Smart Air Cushion

Neoprene Rubber

DuPont developed neoprene (formally known as polychloroprene) in 1931 as a substitute for natural rubber. It has numerous uses today, including everything from gaskets to computer mouse pads to safety gloves…

And a lot of our Wild Ass cushions.

Natural rubber (latex) can cause severe allergies. It’s also subject to degradation, especially when exposed to light, oxygen, heat, and various oils and chemicals. Neoprene works better under all these conditions, and it’s considered a more reliable material overall.

You see neoprene in many seat pads, especially those, like wheelchair cushions, with refillable air cells. Talk about seat cushions that get a lot of use!

Neoprene’s sponginess, flexibility, and durability make it a favorite among those with serious cushioning needs (sciatica, for instance). That’s why neoprene is one option for our refillable air-cell seat cushions—including our very popular Smart – Classic model and others.

Neoprene is only one of the materials you can choose for a Wild Ass motorcycle cushion, though. Let’s look at another: polyurethane.

Polyurethane and Gel

Like neoprene (and rubber), polyurethane is a type of polymer called an “elastomer.” Essentially, this means that it has viscoelasticity ( a combination of viscosity and elasticity).

Does this mean that polyurethane has excellent cushioning qualities? You bet! In fact, polyurethane is so versatile that it’s been called “a superhero of plastics.”

Polyurethane is extremely durable and resists degradation. Like neoprene, it’s a great material for air-cell cushioning, such as that used in many of our Wild Ass motorcycle seat cushions.

However, we don’t stop with just the polyurethane air cells. There’s another layer of silicone-based gel on top of the air cells. This gel adds the following benefits:

• Helps to redistribute pressure
• Diminishes the force of impact
• Moderates skin temperature
• Improves blood flow by enhancing capillary function

Did we say you shouldn’t feel pain from a simple motorcycle ride? Now, you can see what we meant.

Don’t forget, though, that like other elastomers, polyurethane is remarkable in its capabilities and range of uses. That’s why we also use it for our “Lite” cushions, which are both durable and budget-friendly.

Polyurethane

Even without the added gel, if you don’t do a lot of off-road riding or long-distance touring on your bike, polyurethane makes an excellent air-cell cushion. Its durable cell structure resists leaks and other damage and maintains a high comfort level.

Polyester Seat Covers

Last but not least, we should mention that our seat covers are made from fast-drying, machine-washable polyester. You can order a replacement cover from us if the original one wears out or gets damaged.

How the Wild Ass Cushion Does Its Work

The air cells in our different cushion configurations are suited to the type of bike you have and the ways you ride it. Each model has its air cells arranged to accommodate the ride as well as that individual’s anatomy.