Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization
Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization
Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization
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58 I guIdelInes on the provIsIon of manual wheelchaIrs In less resourced settIngs<br />
2.5.1 Seat bases<br />
The two most common types of seat base are sling seats (Fig. 2.7.) and solid seats (Fig. 2.8.). Sling<br />
seats (also known as slung seats) are made of a flexible material such as canvas or vinyl. Solid seats<br />
are not flexible and are often made of wood, metal plate or plastic. The list set out in Box 2.5 provides<br />
recommendations for each seat type.<br />
Box 2.5. Guidelines for seat bases<br />
n Wheelchair seats should have a continuous surface with no breaks that might cut or pinch the user’s skin.<br />
n The angle of the seat, in relation to the horizontal, should be between 0 and 12 degrees (with the front portion of the<br />
seat higher than the rear portion of the seat).<br />
n The seat must be level from side to side.<br />
n A range of seat sizes should be available to fit a range of body sizes.<br />
n Sling seats should be designed with materials that do not stretch over time from the weight of the user.<br />
n Sling seats and solid seats should be used with cushions designed or modified for use on a sling seat and solid seat,<br />
respectively (Fig. 2.9.).<br />
Fig. 2.7. Sling or slung seat Fig. 2.8. Solid seat Fig. 2.9. Seat with detachable cushion<br />
Failure of the wheelchair seat and the cushion is a common problem. Sling seats made of poor<br />
quality or inappropriate materials can quickly stretch, sag and tear. Wheelchair cushions are not<br />
designed to work on such seats made of poor quality or inappropriate materials. This means that<br />
the user ends up sitting on an unstable seat without pressure relief. The result can be that the<br />
user will develop pressure sores or stop using the wheelchair owing to discomfort. Some design<br />
solutions include:<br />
• tension-adjustable sling seats made with straps and stretch-resistant fabric; and<br />
• pressure-relief cushions for wheelchairs with sling seats provided with a contoured bottom<br />
surface to accommodate the curve of the sling.<br />
Many cushions can easily be modified for use on a sling seat by cutting off the lower, outer edge<br />
from front to back on each side to accommodate the seat rail and the curve of the sling.