Meg at a Ms. Wheelchair Washington event.

My Reflex™ cushion has decreased my back pain.

I was born with Spina bifida and have used a wheelchair for mobility for most of my life. For the past 35 years or so I have seen amazing changes in the improvements of different types of wheelchairs and wheelchair seating systems. Until I was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2008, I never realized how many amazing medical companies there are right here in Washington State. Although I usually learn about wheelchairs and medical equipment through other wheelchair users, recently I had the opportunity to meet and learn more about some of the different medical companies like VARILITE that provides products to wheelchair users. This year I purchased a brand new TiLite wheelchair and was just sitting on the generic foam seat cushion that came with the wheelchair. I have always used standard foam cushions that come with the wheelchairs I have had, but after learning more about VARILITE products I discovered a cushion called the Reflex™. I am so glad I did because compared to standard foam cushions; I had no idea what I was missing out on.

Throughout my life I have always loved wheelchair sports such as tennis, sailing, and handcycling. Besides enjoying recreational activities that get me out in the great outdoors of the Northwest, I work 40 plus hours a week. I have worked all of my adult life, but since becoming Ms. Wheelchair Washington my schedule has become very hectic due to speaking engagements, disability events, and traveling. I am lucky that that I have good circulation and sensation in my lower extremities, so I don’t have to worry about issues like skin breakdown, but being in my wheelchair for hours on end, I still get uncomfortable and have pain in my lower back. Some of the biggest changes I have noticed since I started using the Reflex cushion is that it has reduced my lower back pain, my posture has significantly improved and overall I am very pleased with an effective seating support that far exceeds a generic foam cushion. I have received feedback from other people who see me regularly and they notice my posture has improved and I appear to be sitting taller. I also love the added feature that the Reflex cushion provides after I transfer off it, it reinflates itself! It feels like I am sitting on a new cushion every time I transfer back into my wheelchair. The benefits of so much support and comfort greatly improve my overall feelings of heath and wellness - WITHOUT having to depend on muscle relaxers or pain meds!!

~Meg Paulsen has Spina Bifida and is Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2008.