Physical impairments appear as we grow old. When you start aging, there are many things you won't be able to do that your younger self could do easily. With time, your bones and muscles cannot support as they once used to. One may end up in a bed for the majority of their days. One such activity is sitting. Walking will be hard for you when you're old, but sitting is another thing that is not talked about enough. The simple act of sitting for a prolonged period can be difficult as you age. As you age, your bones start to get weaker and weaker. If you suffer the same injuries that you suffered when you were younger, you won't be able to brush them off as nothing any longer. To tend to your bones and muscle that bear weight, like when sitting for prolonged periods, proper cushion is the best type of protection.
The need for a cushion is more significant for an older adult. Let's look at the following lines about cushioning for the elderly. Proper cushioning can ensure easy and carefree life.
Cushions Provide Comfort:
One benefit of a cushion is that it provides comfort.
Cushions Maintain Body Posture:
A cushion helps to maintain proper body posture and sit upright with back support.
Cushions Provide Pressure Relief:
A cushion also works as a source of pressure relief. Cushions ensure you sit comfortably, and even if you have to sit for a long time, your body won't ache if you use a cushion. Sitting in one position for a prolonged period builds up pressure in your hips and thighs. This pressure creates pain and discomfort. Older adults have difficulty coping as a younger person can.
Classification of Cushions:
Two cushions are available based on the materials created—a foam-based cushion and a gel or fluid-based cushion. However, pillows can be custom-made to meet different needs.
Classification Based on Need:
Whether you need a cushion for support, pressure relief, or body posture, gel, and foam-based cushions are used to customize your cushioning need. Part of the customization is the preference and requirement of the user.
For example, a gel-based cushion is not recommended to fix your posture. So, a rigid foam cushion will work best for you in such a case. Similarly, your need matters the most regarding the type of cushion you select.
Classification Based on Shape:
Another classification of cushions is done based on shapes. There are two shapes available when it comes to pillows. These shapes are flat and contoured. The form of the buffer is another critical factor that benefits you.
Types of Cushions:
Now that we have dealt with the benefits and classifications of cushions, let us examine the different types of pillows available. As stated above, you can choose from mainly two types of cushions. These two types are:
- Foam based cushions
- Gel/fluid-based cushions
Foam-Based Cushions:
The most common and readily available cushion that you would find in the market is foam-based.
Foam-based cushions are standard in many ways and are inexpensive. These cushions are typically used for pressure relief or posture correction. Foam cushions can be created at home. Because it is made with foam, a readily available material, you can create your foam cushion.
Foam-based cushions are also long-lasting. A foam-based pillow is less likely to get punctured and be rendered useless. Instead, if a puncture occurs, you can seal it pretty quickly.
Along with the many benefits, there are some areas where foam-based cushions lack behind.
Foam-based cushions take a long time to dry out, which can be an issue for the elderly if they sweat or have bladder leaks.
Another issue with foam-based cushions is that they are insulators. Using a foam-based buffer can become quite uncomfortable if you live in a place with high temperatures.
Gel/Fluid-Based Cushions:
The second type of cushion you can use is gel or fluid-based cushions.
These types of pillows are sometimes filled with air as well. All of which are dependent on what you are looking for.
Among the many benefits of pillows is that they distribute body pressure on the surface of the seat.
Gel-based cushions distribute body weight equally, which is perfect for people looking for a comfortable cushion.
A downside of these cushions is that they are not as readily available as foam-based cushions and are also expensive.