Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins rather than superficial ones. Blood clots can form in your veins when you are inactive for a long period of time – such as during long flights.
Of course, when you’re the one flying the plane, you don’t think of yourself as being inactive. Your mind and much of your body are very active, but your rear end certainly is not! And that’s where the problems begin.
Passengers on airplanes are encouraged to get up and walk the aisles once in a while to keep the blood flowing. Pilots, especially on small planes, just don’t have that luxury. So, as a pilot, you have to find ways to improve blood flow to the legs while strapped in.
Using an AIRHAWK cushion every time you fly is one good defense against DVT because it was specifically developed to maximize blood flow while seated. The AIRHAWK is made of the same material and uses the same engineering as the ROHO cushion that has been used on wheelchairs for decades. The ROHO is the most trusted cushion in the medical community for people who are at the highest risk for pressure sores. Pressure sores are caused by inadequate blood flow over time.
The AIRHAWK, like the ROHO, is built for the extreme. The ROHO was made for people who sit 12+ hours a day, and the AIRHAWK for pilots who may sit up to 8 hours in any given day, who are also getting the bumps of turbulence and the vibrations of the engines. Sitting on an AIRHAWK is the closest thing to sitting on air.
If you ever notice after a flight that one of your legs is swollen, looks a little red or feels warm, this could be the first sign of DVT. Or, you may feel some pain in your calf or thigh when you touch it or stand. Be sure to see your doctor right away, as DVT can be life-threatening.
We think every flight should be a joy, whether short or long, and there’s just no reason not to fly in comfort.
