Why Deeper 18-Inch Seat Depth Gel-and-Foam Cushion for Extended Wheelchair Seating?

Standard wheelchair cushions manufactured at 16-inch seat depth suit average adult thigh length but leave a portion of the posterior thigh unsupported in wheelchair users with longer lower limb dimensions — the foam and gel ends at mid-thigh rather than extending to the popliteal fossa, creating a high-pressure distal thigh edge effect where the cushion front edge bears concentrated load from unsupported posterior thigh tissue, reducing the distributed weight bearing across the full thigh length that pressure redistribution requires. Users with taller stature, longer femur length, or wheelchair seats configured with deeper seat dimensions require extended-depth cushions that maintain therapeutic foam-and-gel coverage across the full posterior thigh surface from ischium to popliteal area, preventing distal thigh edge pressure concentration and maintaining postural stability through full thigh contact with the seating surface. The 18-inch seat depth represents the deeper standard wheelchair seat configuration used in full-size adult manual wheelchairs, many power wheelchair seat configurations, and tilt-in-space systems where seat depth is sized to individual user femur length rather than average dimensions. Combining deeper seat depth with dual-chamber gel bladder and high-density foam shell maintains all the clinical pressure redistribution mechanisms of the standard Gel-U-Seat while extending coverage to serve the longer thigh user population that 16-inch depth cushions incompletely serve. The 12-inch tie straps secure the cushion to wheelchair frame components — critical in deeper-seat configurations where the larger cushion surface creates more displacement opportunity during propulsion and transfers. Waterproof vinyl base enables disinfection of the full expanded undersurface maintaining hygiene in long-term clinical use including incontinence management. The water-resistant low-shear stretch cover extends across the wider 20-inch × 18-inch surface reducing friction across the full seated contact area. Item 8046-4 packed 1 each, 4 per case supports institutional ordering in appropriate case quantities. The 275 lb weight capacity applies within the 20-inch width configuration. 18-month limited warranty. For taller wheelchair users with longer femur dimensions requiring deeper seat depth coverage, standard adult wheelchair seating with 18-inch seat depth configurations, long-term care programs fitting diverse body dimensions requiring the deeper Gel-U-Seat format, and any 18-inch seat depth wheelchair scenario where extended foam-and-gel coverage across the full posterior thigh delivers complete pressure redistribution with secure tie strap attachment and waterproof hygiene maintenance, Drive Gel-U-Seat 8046-4 provides deeper-seat pressure protection in the proven Gel-U-Seat platform.

Key Features

• 20" × 18" Deeper Seat Format: Extends full foam-and-gel coverage across complete posterior thigh for longer-limb users
• Dual-Chamber Gel Bladder: Fluid pressure redistribution at ischial tuberosities and coccyx contact zones
• High-Density Foam Shell: Stable structural base maintaining consistent seat height and preventing collapse
• 12-Inch Tie Straps: Secures cushion to wheelchair frame preventing displacement over the larger cushion surface
• Waterproof Vinyl Base: Complete surface disinfection capability for hygiene in long-term clinical use
• Water-Resistant Low-Shear Stretch Cover: Friction reduction across expanded 20×18 inch seated contact area
• 275 lb Weight Capacity: Full capacity maintained in deeper 18-inch seat depth format
• TB117 Flammability Compliant: Meets institutional and care facility flammability standards
• Item 8046-4: Drive Medical item number, 1 each / 4 per case institutional packaging
• 18-Month Limited Warranty: Drive Medical quality assurance for the extended-depth format

Benefits

• 18-inch seat depth prevents distal thigh edge pressure concentration in longer-limb users
• Dual-chamber gel redistributes pressure at highest-risk bony prominence zones across deeper seating surface
• High-density foam maintains stable postural base preventing bottoming-out in daily long-term use
• 12-inch tie straps secure the larger cushion format preventing displacement during propulsion and transfers
• Waterproof vinyl base enables hygiene maintenance across expanded undersurface in incontinence programs
• Water-resistant cover protects gel bladder from top-surface moisture exposure over full cushion area
• Case pack of 4 supports efficient institutional inventory management and ordering
• 18-month warranty provides procurement confidence for institutional and home care programs

Recommended Use

Perfect for taller wheelchair users with longer femur length requiring deeper seat depth coverage, standard adult wheelchair seating with 18-inch seat depth configurations, long-term care facilities fitting diverse user body dimensions requiring both 16-inch and 18-inch depth Gel-U-Seat formats, rehabilitation programs fitting post-spinal cord injury and neurological condition wheelchair users with varied body dimensions, institutional wheelchair programs requiring TB117 compliant pressure cushions in case-pack quantities, home care programs for taller individuals requiring deeper seat pressure management, and clinical wheelchair seating across rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care facilities, community disability services, and home care programs. Particularly valuable for seating assessments identifying incomplete posterior thigh coverage from 16-inch depth cushions, institutional programs standardizing Gel-U-Seat across diverse wheelchair seat depths with both 16-inch and 18-inch format procurement, and any deeper-seat wheelchair scenario where 8046-4 extends Gel-U-Seat pressure redistribution and secure attachment to the full thigh length of longer-limb users.

Technical Specifications

• Item Number: 8046-4
• Dimensions: 20 inches W × 18 inches D × 3 inches H
• Construction: High-density foam shell with dual-chamber gel bladder
• Cover Top: Water-resistant low-shear stretch
• Cover Bottom: Waterproof vinyl
• Attachment: 12-inch tie straps for wheelchair frame securement
• Weight Capacity: Up to 275 lb (for widths up to 20 inches)
• Flammability: Meets TB117 standard
• Warranty: Limited (approximately 18 months)
• Packaging: 1 each, 4 per case (4/CS)
• Brand: Drive Medical
• Product Series: Gel-U-Seat Skin Protection