How to Choose A Wheelchair Cushion

A candid conversation between Empowered Para and Markie Ryckman, an OT specialized in wheelchair seating.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Your channel is very informative. Im in a power chair (US) and have a friend in Canada also in a chair. It is beneficial to know how to become one’s own advocate.

[@unetherized]

I have an appointment for assessment in a month (that was the soonest they could do... thank goodness i got a 30 year old folding chair at a thrift store or i'd be screwed) and im grateful i can educate myself on the care i should recieve, so i know if im not getting it, and so i can advocate if im not! Thank you so much

[@Gavin.France34]

Hi Brittany, My name is Gavin France, I'm a 59 years old male. I am able-bodied. I came across your KZbin channel roughly 3 years ago.l was impressed by your tell it like it is attitude and have become interested in the problems (and solutions) that a paralyzed person has to deal with everyday.

[@opentolerance]

I'm in Toronto, Ontario and I just remembered 2 hours later, damn. 2:27pm

[@marcstlaurent3719]

Amazing vid Brittany and company , and quite fortuitous for me as I’m going to meet the Glenrose OT’s as it’s cushion time for me again and I’m 11 years gimpy and I have yet to find a cushion I’m comfortable for hours yet .

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

It was great! Really good attendance! Tons of great info! So well done Brittney

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks so much!!

[@CreateWithBecca]

Great stream! I'm from PA but I am now in central TX. I'm a T7 Para since 2012.

[@solimarlugo3539]

Hello! You guys mentioned CEUs. Are they available for RNs in the US? This was very informative, and I learned so much! Thank you guys for doing this video!

[@cindyjohnson9941]

i'm from Anchorage, Alaska.

[@morgancalvi6675]

I will never, ever forget my OT who said I need an 18 X 20 wheelchair. I'm 5'0 and 100 pounds and I had a hip disarticulation and have lost an 1 1/2" on my hips since she said that. I mean I lost 30 pounds during surgery. She closed my case and refuses to help with anything. I need to know who to go to file a complaint. I'm in Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@StewartMidwinter]

I only learned about this after the presentation. I would've had some questions. Namely, I tried the Blake medical because I really want a cushion that doesn't go flat on me frequently. The Roho quality is not what it used to be, and they are now not very reliable. But when my occupational therapist tested both of Blake medical gold and the silver with a pressure sensing Mat, they both scoredscored considerably worse than the Roho. I was advised to not sit on one for more than a short while. It's worth, I am living with high-level quadriplegia so I am not able to adjust my position or offload regularly by lifting my bum.

[@tamelawinter8821]

Great information. Just a bit bummed that those of us in the US can't really benefit. I've been discouraged by therapists & vendors who should have my best interest in mind but clearly don't by lack of action and follow through. It's maddening.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I don't think gel is as effective as pressure relief as air, but Blake Medical has many different cushions. Maybe there are ones that are better than the ones you tried? Definitely something to contact Blake Medical about maybe:)

[@EmpoweredPara]

So maddening. Sorry that Blake isn't available in the US yet.

[@dennyneff6320]

Hi Brittney, I'm a big fan and try to watch every episode. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to inform and thanks to the Veterans Administration for their help in getting my wheelchairs over the years. I was 27 when I busted up my neck in a tank accident. I am getting help from them The doctors at Walter Reed in Washington D.C. Thought I also had MS. However, that was a wrong diagnosis, instead, I have Muscular Dystrophy... Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, exacerbated by incomplete Spinal Chord Injury. (SCI). I'll say thank you again

[@EmpoweredPara]

I hear Veterans Affairs is very good in the US. I'm glad they're able to help get you the care/equipment you need. So glad you like my channel!

[@Gavin.France34]

Hi Brittany, I,m watching from Levin New Zealand

[@EmpoweredPara]

You rock!

[@theresaansell8516]

Raleigh North Carolina

[@samanthatremellen7640]

Omg! This is so interesting

[@samanthatremellen7640]

Hi from Montreal ❤

[@GAINZonWHEELS]

Holland jay cushion

[@morgancalvi6675]

That's not one in N America.

[@ericmappes3977]

Eric from Indianapolis Indiana, I have spina fifida

[@bradmurphy453]

heard there were new gel packs for the jay active? just wondering

[@EmpoweredPara]

There are definitely a lot more options to choose from with Jay cushions now. Not sure what they all are though. I just browsed their site quickly

[@morgancalvi6675]

OMG shipping from Canada to he US...OMG!!!! Seriously, whoever asked that...don't even bother. Customs raises cain.

[@cpr58]

I knew I needed a Cushion But I never knew there was so much to know. Wow you should see the peace of crap of a wheelchair they gave me. assessment was how much do you weigh that was it then in came in with this crap chair.