How Can I Make My Wheelchair More Comfortable?

Spending your days in the same chair, day in and day out, can certainly become uncomfortable over time. As a wheelchair user, no one knows that better than you. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your time spent in your chair a bit more enjoyable. With a few tips and tricks and helpful accessories, you can make your wheelchair more comfortable in no time.

The first thing you should do is purchase a wheelchair cushion. Cushions come in various depths, shapes, sizes, and materials, and your personal preference as well as your wheelchair itself will help determine which is best for you. Many factors will determine which cushions to consider, including how much time you spend in your chair, how good your posture is, how much you are able to move around, and so on. A good cushion will help prevent pressure sores from the constant sitting, as well as support good posture and give you better stability. As you can see, your wheelchair cushion has an important job, so choosing the best fit for you is key.

Lumbar support is another thing you may want to consider. Proper lumbar support can make your days much more comfortable. Some wheelchair users simply take a rolled up towel and place it behind the small curved area of their backs, but there are actual lumbar support attachments that can be added to your chair.

Another accessory to consider is cushioned armrests. As you readjust, transfer, and simply go about your day, leaning on your armrests will be something you do repeatedly. Since you will be leaning on your armrests throughout the day, making them as comfortable as possible can make a big difference.

A quick trick to making yourself more comfortable in your wheelchair is to cross your legs. This can greatly relieve back pain that you may have from the constant sitting. Switch legs every couple of hours to make yourself more comfortable, as well as to avoid pressure sores.

Making minor adjustments can also make a big difference in your comfort level. Reclining your backrest just a bit can be enough to relieve some discomfort. If your chair is upright, you are likely leaning forward in the slightest. Reclining just a bit may make all the difference. The same can be said for adjusting your foot rests. If your foot rests are too low, they are really serving no purpose. If they are too high, they may make you feel somewhat cramped. Having them in place where your knees are slightly above your hips seems to be the sweet spot for comfort.

These few adjustments combined with the purchase of a couple of carefully selected accessories can make your time spent in your wheelchair much more comfortable. Since this chair is where you will be spending the majority of your time, it’s essential that you do everything that you can to make it as comfortable for you as possible.