New Zealand Owned and Operated. $9 Delivery Fee for New Zealand Orders and Easy Returns
Varilite  |  SKU: VL72420

Varilite Evolution Wheelchair Cushion

The Evolution cushion is designed and constructed for users at high risk of tissue breakdown and who have moderate positioning needs. Individuals with motor and neurological dysfunction due to spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury are the most frequent, though not the only, users of the Evolution cushion. We recommend purchasing a spare cover with all cushion purchases.

Price on application

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

Caregivers in sub-acute and long-term care facilities like the simplicity and tissue integrity management the Evolution cushion offers, particularly for individuals with wound care issues.

It is an air-foam floatation cushion made by bonding open-cell foam to airtight, puncture resistant stretch knit fabric. The airtight seal allows the self-inflating/deflating mechanism to function by the simple turn of the valve. By releasing air, the user becomes immersed in the foam, which increases the surface area supported. The foam provides the user with support and stability, while the air provides excellent pressure distribution.

The Evolution cushion can support up to 340 kg, making it an ideal cushion for the bariatric wheelchair user. Two common accessories used with the Evolution are the modifiable closed-cell foam wedge and the contoured positioning wedge. This can be effective in reducing the seat-to-back angle, and in doing so increase the weight bearing load on the back of the thighs and decrease the load on the buttocks, as well as providing additional positioning. It comes standard with an incontinent cover. The underside of the cover is a rugged non-slip material with Velcro for added security.


We recommend purchasing a spare cover with all cushion purchases. Scroll down to view accessories including spare cover.

Please note some sizes may be only available for purchase and not for trial. Additional sizing not showing in the dropdown box may be also available for purchase on request

Specifications
Cushion Composition Air and foam
Cover Composition Breathable four-way stretch
Contoured Yes
Can accommodate a pelvic obliquity Yes
Can correct a pelvic obliquity No
Can accommodate leg length discrepancy No
Customisable Yes (contouring only)
Total Product Height 80 mm
Able to accommodate a drop seat base No
Adjustable Yes
User Weight Limit Up to 295 kg
Total Product Weight Under 1 kg
Size Range 12'' x 14'', 14'x 14'', 14" x 16", 16" x 16", 16" x 18", 16" x 20", 17" x 17", 18" x 16", 18" x 18", 18" x 20", 20" x 18", 22" x 18", 20" x 20", 22" x 20", 24" x 18", 24" x 20"
Custom Sizes Available No
Warranty 2 years
Spare Covers Available Yes
Incontinent Cover Available Standard
Accessories Available Rigidiser, Wave base, Wedge
Maintenance Required We recommend that the cushion is reinflated on a weekly basis to maintain the integrity of the foam.

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 Evolution Cushion Brochure pdf Varilite Seating Systems Selection Guide.pdf Varilite Adjustable Seating System Instruction Manual Cushion Solutions Chart.pdf

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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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