A Method for Custom-Contoured Cushion Fabrication Based on Pressure Mapping for Wheelchair Users to Prevent Pressure Ulcers: Feasibility Quasi-Experimental Study.
Alma De León-Hernández, Adriana Martínez-Hernández, Isabel Bolivar-Tellería and 3 others
PMID 40407737WHAT IT FOUND
A low-cost custom cushion made from pressure maps reduced peak pressure and increased contact area compared to flat foam and two commercial cushions in 10 wheelchair users.
This method offers a feasible, affordable alternative for pressure relief.
Key findings
01The custom-contoured cushion showed significantly lower peak pressure and greater contact area than flat foam, Jay X2, and ROHO cushions in wheelchair users.
02User satisfaction with the custom device was high, with a mean rating of 4.2 out of 5 on the QUEST 2.0 scale.
03The total material cost for manufacturing the custom cushion was US $50.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was a pilot with a small sample size (10 wheelchair users), limiting generalizability. The study measured pressure distribution and user satisfaction, not the actual incidence of pressure ulcers. The comparison was against specific commercial cushions (Jay X2, ROHO) and flat foam; other cushion types were not evaluated. The study did not report long-term durability or maintenance requirements of the custom foam cushions.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by Iberoamerican University, which owns the infrastructure for manufacturing the cushions.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this method prevents pressure ulcers. The study measured pressure distribution and user satisfaction, not clinical outcomes like ulcer incidence. It proves the cushion changes pressure metrics, not that it stops skin breakdown.