Short answer: the comfort of your wheelchair is determined almost entirely by the seating within it – that is: the cushion and back support. You can improve the comfort of your wheelchair by adding or changing the seating or by finding a wheelchair that is better suited to your measurements. A wheelchair assessment can help with this.
A comfortable wheelchair can boost your quality of life and make daily activities much easier. If you’ve been struggling with discomfort, pressure sores or postural issues, it is time to make some changes.
Seating components aren’t limited to just the cushion and back support. Items such as the armrests, headrest, lateral supports and footrests can all have an impact on your comfort.
Wheelchair Accessories
Certain wheelchair accessories can improve your day-to-day comfort in a few different ways. Some accessories are designed for convenience, giving you additional storage space that is easily accessible. Other accessories can provide postural support and help prevent pressure sores.
If you’re looking to maximise the comfort of your wheelchair, the following accessories may be a good place to start:
- Seat cushion
- Backrest
- Armrest padding
- Under-seat bag
- Back pack
- Headrest
It’s important to consider your wheelchair type when choosing your accessories. You may find that some accessories work for you where others do not. For example, manual wheelchair users will often require gloves for comfort and to help prevent skin irritation but this is less relevant for powered wheelchair users. Some wheelchair users like to use a blanket for warmth, but others find these restrictive. Try a few different accessories to find out which ones are best for you.
You should also consider whether custom-made wheelchair accessories might be more comfortable. For example, cushions can be contoured to your shape to provide better support. There are many companies that can make custom accessories for you, but keep in mind that these are likely to cost more.
Wheelchair Prescriptions
If you have tried various accessories and your wheelchair is still uncomfortable, there may be an issue with the chair itself. You may want to consider seeing an expert for a new wheelchair prescription.
You may be hesitant to switch wheelchairs if you are used to your current model, but a new prescription can significantly improve your comfort. A good wheelchair assessment considers how you fit into your chair, as well as how your chair suits your environment and lifestyle.
If you have specific comfort needs like backrests or padding, this can be taken into consideration as part of your assessment. Speaking to a wheelchair expert face-to-face about your individual preferences and requirements is an ideal way to ensure your chair is as comfortable as possible.
Silver Fern Therapy provide expert wheelchair assessments across England and Wales. If you need help finding a chair that suits you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
