?Durable shower chair cushions

hlh · 11-09-2008, 12:01 PM

How durable are these shower chair cushions supposed to be?!?!

Which shower chair cushion do you use, and how often do you have to replace them - particularly if you need one of the cushions with high padding for skin protection/comfort issues.

My dad got an Activeaid folding commode/shower chair #F620 when he was discharged from rehab. He uses it only as a commode (over the toilet) twice per day. We ordered the best cushion they had - the thick (2" foam) "Waterfall" seat since this was the only one he seemed to tolerate.

After 2-3 months, the cushion was developing deep wrinkles and collapsing some around the cut out. We called Activeaid and they said it was "supposed to do that". By 5 months after purchase, it was starting to crack/split along the back of the cut out. What the hell?!? Is 6 months the lifetime of these cushions?

We asked therapists in the Seating + Positioning clinic at our rehab center for their thoughts, and they were not very helpful. "They don't make medical equiptment like they used to." They seemed to think these cushions were supposed to be among the best.

What are your experiences? How often do you buy replacement cushions?

My Dad is 200lbs (he's 6'2"), but I would think this equiptment should be able to handle this.

hlh · 11-09-2008, 12:51 PM

Also, what do you use to clean the cushion after use?

During rehab, the nurses always used these pretty toxic wipes (must wear gloves while using) that had anti-bacterial/anti-viral properties. Of course makes sense. We've been using wipes we buy at Costco (their generic brand) that are somewhat less toxic to skin, but good cleaners. However they do have some alcohol in them, and I wonder if that can also lead to cushion breakdown?

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

DaleB · 11-09-2008, 01:17 PM

i use a stimulite classic with the bottom holes poked through (for adequate drainage) and clean with the shower hose + cleaning product. usually cover it with a cotton undershirt or something and replace each use. has lasted 2.5 years w/o issue.

hlh · 11-10-2008, 04:22 PM

Anyone else?

How long does your commode/shower-chair cushion last?

11-09-2008, 12:01 PM	#1
hlh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: US Posts: 1,041	?Durable shower chair cushions How durable are these shower chair cushions supposed to be?!?! Which shower chair cushion do you use, and how often do you have to replace them - particularly if you need one of the cushions with high padding for skin protection/comfort issues. My dad got an Activeaid folding commode/shower chair #F620 when he was discharged from rehab. He uses it only as a commode (over the toilet) twice per day. We ordered the best cushion they had - the thick (2" foam) "Waterfall" seat since this was the only one he seemed to tolerate. After 2-3 months, the cushion was developing deep wrinkles and collapsing some around the cut out. We called Activeaid and they said it was "supposed to do that". By 5 months after purchase, it was starting to crack/split along the back of the cut out. What the hell?!? Is 6 months the lifetime of these cushions? We asked therapists in the Seating + Positioning clinic at our rehab center for their thoughts, and they were not very helpful. "They don't make medical equiptment like they used to." They seemed to think these cushions were supposed to be among the best. What are your experiences? How often do you buy replacement cushions? My Dad is 200lbs (he's 6'2"), but I would think this equiptment should be able to handle this.

11-09-2008, 12:51 PM	#2
hlh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: US Posts: 1,041	Cleaning cushion? Also, what do you use to clean the cushion after use? During rehab, the nurses always used these pretty toxic wipes (must wear gloves while using) that had anti-bacterial/anti-viral properties. Of course makes sense. We've been using wipes we buy at Costco (their generic brand) that are somewhat less toxic to skin, but good cleaners. However they do have some alcohol in them, and I wonder if that can also lead to cushion breakdown? Any thoughts? Thanks.

11-10-2008, 04:22 PM	#4
hlh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: US Posts: 1,041	anyone else? Anyone else? How long does your commode/shower-chair cushion last?

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11-09-2008, 01:17 PM	#3
DaleB Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tidewater, VA Posts: 5,111	i use a stimulite classic with the bottom holes poked through (for adequate drainage) and clean with the shower hose + cleaning product. usually cover it with a cotton undershirt or something and replace each use. has lasted 2.5 years w/o issue.