DPTD 863 - advanced seating & mobility

K1-K3 wheelchair

• non-adjustable

• temporary use

• weighs at least 35 lbs

• “transport chair”

K4 wheelchair

• lightweight high strength

• 30-35 lbs

• increased adjustability

• requires seat width, depth, or height that cannot be accommodated by standard or lightweight chair

K5 wheelchair

• ultralight high strength (<30 lbs)

• rigid (lighter weight, more durable) or folding (easier to transport and store)

• can change seat to a front to improve posture, balance, and positioning in those w poor trunk control (dump)

• allows rear wheel axle to be moved anteriorly (improve maneuverability) or posteriorly (improve stability)

K9 wheelchair

• titanium adjustable chairs

  • higher durability, flexibility, and light weight

• manual tilt in space chairs

  • pt need for propulsion and pressure relief

pros and cons to flat foam cushions

pros

• less expensive

• stable positioning

cons

• requires more frequent replacement

• heat buildup could be risk for pressure injuries

• minimal pressure relief

pros and cons to contoured foam

pros

• easy to use

• inexpensive

• able to maximize contact between patient and cushion surface

cons

• may interfere w transfers

• heat buildup → pressure injuries

pros and cons to fluid cushion

pros

• may leak

cons

• less stable

• may need maintenance to distribute fluid within the seat

pros and cons to air-filled cushion

pros

• lightweight

• adjusts pressure distribution with positional changes

• may have multiple styles such as air cell or air flotation with low or high profiles

cons

• more costly

• may interfere with transfers

• maintenance required

• can puncture

pros and cons to gel cushions

pros

• stable seating with good pelvic control

• molds to butt for more even pressure distribution

• conducts heat away from skin

cons

• more expensive

• heavy

• may leak