Some simple ways to make your wheelchair more comfortable
- Cut the hassle
- Manage pain
- Improve posture
- Enhance wellbeing
Comfort for wheelchair users (especially full-time users) is always an issue. Wheelchair makers are continuously introducing new comfort ideas. Here are a few ideas to help yourself:
Get a pressure care cushion
Start with making your wheelchair more comfortable with a new cushion. The Mouletec pressure care cushion was specially developed for wheelchair users. These cushions were invented by an osteopath, developed by seating engineers and checked by NHS and University experts. They have a Berlin Cert for anti-decubitus (pressure sore) compliance. They have a 4-way stretch waterproof cover and a 5-year warranty. Click for more info.
Develop a good posture
Your comfort is affected by how you sit in the wheelchair. Good posture means having the correct body alignment. The head should be balanced over the spine with the shoulders preferably tilted back behind the hips. In turn the spine should be held as much as possible in a natural S position.
The pelvis is the key to maintain correct posture as it dictates the position of the head, trunk and extremities for users in wheelchairs. Good posture is characterised by:
- Straight position of head
- Physiological curvatures of sagittal plane and straight spine in coronal plane
- Well-formed chest
- Shoulders slightly backward in relation to pelvis
- Symmetrical alignment of pelvis
Lumbar Support
The lumbar area is the space where your lower back curves inward. Supporting your lumbar area will improve your comfort. A simple thing like a rolled-up towel may be enough. A good value manufactured lumbar support can be bought on-line.
Lateral Side Supports
If you have poor balance, lateral side supports are a good wheelchair add-on. They protrude from the backrest sides and support you while doing difficult tasks keeping your balance.
Cushioned Arm Rests
If you need your arm rests to transfer to an armchair or a vehicle, cushioned arm rests with their extra padding will add comfort. Clearly, they will also facilitate re-positioning yourself during the day. Full wrap around arm rests with velcro can be easily added as and when needed. Good value products are available on-line
Recline the Backrest a Few Degrees
Simply reclining your back rests by a few degrees can make a huge difference to your comfort. Sitting too straight may cause forward leaning affecting your balance
Adjust the Footrests
As with the tilt of your back rest, a simple adjustment to your footrest could significantly improve your comfort. Move the footrests so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips. Be careful, with footrests too high your backside will be forced into the back of your seat creating tension and back pain. If your footrests are not adjustable visit your local wheelchair repair shop.
Cross Your Legs
Another really simple comfort improvement thing to do is to cross your legs. Wheelchair users will tell you this really works. It helps redirect lower back pressure, improving comfort. You will need to sitch the legs every so often to avoid any possible pressure sores.