want to take a look at this dual chamber cushion.
2. PURAP Wheelchair For Pressure Sores
The PURAP comes in as our best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores. Clinically tested fluid 3D Flotation technology makes this an excellent choice to help reduce pain associated with sitting too long in a wheelchair. or any chair for that matter.
This type of cushion is known to help reduce and dissipate pressure and prevent skin shear.
This type of cushion is more effective in lowering pressure than other types of material like air, gel, and foam.
Did you know that sores can start to develop in as little as 4 to 6 hours after sitting stationary in one position? Clinical tests show that 3D flotation reduced peak pressure by 23 percent.
What is Fluid 3D Flotation Technology?
It has 3 layers for pressure relief. It is a patented fluid 3D flotation technology that uses a unique fluid. foam, and air.
The fluid layer is the layer closest to the body so it helps direct support for the boy. It also helps to dissipate pressure laterally away from the body.
The study was done by independent researchers at Stanford University Hospital.
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- 3D Flotation Technology of 3 layers
- Excellent for pressure sores
- 250-pound weight limit
- Easily clean with wipes
- No pumps, motors, or moving parts
Cons
- Heavier than most cushions
3. FOMI Thick Premium All Gel Orthopedic Seat Cushion For Pressure Sores
Our runner up for the best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores. This excellent cushion helps to disperse your body’s weight by the advanced column buckling technology.
A gel cooling structure that helps increase airflow to keep your bottom side cool while sitting. The thickness is good at 1.75 inches and it is tough enough that it keeps its original shape and will not lose support after sitting occurs.
Very portable because of its built-in handles that can be taken anywhere from the home to flights to your next vacation.
We really love this design and the fact that you can easily remove the zippered cover and wash it to help keep the cushion clean.
This FOMI Gel seat cushion is filled with an elastic gel that is soft and made from advanced column-buckling technology.
- Measurements: 18 inches x 16.5 inches
- Thick: 1.75 inches
- Weight: 5.68 pounds
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Excellent at weight distribution
- Made with soft elastic gel from advanced column-buckling technology
- Designed to keep you cool
Cons
- May be heavy for some to transport
4. ROHO Mosaic Cushion, Standard, Inflatable Seat Cushion
A very lightweight and comfortable sitting solution for anyone who sits in a wheelchair or chair and experiences pain. This particular cushion uses air pockets that can be adjusted for perfect comfort.
Users can choose between a non-skid mesh bottom lycra cover or a heavy-duty water-resistant cover. Every cushion comes with a hand pump for easy pumping to get the exact comfort level you are looking for.
This type of cushion is ideal for anyone with soft tissue breakdown, pain, or impaired sensation with skin. It has a weight limit of 315 pounds. and has 3 inflated polyvinyl interconnected air cells.
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Lightweight comfortable cushion
- Non-skid bottom
- Air-filled for perfect comfort
- Machine washable cover
Cons
- May need to fill with air more often than not
5. Egg Crate Sculpted Foam Seat Cushion with Full Back
This 3-inch thick egg-crate foam cushion helps to reduce, prevent, and even heal pressure ulcers and sores by allowing the user to shift weight off of the areas that are being affected.
Made from a durable polyurethane egg crate foam that will really make a wheelchair seat more comfortable.
The cushion was designed so it could increase air circulation and also be able to shift the weight off of sensitive areas reducing pain and discomfort.
Dimensions: 17.5 inches x 15.5 inches x 3 inches
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- 3 inches thick Polyurethane egg crate foam
- Helps to shift weight from sensitive areas
- Lightweight and multi-use
Cons
- May raise seat to high for some
6. Hermell Convoluted Wheelchair Cushion
3-inch thick egg crate foam seat cover to help with pressure sores while in a wheelchair. This cushion helps to distribute weight while also increasing airflow.
It can also be used for multi-use functions on other chairs as well.
Based on user reviews this cushion has helped to reduce, eliminate, and keep bedsores and pressure sores from forming. If you want something soft and comfortable this could be your go-to cushion.
Demensions are: 18 inches x 16 inches x 3 inches
Weight: 9.6 ounces
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Made from high elastic LYCRA & knitted mesh
- Thick gel padding at the palm
- Velcro straps
- Perfect for both men and woman
Cons
- May become sleek when soaked
Best Wheelchair Cushions For Pressure Sores Buying Guide

This guide breaks down what to look for in a wheelchair cushion that will help relieve pressure sores. Certain cushions are better than others are reducing pressure while sitting. Here is what to look for in a pressure sore cushion.
Weight Distribution Properties
Material your wheelchair gloves are made of is important. You will will want gloves that can stand up to the torque you could put on them to move your wheelchair.
Not only will you want the material to be tough, but you will want them to be comfortable and breathable. Keeping your hands in good shape is important when using a wheelchair.
Comfort
The entire purpose of getting a wheelchair cushion to relieve pressure sores is so you will feel more comfortable while in your chair.
The preference for cushion material will be up to you. Foam and air are the main materials and technologies that are used within cushions both are comfortable.
Ability To Clean The Cushion
Make sure you are able to clean the cushion easily. You should be able to remove the outer shell or casing so it can be washed.
Just because of the nature of the seat cushion they will need to be cleaned frequently.
Cushion Weight
Keep an eye on the cushion weight. If you are not going to be traveling with your cushion a lot then a heavier cushion is fine.
If you take your cushion for the car to the office and back. You may want to think about a lighter cushion that you can travel with easier or getting two cushions and keeping one on your wheelchair and when for travel.
Why you should use a wheelchair cushion
- Pressure relief. Sitting for too long in a wheelchair can be painful. Skin tissue breakdown is a cause of pressure sores and a good wheelchair cushion can help fight this. Pressure, moisture, and heat are major factors in why pressure sores develop, and a good cushion on your wheelchair will help combat these problems.
- Improve stability within your wheelchair seat. There will be times that you are traveling on a road or surface that will not be smooth. These bumps can lead to you slipping or falling out of your chair causing major issues. A good wheelchair cushion can provide stability and increase safety while in a wheelchair.
- Improve posture while in your wheelchair. There are a lot of wheelchair users that have a hard time with posture while seated due to mobility issues or weak muscles. This can lead to more pain and other issues. The best wheelchair cushions can help with posture and comfort reducing pain and help with keeping the spine straighter resulting in a more comfortable experience.
Wheelchair cushion materials and benefits
Materials | Why you should us it | Why you should not | Who is it for? |
---|---|---|---|
Air wheelchair cushions: | Top for pressure distribution Can adjust firmness easily Lightweight and easy to travel with Good on users skin in terms of force | Can loose air and requires user to inflate | Anyone who needs to sit for extended periods and who is at high risk for pressure issues. |
Foam wheelchair cushions: | Low maintenance cushion Moderate for pressure relief Affordable in terms of materials lightweight | Can gave in overtime loosing shape. can hold moisture and scent. | Someone who uses their wheelchair for a limited amount of time wanting to reduce risks of pressure sores. |
Gel wheelchair cushions: | Good at cooling and moving heat Good pressure distribution through the gel pad | Gets damp faster Heavier and more difficult to travel with because of weigh | Good for anyone that has a mid to high level for pressure sores who use their wheelchairs daily |
What Are Pressure Sores?

When prolong pressure to the skin happens the underlying issue and the skin gets injured. People with limited mobility are typically at a higher risk.
This would be anyone who is confined to a wheelchair or bed.
Frequent changing of position to reduce the weight off of the injured area helps to reduce sores.
Wheelchair cushions for pressure sores help distribute weight evenly to make that person more comfortable while sitting.
4 stages of pressure sores
- First state: Common symptoms will be itching, pain, and burning. The area that is starting to get the sore will also feel different than the skin surrounding the area. It can be either softer, or firmer.
- Second state: This happens when the sore goes deeper than your skin level. The skin will break and an open wound can show.
- Third state: The sores go deeper past the second layer of skin into the fat tissue. Now the sores will look more like a carter and have red edges, pus, and odor.
- Fourth Stage: Now the skin will turn black and can be infected This is the most serious stage of a pressure sore and can damage the muscles and ligaments.
Common Areas To Get Pressure Sores

Some of the most common areas that pressure sores can happen on the body would be the buttock, back of the head, shoulder blade areas, elbows, and heels.
This is where the most pressure happens for someone lying in a bed or the bottom area of someone sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time.
There are more than 200 thousand cases a year in the United States of bed sores.
So, what are the best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores?
Pressure sores are something that is painful and something you want to avoid if possible. One way to do this is to use a cushion that helps displace your weight from the area that is injured or bothering you.
Our top choice for the best wheelchair cushions for pressure sores is…
PURAP Wheelchair For Pressure Sores
This cushion uses a 3D layer technology that allows for the best pressure-relieving cushion in our opinion. After carefully reviewing and in-depth review research, this is our top choice for the best wheelchair cushion for pressure sores.
Related Questions
What type of dressings for pressure sores on the buttocks? Using hydrocolloid dressings works well and it is a type of bandage that is made of gel. It holds correctly to the pressure sore and helps with skin growth and healing.
How many stages are there in bedsore? There are four stages that a bed sour can be at. One is the beginning stages and four being infected with muscle and tendons possibly being affected.
What are the early symptoms of a pressure ulcer? The first sign you typically see will be the skin becomes discolored. For those with pale skin, you may see red patches. When you press on the red patch it will not turn white.
How do you develop pressure ulcers and sores? Spending most of the time in a wheelchair or bed. Spending a lot of time in one position. Underweight or overweight.