Key requirements which could help prevent pressure ulcers based on potential user insight and consultation with Dr.Anita Perr and web research :

• material that deters moisture, keep the skin dry
• create movement, enhance blood circulation
• minimize friction and stretches to the skin muscles

Key details which should be taken into consideration when designing for people in wheelchairs:

• High backed waistbands
• Adding length to the legs
• Make the pants easy to put on and taken off
• Highest quality fabrics
• Make sure to use fasteners that do not add pressure on the skin
• Feels like normal clothes
• Keep the knee area warmer

• Design accessory or garment to be as light and easy to carry as possible

These are specification I believe I should follow:

• High-Tech fabric which has moisture repellent qualities
• Stretchy fabric, 4 way stretch
• Fabric should have texture on the outer exposed side for it to be attractive, and stimulating to touch
• Lycra or other stretchy fabric to construct the waist band, similarly to what is being used on pregnancy pants
• Make waistband higher at the back
• opening near the ankle, zipper or snaps to make legs slide easily
• adding knee detail as an extra layer
• no side seams
• no fastening, pants as pull on
• bottom has an insert pocket to slide an air cushion
• washable

This week I received the ROHO cushions and alternating pressure air pump which originally is used for a mattress. My plan was to combine these two products and cut into shape to create an insertable pillow in the pants.

When I finally got the pump I noticed that it has two pipes. One is to fill the mattress with air and the other to suck the air out. I wasn’t able to find more information on this product before purchasing it and now I need to figure out if it could work combined with the ROHO cushion.

Also the pump, although described as quiet is not quiet enough to go unnoticed. I believe that this noise wouldn’t be something that people would like to have around them constantly.

The ROHO cushions I bought were defected and that’s why I was able to afford them. Another problem I encountered with these cushions is that they are much higher volume than I anticipated.

My next steps will be to re-evaluate the technicalities of how to create movement under the sitting body. Furthermore I am looking  to speak with more people who could give me insight on how to prevent and deal with pressure ulcers.