Bariatric Wheelchair Seat Width
Seat Width
Having the correct seat width is essential to wheelchair users who spend longer periods in their chairs. Too narrow a seat will trigger pressure on the hips and thighs which might result in sores or pressure points. Having too wide a seat can likewise make it challenging for the user to reach the hand rims to move themselves or maneuver in small areas.
To determine the correct seat width a person would rest on a chair generally and have their measurement taken across their lap at the best point which is normally their hips. A wheelchair determining tape can be used to measure this, but a yard stick is preferred as it avoids individuals from wrapping the tape around their hips which would give an incorrect outcome.
The basic wheelchair seat width is 16" (narrow grownup), 18" (standard grownup), and 20" (wide adult). For bariatric patients, a 24" seat is available. This heavy-duty extra large 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. It 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 (normally their hips). This was meant to accommodate extra layers of clothing that may be worn throughout winter. However, this practice is becoming less common as wheelchair users have the ability to spend more time inside your home and are not using long coats. This makes the seat depth of a chair lesser when picking a bariatric wheelchair. However, bariatric heavy duty transport wheelchair is still crucial to choose a choice that uses sufficient assistance for bigger users.
The Medline folding extra wide bariatric manual wheelchair includes a comfy 24" seat width and a sturdy slide tube silver vein frame. It likewise has an adjustable axle and tool-free raising legrests.
Seat Height
When it comes to determining the correct wheelchair seat width you need to always determine from the user's widest point which is normally their hips. You will also need to think about whether the user is going to be wearing a winter coat as this might add 2" to the width needed.
When a wheelchair remains in usage it must just be operated on level surface areas with the wheel locks completely engaged. This is to avoid the chair from being able to move inclines that are 10 degrees or higher. It is also important to remember that any activity that may move the center of mass in the chair ought to be finished with care. This consists of grabbing products that need the person to lean out of their seat or attempting to stand from it.
Whenever you have the chair in usage it is suggested that you routinely check it for damage and lube any areas that are deemed essential. For example, the casters must be lubed by eliminating the caster fork and using a multi-purpose grease to apply to the caster stem bearings. Likewise, the foot plates can be adjusted by loosening the bolt and after that moving them to the preferred position. This enables the feet to sit easily on the footplate and avoids any pressure points from forming. This can be very uneasy for the user and if left unattended, can cause push sores.
Weight Capacity
Bariatric wheelchairs are developed to support more weight than standard wheelchairs. This makes them sturdier and better equipped to handle falls. They are also usually bigger and larger, making them less maneuverable in tight areas than standard wheelchairs. They require cars with unique ramps and lifts to load them, as well as chauffeurs who know how to finest transport them from one area to the next.
When choosing 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 typically noted as a static load, implying that it indicates the amount of weight the chair can conveniently hold while stalling. Nevertheless, some producers likewise note an active load that is based on a drop test and can simulate the result of somebody sitting down in the chair. This might be a more trusted measurement of the weight limit, depending on your needs.
If you prepare to perform activities that shift your center of mass in the seat (such as reaching for items), make sure to have front casters pointed in a forward direction and wheel locks engaged so the chair will not tip over. Also, inspect that casters are lubed routinely to prevent excessive wear and abrasions. The lubrication treatment involves eliminating the fork, separating the caster from the wheel, and greasing the caster stem bearings with high-quality multi-purpose grease.