How to choose a pressure cushion for seating
Selecting the right pressure cushion is essential for maintaining comfort, promoting healthy posture, and preventing pressure injuries for individuals who spend extended periods sitting. This webinar provides a practical, evidence-informed guide to understanding different types of pressure cushions, how they work, and how to match them to individual needs. Participants will learn to assess key factors such as mobility levels, posture, risk of skin breakdown, and daily routines.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the key types of pressure-relieving cushions (e.g., foam, gel, air, hybrid) and describe how each material supports pressure distribution and postural stability.
- Assess individual user needs and risk factors, including pressure-injury risk, mobility, posture, and environmental considerations, to guide appropriate cushion selection.
- Apply a structured decision-making process to compare cushion options, evaluate suitability, and justify recommendations based on clinical reasoning and best practice guidelines.
Meet our Experts
Nicky is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with over 16 years of experience, specializing in disability, posture, and seating. She has worked in both inpatient and community settings, and most recently served as a seating therapist within the HSE.
Sarah has always had a keen interest in Tissue Viability since becoming a registered nurse in 2002. Her experience varies from within a community setting, where she completed her Tissue Viability based degree in 2007. She then worked within the private sector to gain additional advanced wound care skills whilst working with a medical devices company specialised in wound healing. In 2010, Sarah became a Tissue Viability Nurse and shaped a specialised service within the acute sector for 7 years before returning to the community setting as a TVN.
People who watched this also watched...
OT Week: 24 hour postural care
With RCOT’s OT week this year focusing on ‘prevention and early intervention’, this webinar will look closely at identifying the risks for individuals if their posture starts to change. We will discover how early intervention can help support and maximise our patient's independence and function, and in-turn greatly reduce risks of secondary health complications.
Clinical reasoning for seating: breaking down the assessment process
This session will explore the essential components of a postural assessment for seating.
A manual handling adviser in Malawi
A long ambition was realised in February 2023 to volunteer with a charity that supports children and adults abroad. Being part of a team dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of fellow human beings is both an honour and delight. Two weeks can change your life forever and be the start of a long term inspirational collaboration in a far off continent.