New Zealand Owned and Operated. $9 Delivery Fee for New Zealand Orders and Easy Returns
Varilite  |  SKU: VL04280

Varilite Rigidiser

$127.00 INC GST

The Varilite Rigidiser is a solid insert designed to counteract the negative effects of sling upholstery in wheelchairs. It's crafted from durable plywood and can be placed between the cushion and upholstery, or inside the cushion cover, to improve sitting balance and comfort. The Rigidiser addresses issues like internal rotation of the lower extremities, sacral sitting, and posterior pelvic tilt, helping users maintain a more neutral pelvic position and greater spinal extension.

Product is currently out of stock

This product is currently not in stock but is available to pre-order. Once ordered we will contact you with an approximate delivery date. Please call 0800 31 61 81 for more information.

Online Delivery Rates

NZ Retail Purchases
$9 NZD flat fee 

AU Retail Purchases
$30 NZD flat fee

Wholesale Purchases
Shipping will be calculated after your purchase and added to your invoice.

Online Delivery Times

Deliveries placed during the week before 2pm*

New Zealand
Auckland: Usually the next day!
Rest of North Island: 2 days
South Island: Approx 3 - 4 days
Rural deliveries can take 1-2 days in addition to the above

Australia
Approx 10 - 15 days 

*Approximate timeframes given. Please note that for out-of-stock items and orders placed after 2pm or over the weekend, the shipping timeframes above will apply from the day of dispatch from our warehouse.

Click here to view all delivery and shipping information.

Easy Returns

Worried an item might not be right? Return your purchase in as new condition within 14 days and we will happily exchange the item or provide a refund for the cost of the item including the original shipping fee. Click here to view all returns information.

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Funding Information

Click below for information on funding for New Zealanders.

Am I Eligible for Funding?
Self Funding

Description

The Varilite Rigidiser is a specialized plywood insert designed to improve wheelchair seating. It enhances posture and comfort by mitigating the effects of sling upholstery, ensuring better balance and stability.

  • Durable Plywood Construction: Offers robust support and longevity.
  • Versatile Placement: Can be placed between the cushion and upholstery or inside the cushion cover for maximum effectiveness.
  • Improved Posture and Comfort: Helps in correcting internal rotation of lower extremities, reducing sacral sitting, and countering posterior pelvic tilt.
  • Promotes Neutral Pelvic Position: Aids in maintaining a more balanced pelvic alignment, contributing to overall spinal health.
  • Enhances Wheelchair Stability: Provides a firmer base, improving the overall functionality of the wheelchair.

Specifications
Size Range 14" x 20", 16" x 16", 16" x 18", 18" x 18", 20"
Composition 1~4" Plywood
Removable to allow chair to fold Yes
Maintenance Required None

FAQ's

How will I know which wheelchair cushion or backrest is right for me and my needs?

Occupational Therapists will help you decide what is required from these products; and can also source these items. There is a vast array of different products and brands in New Zealand, with each product having different pros and cons. Registered professionals are able to guide clients through their options and help short-list the appropriate products.

When selecting a wheelchair cushion and/or backrest for a family member the following factors need to be considered:

  • Does the user have a history of pressure areas or sores?
  • How long will the user be sitting in the wheelchair for each day?
  • Are there any incontinence issues?
  • Does the user have any significant postural challenges e.g. slumps to one side?

Cushions offer benefits such as comfort, pressure relief and can contribute to optimum positioning.  Cushions can be manufactured from a range of different materials; where some require more maintenance than others. 

Can I trial different backrests and wheelchair cushions?

Yes; these items can be trialed, provided there is a request from a therapist. The trial process is very important to determine whether the selected product is suitable. Generally, the trial time frames are two weeks and therapists will set the product up to meet your needs. Adjustments can be made to ensure comfort throughout the trial.

How do I wash my cushion or back cover?

Please refer to the manufacturer specific washing instructions. Each cover has washing instructions within the product manual, so we recommend you read this.

  • For Ottobock covers, turn the cover inside out, zip closed, and wash in warm water in a regular machine cycle. Regular detergent is OK, please do not use bleach. Air dry flat
  • For Varilite covers, turn the cover inside out, zip closed, and wash in warm water in a regular machine cycle. Regular detergent is OK, please do not use bleach. Air dry flat
  • For Ride Design covers, turn the cover inside out, zip closed, and wash in warm water in a regular machine cycle. Regular detergent is OK, please do not use bleach. Air dry flat
  • For Axiom covers, turn the cover inside out, zip closed, and wash in warm water. Regular detergent is OK, please do not use bleach. Air dry flat.
  • For ADI covers, hand wash the foam pad cover with mild, soapy water or detergent and let dry.
  • It is not recommend that any covers go into the tumble dryer.

Can I sit on the wheelchair cushion without its cover on it, while the cover is being washed?

The cover is an important part of the cushion and the two parts are designed to work as a team. It is not recommended to use the cushion without the cover.

How long will a cushion or backrest last?

Wheelchair cushions and backrests are designed to last for at least five years. Appropriate care and maintenance are very important for ensuring longevity and reliability of the cushion.

How do I adjust a Varilite cushion to contour to me?

With the cushion fully inflated and valve closed, transfer onto the cushion and open the valve by turning counter clockwise. Listen for a change in pitch and close the valve.

Are wheelchair backs easily removable so that I can fold up my wheelchair and take it in the car?

Yes. There is a large array of styles and brands of wheelchair, and backrests have different types of mounting brackets. Most of these simply unclip and allow the backrest to be pulled off, it simply slots back into place and is then secured using the clips once assembly is required again.

What is a wheelchair seat rigidiser and why is it used?

A seat rigidiser provides a firm foundation under the wheelchair cushion, enhancing stability and posture support.

Can a seat rigidiser be used with any type of wheelchair cushion?

Most rigidisers are compatible with various cushion types, but compatibility should be checked for each specific model.

How does a seat rigidiser affect the overall comfort of a wheelchair?

It evenly distributes pressure, reducing discomfort and the risk of sores, while improving seating alignment.

Need more advice or help?

Our team of Technical Product Specialists are available to help with the selection of the correct product and troubleshooting.

Our Customer Care Team is available from 8.00am to 5.00pm every weekday.

Phone: 0800 31 61 81.

 

Resources
Varilite Rigidizer Brochure
Popular Downloads

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Feedback about Allied Medical

Allied Medical went above and beyond to ensure my order was ready to go, within very short notice. It was a full team effort, with some members demonstrating the products and others assembling the products for me. Thank you Allied Medical!

Karen Jack

CBM-NZ

Great customer service. Quotes are sent out quickly. Great products :-). Kelly and Katrina know me well enough and don't hassle me about my lengthy trials. Tim is an amazing tech and makes really good rapport with clients.

Tess Wallis

Wheelchair & Seating Therapist

Excellent - got everything sorted with one phone call that was answered quickly and by a real person.  Much appreciated.

Donna O'Sullivan

Occupational Therapist

Very informative, helpful and speedy.

Karen Loo

Good customer service and a polite manner. Quote was received within 30mins . Great work.

Vince Headifen

Best customer service from Grant Heatherington & Angela Henderson. Thank you Team.

Chris Giles

I completed a wheelchair trail with Chris. He's easy to communicate with, quick to respond to calls and emails. He was knowledgeable about products, able to complete alterations on site, empathetic & engaging. Fantastic service.

Alex Thorpe

Occupational Therapist

Very thrilled with the service and also the prompt delivery of the item I purchased. I would highly recommend this company.

Doreen and Alec Olsen

Online Customer

Jill was fantastic with my client and her mum. She gave us good information and suggestions for moving forwards.

Lucie Hartfield

Occupational Therapist

Very quick to reply to my questions.

Diane Taylor

Online Customer

Thank you for your prompt delivery. Very satisfied with the item I ordered. 

Marj Jones

Online Customer

Great service and prompt replies from Kat to emails. Love working with the team.

Briar Day

Occupational Therapist

Went above and beyond when an item I required was not available. 

Fiona Cook

How can we help you?

0800 31 61 81

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