How to Choose a Pressure Relief Cushion for Chairs and Wheelchairs

For anyone who sits for long periods, the cushion underneath them matters. A good pressure relief cushion spreads weight more evenly, supports posture and makes sitting more comfortable. Pelican’s cushioning equipment range covers chairs, wheelchairs, commodes and shower chairs, and much of it is designed and made in our Osborne Park workshop in Western Australia.

This guide explains the main types of seating cushion we make and how to pick the right one for the person and the chair.

Why a pressure relief cushion matters

When someone sits for hours, their weight rests on a small area: the buttocks, the tailbone and the backs of the thighs. People with limited mobility may not shift their weight often, which can put skin at risk. A pressure relief cushion is designed to redistribute that weight and improve comfort. It is one part of good pressure care, alongside regular repositioning and skin checks.

For wider pressure care products, including heel and bed supports, see our pressure care equipment range.

General-purpose pressure relief cushions

Our general-purpose cushions suit people sitting in a wheelchair or a standard chair:

The Pressure Relief Memory Foam Cushion is designed to be as thin as possible, so people do not sit too high in the chair, while still giving pressure care and comfort. It has memory foam on both sides of a soft or firm middle layer, and comes in two sizes.
The Pressure Relief Cushion with Water Resistant Cover suits situations where spills or continence are a concern.
The Pressure Relief Cushion with Airmesh Cover offers a more breathable option.
The Wool Wheelchair Pad is a low profile wool cushion for a chair or wheelchair.

If an existing cushion leaves the person sitting too low, the Cushion Raiser lifts the overall height of a pressure care cushion.

Coccyx and pudendal cushions

Some people need pressure taken off one specific area. Two common examples are the tailbone and the perineal area.

Coccyx cushion. Our Sacral Cushion has a scoop at the rear to reduce pressure on the coccyx. It suits wheelchairs and lounge chairs and has straps on all corners to hold it in place. The Donut Cushion is another option for sitting comfort.

Pudendal cushion. The Pudendal Channel Cushion is a foam cushion with a cut-out channel down the middle. It uses higher-density foam on the outside and softer foam in the centre, so more body weight is taken by the outer buttocks and less by the perineal area. Two spare foam strips can be inserted to make the channel narrower. It may help people with conditions such as pudendal neuralgia, pelvic floor problems, perineal pain, haemorrhoids or tailbone pain. A smaller, more discreet version suits use outside the home, such as at a café or cinema.

Lumbar support cushions and posture aids

Comfort is not just about the seat. Back support helps people sit upright and stay in position:

Lumbar rolls in round and ‘D’ shapes sit in the hollow of the lower back. The Lumbar Roll ‘D’ is about half the diameter of the round roll.
The Back Support (Small) suits deep chairs where a larger lumbar support cushion would push someone forward.
Chair Lateral Supports help stop people leaning forward or to the side.
The Chair Wedge Anti-Slide is a non-restraint product designed to help prevent sliding off chairs.

Specialty cushions

Hip replacement chair wedges keep the knees lower than the hips when sitting, with an anti-slide version available.
Arm cushions, including the Soft CVA Arm Cushion, which holds a subluxed arm with a soft, moisture-wicking cover.
Commode and shower chair cushions, including a waterproof shower chair back cushion and a heat-sealed child’s commode cushion.

How to choose a cushion for sitting

Who is it for? Someone who sits all day in a wheelchair has different needs from someone who wants a more comfortable cushion for sitting at the table.
What is the main problem? General comfort, tailbone pain, perineal pain, sliding or poor posture each point to a different cushion.
Check the height. A thick cushion can raise someone too high for armrests, footplates or a table. Our memory foam cushion is designed to stay thin.
Measure the seat. Product pages list sizes. A cushion should fit the seat without overhanging.
Choose the cover. Water resistant covers suit continence needs. Breathable covers suit warm weather or long sitting.
Get advice. For people at high risk of pressure injury, an OT or nurse should assess seating and recommend the right cushion.

Pressure relief cushion FAQs

What is the difference between a coccyx cushion and a pudendal cushion?

A coccyx cushion like our Sacral Cushion has a scoop at the back to reduce pressure on the tailbone. A pudendal cushion has a channel down the centre to reduce pressure on the perineal area.

Will a pressure relief cushion make the person sit too high?

It can, with some cushions. Our Pressure Relief Memory Foam Cushion is designed to be as thin as possible for that reason.

Can I use these cushions in a wheelchair?

Yes. Most of our general-purpose and coccyx cushions are designed for wheelchairs and standard chairs. Check each product page for sizes.

Do you make custom cushions?

Yes. If you cannot see what you need, we can make a special order to your requirements.

Talk to Pelican about seating cushions

Pelican has made care products in Australia since 1987 and works to an AS/NZS ISO 9001 quality system. We are a registered NDIS provider (see NDIS ordering information). Browse the full Pelican cushioning equipment range, or contact us on FreeCall 1800 641 577 for help choosing or a custom cushion.