Imagine Sitting on Air
Clinical Resource — Free Volunteer Initiative
An alternative to pressure relief for people who have tried everything else.
Scientifically Proven
Pressure Injury Seating Intervention
Read the StudyA recent study and case examples have illustrated how the Foam Cut Out (FCC) system provides improved pelvic stability, posture, and crucial off-loading of bony prominences.
The concept lies in the unique design consisting of a 4" high laminated cushion. The bottom layer is a 3", extra high-density, 5 lb. foam (0.07 g/cm³). The top layer is a 1", lower-density, 4 lb. foam (0.03 g/cm³). The foam is then cut and customized to relieve areas susceptible to skin breakdown due to pressure.
This innovative process is proven to offer the best reduction in tissue deformation, as indicated by MRI studies for offloading cushions (citation).
Introducing a seat cushion customized to you.
Important Concepts
Off-Loading vs. Immersion
There are 2 main concepts of pressure relief in cushions: immersion of bony prominences vs. off-loading.
The concept of immersion aims to minimize pressure beneath bony prominences by distributing the pressure more evenly over larger surfaces (Fig. 1).
On the other hand, the concept of off-loading involves completely unweighting high-risk areas, such as bony prominences, by recessing the surface beneath the sitting area. This redistribution of pressure directs it toward larger and less bony structures, such as the posterior thighs and trochanters. (Fig. 2)
Immersion (Fig. 1)
Pressures under pelvis are distributed evenly.
The immersion technique was available in the early 1980s using mediums like air, gel, or fluid. This method surrounds the bony prominences, allowing for an even distribution of pressure, which aids in preventing skin breakdown. While this technique provides pressure reduction via a submersible medium it does not remove direct pressure to the high risk bony prominences under the pelvis.
Off-Loading (Fig. 2)
Pressures are redistributed to soft tissues and trochanters.
Developed by John Rogers and Dr. Shannon Stauffer at Rancho Los Amigos, the off-loading technique uses foam cutout cushions (FCCs) to alleviate pressure on bony prominences. Current research, including studies utilizing MRI and pressure mapping, confirms the effectiveness of off-loading cushions like the RIDE™ orthotic-style cushion in preventing tissue deformation. People with SCI and the elderly are at high risk for developing pressure injuries and will benefit from an off-loading cushion.
Proven Results, Trusted by Experts
Transforming Lives at Rancho Los Amigos
For People
At Risk For Pressure Injuries
Newly Injured Spinal Cord Injury
Scoliosis/Pelvic Deformities
Aging Wheelchair Users
History of Reoccurring Pressure Injuries
Individuals With Active Pressure Sores
Applicable to other diagnoses (TBI, CP, MS, GBS, CVA, etc.)
The Advantage of Foam Cushions
We address the root cause of pressure injuries.
Causes of Pressure Injuries Origins
Pressure sores are the result of an area of skin or underlying tissue that has been damaged due to the loss of blood flow. This is often caused by pressure from the sitting bone pushing into the tissue against the seat cushion, thus restricting blood and oxygen flow to the tissue. In addition, skin injuries can be caused by excessive moisture, skin tears, and shearing.
Pressure Injury Solutions Using Immersion
Most cushions immerse the bony pelvis in a medium like air, gel, or memory foam but do not fully offload the bones at high risk. This principle is adequate for many users initially until there is significant atrophy, scoliosis, or skin changes due to aging. Although pressure is reduced with immersion cushions, pressure is not fully off-loaded at the high-risk areas.
Foam Cutout Cushions Off-Load
Foam cutout cushions completely off-load high risk bony prominences. This is achieved by cutting out the foam from underneath the pelvis in a simple rectangular shape. This results in eliminating the pressure underneath both ischial tuberosities and coccyx and redistributes the pressure to areas of higher tolerance like the thighs and soft tissues.
Pressure injuries can lead to life threatening complications.
Don't waste another day dealing with pressure injuries.
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