9 replies to this topic

[Cheshire]

Lately, I've discovered my first pressure sores were caused by my Subaru Impreza's driver seat: the back-most part of the seat and backrest that contacts my sacrum area. I've found a way to keep pressure off the area so it can heal, but I don't want to have this happen again.

What do you do to relieve pressure when driving?
Do any of you use any kind of cushion, and if so what?
Have any of you found a certain type of car works better than others in terms of sitting position?

[Deej]

In my last car I used a gel cushion on the seat, but really that was only to raise me higher in the seat, rather than for pressure relieving reasons. I tried the same cushion in my current car and it just didn't work due to the different seating position when driving, so I have not bothered with it since.

[Kev-O]

I dont know if it works but i do it. Every so offten i lay the seat back as far as it can go that way im laying all the way back which takes weight off my butt (i think lol)

[nomis]

I use a latex cushion under a a darn good sheep skin. The short-clipped natural wool has amazing spring-back properties plus ability to "breath".

In addition to that I have a habit of rolling forward onto the steering wheel to briefly lift my weight - when I stop at lights or other safe opportunities. And I'm conscious of taking breaks if I'm on a long trip or spending a lot of time in the car. Never had any pressure damage in 38yrs.

I would never trust an ordinary car seat without additional cushioning.

[Cheshire]

Thanks for the info and replies, ya'll.

That sheepskin sounds like a really good idea. In warmer weather, do you have to watch how warm the skin gets, or is that a mute point?

*edit* temperature of your skin, not the sheepskin. Didn't read that carefully after typing.

Edited by Cheshire, 25 September 2007 - 01:13 PM.

[nomis]

I suppose that depends on your situation and your summer. I'm so entrenched with habit I do the same year round. But I guess summer temps can be a concern.
Re sheepskins - don't bother with those long-haired woolly shag rugs. Get clipped reasonably short wool (abt 1") that is thick and springs back. And fake nylon 'wool' is not what I'm on about.

[russ1]

I just sit on the ordinary car seat, Have done up to 3 or 4 hours at a time without problems. I'm rubbish at doing pressure relief. I'd be a bit more careful in a sports seat such as fitted in a subaru which tend to be harder though.

[nomis]

russ1, on Sep 26 2007, 09:19 PM, said:

I just sit on the ordinary car seat, Have done up to 3 or 4 hours at a time without problems. I'm rubbish at doing pressure relief. I'd be a bit more careful in a sports seat such as fitted in a subaru which tend to be harder though.

Simple precautions now may save years of frustration and regret later.

[brawnie]

just use my jay active t of my wheelchar that seems to work

[KarenFerguson]

My old Jay Combi from years ago. Do they still even make those? Hee hee. I love that cushion - just the perfect one for driving.