Are custom wheelchairs better than regular wheelchairs?

and...to answer your question about a "custom" chair..when Medicare rents one for you, your moms height,weight, and other needs are taken into account. My mom's been in a chair for 15 years, and has never had to pay a penny for it because Medicare covers it. If the 1st chair isn't right, the medical supply store will find another. Medical supply stores will also have air mattresses, and Medicare should cover that as well

Medicare pays for a wheelchair if your mom has a doctor's prescription. A medical store will fit her for the proper chair. YOu actually "rent" the chair (medicare pays for the rental).but, after a year or so, the chair is paid off and it's yours. Medicare will pay for a replacement chair every 5 years or so, and pays for maintainence on the chair(new seat ect) IF you purchase a chair yourself, you will have to pay for all repairs and maintainence. check on line for used chairs, as I am sure the folks that want you to purchase from have marked up the price.Go the medicare route. they pay for it

This is a totally new world for all of us and we want only what is best for my mom. I've never purchased a wheelchair before and didn't even know they came in different sizes. Like I said in my original post my one sister believes that it is a scam run by the nursing home to squeeze the elderly out of their savings and that every month they will come up with something new that she "needs". I just wondered if this was the case or that the wheelchair is a definite need. I am more than happy to purchase a custom wheelchair if she will be more comfortable.
They also mentioned getting a better mattress for the hospital bed I assume this will help her too?

If getting her a wheelchair that fits her behind better, and therefore she wants to actually use it, what's the problem?

do what ever it makes ur mom comfertable , make her happy and spoil her . shes worth it ....