Best Cushions for Pressure Sores on Buttocks 2024

Pressure ulcers develop when there is too much pressure on the skin for too long. As most of a wheelchair user's weight is placed on the buttocks and tailbone, these are usually prime areas for formation. This constant pressure limits blood flow to the buttocks, causing damage to the skin and layer of tissue beneath. As a result, discoloured and injured areas soon turn into painful and dreaded pressure sores.

What Will This Guide Cover?

Now that you know a bit more about pressure sores and how they're formed, it's time to find out which kind of cushion is best for you. In this handy guide, we'll give you the best pressure cushions within five different categories:

• Best Overall Buttocks Pressure Relief Cushion 
• Best Inflatable Pressure Cushion for Buttocks
• Best Gel Cushion for Buttocks
• Best Ring Cushion for Buttocks
• Best Cushion for Coccyx and Buttocks Pain

Please note: Low-High Risk Pressure relief cushions are designed to prevent ulceration. Very High Pressure Relief cushions are designed to prevent future ulceration, and cure existing ulcers. If you think you are at risk of pressure ulcers, or are currently developing ulcers, please speak to a healthcare professional.

Best Overall Pressure Relief Cushion (High Risk)

Winner: Stratus Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion System

Why We Love It...

✔ Repositions the body to alleviate pressure build up
✔ Alternating cells provide constant support and relief
✔ Simple controls make for easy, customisable treatment

Ideal For...

✔ Elderly, wheelchair bound and less mobile patients
✔ Use by patients and carers with audio and visual alarms
✔ Customisable pressure relief

Not the Best For...

✘ On the go support; needs to be plugged in (see our solution)
✘ Transportability, weighing 4.1kg (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Stratus Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion System is designed with a highly efficient alternating air cycle, which ensures the cushion moulds to the patient's shape and provides outstanding pressure redistribution. Once the system is set up, the cushion remains optimally inflated, further enhancing pressure distribution. The cushion is superb for minimising the risk of peak pressure zones forming in the buttock area.

Customer Verdict: "...I was recommended to purchase the pressure cushion and can honestly say I believe this is helping already to alleviate the situation. I would thoroughly recommend this system to anyone experiencing this problem and can assure them that the pump is really quite and not obtrusive when in operation." Raymond ★★★★★

Shop Now

Winner: Repose Inflatable Pressure Relief Cushion With Pump

Why We Love It...

✔ Lightweight design is ultra-convenient for patient transfers
✔ Intuitive design can be used by patients and carers
✔ Portable and suitable for most seats, giving on the go support

Ideal For...

✔ Regular travellers needing a compact cushion
✔ Patients needing waterproof cushions
✔ Immediately effective pressure relief - inflates in seconds

Not the Best For:

✘ Alternating pressure relief cushion (see our solution)
✘ Lower back and coccyx pressure relief (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Repose Inflatable Cushion facilitates easy and comfortable transfers in a lightweight package. This clever little cushion fits snugly within its own pump, making it brilliant for transportation purposes, without compromising effectiveness. Relieve buttock pressure pain on the go, immediately with this popular pressure cushion.

Supplier's Guarantee: "Perfect for use on a standard static chair, this effectively reduces pressure in both acute and community settings. It's also packed within it's own pump, making it incredibly versatile and easy to transport while remaining lightweight."

Winner: Alerta GelCube Air-Gel Pressure Relief Cushion

Why We Love It...

✔ Non-slip silicone base ideal for most seats
✔ Honeycomb air-gel cells for optimal pressure relief
✔ Antimicrobial cover for hygiene

Ideal For...

✔ Easy-to-use, easy to transport pressure relief
✔ People at very high risk of developing pressure ulcers
✔ Patients needing fast relief from pressure ulcers

Not the Best For...

✘ Haemorrhoid support (see our solution)
✘ Coccyx support (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Alerta GelCube helps to ensure hygiene and comfort while eliminating buttock sores. The beauty of gel pressure cushions is that they're typically more hygienic than alternatives, since they can be easily wiped and cleaned. The GelCube's washable air-gel cell layers plus a vapour-permeable, antimicrobial PU cover reduce bacteria and odour for maximum cleanliness. 

Supplier's Guarantee: "The intelligent dual honeycomb gel structure is brilliantly low-maintenance, making this ideal for maximum hygiene. The surface is non-slip yet soft and supple, applying pressure where it is needed to the biggest surface area possible. This stops pressure build-up, preventing future ulceration and treating existing ulcers."

Best Pressure Relief Ring Cushion (Low Risk)

Winner: Harley Designed Memory Foam Ring Cushion

Why We Love It...

✔ Quick-moulding technology reaches a large surface area
✔ Ring shape reduces shearing and friction for maximum comfort
✔ Reduces sweat and moisture build-up for better hygiene

Ideal For...

✔ Post surgical and post natal patients
✔ Patients with back pain and haemorrhoids
✔ General sitting discomfort over long periods 

Not the Best For...

✘ Gel pressure relief (see our solution)
✘ Alternating pressure relief (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Harley Ring Cushion assists a number of buttock and prostate areas. The donut shape helps to alleviate friction, shearing and general pressure, making this an ideal solution for pressure relief of the buttock and even coccyx region. If you have pain while sitting more generally but don't need intense pressure relief, this is the cushion for you.

Customer Verdict: "This cushion is excellent in absorbing the bumps in the road and has enabled me to travel in the car again with comfort giving me freedom and independence. Highly recommended." Lucy★★★★★

Best Cushion for Coccyx Pain (Low Risk)

Winner: Drive Medical Coccyx Cushion

Why We Love It...

✔ Restores the backbone's natural curve, ensures good posture
✔ Relieves the buttock of excess weight and pressure
✔ Alleviates pain and discomfort in the coccyx and tailbone area

Ideal For...

✔ People who sit for long periods of time
✔ Everyday use: perfect or use at work, while driving etc
✔ Transportation, is lightweight for ease of use 

Not the Best For:

✘ Customisable pressure treatment (see our solution)
✘ Alternating pressure ulcer treatment (see our solution)

Our Verdict: Buttock sores often go hand-in-hand with coccyx pain. If you're looking to get rid of nagging buttock and coccyx pain for good, the Drive Medical Cushion is perfect for you. It features a cut-out section for the coccyx, meaning no pressure will be placed on it while sitting. The cushion also features Top Grade 50 foam to eliminate ulcer hot spots, all at an affordable price.

Customer Verdict: "...bought this cushion for my dad who has severe osteoarthritis and newly diagnosed parkinson's...he was having really bad pain in his coccyx region...he says the cushion has been great in helping ease the pain and we have tried a lot of things! So this is probably the best cushion we have tried to date, amazing!!!" Shona ★★★★★

Why Do Pressure Ulcers Occur?

Individuals with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users and the elderly, are at a much higher risk of developing pressure sores. These painful and sometimes dangerous sores develop when you sit in the same spot for prolonged periods of time, without adjusting your position. While pressure sores can develop anywhere on the body, especially for bedbound patients, the buttocks are a key area under constant pressure for wheelchair and day-chair users.

Some minor pressure sores can simply be removed by cleaning the area with soap and water, but persistent and painful sores will require more effective treatment. Fortunately, there are lots of specialised pressure relief cushions out there, ideal for relieving pain, discomfort and development. 

What are My Pressure Ulcer Risk Levels?

Many people are at risk of developing pressure ulcers, with some at higher risk than others. There are four risk categories:

• Low Risk 
• Medium Risk
• High Risk
• Very High Risk

TO get a better idea of these risk levels and how they're rated read our article on Understanding Pressure Sore Risk Scales to find out and discover the perfect pressure relief options for you.

How Can a Cushion Prevent Pressure Sores?

Pressure relief cushions are designed provide a much greater level of immersion than standard seats. Whilst regular cushions do not distribute weight properly, leading to the formation of peak pressure zones, specialised cushions spread pressure across the area of the seat, immersing the buttocks so that no critical points develop. 

We've Got You Covered

We have a huge range of pressure ulcer products for you and your needs. Why not check out our blog on Understanding Pressure Sore Risk Scales? This covers the two main pressure relief scales, while giving you plenty of options for the best suitable treatment.

Alternatively, check out our definitive guide on Choosing the Right Pressure Relief Cushion, which categorises our top products by risk level. People at risk of pressure ulcers are usually at risk of heel pressure ulcers, too. Check out our blog on the Best Pressure Relief for Heels in Bed.

Ready for Relief?

We have a great range of high-quality, specially designed pressure relief cushions here at Health and Care. By using one of these fantastic products, you can prevent the development of pressure sores on the buttocks. Designed to improve comfort, hygiene and safety, these cushions are ideal for improving the daily lifestyle of wheelchair users and care home occupants with limited mobility.

Want to know more about pressure relief, or have something to add? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch via Facebook and Twitter.

Tags: Care Support, Comfort, Elderly Care, Pressure Relief

Please note that pressure ulcers on the buttocks can be a complex health issue. Speak to a medical expert if pressure ulcers have already developed.