Radiography positioning aids are simple supports, such as sponges, wedges, sandbags, bolsters, cushions and immobilization devices, that hold a body part in place, make a position repeatable from one exposure to the next, and in some cases support the image receptor. They are tools for patient care and positioning. They do not replace radiographer judgment, clear communication, appropriate technique or local protocol, and they do not automatically improve every image.
The published guidance on these aids comes from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), from manufacturer catalogs, and from a procurement catalog for cushions. All of it concerns human radiography. Veterinary imaging is not addressed directly, so this article explains the tools in general and what they are meant to do, not how a veterinary team should use them on a dog or cat.
What counts as a positioning aid?
The ASRT 2017 radiography curriculum names sponges, sandbags and immobilization devices as positioning aids. Its examples of immobilization devices include tape, Velcro straps and the Pigg-O-Stat. A manufacturer catalog from AADCO shows the wider range in everyday use, from X-ray positioning sets and torso blocks to pediatric immobilizers and specialized supports. The table below groups the common types by the purpose their makers and educators state for them.
| Aid type | Examples named in the sources | Stated purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sponges and foam positioners | Sponges (ASRT 2017 curriculum); standard Polyfoam positioners (AADCO) | Hold an anatomic area in the intended position |
| Wedges, bolsters and torso blocks | AADCO catalog | Support and angle a body region |
| Sandbags | ASRT 2017 curriculum; AADCO sandbag sets | Add gentle weight to hold a position |
| Positioning cushions | Multi-shape cushions in the MSF Unicat catalog | Support the patient and help support the cassette; aid immobilization |
| Immobilization devices | Tape, Velcro straps, Pigg-O-Stat (ASRT 2017 curriculum); pediatric immobilizers (AADCO) | Limit movement during the exposure, only where appropriate |
Why they are used
The main purpose is consistency. A support that holds the same angle and height each time makes it easier to reproduce a view and to judge whether a repeat is needed. Cushions also help keep the patient comfortable enough to stay still.
#1 Best Overall
- 2" Rectangle - Closed Cell 12" x 10" x 2" (CCGF)
- Closed Cell Sponges are made from a lightweight, radiolucent, non-porous foam. These comfortable positioning sponges are easy to clean and extremely durable. Featured in a non-coated, charcoal grey color. Radiolucent for artifact free imaging. Closed Cell crosslink polyethylene foam has a firm feel and a high tensile and tear strength.
- X-Ray Positioning Sponges & radiology positioners provide patient support during x-rays & procedures. Patients can comfortably remain in required position, reducing costly downtime for repositioning. Proper patient positioning is a critical component during medical, diagnostic & surgical care. Ideal for use in hospital, veterinary, clinical & medical school settings. Xray positioners aid xray techs, rad techs & medical staff in properly positioning patients, focusing on comfort & efficiency.
- Colortrieve Clinic imaging sponge sets feature the most commonly requested clinical xray & general patient positioners in convenient to order sets. These imaging positioners are essential tools for radiologic technologists & x-ray techs to ensure patient comfort & quality xray images. STORAGE: Store sponges in a clean dry area when not in use.
- Positioning products are not returnable if their original sealed packaging has been opened. Proudly made in the USA and distributed by a Veteran Owned Small Business.
MSF describes its cushions as reducing the need for movement-related repeat imaging. That is a stated purpose, not a measured result. No named statistic on the effect of positioning aids was found in the sources, and no study in them compares repeat rates with and without these tools.
Materials that affect the image
A support that sits in the beam can appear on the image, so material choice matters as much as shape.
Rank #2
- Adult Finger Block - Closed Cell 5" x 5" x 3"
- Closed Cell Ultra Foam - Firm closed-cell foam. Certain parts may require gluing to obtain complex dimensions. Ultrafoam that have a height higher than 3" or complex dimensions will have glue seam/joints that may attenuate.
- Finger Blocks assist in right or left hand imaging.
- Adult Finger Block positioning sponges assist in right or left oblique or lateral hand imaging. For General Positioning & imaging use. Medical positioners provide support to the patient during x-rays & procedures. Patients can comfortably remain in the required position, reducing costly downtime for repositioning.
- Positioning products are not returnable if their original sealed packaging has been opened. Proudly made in the USA and distributed by a Veteran Owned Small Business.
Radiolucency and artifact risk
AADCO describes its standard Polyfoam and nylon-covered positioners as functionally radiolucent. Its Armor-Guard coated products are different: vertical edges can cast slight shadows when aligned at 90 degrees to the beam, so AADCO recommends keeping those edges outside the area of interest. Its vinyl-upholstered supports are described as intended for non-radiographic use, because the seams are not artifact-free. These are manufacturer descriptions, so check the current specifications for any product before use.
Cleanability
MSF specifies an impervious surface that is easy to clean and gives surface disinfection instructions for its cushions. Follow the manufacturer’s label and your facility’s infection-control procedure for the exact product, because cleaning agents and methods vary.
Rank #3
- CCK2 General Kit 2 - (5) Closed Cell Sponges - CCBD (1) - Large 45° Spinal Body Wedge 21"Lx7"Wx7"H; CCAA (1) - Finger Block 5"x5"x3"; CCAK (1) - Circular Head Block 7" Diameter x 1-1/2"H; CCBI (1) - 15° Wedges (Set of 2) 11"Lx7"Wx3"H
- Closed Cell Sponges are made from a lightweight, radiolucent, non-porous foam. These comfortable positioning sponges are easy to clean and extremely durable. Featured in a non-coated, charcoal grey color. Radiolucent for artifact free imaging. Closed Cell crosslink polyethylene foam has a firm feel and a high tensile and tear strength.
- X-Ray Positioning Sponges & radiology positioners provide patient support during x-rays & procedures. Patients can comfortably remain in required position, reducing costly downtime for repositioning. Proper patient positioning is a critical component during medical, diagnostic & surgical care. Ideal for use in hospital, veterinary, clinical & medical school settings. Xray positioners aid xray techs, rad techs & medical staff in properly positioning patients, focusing on comfort & efficiency.
- Colortrieve Clinic imaging sponge sets feature the most commonly requested clinical xray & general patient positioners in convenient to order sets. These imaging positioners are essential tools for radiologic technologists & x-ray techs to ensure patient comfort & quality xray images. STORAGE: Store sponges in a clean dry area when not in use.
- Positioning products are not returnable if their original sealed packaging has been opened. Proudly made in the USA and distributed by a Veteran Owned Small Business.
Shape, size and comfort
MSF recommends several cushion shapes and specifies a minimum set of four. Its dimensions are procurement guidance, not a universal clinical standard. ASRT’s practice standard frames positioning around the anatomic area of interest and says it should respect patient ability and comfort. The wording is ASRT’s standard, not the words of any individual.
How to choose an aid
The sources list the factors to weigh but do not provide a projection-by-projection decision table. A reasonable order of checks is:
Rank #4
- NSGP General Kit P - (5) Coated Sponges - NCAA (1) - Adult Oblique Finger Block 10-1/2"x6"x3"; NCAK (1) - 7" Circular Head Block with 9" base; NCBD (1) - 45° Spinal Wedge 27-3/4"x10"x7"; NCBI (1) - 15° Wedges (Set of 2) 10"x12-1/2"x3"
- Coated Sponges feature a medical grade, fluid-resistant black coated surface that is easy to clean. Coated surface does not easily peel off or tear. These sponges are radiolucent & have minimal shadowing with low attenuation. N-Visi-Ray heavy duty sponges feature a flared angle that significantly reduces artifacts during x-ray imaging. The flared sides increase the overall size of a standard non-flared sponge but does not affect imaging or positioning. USA Made
- X-Ray Positioning Sponges & radiology positioners provide patient support during x-rays & procedures. Patients can comfortably remain in required position, reducing costly downtime for repositioning. Proper patient positioning is a critical component during medical, diagnostic & surgical care. Ideal for use in hospital, veterinary, clinical & medical school settings. Xray positioners aid xray techs, rad techs & medical staff in properly positioning patients, focusing on comfort & efficiency.
- Colortrieve Clinic imaging sponge sets feature the most commonly requested clinical xray & general patient positioners in convenient to order sets. These imaging positioners are essential tools for radiologic technologists & x-ray techs to ensure patient comfort & quality xray images. STORAGE: Store sponges in a clean dry area when not in use.
- Positioning products are not returnable if their original sealed packaging has been opened. Proudly made in the USA and distributed by a Veteran Owned Small Business.
- Confirm the examination, the beam direction and the imaging modality.
- Check where every edge and seam will sit relative to the beam, and keep coated edges out of the area of interest.
- Choose a shape and size that match the body area being supported.
- Consider the patient’s abilities and comfort, and whether they can hold the position.
- Decide whether immobilization is needed, following professional judgment and local policy.
- Confirm how the item is cleaned and disinfected before it is reused.
What to ask when your pet is imaged
Positioning and restraint decisions belong to the veterinary team. A pet owner’s role is to ask informed questions before the appointment:
- Whether the team uses positioning aids or hand-held restraint for this exam, and why.
- Whether sedation or anesthesia is planned, and who decides.
- What happens if the first images are not in the right position, including whether a repeat is likely.
- How the equipment is cleaned between patients.
Do not try to position or restrain a pet at home for imaging.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchQuick Recap
Best Value
- 3" Rectangle - Coated Top: 18" x 14"/ Bottom: 20-1/2" x 15-1/4" (N-Visi-Ray) (NCBN)
- Coated Sponges feature a medical grade, fluid-resistant black coated surface that is easy to clean. Coated surface does not easily peel off or tear. These sponges are radiolucent & have minimal shadowing with low attenuation. N-Visi-Ray heavy duty sponges feature a flared angle that significantly reduces artifacts during x-ray imaging. The flared sides increase the overall size of a standard non-flared sponge but does not affect imaging or positioning. USA Made
- X-Ray Positioning Sponges & radiology positioners provide patient support during x-rays & procedures. Patients can comfortably remain in required position, reducing costly downtime for repositioning. Proper patient positioning is a critical component during medical, diagnostic & surgical care. Ideal for use in hospital, veterinary, clinical & medical school settings. Xray positioners aid xray techs, rad techs & medical staff in properly positioning patients, focusing on comfort & efficiency.
- Colortrieve Clinic imaging sponge sets feature the most commonly requested clinical xray & general patient positioners in convenient to order sets. These imaging positioners are essential tools for radiologic technologists & x-ray techs to ensure patient comfort & quality xray images. STORAGE: Store sponges in a clean dry area when not in use.
- Positioning products are not returnable if their original sealed packaging has been opened. Proudly made in the USA and distributed by a Veteran Owned Small Business.
What the evidence does and does not show
- The sources establish intended uses, material properties and cleaning requirements for these products.
- They do not measure a clinical reduction in repeat imaging, and they do not establish that every aid improves image quality.
- They do not provide a validated comparison of products or a universal protocol for choosing a device.
- Product descriptions come from manufacturers and a procurement catalog, reviewed in October 2026. Specifications, availability and prices change, so confirm them with the supplier.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
