Pressure Sores

Pressure Sores University Project Rate Topic:

#1 colinmair

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Joined: 02-November 06
Spinal Injury Level / Relationship:Engineering Student

Posted 02 November 2006 - 07:42 PM

Hi everyone,

im currently doing a university project involving the design of an 'intelligent' wheelchair. The chairs design will be such that it will include a cushion which automatically shifts contact area with the user and so helps reduce the risk of sores devleloping without the user having to manually shift weight. From researching the area ive found a lot of useful information, however, i was wandering if you guys could give me any feedback into the problems of preventing pressure sores in everyday life, if theyre a problem for you? Do you use any products to help prevent them?

Plus, i know these things are annoying but if you have the time it would be great if you could fill in my survey, i promise it is really short (5 questions) and only takes a couple mins max!!! (link below)

http://www.zapsurvey.com/Survey.aspx?id=5a...03-e9d76d89150b

Any info really would be a great help and if anyone wants to contact me privately they can at colin.mair@strath.ac.uk

thanks!!!!!
Colin :specool:

#2 Ironside

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Country:Brixham, Devon
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Posted 02 November 2006 - 08:37 PM

I'll start again, didn't read your post properly. Alternating cushions discussed on many forums and unfortunately, they are not that popular. All the testimonials tell you they are fantastic but can you really believe these statements? Who knows who writes them. Personally, I don't think there's a better cushion than a roho if it set up properly so I wish you luck in designing the cushion and chair.

By the way, I recently purchased the airpulse PK and got my money back because it didn't work for me

This post has been edited by Ironside: 02 November 2006 - 08:43 PM

Keeping & caring for the Oscarfish cichlid

Personal Website of C5/6 Tetraplegic Penn Wooding

#3 keeptrukin

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Posted 02 November 2006 - 09:48 PM

I am still looking for a perfect cushion. I have the jay xtreme gel cushion and if you make sure to alter the gel each time you sit it helps relieve pressure but I also use it in conjunction with alot of other modifications to a ridgid chair. I have a invacare crossfire with the ergo seat and I also have the suspension system which helps. So alone i'm not sure if the cushion would do it. I do not use a tilt chair so my info may not be what your looking for but we all worry about pressure sores.
KT

#4 Okie Rick

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Posted 04 November 2006 - 01:56 AM

colinmair, on Nov 2 2006, 01:42 PM, said:

Merge an alternating air pump and a Roho and you'll have what you need.

okie

Some strive for 6-pak abs. I'm going for the whole keg! rgraham@bartnet.net

#5 BillS

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Posted 04 November 2006 - 11:36 PM

I currently use a Jay Active which is a big step up from the 2" foam cushions I used for 25 years.

To me a cushion has to be stable first, easily removed and placed back on the chair second and prevent pressure soars third. I can lift myself up in the chair to relieve pressure. But if a cushions shifts on me while I'm taking a turn or pushing up a hill then it's more trouble then it's worth.

Just a regular guy making his way through life.