How to Measure Size for a Wheelchair Cushion

Cushions can make your wheelchair much more comfortable.

Whether you plan to buy cushions for your wheelchair or sew your own, a good fit is a must, both for safety and comfort. To ensure your cushions fit well and feel great, you have to take careful measurements. Accurate measurements are the most critical step for guaranteeing that your purchase or sewing work will pay off with success. It only takes a few minutes, and you'll be thankful you took the time to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Wheelchair
• Measuring tape
• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

Instructions

1. Measure the widest part of the seat, starting at the outside edge of one side, to the outside edge of the other side.

2. Measure the deepest part of the seat from front to back, again measuring from the outside edge to the opposite outside edge.

3. Measure the widest part of the chair back if you also want to have a back cushion, either attached to the seat cushion or separate. Measure from the outside edge of one side to the outside edge of the other side of the chair back. Be sure to take into account the curve of the chair back, by holding the measuring tape flat against the back fabric.

4. Measure from the rear edge of the center of the seat to the center top of the chair back. The seat often curves down in the middle, so take that into account in this measurement. It may help to have someone sitting in the chair while this measurement is taken from behind the chair.

5. Make note of where the support poles on your chair are located so that you can be sure any cushion straps or ties will be able to reach the support poles.

6. If sewing your own cushions, be sure to add in your seam allowance and the depth of the cushion padding you'll be using to construct your cushions. For example, 1-inch padding will need an additional inch of fabric on both the length and width measurements for both the top and bottom pieces of fabric. For the seam allowance, add 1/2 inch of fabric to all sides.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine which height of seat cushion will be most comfortable for you by sitting in the chair and trying varying heights of arm rests. The thicker the cushion, the higher your arms will be. You may need additional padding on your arm rests to compensate.

• If you want to add pockets to your chair, consider adding pockets that hang from the arm rests. To measure for these, measure the length and width of the arm rest, as well as the depth you would like for the pockets. Be sure the pockets will not interfere with the wheel function.

• If making your own cushions, consider putting arm rest pockets as part of the back/seat cushion combo. They will not only provide handy storage, but will also help to keep the seat and back cushions in place.

• Be sure that the ties or straps that hold the cushions in place will do so securely. Unless the cushion has a no-slip bottom, it could slide out or entangle with the wheels if not properly secured to the chair.

References

• The Wheelchair Site: Choosing the Best Wheelchair Cushion