In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Male pelvic pain, prostatitis, IC
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webslave
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In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by webslave »

Guys, let's talk about something we all do a lot, and that's sitting on our bums. This is a HUGE problem for many of you, I know. I've been recommending a cutout style cushion sold by another site, but I have heard reports that they eventually get too soft, like all polyurethane foam products.

So I started thinking .. wouldn't a better solution be to buy a high quality latex or Tempurpedic (Tempur-pedic?) cushion and modify it to make a cut out? They are initially more expensive to buy, but they last longer and are much more comfortable. And after all, we do sit so much, most of us, so why not make it a pleasant experience? Even I wish to get a good cushion, not because of pelvic pain (mine has gone) but because my office chair's foam is starting to lose its "spring".

What solutions have you found and what would you suggest?

Here's one good option from Amazon, AliMed's Latex Wheelchair Cushion (16"x16"x3") US$67.86
Image

(Note: you can also get the above cushion in 4' thick latex for a few more dollars)

You'd have to remove the cushion cover and cut out a section for the perineum, as in pic below:

Image

5 minutes with a sharp knife and you're done.

I have a new latex mattress and I am very, very happy with it. It basically solved my back and sciatica problems, and I really can't speak highly enough of latex generally, at least the latex I have (extra firm natural latex). My experience with the memory foam products has not been as good. They compact as you sit on them and seem to go hard. Anyone else?
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webslave
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by webslave »

Here's another latex cushion from Amazon, this one cheaper and 2" or 4" thick:
Duro-Med Nylon Oxford Covered Latex Wheelchair Cushion, Black ~(On sale for $38 at the moment!)

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Jay
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by Jay »

To be honest with you, Mark, I still find a donut cushion satisfactory for my sitting needs! It's made of a very firm foam. However, the opening in the center is shaped more like a long oval than a perfect circle. This makes it so that I can suspend both my perineum and my tailbone without having to contort myself into a certain position.

I bought it from the drug store, so I'm afraid that I don't remember the name, but I'll try to find out. It may be Wal-Greens brand.

Prior to this donut, I tried an inflatable one that did not work nearly as well for me. The firmness of this new donut seems to help a lot more. I do still use the inflatable for the tub, though (PT said to not sit on the hard tub while bathing). :smile:
I am not a physician. This is not medical advice. Consult your doctor!

Age: 26 Onset Age: 17 Symptoms: Shooting, nerve-like pains throughout the penis, which abruptly hit and leave. Testicular pain, perineum pain, burning/irritative urination, extended pain after ejaculation. Occasionally, some allodynia or ache in the coccyx/sacrum/thigh/buttocks/legs. Diagnosis: Pelvic floor dysfunction, degenerated lumbar disk, and mildly herniated lumbar disk. Helped By: Physical therapy, pain management doctor, hot baths, therapy pool, stretching regimen, breathing exercises, relaxation, distraction. Worsened By: Arousal/ejaculation (worst), constipation, panicking/obsessing, other triggers depend upon current symptoms. Tests/Prior Treatments: Too many antibiotics to count, multiple urine tests (all normal), testicular ultrasound (normal), bladder and renal ultrasound (normal), lumbar and pelvic MRI with and w/o contrast (revealed disk problems), Elavil 25mg (caused retention), Flomax 0.4mg.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

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How long have you had it, Jay? The normal foam ones start out ok, but they'll only give you a few years life, at best. Latex will be resilient for up to 20 years.
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elitynski
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by elitynski »

It seems like these cushions would be beneficial for those without pelvic problems as well - it could be a way of promoting Pelvic Health.
Age: 49 | Onset Age: 43 | Symptoms: Some overactive bladder symptoms | Helped By: Hot Baths, relaxation, a little valium, exercise / weight loss | Worsened By: stress, possibly diet, possibly...(fill in the blank)
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by JoVoChicago »

Is this Latex Cushion any good?
Webslave?
Anyone?
I need something - I'm tired of standing for every meal and while I'm painting and sculpting.
I have a Gallery Exhibit coming up.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OZAZ7O
Thanks
Joseph
Age:46 | Onset Age:42 (first occurence Age 17). | Symptoms: A belt of pain that wraps around my waist radiating down my groin & into testicles. Also: Radiating from hips down thighs, Urinary urgency even after voiding, lightning bolts of pain that shoot through my rectum, penis & perineum, muscle spasms in my bottocks, fear of sexual arousal or erection. | Helped By: Hot Water Therapy, RSA Breathing, Pacing more than sitting, Avoiding Negative People, Painting & Writing, Painkillers. | Worsened By: Wearing Pants, Anger, Panic, Depression, Stress, Vigorous Sex, Prolonged Sitting, Constipation, Abrupt Movements, Lifting/Carrying anything more than a Gallon of Milk, Forgetting to do the above things I'm helped by. *Ejaculation is a Mixed bag: It definitely relieves pressure & pain in my Abdomen (as well as a good emotional release) - But, causes bigtime burning in my penis & perineum for 10-45 minutes after.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by webslave »

Yes, it's a recommended cushion.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by Dimdem »

I bought one of that brand from Amazon just the other day, in 3" foam. It was a little less, actually. I wouldn't go less than 3", because the latex foam really compacts down when you sit on it. It is easy to cut the middle out, because there are holes that go through the foam on about a 1" grid. Expect it to be a messy, job, though, producing lots of little bits of foam that stick to everything.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FZXHEQ Here is what I got. It was actually a couple of bucks cheaper last week, but it is still under $30.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by mbaker »

The best cushion I've found for managing this is from Oregon Aero (www.oregonaero.com). These are special pads made for airline and military pilots. A little pricey, but very comfortable.

--mb
Age: 45; Onset: Jan 2007; Initial | Symptoms: perineal, pubic, penile, right testicle pain, pain while sitting; Current | Symptoms: 95% better; very seldom do I have pain now; caffeine was the culprit; Helps: No caffeine (even decaf), Red tea, Getting exercise, Pure Encapsulations Nutrient 950 multi-vitamin; Hurts: Caffeine, sometimes when my l5s1 back issue acts up.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

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mbaker wrote:The best cushion I've found for managing this is from Oregon Aero (http://www.oregonaero.com). These are special pads made for airline and military pilots. A little pricey, but very comfortable.
Those cushions are made of memory foam (aka visco-elastic foam). I had one (made by Tempur-pedic aka Tempurpedic) but quit using it as it tended to become hard after a long session of sitting. Latex really is the most comfortable.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by JoVoChicago »

I'm sitting at my computer right now - in my office - on my chair!
Woo hoo...
It's been a long time.
I've been using a laptop propped on pillows half lying/half sitting on a recliner for the past 2 years.
I bought the 4 inch thick Latex cushion.
Measured it.
Marked it with a ruler - and took a butcher knife to the cushion inside the cover.
...about 10 minutes later - I'm able to sit at my desk again.
I had just finished remodeling my office - literally - weeks before I had to stop sitting at my office chair/desk - so it was an extra drag.
I've bought so many different kinds of things to sit on - nothing worked for more than 5-10 minutes - but this does.
It does make you sit considerably higher - and I reccomend something for you to put your feet on.
But - yes - latex is the way to go.
Take care...
Joseph
Age:46 | Onset Age:42 (first occurence Age 17). | Symptoms: A belt of pain that wraps around my waist radiating down my groin & into testicles. Also: Radiating from hips down thighs, Urinary urgency even after voiding, lightning bolts of pain that shoot through my rectum, penis & perineum, muscle spasms in my bottocks, fear of sexual arousal or erection. | Helped By: Hot Water Therapy, RSA Breathing, Pacing more than sitting, Avoiding Negative People, Painting & Writing, Painkillers. | Worsened By: Wearing Pants, Anger, Panic, Depression, Stress, Vigorous Sex, Prolonged Sitting, Constipation, Abrupt Movements, Lifting/Carrying anything more than a Gallon of Milk, Forgetting to do the above things I'm helped by. *Ejaculation is a Mixed bag: It definitely relieves pressure & pain in my Abdomen (as well as a good emotional release) - But, causes bigtime burning in my penis & perineum for 10-45 minutes after.
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carld
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by carld »

my thera seat on a wood chair works great...I have had it for two years or more I think... :-D
I am not a medical doctor. Please fill out your signature (click here) ☼ ☼ My Starter List for new members
I encourage anxiety prone UCPPS people to consider L-Theanine
Age, 44 onset age 37 Feb 2006 Freq. need to urinate. Sensation of having to urinate soon after going. Perineum discomfort/burning/tightness, pubic area discomfort @ times,poor urine stream, post urine dripping/spray. All symptoms have improved with my protocol. At the worst I give it a 1 to 2 on irritation and discomfort and frequency. Helps: Elavil 5mg for anxiety and mast cell protection, (will only take it as needed) self internal PT as needed, stretching, walking, stairmaster cardio workout and light weights, reducing stress, moment to moment relaxation, deep breathing relaxation and using a Theracane. Makes worse: sitting for long periods, stress, over focusing on it. Currently 95%-98% recovered. Stay positive, relaxed and control your anxiety.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by webslave »

What I don't like about the Thera-Seat is that they say at their website:
5. What is Thera-Seat made of?
Thera-Seat is made of a secret-formula foam.
I don't like that sort of BS. Tell me what the goddamn item is made of, already! If you won't, I'll know you are simply hiding the type of foam because I can buy it cheaper than $89.99 when it hasn't got a fancy name like "Thera-Seat".

:evil:
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carld
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by carld »

Ya the price is too high for sure...they key for these foams though is that they are placed on a hard surface I think...You get the best separation for your perineum...
I am not a medical doctor. Please fill out your signature (click here) ☼ ☼ My Starter List for new members
I encourage anxiety prone UCPPS people to consider L-Theanine
Age, 44 onset age 37 Feb 2006 Freq. need to urinate. Sensation of having to urinate soon after going. Perineum discomfort/burning/tightness, pubic area discomfort @ times,poor urine stream, post urine dripping/spray. All symptoms have improved with my protocol. At the worst I give it a 1 to 2 on irritation and discomfort and frequency. Helps: Elavil 5mg for anxiety and mast cell protection, (will only take it as needed) self internal PT as needed, stretching, walking, stairmaster cardio workout and light weights, reducing stress, moment to moment relaxation, deep breathing relaxation and using a Theracane. Makes worse: sitting for long periods, stress, over focusing on it. Currently 95%-98% recovered. Stay positive, relaxed and control your anxiety.
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Re: In quest of the perfect CPPS-friendly cushion

Post by 9999maverick88 »

I have a question about the cutout - is it just supposed to be big enough for your perineum or is it supposed to be big enough so your testicles sort of fall into it? Like, approximately what are the dimensions of the hole you cut?