Equagel Cushions
The EquaGel General Cushion offers maximum comfort to users by distributing their weight across their seat evenly. Designed to minimise pressure on the buttocks, and reduce pressure sores, this cushion is a great alternative to many other cushions on the market. For those with limited movement, or who require long term seating the EquaGel Cushion may be the permanent solution, especially if the user is prone to pressure ulcers.
This pressure cushion is made by two layers of dry-polymer gel; the top layer comprises a thin wall of gel, while the lower is made from a thicker gel layer, designed to maintain posture support.
The EquaGel General Cushion has a waterproof cover and velcro strip on the bottom for wheelchair users.
There are three models available in a range of sizes. The EquaGel General is designed for users at mild risk to moderate risk of pressure injury. The EquaGel Protector and Adjustable Protector are intended for users at moderate risk to high risk of pressure injury
How does Equagel work
Equagel Gel Cushions are made of dry-polymer gel constructed in a lattice design, they are almost rubbery to the touch but have good tensile and compression strength and durability.
A Bi-columnar design of integrated gel means the smaller top grid and larger bottom grid of gel cannot be separated.
The top layer is thick wall gel which acts as a comfort layer. This layer is a small grid with thin walled gel which is for pressure distribution rather than being weight supporting.
The bottom layer is thicker wall gel and a wider grid to accommodate good alignment in deep posture support . These walls are more robust and strong enough to prevent bottoming-out under normal usage.
EquaGel® redistributes pressure through the process of “COLUMN BUCKLING”. Simply put, each wall of gel is capable of supporting only a marginal load. When that threshold is exceeded, the wall buckles under and passes the weight to the surrounding walls for support. This “buckling and weight-passing” happens instantly and repeatedly until the maximum surface area of pressing weight is evenly supported by sufficient walls to hold the weight up, regardless of its shape. The pressure points of the ischium and coccyx are allowed to buckle into the cushion without resistance while the buttocks are supported evenly. The areas most likely to develop pressure sores are allowed to float nearly pressure-free within the pad while the client’s weight is distributed evenly across the cushion.
Additionally, the open cell design of EquaGel® cushions provides for air-flow beneath the client. Hence an EquaGel® cushion provides the client with a temperature neutral environment. The client should never experience a build-up of body heat that ultimately creates perspiration as occurs on foam, liquid gel and air cushions. Hence, EquaGel® cushions practically eliminate the three factors most commonly related to the formation of pressure sores – pressure, heat and moisture.
- Pressure – constant pressure on an area of the skin
- Heat – the elevation of body heat at the point of contact
- Moisture – the perspiration that the body creates to help cool the area where the body temperature is elevated.
These same three (3) factors inhibit the healing of an existing pressure injury.
PRESSURE
We all become uncomfortable when sitting in one position after a while. This can be due to the two bones that protrude from our pelvis. These two bones are the ischial tuberosity’s
Because the ITs protrude downward from the pelvis, they put additional pressure on the butt muscles at those points. Consequently, for a cushion to truly provide pressure relief, that cushion must give additional pressure relief in the area of the ITs.
EQUAGEL cushions work on a structural engineering principle called “Column Buckling”. Simply put, column buckling refers to the way EquaGel® behaves under weight. Each wall of gel is capable of supporting only a light load. When that threshold is exceeded, the wall of gel buckles into the hollow area between walls and passes the weight to the surrounding walls for support. This buckling and weight passing happens instantly and repeatedly until the maximum surface area of pressing weight is evenly supported by largely equalized pressure.
The peak pressure points of the ITs and coccyx/sacrum buckle into the EquaGel cushion feeling almost as if they are free-floating within the cushion while the thighs and buttock of the client are supported.
HEAT
When one sits for an extended period on a surface that provides no ambient air, the body temperature begins to elevate at that point. Since elevated body heat is one of the major factors in the development of pressure injuries, a wheelchair cushion should be so designed as to not increase body temperature.
EQUAGEL is a dry-polymer gel, almost rubbery to the touch. The buckling column design of an EquaGel® cushion leaves open cells that allow for air-flow under the client. As such a client may sit on an EquaGel® cushion for many hours without any increase of the body temperature at the point of contact.
Equagel Cushions will maintain a temperature neutral surface for as long as the client remains seated.
MOISTURE
As stated above, moisture is the perspiration that the body creates to help cool where the body temperature has increased. As such, if a cushion is able to provide a surface that does not cause an increase in the body temperature, then there is little chance that perspiration (moisture) will result.
EQUAGEL – With the open cell design, an EquaGel® cushion provides enough air-flow under the client to maintain a temperature neutral environment. Hence, the client’s body temperature remains constant and there is little chance that perspiration will occur. The two-way stretch vapour permeable waterproof cover also contributes by ensuring that any moisture is dispersed and not in contact with the client.
CLEANING
Cleaning and caring for EquaGel Cushions:
Washing Cover: Remove from cushion and machine wash on low or permanent press setting. Tumble dry on low heat.
Washing Cushion: Hand wash with warm water and mild detergent. Do not bleach. Allow to air dry