Cushions -
Why so much choice?
Summary
Just as we are all different shapes and sizes and are comfortable wearing different clothes and shoes, those using a pressure care cushion have different needs, feeling and senses-Your favorite pair of shoes may be totally unsuitable for somebody else!
So bearing in mind we are all very different and seating issues vary in complexity, it understandably leads to the need for a wide product offering, with different functions and abilities to enable the best seating solution for a particular individual.
Sumed International (UK) Limited has a market leading range of high quality, branded products supported by an experienced national sales team.
The Principles
One of the most important factors relating to any cushioning product is understanding how it works. What added function does one product have compared to another and how does this relate to the proposed user? There are a few basic principles that are used during the design of a product and one or more of these principles will be found in every cushion that we offer.
Envelopment
This describes the way in which a cushion behaves to ensure even contact and distribution of pressure between the user and cushion.
Added function
Which includes the ability to position, reposition, prevent slumping, shear and possibly address issues with the back. The added function of the product is determined by the materials used in the manufacture of the product and the mechanical abilities determined by the design of the product.
The following descriptions relate to the use of different designs to address the challenges presented in a seating assessment. Choice is an essential part of user satisfaction and it should be remembered that regardless of whether a product works correctly for an individual, if it isn't liked, it isn't working.
The Flowform Range
Envelopment
The heart of a Sumed Flowform product is the module. This is a sealed flexible envelope that contains Flowform liquid. The liquid consists of an inert base liquid to which are added hollow spheroids graded in size, biocides and inhibitors. The liquid lubricates the particles allowing them to move and flow when subjected to external pressure. The construction of the module is critical to the effectiveness of the product. Various ways are used, but each provides peaks of liquid in which the user sits. The peaks are created by the use of weld spots or links to create interruptions in the skin of the module. If these were not there, a hammock effect would be created between the ischial tuberosities and this would cause pressure points and shear forces/gradients. The different methods of construction of these peaks gives a different level of ability to each cushion in the range. By using the module the required envelopment is obtained in a stable user friendly product.
Added Function
The added function is given by the fact that the Flowform is "reactive". Any movement of the body or limbs creates a change in the down force. Flowform will move to accommodate a shift in weight; this therefore creates a change in pressure across the seating area. Movement like this stimulates the circulation, helping to prevent occlusion of the micro vessels and start of the deterioration of the skin. In those cases where the breakdown of the tissues has already started, the reactive module will help the blood to recirculate and granulate, regenerating tissue in the necrotic area. It is the ability to efficiently redistribute pressure, either in a static position or as a result of voluntary or involuntary movement that makes the products effective.
The Action and Nest Range
Envelopment
The Action and Nest range of cushions approaches the basic principles in a different fashion. Envelopment is catered for by using foam or Akton Polymer of different thicknesses depending on the user's needs. This function may be enhanced by using a contoured or shaped ABS base. This helps to redistribute the load over the maximum area possible, which leads to a reduction in tissue stress. An added benefit is that the ABS base in the Nest range helps to eliminate the wheelchair canvas sling effect resulting in a lower transfer height. The anatomical shape of the base with its integral pommel also helps to promote a stable neutral sitting position with natural leg separation. The contoured base also helps to eliminate sacral sitting.
Added Function
Akton® viscoelastic polymer provides an important added function to the performance of the product. Akton® like a fluid, giving uniform support, yet is actually a soft solid, which will not bottom out. When pressure is applied at an angle to the skin surface, the various layers move over each other causing tissue distortion. This is called shear and different areas of the skin have different tolerances to shear forces. Deformation due to shear occurs where there is friction between the skin and the surface with which it is in contact, e.g. clothes. The frictional force will hold the upper layers of the skin stationary while the deeper layers move across one another. The Akton® pad acts like a second skin and provides a reduction in shear across the seating area. Akton® quickly adjusts to the shape of the body, however it will return to and permanently hold its original shape when not under load.
The Foamax Range
Envelopment
The Foamax cushion also uses an anatomically shaped base to give a better balanced and neutral sitting position. Having a similar shaped base to that of the Nest range. the overall transfer height is also reduced, because the curved base takes up wheelchair canvas slack. Being constructed of a variety of specialist foams, the key to its performance is envelopment. The combination of contoured base, closed cell, moulded, memory and RX foams gives a substantial improvement to the redistribution of pressure and provides a comfortable seating surface for the user.
Added Function
The combination of foams is the secret to the added function of the Foamax range. For a foam cushion to be effective, "spring back", which is normally associated with the use of a single foam, needs to be reduced. By using a contoured centre to which is added a slow recovery memory foam, this "spring back" is substantially reduced. To the bottom of the 4" version we add a closed cell foam to provide additional protection against bottoming out on the base. The thinner version does not have this bottom layer and so care should be taken to ensure the user has sufficient cover over the Ischial area.
The Viscotech Range
Envelopment
The Viscotech range uses foams to enable envelopment either as a standard rectangular product or for more complex needs and composite shaped product. Viscotech uses the very latest foam and visco-elastic technology, supported by comprehensive clinical evidence, to ensure maximum immersion without the risk of bottoming out.
Added Function
Using castellation, composite layers, sculptured shapes and even foam composite and gel inserts, the range provides a product for a low risk comfort user up to a high risk user with the shaping providing a more neutral seating position. Constructed from Vitafoam’s Vasco and Reflex foams, Viscotech offers better density and hence durability than many of its competitors. To ensure optimum performance in the clinical environment, all Viscotech products are protected by a high specification polyurethane cover. The 2-way breathable stretch fabric delivers exceptional comfort and the integral anti-bacterial agent provides peace of mind.
Tempur® Medical
Envelopment
The TEMPUR Material is a visco-elastic, temperature sensitive open cell material which has unique pressure relieving qualities. Unlike ordinary polyurethane which features irregular cell shapes that simply compress under weight and degenerate over a short period of time, the TEMPUR Pressure Relieving Material is composed of billions of visco-elastic spherical shaped, open cells. The cells respond to body temperature and weight then shift and re-organize their position to mould to the exact contours of the patient’s body.
Added Function
The TEMPUR Pressure Relieving Material becomes softer in warmer areas and remains firmer in cooler areas, where less body contact is being made. TEMPUR has a density of 85-110 kg/m3. The open cell structure allows air to circulate. The cell response of the visco-elastic foam enables proper support and pressure relief over the entire surface. Being specially treated, the foam, not just the cover, enables a degree of contamination to the foam without adversely affecting cross infection risks.
Proven care and cost effective in studies, clinical trials and practice all over the world
All TEMPUR-MED products are covered with a waterproof and air permeable PU-cover. The PU-cover is welded to avoid leakage. The PU-cover can also be machine washed (95°C) and is easy to clean, disinfect and sterilize using cleaning agents commonly used in hospitals.
The Roho Group inc. Products
Envelopment
In a world wide study, Roho established that the average height from Trochanter to bottom of the Ischial Tuberosities was 7.5 cm. This meant that if you had a product that could conform to and envelope this depth, you had the perfect envelopment characteristic. Secondly, if you could mimic the effect of flotation in water you would get the maximum support area. By using many interconnected but individual cells to support the user and air as the fluid, Dry Flotation was invented. This product revolutionized the seating offering when it was released on to the marketplace.
Added Function
This combination gave Roho a still unsurpassed lead in the marketplace as the cellular design enable not just superior envelopment but also low shear and the ability of the cushion to move with the user. The addition to the neoprene range of the revolutionary Isoflo valving also gave the product the ability to address positioning issues. Fixed pelvic conditions, those that can be corrected, slouching or just stability can all be addressed by one product with the Isoflo valve. With the minimum of maintenance required you get the maximum of efficacy.
Xsensor
X sensor Pressure mapping devices gives us the benefit of ensuring we have provided the best possible choice of product for our users - please refer to the X Sensor link to discover the full details of this “state of the art” system.