Name two cushion/surface options that help prevent pressure injuries during prolonged seating and their general purpose.

• A. High-spec foam cushions and alternating pressure cushions; they redistribute pressure and reduce shear.
• B. Standard foam cushions and gel packs; they primarily provide softness.
• C. Leather cushions and rigid boards; they provide support but do not redistribute pressure.
• D. Water-filled cushions and air mattresses; they are unstable for long seating.

Answer: (A)

Sustained seating loads raise the risk of pressure injuries because they compress soft tissues against the seat and create shear as you move. The best cushion options both redistribute pressure away from bony areas (like the sit bones) and minimize shear forces to maintain tissue perfusion.

High-spec foam cushions work by conforming to your body and spreading your weight more evenly, reducing peak pressures under the buttocks. Alternating pressure cushions go a step further by periodically changing pressure within the surface, lifting tissues off pressure points and reducing both constant pressure and shear. Together, they provide active and passive pressure relief for long sitting.

Other options don’t target pressure redistribution as effectively: standard foam cushions may be comfortable but often don’t offer reliable, sustained pressure relief; gel packs mainly add softness without consistently lowering peak pressures or shear; leather or rigid boards provide support but don’t adapt to body contours or reduce pressure; water-filled cushions and air mattresses can be unstable and may increase movement and shear over prolonged use.