Each week at Active Mobility Center, the staff presents on products and services to ensure staff properly educated. This week Robert Bowman and Carey Britton provided a joint presentation on Molded Seating Systems. Molded Seating Systems are very specialized seating where an impression is taken of the patient, and where a seat and back is created that matches this shape. Molded Seating is expensive, custom, and is not for everyone.
We consider Molded Seating when a patient has asymmetrical postures that cannot be supported by off the shelf, planar seating or modular seating. These patients are seen by a physician and ruled out for a TLSO (body brace) and where less supportive seating will not support and protect the patients posture from further decline/deformity.
There are many factors to consider when deciding on molded seating. After determining that other seating will not accommodate the patients posture; we need to determine the environment the equipment will be used, who the caregivers are, and if there will be any foreseen changes in condition. For children and individuals who change weight/size, there is concern for molded seating to be outgrown. Additionally if there are multiple caregivers, there is concern that the patient will placed in the seating the same way each time; failure to sit in contours properly can increase pressure, or cause postural issues.
There are several types and brands of molded seating. The most common is Silhouette, Pindot, OBSS, and Ride Designs. Each has its benefits, and after a thorough evaluation, each can be considered to best meet the goals and needs of the patient.
Molded Seating traditionally was covered in vinyl, however over the years several options and foam densities are now available. Gel, Air and Visco Foam Inserts and overlays can be used to help with pressure, posture and positioning.
Prior to molding a patient, a clinician should be involved to determine the limitations and range in anatomy to determine the best position for the patient for siting, posture, stability and function.
Please contact Carey J. Britton, seating specialist for Active Mobility Center for any questions or information on Molded Seating or seating/positioning needs. He can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .
Creating a chair that molds to the patient is most interesting -- especially when for the most part people do not sit it good alignment and we are constantly working to change muscle memory to bring about the capability of good sitting. It seems this would only be recommended for people who are permanently deformed without a chance of change.
ReplyDelete