Aquila Corporation - Wheelchair Cushion Systems

Testimonials

Read what some of our current clients, their caregivers, and medical professionals have to say about Aquila Corporation and the products we make.

February 20, 2013

 

Here is a photo of my son Brandon, about 4 years ago he began to have to use a wheelchair to get around. The last 8 weeks of 2012 were spent in a hospital bed recovering from surgeries due to medical conditions from an ill-fitting chair cushion. At the recommendation of his doctor we were introduced to the Aquila chair cushion system. It has been a most wonderful thing for him! Aquila has given Brandon back his mobility, independence and the opportunity to do some of the things he loves. Thank you Aquila!” 

 

 Harvey Fields

Kansas

 

 

October 9, 2012

October 2, 2011, I had my second surgery to debride a pressure sore on my right ishium

After that surgery the dimensions were length 3.0 cm -- width 3.cm depth 2. cm. In addition, I had a

tunnel which eventually fluctuated between 5.5 and 6.0 cm. I was put on total bed rest. Being

quadriplegic unable to move, adjust myself for comfort or even use a remote control for the lV being in

bed for that length of time was terribly depressing. After 6-7 months of total bed rest and with minimal

improvement of the pressure sore I decided whatever the outcome, I was going to get up in my chair and

stay there. My philosophy being "quality-of-life was better than quantity of life".

Aquila staff told me about the new Aquila APK2. It was in the market for field trials. Dan offered me the new APK2 to try.

August 16, 2012 the Aquila APK2 arrived. This is when my seating began to improve. The pressure

ulcer on my left Ishium healed and has not returned!!! The pressure ulcer on my right Ishium is down to .5

cm length and width and the depth is down to less than 1.0 cm. The tunnel fluctuates between 3.0 and 4.0cm

Before APK2

Sore dimensions on right  ischial …….   3 cm x 3cm x 2 cm.  Tunnel between 5.5 and 6 cm

After 2 months

Sore dimensions on right ischial……………  ½  cm x  ½  cm. Tunnel between 3 and 4 cm

Needless to say the improvement in less than two months is phenomenal!!!  The Aquila APK2 the most comfortable cushion that I have sat on in 25 years of chair life.

 

Aquila's  customer service is superb. It is wonderful working with a company who truly cares about the health and well-being of their customers.


Sheri Johnson

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August 2012

I am a quadriplegic who has a C-4/5 spinal cord injury. I have been wheelchair bound for nearly 21 years and have tried numerous cushions but still had skin break down on my right and left ischial area. I have had two flap surgeries to close the pressure sores. Since I have been using the Airpulse PK cushion system, my bottom has been trouble free. The Aquila cushion has given me my life back! I would just like to say thank you for allowing me to be more independent.

Tom Fujisaka

Honolulu, Hawaii

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October 2011

I had a Stage 3 decubitus ulcer on my right ischial tuberosity (the key word is "had").  Right now, my pressure wound is healed.  By using the Airpulse PK cushion system, I did not have to be put on bed rest and did not miss any work. This cushion is great and thank you for the great customer service!

Larry Yenter

Rochester, MN

yenter.lawrence@MAYO.edu

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April 2011

It's not everyday something comes along in the medical field that works as it claims to, but this cushion system delivers. I've been suffering from chronic pressure sores for over three years now, and until I started to use the Airpulse PK cushion system, there had been no measurable improvement in my wounds.  My wounds would get a little better and then get worse again.  I've been using the Airpulse PK system for a year now and finally am about completely healed thanks to this cushion.

To prove this claim, my Airpulse PK system needed to be sent to Aquila for repair and I had to use my old cushion, a popular static air cushion.  In two weeks my wounds began to appear again.  I couldn't wait to get my Airpulse PK back so I could start getting healed again.  I am an active person spending 12 hours a day sitting and this is only possible because of this cushion system.  I was lucky enough to get my cushion funded, but if you have to buy it out of your own pocket, believe me, it is worth every penny in healing wounds that won't heal and giving you back your independence.

Thanks Aquila for a great product!

Joey Anderson

Conroe, Texas

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April 2011

I highly recommend your Airpulse PK seat cushion system.  This Aquila product is very well designed and certainly helps wheelchair bound patients heal their wounds.  Your excellent staff designed a great seat cushion for my Mom's comfort when nothing else worked.  I have sent your information on to the wound care clinic in the hopes that the clinicians there will suggest your product to other patients.  Thank you for having a great product that provided comfort for my Mom!

Elizabeth Semon Bonczar

Dalton, Pennsylvania

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March 2011

Aquila Corporation came into our lives in a serendipity sort of way.  From the first meeting when a seat cushion system was being customized for a veteran who had been bed-ridden for eight months.  The Airpulse PK system immediately allowed the veteran to be upright and in his chair for de-conditioning rehab due to a pressure ulcer causing the eight-month bed rest.  The Airpulse PK has never given a moment’s problem.  When this veteran developed a pressure sore from his bed mattress, Aquila agreed to design a special alternating pressure mattress so the veteran could continue to live life independently.  Aquila speaks for itself in customization, care and customer service.  It there was a rating higher than an A+, Aquila would be the first company to receive it. 

Maria Lemke 

 

I am a quadriplegic veteran who has a C-4/5 spinal cord injury.  I would just like to say thank you for allowing me to be able to stay in my house.  By using your wheelchair cushion system as well as the mattress that you made, I am able to live as independently as I possibly can.  In a nursing home or other facility, I would not even have 30 minutes by myself.  Your support and your products are awesome!  I had a charger break and you had a new one in the mail that night.  I was very surprised the next day when FedEx delivered a package.  So I would just like to say, thank you, and to your team….thank you for keeping me vertical

Matthew Lemke

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February 2011

My wife spends, on average, about 12 hours per day in her electric wheelchair.  She used only fixed air cushions for four years and had chronic pressure sores.  Once she had a pressure map of her seating position & switched to the Aquila variable pressure cushion that was custom designed to her pressure map, her wounds healed quickly and have NOT returned.  Coupled with a great product, is an organization that is customer friendly and very responsive.  We feel fortunate to have found Aquila.

 

Louis Manzo

Naples, Florida

 

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March 2010

Moses Hamilton

The Airpulse PK cushion system has given me the freedom to paint for longer periods of time. I spend more time up in my chair and it has definitely improved the quality of my life!

Moses Hamilton
Kilauea, Hawaii

Note: After experiencing a car accident in 2002 which left him in a wheelchair, Moses found his inspiration again through painting. Click here to learn more about Moses and his artwork.


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November 2009

I would like to take a moment to say "Thank You Very Much" for taking care of what turned out to be a minor issue with my Airpulse PK cushion.  After nearly six years of use, I imagine minor problems like that are expected with anything.  In the short time my cushion was sent in to be checked out and fixed, I sat on another type of air-filled cushion.  Within that time, I developed a stage three pressure sore on my rear-end which measured 3.2 cm by 1.2 cm and was 0.2 cm deep.  You could say I was beyond disappointed in the lack of performance of that cushion since I hadn't had a sore in nearly six years of using the Airpulse PK.  Trying to get a sore to heal is a very lengthy amount of time, especially since I am up every day.  Luckily I got my Aquila cushion back in a timely manner, and even though I was sitting on it each day, my sore healed within 3 1/2 weeks.  Do you think I'd ever trade my Aquila cushion for any other type of cushion?  No way!

Again, thank you so much as having a pressure sore is one of the worst things in the world for someone in a wheelchair to have.

Bruce Walz

Prescott Valley, Arizona

Note:  Scroll down to see the testimonial Bruce Walz originally submitted in October, 2004.

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August 2009

I am a T7 para from Oklahoma and have had multiple skin problems such as pressure ulcers from stage 2 to stage 4.  I have been bed bound for most of four years and listened to many people as to which chair cushion would be best to solve my problems.  I was told, as I am sure many of you were, that nothing of this nature existed.  I found the Aquila Airpulse PK seating system due to internet research of my own.  After receiving this seating system with their moisture control unit, I have my life back and am able to hunt, fish and take trips from Oklahoma to Colorado, an eight hour non-stop drive, without skin breakdown.  Thank you Aquila for giving me my life back!  I encourage all persons that have to live in a wheelchair to try this product.  You won't find better people to deal with.

Clay Cambell

Cushing, Oklahoma

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July 2009

Bruce McGhie

I am a C-7 quadriplegic. About seven months ago, I bought an Aquila Airpulse PK cushion to deal with seating problems. Its effect has been nothing short of amazing. In recent years, I have had chronic problems with Stage II ulcers, many small lesions (cracks), and a severe rash. Affected areas included the perineum, coccyx, buttocks (ITs) and groin. Causes have been pressure and the moisture from perspiration.

I supplied Aquila with a pressure map and filled out their forms in detail to provide the profile they requested, and I had the custom cushion in several weeks. Their cushion shortly began to improve my situation, but I also added their supplemental air circulation fan (MCU or Moisture Control Unit). That add-on had a significant further effect. The improvement has been dramatic. I have been completely free of all the problems noted above for almost two months, and the skin is virtually normal.

They keep each customer's detailed records and individual specifications and stand ready to modify the cushion as needed with changing conditions. The service is excellent. I believe the Airpulse PK cushion is innovative and has set a new standard of effectiveness.

Bruce McGhie

East Haddam, CT

Note: Bruce McGhie is one of the oldest and longest-surviving quads in the U.S. He wrote a book about his life since his injury in 1955 which was published last year. Click here to learn more about this inspirational story.

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January 2009

I have used a static air cushion for 25 years and it just stopped working for me. I have been struggling with skin sores in the gluteal creases on both sides for the last 3-4 years caused by constant pressure and moisture from body heat. After we started using the Airpulse PK cushion system, with great care and consistent use, within three months all my sores are gone! I read the testimonials and thought they seemed too good to be true. I am very glad I was wrong! It is true that I actually did heal as I was sitting on this cushion. Also, I can't say enough good about the customer service. It is excellent!

Terry

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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May 2008

Wayne King at Disney World

I have used the Aquila Airpulse PK for six years and would not be without it. I was in a plane crash and am a T-12 paraplegic (SCI). The Airpulse PK cushion system goes with me on Continental Airlines to Atlantis in the Bahamas, to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and to Disney World every year with my seven "active" grandchildren. I have a power chair and drive my van using my Aquila cushion. I have had no new wounds since using this cushion and the Airpulse PK has improved my quality of life and allows me to do more things. This summer, it will be with me in a Russian MIG fighter plane for a ride!

Wayne King
Barnegat, NJ

 


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April 30, 2008

Hi:

My name is Rocky Romero and I've been a quadriplegic for nearly 25 years. I wish your product had been available when I first became a quad in 1983. Over the years and after numerous surgeries to fix my pressure sores in my life, I have exhausted all my muscle flaps on my right hip. Around 2002, I purchased a cushion from Aquila Corp *wisest investment I ever made medically* for my tilt and recline power-chair. In 2007, April tornadoes knocked out all electrical power in the entire Texas panhandle. I was lying on a fancy medical bed, Clinitron home bed made by HILL-ROM, used for wound therapy. Without electricity the bed was useless and damaging to my health and healing!!! Fortunately, I use a patient lift that requires no electricity and charged both my chair and cushion the night before the storms hit. I had no electricity from 8 p.m. till 5 p.m. the next day. Faithfully and dependable, my Aquila Corp cushion performed with valor like a hero preventing n' protecting my butt from more decubitis ulcers and skin breakdowns that horrifying night n' day!!! I'm a very proud owner of your cushion!!! Take care n' God Bless always...

Satisfied customer,

Rocky Romero

Dalhart, Texas

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February 2, 2008

As a Registered Nurse with 10 plus years experience in Durable Medical Equipment for Wound Patients, I am more than pleased to be able to offer comments regarding the Airpulse PK. Many years ago I represented the Pegasus Altern8 and at the time, I believed it was the best on the market. Since I have become acquainted with Aquila's Airpulse PK, I now feel confident that this offers all and more than the Altern8 for those people who are confined to wheelchairs. The PK offers a lightweight, portable, easy to charge system that both relieves pressure and helps to stimulate blood flow secondary to the alternation of the cells.

I have had the opportunity over the past year to help place this system with 12-15 patients. All but one has had positive results. If it is something that you are considering to help increase living your life in an upright position without the risk of developing pressure ulcers, this is the system you should evaluate. Aquila offers a non-refundable, low cost, 2 week evaluation.

I have become well acquainted with the manufacturers in Wisconsin. They will go above and beyond to support their product. The story of how this product came to be is quite inspiring. It lends to the passion behind the people who work at Aquila.

I had the opportunity to do an in-service for the local Wound Care Center in my hometown of Spokane, WA. I presented to the whole Wound Care staff to include 6 doctors. When the in-service had concluded the Medical Director of the Center stated "That is a very compelling product." They have been instrumental in referring me to many people who have been able to benefit from this state of the art piece of equipment.

J. Alger, RN

Wound Solutions

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October 2007

I thought I'd share the kudos (see below) I gave your product. Dr. Mathew Concannon, MD University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri performed reconstructive surgery on mom in 2005 to repair the damages of a stage 4 pressure sore. Jeanette is the doctor's head nurse. I promised her that I would come back in a year to report our experience with the Airpulse PK wheelchair cushion system. We were pleased to recommend it without reservation. Thank you all.

Kind Regards

Brad Cardwell

West Plains, MO

Dear Jeanette,

Can you believe it has been well over two years since mom had her original surgery? I hope this message finds you well. I promised to update you concerning the efficacy of the Airpulse PK wheelchair cushion system. GOOD NEWS!! Mom has been on the cushion for one year. During that period there has been no tissue degradation whatsoever on her posterior. Despite the fact that mom is somewhat underweight (104 lbs.), the cushion continues to facilitate proper blood flow throughout the sitting area without having to perform any special wheelchair lifts during an eight hour period.

Jeanette, you must know even now how grateful we are to you and the doctor for the marvelous care you provided for mom. That is why I wanted to share with you the good news about this cushion. We were fortunate to come upon the Airpulse PK wheelchair cushion system. We thank you and Dr. Concannon for restoring a happy quality of life for mom despite her physical challenges. We will continue to preserve your work by utilizing this automatic pressure relieving device that ensures adequate blood flow while mom is in her wheelchair. I can now recommend it without reservation.

Warm Regards,

Brad Cardwell

Stella Cardwell

West Plains, MO

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August 2007

I have been WC bound for nearly 22 years. I have tried numerous cushions...and all have caused my right ischial to breakdown. Over the last six years, I have fought to keep this area healthy. To no avail. Bed-bound, and heading for flap surgery, I learned of the APK. Desperate, I gave the cushion a try. WOW! I saw beneficial results immediately! And to make a long story short...My right ischial healed within a few short weeks! No redness, pain--and most importantly--worry! I can sit in complete comfort and without fear of breakdown. Wonderful! This cushion has given me my life back!

Thank you Aquila!

Sean Holderread

Hendersonville, NC

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July 2007

This is the only cushion that has eliminated the pain in my left ischial. From constant pain to zero pain - instantly! I got the Aquila cushion about three years ago. I had a developing bed sore on my left ischial, and for years I tried all the cushions on the market suggested by doctors and therapists - foam, gel, static air and all kinds of combinations of them. Nothing helped, and my doctors and therapists did not know of any other options. So I searched the Internet and found the Aquila customized alternating pressure cushion. It totally relieved my pain, and I sit on it at least 12 hours every day; usually more like 15 hours. And the Aquila staff is wonderful - caring and super responsive. I am writing this to make more people aware of this great cushion - it is the only one that has worked!!!!!

Lee Chamberlain

Maplewood, NJ

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July 2007

I'm returning our Airpulse PK in the hope that you would be willing to repair it and then donate it to someone in need. Donna has passed away and we no longer need it.

As a testimonial I can say that this and the Custom Air cushion worked extremely well. All our problems with wheelchair caused pressure points ended once we put your cushions in service.

Thank you for your help over the past several years. I hope you can find someone who can make good use of the cushion.

Sincerely,

Gary Dake

Rochester, NY

*Aquila notes that this cushion was donated to our local hospice.

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November 2006

We received the Airpulse cushion last Tuesday through the Demo Program and it is incredible!  I am so comfortable!  I now look forward to sitting in my chair.  I could not sit in my chair for an hour before hurting and now I don’t hurt at all.  What a blessing this is!  We will definitely be keeping the cushion.

One more comment, this cushion is so comfortable that I slept in the wheelchair last night instead of my bed.  This cushion is amazing.  I researched wheelchair cushions for a year and spent hundreds of dollars on the other types and nothing comes close to the Aquila!

Thanks so much!
Connie O’Donnell

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October 2006

I want to thank you again for giving me my life back.  I am only alive when I am able to function, and I can only function sitting.  Thank you for your inventiveness, filling an obvious need.  Even I thought of and wished for a cushion that would alternate air cells and even discussed it with other SCI’s, but you had the perseverance to pursue this to a sophisticated and reliable product that works,

Your accessibility and willingness to listen to my individual problem and work toward a piece of equipment just tailored to my problem was refreshing and much appreciated.  I spent 8 months in bed healing an ulcer on my right ischial.  A hospital visit along with a severe weight loss reopened it plus added additional sores on my left ischial and on my sacrum.  Sitting on your cushion, the right ischial healed in less than a week.  After adjusting the cushion we began to see a constant improvement in the others.  I continue to sit eight hours at least every other day and continue to heal.

Thank you so very much.

Barry Parks
Pell City, Alabama

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September 2006

Enclosed is my check for $18.00 for the parts you sent me.  They arrived in good order and right on time.  They were easy to install and the cushion is working fine again.  If I had to go to a wheelchair repair outlet the parts would have cost a lot more.  It would have required two trips and I would have had to pay for labor to install them as well.  You solved the problem over the phone with good clear directions and saved me both time and money.  It was all resolved in about five minutes.

I’ll try to be more careful going through narrow doorways with a high sill.  You would have thought that after 28 years I would have been more careful, but stuff happens.

I love the cushion.  It has greatly reduced pressure on my backside and I am sore free for the first time in a long time.  As I have very little motion these days and a really hard time trying to shift my body in the chair, the Aquila almost makes it pleasant to get in my chair each day, but not quite.  It does a great job and has helped to keep my skin in pretty good condition.

Thanks again for getting those part to me ASAP.

Cordially,

Robin Maisel
Mount Joy, PA

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February 2006

It is my professional opinion the concept of alternating pressure in a wheelchair cushion is effective in the prevention of pressure ulcers in those patients who are restricted to use of a wheelchair.

As a plastic surgeon who has been involved in the care of pressure ulcer patients most of my 25 year career, I have come to realize the value of alternating pressure in the immediate post op period. Our protocol requires that patients be restricted to total bed rest in a supine position, for 3 weeks after repair of a pressure ulcer. During this time the patient lies directly on the flap repair of the ulcer, and are during this entire 3 week period lying on a special alternating pressure mattress. While on this protocol patients keep their repair intact, and are then started on a progressive sitting schedule (sitting for 15 minutes bid x 2 days, 30 minutes bid x 2 days, etc.) Within 2-3 weeks they are sitting for extended periods of time just as they were before their ulcer.

With an alternating pressure wheelchair cushion patients are rehabilitated earlier, sitting sooner, being discharged from the hospital faster, and are not returning with pressure ulcers. It is my understanding that the Aquila alternating pressure Air Pulse PK seating cushion provides distinct possibilities for patients suffering from pressure problems. Though my experience is limited to a small number of patients at this time, in those that have used it, it is a godsend.

Sincerely,

David L. Larson, M.D.

Department of Plastic Surgery

Froedtert & Medical College

Milwaukee, WI

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October 2005

My name is Dean Foster, I have A.L.S. Lou Gehrig’s disease.  I have had this for the past 12 years, the last 8 of which I have been in a wheelchair.  The first three years I tried four different air cushions from your competitor, they just didn’t do the job.

The doctor told me I was going to have to limit my time out of bed to three hours per day.  I saw the ad for your Airpulse system and I purchased one.  For the past five years I have spent 15 hours a day in my chair, thanks to your marvelous product.

You don’t appreciate a product until you are without it.  I recently sent my system in for an upgrade and it was gone for three days.  I was in total misery.

You can use this letter in any way it might help someone!

Thank you very much,

Dean Foster

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August 2005

I have only recently started to use the Aquila alternating air pressure wheelchair seat cushion.  During my 40 years of needing a power wheelchair for mobility I have found it necessary to seek out solutions for pressure relief as my sitting tolerance changed over the years.  Over the past several years I experienced great frustration and disappointment in trying to find a product that would enable me to safely use my wheelchair without needing to exercise an extreme level of diligence in order to prevent skin breakdowns.  Thankfully, the Aquila Corp. has developed this product that now "is saving my hide".

While learning about the Aquila seat cushion I read several testimonials on the web site.  All of these were encouraging and informational.  However, this seat cushion has solved a problem that may be unique to my situation of functioning in a climate of rather extreme changes in altitude.  The Roho air cushion was the only cushion that I was able to use but that also created allot of worry for me and work for my caregivers.

I live in New Mexico and when I travel I can encounter in altitude variation of 3000 ft. within a few hours.  This change in altitude and barometric pressure causes inflation and deflation that must be constantly monitored. The lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes causes any air inflated item to expand and, conversely, going from a high altitude to a lower one compresses the air and deflates the cushion.  But now I no longer have to worry about this.  I can travel from seashore to mountaintop in safety.  And for those who need to use their cushion when traveling by airplane, the constant state pressure system of the Aquila cushion solves the problems caused by pressurized cabins.

John J. Rowan
Cedar Crest, New Mexico

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July 2005

I wanted to take a minute and complement your staff on their timely response to my request for maintenance on my wheelchair cushion.  Both Sharol and her co-worker handled my request in a timely, professional and knowledgeable fashion.  They both put me at ease and I felt confident that the repairs would be done correctly.

I also want to thank you for making the adjustments so quickly.  You have made me a customer for life.

Michael J. Giron
Windsor, CA

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October 2004

Bruce Walz, Aquila Corp Airpulse cushion

I’d like to take a moment to thank you for making such a quality product that has completely changed the way I’ve been able to live my life. After being on the two "top name" brands of cushions without any success and developing a pressure sore, I needed extensive reconstructive surgery to my buttocks. After the surgery my insurance purchased me another "air bubble cushion" that was suppose to be the greatest thing with different "bubble cells" but it just didn’t help and I was limited to just a few hours sitting up before needing to lay back down in bed to get pressure relief. That was when I discovered the Airpulse PK cushion made by AQUILA Corporation. The Airpulse PK has totally and completely changed my life from the length of time I can stay sitting to the color my skin after getting back in bed.

You can't put a price on your health by having skin breakdown and an investment in AQUILA cushion is a very small price to pay compared to skin breakdown and can save you more than you can ever imagine.

The Airpulse PK, to me its worth it’s weight in GOLD to me!

Bruce Walz
Cottonwood, Arizona

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June 2004

My sore was as large as a dime and a quarter inch deep and getting deeper and larger day by day. It was at this point, Stage I or II when we went to the doctor. He prescribed immediate and total bed rest until healed. That’s when we discovered your web page and the attached testimonials and also when we began the ordering process. A few days passed and we received the cushion and began using it immediately. We didn't do ANY bed rest and SIX WEEKS LATER THE WOUND/SORE WAS GONE COMPLETELY! We were amazed then as we are to this day!

Dale Berven

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June 2004

Man in wheelchair, Aquila Corp Airpulse cushion

Many times I have told you how much I appreciate  your efforts. Once again I am deeply indebted to you for your thoughtfulness and persistence as you worked to help me to attempt to solve my special problems. I  sincerely appreciate your willingness to customize the Airpulse cushion in an  effort to meet my special needs. The warm Nevada climate exaggerates the tendency for a wheelchair cushion to create a warm moist environment that  produces almost constant skin irritation and makes wheelchair users  exceptionally susceptible to yeast and fungal infections. The custom blower you installed for me helps to remove that heat load and has made my life more  comfortable. Of course even without the blower, the changing pressure points make the Airpulse cushion a more desirable seating system than any other options  available.

Jim
Henderson, NV

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February 2004

My husband has been a quadriplegic for the past fifteen years. In spite of this, being able to still teach middle-school students has kept up his spirits throughout the years. (I also am a teacher at the same school.)

However, anyone who is in the same position as my husband will attest to the fact that they can handle the quadriplegia much better than everything else that comes their way. By that I mean the medical problems, wheelchair and van repairs, etc…

Here’s the story I need to tell you. I think you may be interested. In December of 2002 my husband had developed a bedsore that progressively had gotten worse because he refused to stay home from teaching. We tried to deal with it as best we could, by having him get complete bed rest after school and on every weekend. Our social life came to a standstill. In June we cancelled all plans, including six weeks vacation with his whole family up north at the family cottage. His only outing was the day our son was married. We were told by the doctor to have total bed rest and stay off it. We were frustrated as weeks went by, and there was no significant change happening. I contacted hospitals and individual doctors specializing in wound care. Because of the nature of the wound, nothing could be done. We saw a plastic surgeon and were told surgery wasn’t an option with the size and condition of the wound. I even called a former parent in home health care for any answers. We were back to bed rest each time.

By this time school had started and my husband decided he’s going back, regardless of his situation. He claimed if it got worse, he would retire. If it stayed the same, following last year’s routine of bed rest when he wasn’t in school, he would again stay in bed the next summer.

I was losing my sanity by this time. If you knew my husband; he will not let anything get him down. So I took on the worrying and tried to keep it from him. My problem, at this time, was my “worry box” was full, and I was overwhelmed worrying about him!

Here’s where you come in to the picture! For years and years we would ask different medical supply places we dealt with why a cushion hasn’t been made with alternating pressure as bed cushions are. They thought it was a great idea, but hadn’t knowledge of any. I began searching the internet thinking, what do I have to lose? I found YOU! To tell you how your product has changed our life is not strong enough words. We have had your cushion for about six weeks. The doctor told us his wound is now about 20% better in this short time. You see, an important part of the healing was circulation. Because of my husband’s age (57) and being a quad for so long, he didn’t have adequate circulation which he needed while he sat in his chair. We have our life back! No longer do we have to entertain guests in the bedroom if he wants to see people. We can do what we want. He can decide when he wants to be in bed! No longer are there thoughts of retirement! He is teaching and my “worry box” is not as full.

Also, please know that having a person like Liz to talk to over the phone helps more than you or she probably knows. She seems to be a very caring individual who has a real concern for others. She has always been so pleasant to talk to and doesn’t rush you. She treated me with genuine concern for our situation. I wish more people were this way when dealing with issues like ours. So often (others also agree) when you have to communicate over the phone or even in person, there is no real regard for what an impact these things have on our lives. Please convey my feelings to her.

I will definitely pass on the fact your company exists to others. I know of an individual who recently became a quad and through word of mouth we know of others. We have been called from Detroit Rehabilitation Institute to contact individuals recently put in our situation, and help them to know there are ways to learn to cope. We will definitely mention your product to keep them out of hospitals because of possible occurrences with bedsores.

Thank you again!

Sincerely yours,

Donna Katakowski

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January 2004

Agnes Keating, Aquila Corp Airpulse cushion

My mother-in-law, Agnes Keating, suffered a  stroke several years ago and as a result, half her body is paralyzed. She is unable to walk, has limited movement and suffers from extreme sciatic nerve and arthritic pain. Before we purchased the Airpulse, she would only be in her wheel chair for an hour when extreme pain would force her back into bed. I searched high and low for a product to relieve her pain without luck, until I found Aquila Corp. on the World Wide Web. Now with the Airpulse alternating pressure pad, Agnes is able to last 2 to 5 hours in a sitting position. This has made a big difference in her life, allowing us to take her on short trips away from the 24-hour care nursing facility. Agnes is a wonderful woman with a great sense of  humor, and when asked to comment on her Airpulse unit she said, "My rear thanks  you!" I think that says it all. Thank you Aquila Corp. for making a big  difference in my mother-in-law's quality of life.

Mark Annati

Thank you for all the work and upgrades - much appreciated.

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January 2004


Larry Lamoureux

I bought the seat late 03 in San Antonio. It’s not great....it’s a miracle! You have no idea....
After 31 years as a partial C3, C4-C5 quad, I am sitting on a stage 4 breakdown for 8 hours a healing back to stage 2.
Where 10-14 hours sitting time possible means life + employment + limited travel.....
Imagine that I don’t have to return to bed for 2-4 days because I sat for more than 4 hours.

WOW!!!

THX
Larry Lamoureux

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December 2003

So far we are absolutely thrilled with the cushion. Charley has used it 6 full days, and I have kept careful track of the depth of his ulcer. It has actually healed .6 centimeters every two days, even with him sitting on his cushion for 12 hours. He is back to work.

Marty Bittle

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May 2001

Roger Horvath, Aquila Corp Airpulse cushion

Seven years ago a motorcycle accident left me paralyzed. I spent many hours each day in my wheelchair, and shifting positions every 15-20 minutes is not always possible, especially when I am concentrating  on what I love to do best, tig welding. I was in constant pain and discomfort using a gel pad. I've suffered with pressure sores and it looked as though I  would have to go back to the hospital for surgery. Since I've been using the  Airpulse cushion the pressure sores have been healing nicely and I am pain free  and finally feel comfortable in my wheelchair. The constant movement of the  cushion does the job that I am not always able to do. I just wish I had your  cushion from the beginning. Thank you Aquila!

Roger Horvath

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January 2001

Dave & Maria, Aquila Corp Airpulse cushion

The Airpulse played a key role in helping my  pressure sores to heal. Now I'm still using the cushion for prevention and "more energy". I never realized just how important good circulation really is and the difference that a Wheelchair Cushion can make I hope the medical industry comes around and sees the advantages of good circulation and the important role it plays in wound healing, instead of the big emphasis that is placed on staying off pressure sores for them to heal.

Thank you,

Dave & Maria
Denver, CO

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Company Story

The Airpulse PK has been modified many times since that first model built by Steve for his dad back in 1999.

Read more...

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Australian Quadriplegic Association

AQA Article

AQA is an organization that was established for people with severe physical disabilities, specifically spinal cord injury. Aquila's Airpulse PK was featured in the Bailey's Bit section of their August 2005 newsletter. Click here for a PDF of the article.

For more evidence, see Clinical Validation or visit Chris's Blog, a blog about Assistive Technology and related products and services, and read his review of an Aquila Corp seat cushion.