Airpulse PK2 Custom Cushion Fabrication

Most of the information we use to build the system comes from the order form such as:

1. Measurements of the client’s wheelchair seat and anatomy
2. The client’s weight and height
3. Postural Asymmetry or sitting postures
4. Tilt and how often the end-user is in the tilt position
5. Current pressure sores, location, size and stages
6. History of flap surgery and scar tissue locations
7. Type of chair and seat pan

We make whatever size wheelchair cushion the client requests; there is no size or shape limitation. Based on the information we receive on the wheelchair cushion order form, we not only make the size needed, but also take into consideration the locations of any current pressure sores, pelvic lean, forward migration or sacral sitting, and the type of seating surface the cushion will be placed on.

We build the wheelchair cushion so there will be full-time off-loading at the location of one or more existing pressure ulcers. Once the cushion is built, we custom program the controller for each individual client using a calculation of the surface area of the cushion and the weight of the client. The microprocessor will then continually monitor pad pressure, and automatically adjust as needed to maintain the selected settings. This ensures the user receives the essential pressure relief necessary to maintain skin and tissue health.

The cushion firmness settings can be adjusted by the end-user or caregiver. This may be desirable when conditions change, such as when driving.

To build unusual shaped wheelchair cushions which have to fit around chair seat frames, sometimes it may helpful for the client to provide a styrofoam model of the cushion.  Then we can replicate that shape in our custom fabrication process.