FAQ - Cashel Tush Cushions

Why would I need to use a tush cushion if my tush does not hurt now?

Even if you are not currently in pain while riding, the impact and jarring generated by riding is causing wear and tear on your spine and hips. Archeologists exploring ancient royal grave sites in China can tell the age of the cavalry officers by how worn down their pelvic bones are! Using your Tush Cushion will help keep you in the saddle years down the road.          

 

 

 

Why do I get such a sore tush while I am riding but the soreness goes away if I get off and walk a few minutes?

When you ride, much of your weight exerts pressure on your hamstring tendons where they attach to the lower part of your pelvis, compressing them between your pelvic bones and the hard saddle and causing a painful impingement.  This pain can often be reduced when you dismount and walk a bit.  Walking restores the circulation and relieves the impingement.

The high quality closed-cell foam (please see Closed-Cell Foam information below) inside your Cashel Tush Cushion seat saver cushions the top of your saddle so that this tendon impingement is reduced, making your ride significantly less painful! In addition, your Tush Cushion will help avoid the bruising that occurs when you first ride after not having ridden for a while.             

 

 

 

Closed-Cell & Open-Cell Foam

What is the difference between open-cell foam and closed-cell foam?

Open-cell foam is absorbent like your kitchen sponge because the spaces or cells are constructed so that water and air can flow through easily. While making great sponges, open-cell foam is ineffective as a cushioning material because it tends to collapse down to nothing when weight is applied. Open-cell foam is often touted because it "breathes" i.e. allows air to pass through easily. Unfortunately, once the air cells have absorbed sweat or have collapsed under pressure, this "breathing" no longer occurs.

Closed-cell foam is constructed so the cells are encapsulated like the cells of a beehive, making it difficult for water or air to pass through easily. Closed-cell foam is a superior material for cushioning as it will compress but not collapse completely. Cashel has used the same unique closed-cell foam (originally designed for the aerospace industry) since 1986. This durable closed-cell foam does not absorb sweat, moisture or bacteria so that it is easy to clean and will not rot or smell if hosed off after use.

 

 

Closed Cell vs. Gel???

Why are Cashel closed-cell foam products better than gel products?

We feel that Cashel closed-cell foam is a better material for cushioning than gel for several reasons:

1) With the constant impact/wear and tear generating in riding, we believe that gel consistency eventually breaks down and becomes more liquid. This would make the gel move away from the point of impact more quickly, thus reducing its ability to cushion. Cashel closed-cell foam maintains its therapeutic cushioning abilities for years. We know of trainers that have used the same Cashel closed-cell foam saddle pad for over ten years without any loss of cushioning benefits.

2) Gel products weigh significantly more than Cashel closed-cell foam products.

3) In that they are filled with a liquid, gel pads absorb and retain heat. Cashel closed-cell foam does not.

4) Gel products cannot be sculpted, beveled, or wedged the way Cashel products can, limiting gel pads' custom therapeutic uses.

5) Gel products are typically significantly more expensive than the same product made out of Cashel closed-cell foam.