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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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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