Cushions, also called slip covers, are a special type of cushion designed to protect the body from injury. A cushion is basically a small bag of some sort, typically filled with fiber, pliable wool, feathers, polyester, foam, or synthetic fiber, or paper shredded into small pieces. It can be used to soften the hardness or sharpness of an object, or to disperse the weight or angularity of an individual chair or sofa. They are intended to be used on furniture that will be subject to heavy or repeated abuse, such as tables, couches, chairs, and so on. Garden chairs that are placed next to flower beds should have cushions on them at all times.

Materials are almost as diverse as their use. There are both cushions made of cloth and cork, and fabric cushions and plastic cushions. Most are typically treated with chemicals in order to prevent mildew, but some are treated more frequently with enzymes or plastics to prevent welting. Chemical treatment is most commonly used to make fabric cushions resistant to water, stains, and rough treatment.

Cushioning featured on choicemart.co.uk is used in many circumstances, and it's commonly used as a synonym for cover or a slip cover. It has come a long way since its first appearance in the 14th century. The term cushion originally referred only to pieces of padding found in armor, and today it generally refers to any type of soft padding used to soften an object so that it may be placed properly, such as in a foot rest, beneath a table, on a sofa, or any other soft surface. A soft cushion will not only soften an object but will prevent that object from moving or from absorbing the impact of everyday use.

Cushions usually have two parts, a thick (or non-thick) cushion covered in soft material and a thinner, movable (or thick) cushion attached at the top and bottom. The most common cushion type was created in the Middle Ages by monks and priests who wanted to soften their seats for meditation and prayer. At that time, the movable type of cushion was attached at the top and bottom, allowing the person to gently slide between cushion and couch, which helped relieve pressure and tension.

Modern day cushions differ largely from their earlier counterparts. In the early Middle Ages, a common material for cushions was wool, which is easier to clean and was warmer. As time progressed, cloth became the material of choice because of its ability to provide better support. Furniture makers also realized the advantage of offering a wider array of colors and designs when creating furniture. Although the benefits of using a soft seat cushion are important, they aren't the only reason people choose them over other materials.

Many modern cushions are made with a combination of cotton, foam and polyester. These substances all create a comfortable and breathable barrier between the body and the cushion, which allow the body to more evenly distribute heat. A combination of polyester and foam in a pillow or a pad can create a softer barrier and a more supportive core. A good example of this is the memory foam pad on the popular Sealy post-bed mattress. Most modern cushions are a combination of materials that make them suitable for use in a wide variety of environments and as a result, there are many different styles, colors and designs available to suit the preferences of everyone.

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