The Best Wheelchair Cushions of 2024

Finding the right wheelchair cushion is a simple way to improve comfort and safety for wheelchair users. If using a wheelchair is part of your regular life, finding a seat cushion that meets your needs is essential. 

The right cushion offers more than just comfort. It should also provide additional safety, positioning that prevents pressure-related injuries, improved shock absorption, and help with posture. 

What should I look for in a wheelchair cushion?

While there are many standard features that any quality wheelchair cushion will have, there is no one-size-fits-all cushion. To choose the right wheelchair cushion for your needs, think about the user's specific needs. Do they need pain and/or pressure relief? Do they need a bariatric cushion to support more weight? If the user has incontinence, is the cushion suited for easy cleanup? Answering these questions can help you decide on the best wheelchair cushion shape and material for the individual.

Take a look at the options below to find the best cushion for you or a loved one.

Top 4 Best Wheelchair Seat Cushions

1. drive Gel-U-Seat Foam/Gel Wheelchair Cushion

The Gel-U Seat Foam/Gel Wheelchair Cushion is a favorite among wheelchair users because of its unique dual-chamber gel seating. The double chamber prevents bunching inside the cushion and offers support on both sides that helps prevent pressure sores. The cushion is gel on the inside chamber, surrounded by high-density foam, and covered in water-resistant, low-shear stretch cover on top and waterproof vinyl on the bottom. 

At a glance

• Dual-chamber gel core for added comfort and pressure distribution

• Water-resistant top, waterproof bottom

• Two tie straps for added security

• Multiple size options for a variety of users and wheelchairs

• Weight capacity: up to 500 lbs depending on size of cushion

• Also comes in a "Lite" version with 2" depth instead of the standard 3" depth

User reviews

★★★★★

"Tried several other seat cushion devices and all have their positive sides (so to speak) but never worked exactly the way I needed them to be. The first one I tried was a single gel insert. It worked fine but 'bunched up' on me on one side. Could never really make it flatten back out. Did a bit more research and found out these type of cushions can come with a "dual-bag' seperation gel insert - basically one for each cheek. So far this choice has been the correct answer. No bunching. Also provides great cushion for long-term sitting. Has eliminated pressure sores. Durable. Eliminating the pressure sores was the big one for me. Now it's comfortable sitting and using my computer again." - Timothy S.

★★★★★

"Instead, I use it in my wheelchair and sit in comfort all day. It is so important to me because I am an avid card player and am immobile for hours at a time. It is like sitting on a cloud." - Lleogn L.

2. McKesson Foam/Gel Seat Cushion

The McKesson Foam/Gel Seat Cushion comes in both a standard 2" depth and 3" depth bariatric model as well as multiple size variations, so you can easily find the perfect fit. The interior gel core is encapsulated by molded, ultra-high-density foam for enhanced pressure distribution. The cover is made of low-shear, waterproof stretch nylon with a non-slip bottom.

At a glance

• Gel core with high-density foam and waterproof nylon stretch covering

• Cooling properties

• Covering unzips for easy washing

• Comes in standard and bariatric models for weight support up to 500 lbs

• Molded leg troughs promote thigh alignment and postural symmetry

• Raised front ridge to promote proper positioning and control sliding

• Adjustable straps buckle to secure appropriate position and safety

User reviews

★★★★★

"Precisely what I was begging for, saved my sitdown." - Buyer

★★★★★

"Very comfortable and no skin breakdown" - Buyer

3. McKesson Bariatric Foam Seat Cushion

The McKesson Bariatric Foam Seat Cushion is engineered to be used by bariatric patients and has a 3-inch depth and 24-inch width with pressure-sensitive, molded, high-density foam and a gel-infused and memory foam top layer. Its molded leg troughs promote proper thigh alignment and posture.

At a glance

• Waterproof cover

• Raised front ridge to prevent sliding

• Gel layer acts as a cooling agent to help control temperature

• Resilient material designed to absorb shock and offer pressure relief for users up to 325 lbs

• Adjustable safety straps included

User reviews

★★★★★

“Am very pleased with this cushion for my husband. He sits all day and pillows don’t hold up like this does. Easy clean up is a big plus” - Julie R.

★★★★★

“My husband said it has made his chair more comfortable and makes it easier to get up (added height); is holding its shape so far (a week or so); his skin sticks to the surface when wearing shorts or just his underwear, this is the first he's mentioned that so I will get a pillowcase for it. His tailbone got sore fairly quickly before, he hasn't mentioned that anymore.” - Sharron P.

4. PMI Bariatric Foam Wheelchair Cushion

The PMI Bariatric Foam Wheelchair Cushion is designed to stabilize and support body position with a contoured seating area. It also prevents pressure sores by evenly distributing the weight of the user when they sit. 

At a glance

• waterproof top and non-slip bottom

• cover unzips for easy cleaning

• specifically made for bariatric users

• 22” wide x 18” deep x 3” high.

Improve your quality of life with a cushion for your wheelchair 

There are significant benefits to having a cushion for your wheelchair. You'll get increased comfort, pressure-sore prevention, shock absorption, and proper posture alignment with the right cushion. Investing in a cushion for a wheelchair is a simple way to improve the quality of life for anyone using a wheelchair