Care & Maintenance for Spex Cushions

Care, Maintenance, and Management of the Spex Cushions

The selection, orientation and care of a cushion all play a vital role in maintaining good postural support and skin integrity for the user. Fabric covers can become worn, cushions may not be positioned correctly, and unprotected foam can lose its functional properties needed for positioning and pressure relief management.

These are some examples of how the effectiveness in meeting the wheelchair user’s seating needs can be impacted. This resource provides some guidance on cushion care, maintenance and solutions to common challenges. Further details are available in the Spex cushion manuals.

Protect Your Cushion

Wheelchair cushion covers require care and attention. They are the direct interface between the wheelchair user and the support cushion below them. To protect the cushion covers:

Keep away from pets,
Remove sharp objects from pockets before sitting,
Do not store items on the cushion when the wheelchair is not being used.
Keep out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat.
Do not leave the Spex Cushion outside overnight or at temperatures below 5° C/41° F

Maintain Your Cushion

Spex fabric outer covers should be washed as specified in the user manuals. Remove the inner foam cushion, turn the covers inside out and washed at 40°C/104°F. They can be tumble-dried on low heat or air-dried out of direct sunlight. Do not iron, dry clean or bleach. If chemical cleaners are used, covers must be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove all chemical residue and left to dry completely before reuse.
Spex Cushion hygiene or incontinence covers can be wiped clean with mild detergent and water. They can be handwashed and should not be tumble-dried.
The inner foam cushion should not be washed.

Protect Your Bottom

Avoid placing additional items (towels, incontinence covers, etc.) on top of the cushion cover before sitting down. If wearing thick trousers, makes sure material isn’t rucked/creased under your bottom and thighs.
Make sure the Spex cushion is on a solid, firm seat base.
Check the cushion for damage regularly.
Never use the Spex cushion without the covers.
Keep the covers dry and wash and change the covers as required.
Check the orientation of the cushion and that covers are zipped close and secure.
Be aware of the cushion weight limit. These exist to ensure that the cushion provides adequate support for the wheelchair user.
The Spex Cushion should be room temperature before sitting on it.
Check your skin regularly and practice regular pressure relieving activities when using the wheelchair.