A properly fitted cushion that works for you can be the difference between living an active life and constantly battling pressure sores and related health issues. Choosing a cushion comes down to the needs and preferences of each individual, with most cushions consisting of air cells, foam, gel or some combination of the three. However, a new cushion from Kalogon aims to give users more control and more options for customization by adding smartphone compatibility and adjustability to optimize your seating setup for maximum pressure relief and comfort.

Proper seating has been an issue for me in my 21 years as a wheelchair user. Recurring pressure sores around my right ischium eventually forced me to have wound flap surgery. I have used several different cushions over the last two decades and currently use a Ride Designs Java Cushion. Having gone through skin issues, I was very interested in learning about and trying a new cushion aimed at avoiding pressure sores. While I have no plans to change anytime soon, the Orbiter performed well enough in the several days I tested it that I would consider it when I need a new cushion.

App-Powered Options

Upon first glance, the Kalogon Orbiter looks like many other wheelchair cushions. The cushion is made of several layers of foam with five inflatable air bladders — one under each thigh, one under each side of the ischium, and another under the tailbone. There is a cutout in the foam under the ischium and tailbone to provide additional pressure off-loading. The cushion connects to a battery pack that can be attached to the wheelchair. On many manual wheelchairs, you can mount the battery pack to the axle under the seat. It is also possible to mount the battery pack to the back of a manual or power wheelchair, but it may affect the center of gravity of a manual wheelchair.

What sets the Orbiter apart is the ability to connect to it via smartphone app and adjust the air pressure. The app, available for Android and iOS devices, gives the cushion an almost limitless range of options for pressure management. The app comes preloaded with four presets for different needs, and the user can add up to eight customized presets that can be changed quickly. Presets include an option to make the cushion firmer for easier transfers and an option to increase the dump of the cushion to improve stability while active.

You can adjust each air bladder individually or set them all to the same level through the app. The adjustability is useful for anyone facing challenges with their seating position or skin integrity. You can adjust an individual cushion area to off-load pressure from any problem spots. Similarly, you can adjust the cushion to accommodate pelvic unevenness. In addition to the customized positions, you can set the cushion to redistribute pressure in two-, three- or five-minute intervals to improve blood flow and help reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

Setting up the Orbiter is easy and only takes a few minutes. Out of the box, the Orbiter needs to be plugged in and charged. Once you turn the Orbiter on, the Kalogon app will scan for the cushion and connect automatically. Through the app, you can download firmware updates for the Orbiter to ensure that it has the most up-to-date features. The battery that powers the Orbiter will last about 16 to 20 hours on a single charge with regular usage. In power save mode, the battery may last up to 24 hours.

Different, But Good

Going from a contoured foam-and-gel cushion with a large cutout like the Java to a foam cushion with adjustable air bladders like the Orbiter is a big change that took a while to get used to. It threw off my balance until I adjusted, but that would be the same with any cushion. Once I got my bearings, the Orbiter was comfortable. The feeling reminded me of another foam/air cushion I had used. My posture seemed good, but not the same as in my Java. I felt I was sitting straight and evenly, but it was different from what I am used to.

I am very cautious with my skin and made sure to check it regularly while demoing the Orbiter for several days. Mostly I used it while working from home, three to four hours at a time to avoid problems. I experienced no redness or any other signs of trouble. I wish I could have had a pressure mapping system on hand to watch the changes in pressure as I made adjustments to the air bladders. As with any new cushion, I would strongly recommend doing a thorough seating evaluation with pressure mapping to determine whether a new cushion is a good option.

My biggest issue with the Orbiter was the sound level of the air bladders inflating and deflating. The Orbiter does emit a sound of moving air that is loud enough to be distracting in quiet environments. While inflating, the Orbiter sounds like a small but quiet air compressor. Deflating is less noticeable and sounds like air whooshing out. The noise could be a deal breaker for some.

Kalogon custom-makes the Orbiter for each customer, starting at $3,995. The Orbiter can be made in virtually any size, including bariatric sizes, and has been produced in sizes from 14 inches by 14 inches to 22 inches by 22 inches.

Kalogon is currently going through the process for Medicare approval. Kalogon customers have had success in obtaining payment for the Orbiter through Veterans Affairs, workers’ compensation and some private insurances. For more information, to schedule a demo, or to find a dealer near you, visit the Kalogon website.