Written by Megan Smith, PT
Perhaps one of the most unique and innovative categories of wheelchair cushions on the market are ROHO/Air cushions. These innovative cushions implement an air cell block format, which inflate to effectively redistribute pressure and prevent skin breakdown caused by long-term wheelchair use.
Each ROHO/Air cushion implements the same general air cell format, but different designs do so in different ways. Because of this, choosing the perfect ROHO/Air cushion means taking several features and options into consideration.
To make the selection process easy and stress-free, this article will guide you through the most important features and benefits when purchasing your ROHO/Air wheelchair cushion!
One of the features which most noticeably distinguishes one air-based cushion from another is the number of either air cells or comfort cells within the cushion. 
ROHO brand cushions (shown above) are predominantly composed of dozens of interconnected air cells, which are built into the framework of the cushion itself. These air cells allow air to move through the cushion and effectively redistribute pressure, providing optimal user comfort. _crop.jpg)
Most other air-based cushions without the ROHO name are divided into compartments, and those compartments are filled with small comfort cells, which resemble packing peanuts (as seen in the Vicair Vector X model, pictured above).
Comfort cells can be added and removed to various compartments within the cushion by hand, making for a highly customizable (albeit hands-on) user profile.
Although this option is largely self-explanatory, it's certainly worth mentioning! Each ROHO/Air wheelchair cushion comes available in a selection of sizes, so pay attention to compatible sizing options when choosing a model.
For example, if you are purchasing a cushion for a child, keep an eye out for pediatric sizing options; likewise, if you are an adult looking for a larger cushion, models labeled ‘bariatric’ are your best bet!
Determining what cushion size is right for you is actually very simple: measure the dimensions of your wheelchair’s seat, and make sure the cushion you’re eyeing is available in those measurements.
Almost every ROHO/Air wheelchair cushion offers customers at least two unique covers options, if not more. Choosing the cushion cover is an important step, because not every cover does the same thing!
Some cushion covers come standard with the cushion, and are designed to provide a simple protective barrier. Others labeled "water resistant" or "waterproof" are intended to protect the cushion from moisture and incontinence issues.
Finally, covers labeled "anti-shear" are great for users who spend extensive amounts of time in their wheelchair, and are at much higher risk of skin breakdown. Anti-shear options keep skin from sticking to the wheelchair cushion cover, which causes painful tearing when a patient shifts or moves after sitting still for a long time.
Although not 100% applicable across the board, most ROHO/Air cushions format their air cells in different contours and in a gradation of heights. These contours are designed to ensure that areas at higher risk of skin breakdown are given focused protection.
Cushion contours can also help ensure that a patient stays securely seated in their wheelchair at all times.
If you are looking for fall prevention and thigh support, keep an eye out for “anti-thrust” labeling; this contour design is elevated slightly in the front, encouraging users to sit back in their seat.
If you don’t want added height, look for “no added height” or “zero elevation” labels. These cushions are either level, or have modest contouring.
ROHO/Air wheelchair cushions are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and formats — each one with distinct advantages! Whether you are purchasing a cushion for yourself, your loved one, or for a patient, Rehabmart offers a wide selection of cushions from trusted medical equipment manufacturers.
Here is a selection of frequently purchased ROHO/Air wheelchair cushions available from Rehabmart:
For customers who are considering a ROHO/Air cushion but want to keep spending low, the ROHO Mosaic is a fantastic choice. As one of the most inexpensive ROHO cushions available, this product gives customers a way to experience the unique ROHO cushion format without emptying their wallet.
Even better: its low price in no way detracts from its design quality, and it comes with a 12-month limited warranty.
Ranked as the number one ROHO/Air wheelchair cushion in Rehabmart’s The 5 Best ROHO/Air Wheelchair Cushions article, the Contour Select is considered the ultimate package!
The Contour Select makes use of a four-quadrant layout to distribute air evenly throughout the cushion interface. It also applies a lattice of air cells at different heights to promote ideal posturing and divert pressure away from sensitive areas.
Overall, this is one of the best products—both in practice and customer reviews—that can be found in air cushions!
One of the few air-based cushions not produced by the ROHO company, the Vicair Vector X is an impressive cushion that boats an innovative, thoughtful design.
This cushion uses Comfort Company’s Comfort Cells—small, air-filled cubes—to fill the cushion’s numerous compartments. Users of the cushion can continually add or remove air cells from each compartment to create the ideal network of support for the patient, depending on their unique and changing postural needs.
ROHO/Air wheelchair cushions are among the most dynamic and intuitive wheelchair cushions available. They are perfect for providing unrivaled protection to patients, although their adaptive design also explains why they tend to be more expensive than many other cushions.
The extremely high quality of air-based cushions place them in a league all their own, making them a terrific choice for any person living with (or wanting to heal from) painful skin conditions.
Generally, Medicare will cover up to 80% of the cushion, while the user pays the remaining 20%. Keep in mind that Medicare coverage of any wheelchair cushion is varying and dependent upon a doctor’s diagnosis.
In order to qualify for Medicare coverage, an individual must receive a prescription for a licensed physician stating that they would benefit from the use of a wheelchair cushion. Because of this, it is highly advised that you discuss a wheelchair cushion with your doctor prior to purchase.
Typically, private insurance policies follow the lead of Medicare for coverage of medical equipment. However, this is not always the case. We recommend that you check your policy’s individual coverage regarding wheelchair cushions before investing in a cushion!
The purchase of a ROHO/Air wheelchair cushion is an effective and necessary step toward protecting you or your loved one from the inconvenience and pain of pressure sores, skin breakdown, ischemic ulcers, and general discomfort while using a wheelchair.
Adding a ROHO/Air wheelchair cushion to your daily routine can greatly improve your quality of life, and keep painful skin conditions at bay!
Keep reading with our articles The 5 Best ROHO/Air Wheelchair Cushions, and check out our team-tested product reviews at Rehabmart’s YouTube Channel!
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
