Are you familiar with the Ride Custom AccuSoft™ Cushion? Like the firmer Custom 2 Cushion, the AccuSoft is carved to precisely match the client’s shape for superior postural control, improved mobility, and skin protection.
While Ride continues to believe in the benefits of a firm, orthotic mode of support, the AccuSoft Cushion is the result of understanding that there are times when a softer cushion material may be what’s needed. It’s made of soft, open-cell polyurethane foam to create a supple sitting surface.
In cases where additional rigidity is needed to support the lateral thighs, Ride now offers a lateral reinforcement option. Quite different from traditional, industry-standard metal or composite reinforcements, this innovation boosts structural integrity, while using forgiving materials that help reduce the risk of injury to skin and soft tissue.
Reinforced lateral thigh support option for Ride Custom AccuSoft Cushion.
When the reinforced lateral thigh support option is ordered, ½” of cushion foam will be removed from each lateral thigh support, and the reinforcement material will replace the foam that was removed — without increasing the overall width of the cushion.
If even greater lateral thigh support and control is necessary, we encourage you to consider the Ride Custom 2 Cushion, or contact us to discuss your options.
If you’re utilizing the new bundled pricing option, the reinforced lateral option is included in the AccuSoft Cushion bundled price.
>>> NOTE: It quickly became evident that the new ultra-breathable liner is superior in every way to the original composite (Brock®) foam liner. In alignment with our mission to use only the very best materials to make Ride cushions and back supports, Ride will discontinue offering the original Brock foam on the Custom Back as of June 1, 2021. Learn more here. <<<
The Ride Custom Back has long been the premier wheelchair seating solution for achieving optimum postural support, balance and control. The original firm, breathable composite foam liner allows for a thin profile and helps to keep the sitter dry and comfortable in virtually any climate.
Then Ride further revolutionized custom molded seating by offering the option of a soft foam insert on the Ride Custom Back. This soft option simply provides a more forgiving user interface with the exacting support of the Custom Back shell.
Always aiming to improve Ride products, we’re excited to announce a third liner option for the Ride Custom Back! Made from ultra-breathable 3D mesh, this liner performs as well as the original composite liner — yet it’s more breathable. While allowing increased air flow, the Ultra-breathable liner retains even less moisture than the original, making it easier to wash and quicker to dry. In-field modifications are a breeze. Even better, there is no additional charge associated with selecting this liner option.
The Ride Custom AccuSoft Cushion is offered with a choice of contour options: Full Contact and Ride Contour. These contour options have generated some questions so we wanted to highlight the difference between the two… perhaps most readily understood by seeing the photographs below.
Full Contact: The cushion is manufactured exactly as captured (left column below).
Ride Contour: The cushion is manufactured with Ride’s patented mechanism of support. The Ride Contour option carves a recess 3/8″ deep into the surface of the cushion underneath the high risk bony areas (right column below).
The Ride Contour option does not create offloading under the ischial tuberosities.
Rather, it creates a loading bias underneath the proximal thighs and posterior-lateral buttocks, which then reduces forces underneath the ischial tuberosities (as shown in pressure map image, above right).
The Ride Contour option is not available when ordering extra soft foam.
NOTE: The Ride Custom AccuSoft Cushion is not a fully off-loading cushion. For orthotic off-loading, consider using the Java® Cushion or Ride Custom 2 Cushion for the ultimate in skin safety and postural support.
Jenny Siegle was awarded the NRRTS* Consumer Advocate of the Year Award during the Unite4CRT Town Hall Meeting on July 28th.
That masked man in the photo, surprising Jenny while she was hosting the town hall online, is Ride CEO Tom Hetzel. Jenny’s mother, Barb, joined in.
A sports producer and huge Colorado Rockies fan, you may have seen Jenny modeling in some of Ride’s photography over the years or lobbying on Capitol Hill. She uses a Ride Custom Cushion and Back to support her active lifestyle.
Jenny helped to form the advocacy coalition, Unite4CRT, and has been a driving force in planning the monthly town hall meeting topics and discussions. As host of the meetings, Jenny’s warm and welcoming personality encourages discussion among a diverse audience.
The group’s mission is to bridge the gap between the perception and the reality of living with a disability. Consider joining their next meeting… information on registering to attend (free) is here.
*NRRTS is the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers
“Even the simplest tools can empower people to do great things.” — Biz Stone
Evidence supports the Ride Java Cushion as the superior pre-fabricated wheelchair cushion solution for adjustable skin protection and positioning. (Learn more here.)
And… recently, we introduced the Custom AccuSoft™ Cushion, made specifically to match an individual’s unique shape, using a soft, forgiving foam. (Learn more about this amazing product here.)
So how are these two cushions related? Great question!
The suggested method for capturing a client’s shape to order a Custom AccuSoft Cushion has been the bead bag and vacuum system, which is then scanned and submitted to Ride via the RideWorks® app. While this remains a fantastic tool for determining the specs of an AccuSoft cushion, we now offer an even simpler way to order the AccuSoft Cushion –- by using the Java Cushion as an evaluation tool.
An inventory of sample Java Cushions can now serve an additional purpose. Use them to specify an AccuSoft Cushion from a trial evaluation, adjustment, and measurements.
When appropriate, this easy and time-saving method can replace the bead bag and vacuum pump method. The updated Custom AccuSoft Cushion order form is now available on the RideWorks app. Review the instructions for using the Java Cushion as an evaluator tool on page 5 of the order form, here.
Q: Has there been a change to the Custom AccuSoft Cushion?
A: Nope! The AccuSoft Cushion is not changing. We are simply introducing another method to order the Accusoft Cushion, specific to a user’s needs.
Q: When is it appropriate to use the Java Cushion to evaluate a client for a Custom AccuSoft Cushion?
A: Clients who present with pelvic asymmetry that reduces towards neutral, but persists in unique, though relatively less severe postural deviations, may be good candidates for specification of an AccuSoft Cushion by evaluating, adjusting, and measuring on a Java Cushion. Using the Java Cushion as an evaluator is a great place to start. If not successful, pull out the bags and capture a shape.
Q: Can the Java Cushion be used to evaluate a client for a Ride Custom 2 Cushion?
A: No. The off-loading design of the Custom 2 Cushion requires the precise client shape that results from utilizing our bead bag and vacuum pump method. The Ride Custom 2 Cushion material is firm and less forgiving by design. This is necessary for off-loading at-risk bony prominences, while safely supporting those parts of the body that can tolerate support.
Q: Is the Custom AccuSoft an off-loading cushion?
A: The AccuSoft Cushion is not a fully off-loading cushion. Two contour options are offered: 1) Ride Contour, made with Ride’s patented mechanism of support which reduces forces at high risk areas and provides slightly greater forces at low risk areas, and 2) Full Contact.
Give it a try! For additional information, please contact your area Ride Representative, or our product manager, Shelly Young, at 866.781.1633 x312.
Jenny Siegle was awarded the 
