Bariatric Wheelchair Seat Width
Seat Width
Having the right seat width is necessary to wheelchair users who invest longer periods in their chairs. Too narrow a seat will cause pressure on the hips and thighs which could lead to sores or pressure points. Having too broad a seat can also make it hard for the user to reach the hand rims to move themselves or maneuver in small areas.
To measure the appropriate seat width an individual would rest on a chair generally and have their measurement taken across their lap at the best point which is typically their hips. A wheelchair measuring tape can be utilized to determine this, but a yard stick is preferred as it prevents people from covering the tape around their hips which would offer an unreliable outcome.
The standard wheelchair seat width is 16" (narrow grownup), 18" (basic adult), and 20" (wide adult). For bariatric patients, a 24" seat is readily available. This durable additional broad bariatric wheelchair from Medline includes swing-away footrests, a carbon steel frame with rust- and chip-resistant chrome plating, and easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery. heavy duty bariatric wheelchair has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
Seat Depth
Typically, the seat depth of a bariatric wheelchair was added 2" to the measurement taken at the user's best point (typically their hips). This was implied to accommodate additional layers of clothes that might be worn throughout cold weather condition. However, this practice is ending up being less common as wheelchair users are able to spend more time indoors and are not using long coats. This makes the seat depth of a chair lesser when selecting a bariatric wheelchair. Nevertheless, it is still important to choose an alternative that uses sufficient support for bigger users.
The Medline folding extra wide bariatric manual wheelchair includes a comfy 24" seat width and a durable slide tube silver vein frame. It likewise has an adjustable axle and tool-free elevating legrests.
Seat Height
When it concerns figuring out the appropriate wheelchair seat width you must constantly determine from the user's best point which is generally their hips. You will also need to think about whether the user is going to be wearing a winter coat as this may include 2" to the width required.
When a wheelchair remains in usage it must only be operated on level surface areas with the wheel locks fully engaged. This is to prevent the chair from having the ability to move slopes that are 10 degrees or greater. It is likewise essential to bear in mind that any activity that may move the center of gravity in the chair should be finished with care. This consists of reaching for products that require the person to lean out of their seat or trying to stand up from it.
Whenever you have the chair in use it is recommended that you frequently examine it for damage and lubricate any locations that are deemed essential. For example, the casters ought to be lubricated by getting rid of the caster fork and using a multi-purpose grease to apply to the caster stem bearings. Also, the foot plates can be changed by loosening up the bolt and then moving them to the desired position. This allows the feet to sit comfortably on the footplate and avoids any pressure points from forming. This can be very uncomfortable for the user and if left unattended, can result in press sores.
Weight Capacity
Bariatric wheelchairs are designed to support more weight than standard wheelchairs. This makes them sturdier and much better equipped to deal with falls. They are likewise normally larger and wider, making them less maneuverable in tight areas than basic wheelchairs. They need automobiles with unique ramps and lifts to load them, along with chauffeurs who understand how to finest transport them from one location to the next.
When selecting a wheelchair, consider its weight capacity as it will be the primary determining consider whether it will accommodate your traveler's requirements. The weight capacity of the chair is frequently noted as a static load, indicating that it shows the quantity of weight the chair can comfortably hold while standing still. However, some makers likewise list an active load that is based upon a drop test and can replicate the result of someone taking a seat in the chair. This may be a more reputable measurement of the weight limit, depending upon your requirements.
If you plan to perform activities that shift your center of mass in the seat (such as reaching for items), be sure to have front casters pointed in a forward instructions and wheel locks engaged so the chair will not topple. Likewise, examine that casters are lubed regularly to avoid excessive wear and abrasions. The lubrication treatment includes eliminating the fork, separating the caster from the wheel, and greasing the caster stem bearings with high-quality multi-purpose grease.