Pressure Mapping

A pressure map is a tool which can be used to help determine the best seating option for a person needing a wheelchair cushion.  Pressure mapping, commonly performed by clinicians, helps to quantify the amount of pressure between two contacting objects, such as a person and their seat cushion.

The most commonly used pressure mapping system consists of a thin mat, about 18” wide x 18” deep, with many small sensors.  To measure pressure, the mat is placed on top of the wheelchair seat cushion with the person then sitting on the mat. The sensors in the mat read interface pressure at different locations on the upper thigh and buttocks.  The readings are transferred to a computer where a clinician can see areas of high and low pressure, indicated by a range of colors.  A constant area of high pressure, yellow or red coloring, is cause for concern.

While pressure mapping can be an effective tool for comparing one cushion to another, we feel it is important to remember, it is just one tool. The most valuable measure of the effectiveness of a particular cushion is still the visual inspection of the skin.  If the skin looks good after using a particular cushion for a reasonable amount of time, then the cushion is doing the job it was meant to do.  However if the skin shows signs of reddening or sore development, even if the pressure mapping was positive, there is a problem with the cushion or seating posture.