Bariatric Wheelchair Seat Width
Seat Width
Having the right seat width is necessary to wheelchair users who spend longer durations in their chairs. Too narrow a seat will trigger 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 propel themselves or maneuver in small areas.
To determine the appropriate seat width a person would sit on a chair usually and have their measurement taken across their lap at the best point which is normally their hips. A wheelchair determining tape can be utilized to determine this, but a lawn stick is preferred as it avoids people from wrapping the tape around their hips which would provide an unreliable outcome.
The basic wheelchair seat width is 16" (narrow grownup), 18" (standard adult), and 20" (broad adult). For bariatric clients, a 24" seat is offered. This sturdy extra wide bariatric wheelchair from Medline features 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 included 2" to the measurement taken at the user's largest point (usually their hips). This was suggested to accommodate additional layers of clothing that might be worn throughout winter. Nevertheless, this practice is becoming less typical as wheelchair users have the ability to spend more time indoors and are not wearing long coats. This makes the seat depth of a chair lesser when picking a bariatric wheelchair. However, it is still essential to pick a choice that uses adequate assistance for bigger users.
The Medline folding extra wide bariatric manual wheelchair features a comfy 24" seat width and a durable slide tube silver vein frame. It also has an adjustable axle and tool-free elevating legrests.
Seat Height
When it concerns determining the right wheelchair seat width you should always measure from the user's widest point which is normally their hips. You will also need to consider 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 should just be run on level surfaces with the wheel locks completely engaged. This is to prevent the chair from being able to move slopes that are 10 degrees or higher. It is also crucial to keep in mind that any activity that may move the center of gravity in the chair must be finished with care. This includes grabbing products that require the person to lean out of their seat or trying to stand up from it.
Whenever wheelchair bariatric transit 24 inch have the chair in use it is advised that you routinely examine it for damage and lubricate any locations that are considered required. For example, the casters should be lubed by getting rid of the caster fork and utilizing a multi-purpose grease to apply to the caster stem bearings. Likewise, the foot plates can be adjusted by loosening the bolt and then moving them to the preferred position. This enables the feet to sit comfortably on the footplate and prevents any pressure points from forming. This can be extremely unpleasant for the user and if left ignored, can result in pressure sores.
Weight Capacity
Bariatric wheelchairs are created to support more weight than standard wheelchairs. This makes them tougher and much better equipped to manage falls. They are also generally larger and broader, making them less maneuverable in tight areas than basic wheelchairs. They need automobiles with unique ramps and lifts to pack them, as well as motorists who know how to best 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 guest's requirements. The weight capacity of the chair is typically noted as a static load, indicating that it suggests the quantity of weight the chair can conveniently hold while standing still. However, some makers also list an active load that is based on a drop test and can imitate the result of somebody sitting down in the chair. This may be a more trusted measurement of the weight limit, depending on your requirements.
If you plan to perform activities that shift your center of mass in the seat (such as grabbing things), make sure to have front casters pointed in a forward direction and wheel locks engaged so the chair will not topple. Likewise, check that casters are lubricated regularly to avoid extreme wear and abrasions. The lubrication treatment includes removing the fork, separating the caster from the wheel, and greasing the caster stem bearings with high-quality multi-purpose grease.