If you're a full-time wheelchair user depending on a Roho cushion, proper maintenance is key to ensuring it continues to provide optimal pressure relief and comfort. In this guide, we'll cover all the basics you need to know: how to inflate your Roho correctly, keep it clean, and even tackle minor repairs to keep your cushion in top condition.

What’s a Roho pressure cushion?

Roho pressure cushions are innovative seating solutions designed to provide ultimate pressure care for wheelchair users. They're particularly popular among full-time wheelchair users due to their unique design and effectiveness.

Key Benefits:

• Superior pressure relief: The cushion's unique air cell technology evenly distributes weight, reducing pressure points and minimising the risk of skin breakdown.
• Customisable comfort: Roho cushions adjust to the user's body shape and provide personalised comfort.
• Skin protection: By preventing pressure build-up, Roho cushions play a crucial role in protecting skin integrity and promoting healing.

Where Can You Use Roho Cushions?

While primarily designed for wheelchairs, Roho cushions can be utilised in various seating environments:

• Wheelchairs: Their primary and most common use.
• Utility chairs: Providing comfort in various seating situations.
• Lift chairs: Some electric lift recliner chairs (ELRCs) have specific cut-outs designed for Roho cushions. It’s important to note that adding a Roho to a standard recliner can increase seat height, potentially causing pressure issues elsewhere. It's best to use Rohos with specially designed lift chairs.
• Travel/car seating: Roho offers portable options, such as the Roho LTV, for on-the-go comfort and pressure care.

What are the types of Roho cushions?

Roho offers a variety of cushions to cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Roho Mini Max: Ideal for individuals with low to moderate risk of pressure ulcers, the Mini-Max offers adjustable air cells for customized comfort and support. It's particularly suitable for active users.   
• Roho LTV: Designed for portability, the LTV is perfect for travel or use in various seating environments. It's lightweight and easy to carry. 
• Roho Mosaic: This cushion features interconnected air cells for even pressure distribution and enhanced stability. It's a popular choice for individuals seeking a balance of comfort and support.   
• Roho Single Compartment: Designed for individuals with skin/soft tissue integrity issues, this cushion provides an optimal seating environment. Its cellular structure and soft, pliable material envelop the user, effectively redistributing pressure to minimize skin breakdown while reducing friction and shear.
• Roho Nexus Spirit: Combining a contoured foam base for stability with the pressure-relieving benefits of Roho's Dry Floatation technology, the Nexus Spirit offers enhanced support and positioning for individuals with increased seating needs.
• Roho Harmony: The Roho Harmony Cushion is an extremely lightweight adjustable air cushion, and has a Dry Floatation overlay on a pre-contoured foam base to provide comfort, positioning, stability and skin protection.
• Roho Air Lite: The Roho Air Lite is ideal for individuals with intact skin sensation and low risk of skin breakdown Its contoured foam base with an internal sealed air cell provides comfort and support for basic positioning and pressure management needs.
• Roho Dual Compartment: This innovative cushion combines the pressure-relieving benefits of Roho's Dry Floatation technology with the stability of a contoured foam base. Its dual air compartments allow for customized adjustments to accommodate pelvic obliquity and optimize positioning. The Roho Dual Compartment is great for individuals requiring advanced pressure redistribution and postural support.
• Roho Hybrid Elite: Combining the benefits of foam and air, the Hybrid Elite provides exceptional positioning and stability. It offers a firm base for transfers while maintaining optimal pressure relief. This cushion is suitable for individuals with higher risk of pressure ulcers or specific seating needs.
• Roho Enhancer: The Roho Enhancer’s unique two-manifold design promotes proper alignment by channeling the femurs toward the midline, while also providing lateral stability. This innovative cushion offers superior skin and soft tissue protection, making it ideal for users who require both postural support and pressure redistribution.
• Roho Contour Select: The contoured design of the Roho Contour Select cushion positions the pelvis back in the wheelchair, and centers the individual comfortably in the middle of cushion. The ISOFLO Memory Control unit locks air into each of the four compartments and provides stability by minimising side-to-side and front to back motion.
• Roho Quadtro Select: The Roho Quadtro Select Cushion is the most advanced option in the Roho lineup, designed to adapt to your needs and activities. Featuring the exclusive ISOFLO Memory Control and an independent four-compartment system, it allows precise adjustment of inflation levels for optimal positioning and comfort. 

What are the red and green valves on a Roho?

The red and green valves on a Roho cushion are part of the ISOFLO system, a unique feature found in certain Roho models. These valves act as air locks, allowing for precise control of air distribution within the cushion. 

How does it work?

• The Green Side: Pushing the valve towards the green side unlocks the air compartments, allowing air to flow freely between them. This is the initial setting when inflating the cushion.
• The Red Side: Pushing the valve towards the red side locks the air compartments, preventing air from moving between them. This is done once the user is seated and positioned comfortably.

Models that have the ISOFLO include: 

1. Roho Quadtro Select HP (High Profile) Cushion
2. Roho Quadtro Select LP (Low Profile) Cushion
3. Roho Contour Select Cushion

How to set up a ROHO cushion?

A common misconception about Roho cushions is that they should be fully inflated like a balloon. This is wrong and can actually increase the risk of pressure injuries.

Roho cushions are designed to suspend the user, not to support them from below. Proper inflation allows the user to sink slightly into the cushion, distributing their weight evenly and reducing pressure points.

Over-inflation can create hard, uncomfortable areas and prevent the cushion from effectively relieving pressure.

Quick and Easy way to set up a Roho:

1. Place the Cushion: Set the cushion on a flat surface.
2. Adjust Valves: If your cushion has red and green valves, slide them to the green side.
3. Inflate: Use the hand pump to fully inflate the cushion. If your model has multiple valves, ensure each one is pumped.
4. Allow to Stabilise: Leave the cushion with the valves open for a short time to equalize with atmospheric pressure.
5. Seal Valves: Close and lock the valves securely with the pump.

This quick inflation guide is a good starting point, but proper Roho setup requires a more precise approach. For a detailed guide, including visual demonstrations, consider these helpful resources:

How to remove air from a Roho cushion?

To deflate your cushion, open the valves and press gently to release air. This process can help when you need to adjust the cushion or prepare it for storage.

Can you use a Roho without a cover?

Yes, you can use a Roho cushion without a cover, but consider factors like shearing and the accumulation of food or debris between the cells. The cover is specifically designed to keep the neoprene rubber clean and to prevent these problems.

Can you wash a Roho cushion cover?

Covers can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle, cold cycle. Don't use fabric softeners! To clean the cushion itself, just use warm, soapy water. Clean it regularly to keep it in good shape.

How to clean a Roho cushion?

• Cover: Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle, cold cycle. 
• Cushion: Clean the surface regularly with warm, soapy water. Ensure it is thoroughly dried before use.

How to find a leak in a Roho cushion

To find a leak in a Roho cushion, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the cushion is fully inflated.
2. Close and lock all the valves to prevent any air from escaping during the inspection.
3. Gently submerge the cushion in a tub or large container of water. Ensure it’s fully immersed so you can see any bubbles forming.
4. Watch for any bubbles rising from the cushion. These bubbles indicate the location of the leak.
5. Once you identify the leak, mark the area with a waterproof marker or tape for easy reference.
6. Remove the cushion from the water and dry it thoroughly before attempting any repairs.

Can you repair a Roho cushion

Yes, Roho cushions come with a repair kit for minor punctures or tears that you can fix at home. For more significant damage, it’s recommended to visit a specialised mobility shop. Our workshop provides expert repair services for Roho cushions, but if the hole is too large, replacing the cushion may be necessary.

How often should a Roho cushion last? How to tell when it needs replacement

A Roho cushion is quite durable and can last up to 5 years with proper care. To determine when it needs replacing, watch for signs of wear or reduced effectiveness in pressure relief.

Caring for your Roho cushion involves more than just using it. Regular cleaning, proper inflation, and timely repairs all play a part in keeping your cushion in top shape. By following these guidelines, you're not just extending the life of your cushion - you're investing in your comfort and health for years to come.  If you're ever unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask a professional for help.