Choosing the Right Pressure Relief Cushion 2024

Pressure relief cushions (also known as pressure sore cushions) are essential in preventing and treating pressure sores – particularly for patients with limited mobility. However, pressure relief cushions range in price and materials, making it tricky to decide which one to buy. To help you make the right choice, we've put together a guide on Choosing the Right Pressure Relief Cushion.

What Is My Level of Risk?

Pressure relief cushions are normally categorised into four risk bands depending on the risk of the patient developing pressure sores, the severity of existing sores, and the user's level of mobility. These are:

• Low Risk
• Medium Risk
• High Risk
• Very High Risk

Low and Medium Risk cushions are usually made of foam or gel, while higher spec cushions are usually made of a combination of materials. High and Very High Risk cushions might use alternating air cells powered by pumps to shift the patient's weight evenly. These are often called 'Dynamic' or 'Alternating' cushions, while standard foam or gel cushions are known as 'Static' cushions.

Different cushions are suitable for each level of risk, and your level of risk should be determined by a medical professional.

Which Cushion Is Right for Me?

While your decision should be recommended by a medical professional, we provide a range of different options to give you a nudge in the right direction. Our choices are organised based on purpose and design, helping you to find the ideal cushion!

• Best Selling Pressure Cushion
• Best Value Pressure Cushion
• Best Dynamic Pressure Cushion
• Best Static (Gel) Pressure Cushion
• Best Pressure Cushion for Travelling
• Best Portable Alternating Pressure Cushion
• Best Recliner Pressure Relief Cushion
• Best Coccyx Pressure Relief Cushion
• Best Commode Pressure Relief Cushion
• Best Ring Pressure Relief Cushion
• Best Bariatric Pressure Relief Cushion

Best Selling Pressure Relief Cushion 

Harvest Reflect Pressure Relief Cushion (High Risk)

✔ Dual foam layer creates comforts and redistributes patient weight
✔ Water-resistant and antimicrobial cover increases longevity
✔ Air flow within cushion cells increases blood flow 

✔ On the go pressure relief for wheelchair and non wheelchair users
✔ Carrying around; easy to transport and can be squashed to fit
✔ Intuitive pressure relief, easy to use for carers and patients

✘ Bariatric patients, weight limit is 127kg/139kg (see our solution)
✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)
✘ Customisable pressure ulcer treatment (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Harvest Reflect Pressure Relief Cushion is a best seller for good reason. While High Risk cushions are usually 'dynamic', this cushion treats and prevents pressure ulcers without the cumbersome pumps or accessories often associated with dynamic alternatives.

We spoke to Harvest, who said: "The castellated cells create a microclimate within the cushion, keeping things breathable. In addition, this cushion encourages blood flow to all the right areas by distributing weight evenly."

Best Value Pressure Relief Cushion

Alerta Sensaflex 200 Foam Pressure Relief Cushion (Medium Risk)

✔ Suitable for care homes, hospitals and homes
✔ Castellated foam redistributes weight, reducing friction 
✔ Anti-microbial cover guarantees hygiene and reduces infections 

✔ General use, for people with mobility issues
✔ People needing a low maintenance, compact cushion 
✔ Patients on a tight budget wanting intense pressure relief

✘ Bariatric patients, weight limit is 150kg (see our solution)
✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)

Our Verdict: High Risk cushions tend to be pretty expensive, so the Alerta Sensaflex 200 Foam Pressure Relief Cushion is a brilliant option for people needing pressure relief without breaking the bank. Ideal for individuals needing constant pressure relief without cumbersome pumps and accessories, this is a simple alternative that can be used by just about anybody.

Customer Verdict: "...bought to relieve pressure - it has done the job!... It is lightweight, comfortable to sit on, easy to keep clean. An excellent purchase." Jan ★★★★

Best Dynamic Pressure Relief Cushion

Stratus Alternating Air Pressure Relief Cushion System (High Risk)

✔ Foam interior combines best of static and dynamic cushions
✔ Scalloped front provides additional leg comfort
✔Repositions the body for ideal blood circulation  

✔ Elderly, wheelchair bound and less mobile people
✔ Use by patients and carers, with audio and visual alarms 
✔ Customisable pressure treatment

✘ On the go support; needs to be plugged in (see our solution)
✘ Ease of carrying, (heavier design) (see our solution)
✘ People looking for a simpler cushion (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Stratus Alternating Air Pressure Relief Cushion System offers intense support to High Risk pressure ulcer patients. With a 5 star average review, the Stratus proves that it does just that and more, using air and foam to create a formidable anti-ulcer device.

Customer Verdict: "After trying lots of different cushions that didn't work I've tried this one and the results were almost immediate the ulcers are healing nicely for the first time in ages highly recommend this item and I was worried about the noise but its barely noticeable." Jean ★★★★★

Best Static Gel Pressure Relief Cushion

Alerta GelCube Air-Gel Pressure Relief Cushion (High Risk)

✔ Two layers of air-gel cells react to the smallest movements
✔ Prevents 'hot spots' on skin surface, reducing pressure ulceration
✔ Fully washable for ease of hygiene

Perfect For:

✔ Wheelchair users and people with mobility issues
✔ Bariatric users, with a weight limit of 200kg
✔ People wanting a low-maintenance, intuitive pressure cushion

Not the Best For:

✘ Transportability (see our solution)
✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)
✘ Customisable treatment (see our solution)

Our Verdict: As our top static pressure cushion, the Alerta GelCube Air-Gel Pressure Relief Cushion is the ultimate comfort cushion. The use of honeycomb material makes this a truly unique gel cushion, suitable for most sufferers of pressure ulcers. If you have pressure issues but wish to avoid the sometimes uncomfortable sensation of dynamic cushions, this is for you. 

Best Pressure Cushion for Travelling

Repose Inflatable Pressure Relief Cushion with Pump (Very High Risk)

✔ Lightweight design is stored in the pump
✔ Intuitive design can be used by patients and carers
✔ Suitable for most seating areas, giving on the go support

✔ Regular travellers requiring the most compact cushion.
✔ Patients who need waterproof pressure cushions
✔ Immediately effective pressure relief

✘ Bariatric patients, has a weight limit of up to 139kg (see our solution)
✘ Customisable treatment (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Repose Inflatable Pressure Relief Cushion with Pump helps patients achieve comfort no matter where they are. This cushion is particularly effective for patients with sensitive skin tissue who need to customise their cushion firmness levels. The design is also latex free, making it hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin, and requires only soap and water to clean – so it's easy to use and hygienic too.

Customer Verdict: "This cushion is brilliant, nothing else comes near it for ease and comfort. I had this cushion since 2015 after coming home from serious surgery still in pain. I had both the mattress and cushion in hospital, I was so impressed we immediately sourced a set for use at home... Please don’t hesitate if you want to sit in comfort look no further. Good quality and fast delivery." Linda ★★★★★

Best Portable Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion

Apex Sedens 500 Portable Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion (High Risk)

✔ 12 hour battery life gives patients all day pressure relief
✔ 30 decibel inflation is quiet and discreet
✔ Adjustable cycle time offers patients bespoke treatment 

✔ Pressure relief on the go for wheelchair users
✔ Customising treatment, with adjustable cycle time 
✔ Use by patients and carers, with audio and visual alarms

✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)
✘ Portable pressure relief (see our solution)

Our Verdict: As our top dynamic pressure cushion, the Apex Sedens 500 Portable Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion brilliantly targets often neglected parts of the body, like the sacral area and thighs. These parts of the body are often vulnerable to pressure issues for wheelchair users, making this a top tier pressure relief cushion. In addition, we love the combination of static and dynamic cushion options to maximise patient comfort.

Customer Verdict: "All day sitting in a wheelchair (MS) has previously caused discomfort and damage to skin. However, since using this cushion, there is minimal discomfort and my skin has recovered well." Ann ★★★★★

Best Recliner Pressure Relief Cushion

Harvest Ultra-Thin Pressure Relief Cushion, Leg and Lumbar System (High Risk)

✔ Foam base provides relief while ensuring good posture
✔ Breathable, waterproof and hardwearing cushion cover
✔ Simple to use and install, with extra straps for security

✔ Patients wanting to stay in their own seats who need pressure relief
✔ Easy moving and storing – folds to take up little space
✔ Full body support from head to toe for long-term use

✘ Bariatric patients, with a weight limit of 158kg (see our solution)
✘ Patients needing customisable treatment (see our solution)
✘ On the go pressure treatment (see our solution)

Our Verdict: Perfect for most types of armchair, the Harvest Ultra-Thin Pressure Relief Cushion, Leg and Lumbar System is a great cushion for general use. If you have pressure issues but wish to avoid the sometimes uncomfortable sensation of dynamic cushions, this is for you. Made from high quality nodular foam, this cushion allows air to flow within its structure to redistribute the patient's weight. 

We spoke to Harvest, who said: "We noticed a gap in the market for pressure cushions for recliners. Now, patients don't need to buy a new chair – they can just use the Harvest Ultra-Thin! This cushion raises the legs just the right amount to perfect the customer's posture, distributing weight evenly across the lower body, and eliminating pressure ulcers."

Best Coccyx Pressure Relief Cushion

Drive Medical Coccyx Cushion (Low Risk)

✔ Tilts the pelvis forward, restoring the backbone's natural curve
✔ Promotes good posture while alleviating pressure sores
✔ Prevents pain by suspending coccyx over the cutout section

✔ People who sit for long periods of time 
✔ Every day use: driving, working from home or in the office etc
✔ Transportation, lightweight and can be easily transported 

✘ Bariatric patients (see our solution)
✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)
✘ Customisable pressure treatment (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Drive Medical Coccyx Pressure Relief Cushion is a comfortable and easy-to-use cushion that alleviates sores in the tailbone area. By expanding your coccyx over the cut out section, this cushion enforces better posture, realigning the spine and reducing excess pressure on the rest of the upper body.

Customer Verdict: "Working from home for the past nine months, and sitting for so long in my home office desk chair, was wreaking havoc with my coccyx...This was my last resort before the chiropractor... I’m so pleased with this device." Tara ★★★★★

Best Commode Pressure Relief Cushion

Circular Pressure Reducing Commode and Toilet Cushion (Low Risk)

✔ Comforts and supports patients when using the toilet and commodes
✔ Hollow foam is highly-resistant to squishing and loss of shape
✔ universal design, hook and loop fastenings make it usable anywhere

✔ Patients needing pressure relief when going to the toilet
✔ Hospital, care and home environments needing maximum hygiene
✔ Patients wanting relief from cold toilet and commode seats

✘ Bariatric, Very High Risk patients (see our solution)

Our Verdict: Ideal for those that suffer when toileting, the Circular Pressure Reducing Commode and Toilet Cushion is a great cushion for individuals with sensitive skin and/or trouble using the toilet. With hollow foam and a sanitary cover, this cushion supports patients when transferring to a toilet or commode seat, promoting independence at home or in care. 

Customer Verdict: "This cushion is excellent for use on a toilet or commode very comfortable and padded for people who are very thin and find the commode or toilet seat uncomfortable well worth the money." Sheena ★★★★★

Best Ring Pressure Relief Cushion

Harley Designer Memory Foam Ring Cushion (Low Risk)

✔ Viscoelastic quick-moulding technology adapts to body shape
✔ Ring shape reduces friction, making sitting more comfortable
✔ Reduces sweat, moisture and bacterial build-up for better hygiene

✔ Post surgical and post natal patients
✔ People with back pain and hemorrhoids 
✔ General sitting discomfort over long periods

✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)
✘ Customisable pressure treatment (see our solution)
✘ Bariatric patients, with a weight limit of 120kg (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Harley Designer Memory Foam Ring effectively relieves patients of a large number of conditions. From hemorrhoids to back pain, this ring cushion is probably our most diverse option for pressure relief. If you have issues sitting for long periods of time but don't require intensive pressure relief, this is the perfect option for you.

Customer Verdict: "I'm due a major operation soon and in a lot of pain when travelling in the car, this cushion is excellent in absorbing the bumps in the road and has enabled me to travel in the care again with comfort giving me freedom and independence. Highly recommended." Lucy ★★★★★

Best Bariatric Pressure Relief Cushion

Alerta Sensaflex 350 High Bariatric Risk Memory Foam Pressure Relief Cushion (High Risk)

✔ Gel memory foam combines the best of both static options
✔ High density material absorbs and spreads weight evenly
✔ Made for bariatric patients, reducing pain to maximise comfort

✔ Bariatric patients up to 280kg
✔ Hospital, care homes and individual use
✔ General sitting discomfort over long periods

✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)
✘ Customisable pressure treatment (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Alerta Sensaflex 350 High Bariatric Risk Memory Foam Pressure Relief Cushion gets into nooks and crannies that some pressure cushions miss. Bariatric patients are particularly at risk of having certain body parts 'neglected' by low quality cushions, worsening existing issues. This cushion eliminates that risk – making sitting comfortable and supportive again.

A Full Spectrum of Pressure Relief

We've now gone through an entire spectrum of pressure relief cushions, and we hope we've made your selection a little bit less daunting. Once you know your pressure sore risk and the kind of cushion you might be looking for, there are a multitude of products to choose from, and the above are simply some of our favourites.

If you'd like to browse our entire range to see what's available, please visit our Pressure Relief category page, providing you with plenty of options to provide pressure relief of all intensities to all areas of the body.