Your skin, and the way you sit in a chair, is unique to you. A skin sore can derail your life, and lead to hospitalization and a long recovery period, so it is vital you do everything you can to avoid pressure sores.

If you have a history of pressure sores, or areas that are showing redness or signs of too much pressure, it is critical you choose a cushion that provides the maximize protection and healing support. We nearly always recommend an Air cushion when there is a very high risk of skin sores. If you are only using the chair occasionally, and you have no skin redness or indication or skin sores, or no history of skin sores even after spending significant time sitting, then you can use a foam or flat gel cushion, and focus predominately on postural support and comfort. These types of cushions are less expensive as well and require little to no maintenance other than washing the cover occasionally.

Please note: This information is based on our years of experience, and on manufacturer clinical testing and recommendations. If you are unsure about the right product for you, please consult your physician or physical therapist.

Posture support or corrective positions cushions are extremely important for users who may have seating or positioning needs. The right cushion can aid in correcting posture for spinal, hip and even leg abnormalities. Certain cushions have built in support, others types can be adjusted with gel, foam, or air packets. For example, if the user "tilts" to one side, or always seems to be falling forward, the right cushion can help tremendously, and prevent other issues from developing. Please call one of our cushion experts for help in identifying the appropriate cushion and accessories to correct for postural abnormalities.

It is difficult to provide a cut and dried answer for the maximum numbers of hours, since every individual is different. These general recommendations come from our years of experience, and from manufacturer input and clinical testing. If you are an experienced user, you already know what will work for you and can ignore this section of the recommendations. If you are new to cushions, we strongly recommend you follow these guidelines, since the consequences of developing a skin sore are significant. It is best to consult with your physician or physical therapist if you are unsure.