Expert Guide: Best Cushions for Pressure Sores

Choosing the right cushion can make a world of difference to your comfort, especially if you are sat for longer periods.

There are many types of pressure sore cushions available, including memory foam, gel, air and advanced foam technologies. However, each works differently and choosing the right cushion depends on factors such as pressure risk, posture, mobility and comfort.

In this blog post, we will explore the differences between Levitex Foam Technology and Cool Gel, Visco Foam and Alternating Air Cushions, and how to decide which is the best option for your specific requirements.

Jump straight to…

• • • What Should You Look For in a Pressure Cushion?
    • What is Levitex foam?
    • Levitex vs Visco (Memory) Foam
    • Levitex vs Cool Gel
    • Levitex vs Alternating Air Systems
    • How to Decide Which is Right for Your Bed or Chair
    • Conclusion
    • FAQs

What Should You Look For in a Pressure Cushion?

The key features to look for in seat cushions are levels of pressure redistribution, immersion, as well as postural stability and movement.

Levitex foam technology was developed to provide increased comfort but help patients mobilise and reposition themselves at the same time, which is important for maintaining muscle tone and reducing deconditioning.

This article compares Levitex against the other common types of pressure sore cushions to help you find the best for your client’s pressure needs.

What is Levitex foam?

Our Levitex Cradle Cushion was developed from our partnership with Levitex Foams who pioneered a new foam technology for mattresses and sleep systems. The unique properties of the foam allow it to provide soft immersion while progressively firming under load, making it very comfortable while providing the feedback needed to maintain good posture and move on the cushion.

Levitex Cradle Cushion

Levitex vs Visco (Memory) Foam

Visco Foam, more commonly known as memory foam, is a viscoelastic material designed to conform to the body’s shape. Memory foam was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve seat cushioning and crash protection for astronauts.

Memory foam is thermosensitive, so reacts to body heat and pressure allowing it to soften and mould to the body. Once that pressure is removed, it gradually returns to its original shape. However, this can make it more prone to trapping heat and moisture which is worse for pressure sores.

Memory Foam is often used in mattresses, pillows, and cushions, designed to relieve pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment.

It distributes body weight by increasing immersion, reducing stress on pressure points like the hips, shoulders, and spine. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic pain, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries.

Levitex doesn’t rely on body heat for it to compress, and has a faster rate of return than memory foam, which is makes it easier to reposition and stand in the chair. Our Levitex Cradle Cushion has a well-shaped contour to conform to the shape of the thighs, removing the need for moulding.

Levitex vs Cool Gel

Cool Gel is a gel-infused memory foam that incorporates gel particles to give it its cooling properties. Traditional memory foam tends to retain heat, which can be uncomfortable for sleepers or people sitting for long periods.

The gel particles dissipate heat, making Cool Gel foam an excellent option for individuals who tend to feel hot when they sleep or sit for extended periods. The gel acts as a thermal conductor, drawing heat away from the body and helping regulate temperature for a cooler and more comfortable experience.

When used in seating and seat cushions, coolgel refers to the layer of encased gel beneath the seat cover on top of the seat cushion foam to provide enhanced pressure relief for higher need users.

As shown in the image below, it is shaped into small circular pads, and contours to the shape of the person’s body, distributing pressure more evenly and improving skin integrity.

Coolgel pad

Coolgel is often used in mattresses, mattress toppers, seat cushions, and wheelchair pads, particularly for individuals seeking both support and temperature control.

Coolgel works in the same way as an envelopment foam in that it spreads body weight by the pelvis sinking into the cushion. The downside to this is it reduces proprioception, which is the sensory feedback the patient uses to feel themselves in the chair and move against it.

Sensory feedback is maintained with Levitex foam, because of its higher IFD (Indentation Force Deflection), as confirmed by independent studies, that increases firmness from 25% to 65% when under load.

Levitex vs Alternating Air Systems

Airflow cushions and mattresses use advanced technology to reduce the risk of bedsores. They are made with alternating air-filled cells, which help distribute pressure evenly.

This feature helps relieve pressure on specific areas, improving blood circulation and reducing the chances of tissue damage.

The constant air flow and microclimate control also keep the skin dry and comfortable by managing moisture effectively.

When compared to airflow mattresses, Levitex produced significantly lower peak pressure, reducing head and heel pressure by more than 30%.

How to Decide Which is Right for Your Bed or Chair

Choosing the best cushion for pressure sores depends largely on your personal needs and preferences. Here are a few key factors to consider:

Temperature Sensitivity

If you tend to overheat during sleep or while sitting, Levitex or Coolgel will be more suitable as they draw heat away from the skin. Regulating body temperature is particularly important for those living in warmer climates or who struggle with sweating and overheating.

While Cool Gel offers some level of contouring and pressure relief similar to standard memory foam, its primary advantage lies in temperature regulation. For those who experience mild discomfort but prioritise cooling over deep contouring, Cool Gel might be ideal. However, Cool Gel foam offers less support than Levitex for deeper pressure relief.

Pressure Sores Risk

If you are at a higher risk of pressure sores, or are an individual with a medical conditions that requires enhanced comfort, Levitex will generally be best due to its significantly lower pressure scores than alternative systems.

When a Cushion Alone Isn’t Enough: Care Chairs

For users at higher risk of pressure ulcers (Category 2 or above), a cushion alone is unlikely to be sufficient. The chair itself needs pressure-relieving features, tilt-in-space, and appropriate fabric. This is where specialist care chairs like the Lento add significant clinical value for those with higher pressure needs.