Anti-decubitus cushions: hollow fiber or viscoelastic?
There is no single "best" anti-decubitus cushion: there is the right one for each person, depending on time spent seated and residual mobility.
When choosing a cushion for a wheelchair, armchair or car, the two reference materials offer very different advantages.
Siliconized hollow fiber: lightness and breathability
Siliconized hollow fiber is a highly breathable technical fiber that reduces friction and redistributes contact pressure. It is the ideal choice for early-stage prevention and for those who do not spend the whole day seated, but alternate sitting with rest in bed.
Its strength lies in anatomical shapes: models with a central hole, donut-shaped or with differentiated sections provide targeted, immediate relief of the ileo-sacral area, reducing pressure where it is needed most.
Viscoelastic and Visco-Gel: adaptation and prolonged relief
High-density memory foam (55–90 kg/m³) moulds with body heat and weight, distributing the load evenly across the entire support surface. Adding a smart-gel insert in the ischial or coccyx area brings two major benefits: a constant feeling of freshness and better air circulation.
It is the solution of choice for prolonged sitting (daily wheelchair users or those who sit for many hours) and for those already suffering from localized coccyx pain.
How to choose? Three key questions
- How long will the cushion be used? For many consecutive hours seated, viscoelastic with a gel insert offers the most stable, lasting support. For alternating or temporary use, hollow fiber is an excellent entry solution.
- Are redness or sores already present? With pain or early signs of pressure damage, choose pressure-relief shapes to remove load from the affected area.
- How will hygiene be managed? Especially in care settings or with intensive use, prefer breathable, washable and durable models.
For professionals: orthopaedic shops, medical supply stores and distributors can request the reserved price list to access the full range of sizes, variants and spare covers for each model.
Informational content: always consult a doctor or qualified healthcare staff to choose the most suitable medical aid for the patient's specific condition.