Breathable Cushion for Wound Care

We have a friend who has persistent sores that are exacerbated by pressure and lack of aeration. The wound management for these sores includes using breathable dressings/bandages. However, most wheelchair seats (like the one used by our friend), have some vinyl, non-breathable seating. Vinyl seating is both uncomfortable and does not aid in healing.

We put together very simple web based seating that is both breathable, soft, and washable. It was a very simple project that we hope might help others with similar problems.

Four (4) pieces of 1/2 inch PVC Schedule 40 Plain End pipe; each cut to 34.7 cm (available in most hardware stores)

Four (4) 1/2 in. PVC Schedule 40 90-Degree S x S Elbow Fittings (available in most hardware stores)

Four (4) pieces of hollow foam pool noodle float tubing; each cut to 32.5 cm (available in many pool-related stores and from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PWDYF5J/

Ten (10) pieces of 1 inch wide heavyweight polypropylene webbing; each cut to 110 cm (available in many stores and from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Strapworks-Heavyweight-Polypropylene-Webbing-Strapping/dp/B01KTVB5FI/)

Ten (10) 1 inch wide tri-glide buckles (available from many stores and from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Strapworks-Black-Plastic-Tri-Glide-Slide/dp/B07J6QDPBY/)

Glue to secure the PVC pipe to the elbow fitting (Optional - we used PVC cement and primer, but any glue which adheres to PVC should work)

-- Cut the four (4) pieces of PVC pipe to a length of 34.7 cm. We used a PVC pipe cutter to do this, but in the past we have also used a hack saw.

-- Cut the four (4) pieces of hollow foam pool noodle float tubing to a length of 32.5 cm. We used a knife to do this.

-- Insert each pipe piece into a foam noodle piece. The foam noodle piece provides cushioning to the PVC pipe.

-- Attach an elbow to each end of the PVC pipes (and secure with glue if you choose). You now have a square made of PVC and foam noodle float.

-- Cut the ten (10) pieces polypropylene webbing to a length of 110 cm. We used scissors to do this.

-- Wrap five (5) of the webbing pieces (equally spaced) in one direction around the frame; secure and tighten each piece with one tri-glide buckle.

-- Wrap the remaining five (5) pieces of webbing pieces (equally spaced) in the other direction around the frame weaving these pieces through the first five (5) pieces; secure and tighten each piece with one tri-glide buckle.

The fasteners worked very well and allows for one to adjust or replace webbing.

We hope this will be helpful.