Skin care and car travel

These considerations for travelling by car are important for the daily commute or long car trips.

Pressure relief: For long car trips, redistribute pressure every 100km or at least every hour. Perform pressure lifts or leans or get out of the vehicle to change the position during the trip.

Cushion: A travel cushion can be used to minimise risk to the skin. Consider the cushion height and clearance from the car roof.

Posture: A different posture may be adopted for stability. The posterior pelvic tilt will increase pressure on the sacrum and coccyx.

Risk of burns: Sources of heat in the car can include:

• the floor of the car
• seats and cushions, including belt buckles that have been in the sun
• heater vents

New or different vehicles: Transferring into a new or different vehicle or even a different side of the car can increase the risk of skin breakdown. It can change the placement of the wheelchair, height and distance of the transfer and unfamiliarity with the set-up and environment such as seat positioning and foot well access.