The back upholstery you choose for your wheelchair and how it works is just as important as the rest of the chair’s design. The back frame type of your wheelchair is crucial, and the cloth you select impacts both back support and comfort.
Wheelchair Back Upholstery With Tension Adjustment
Some wheelchair backs have fabric-covered horizontal hook-and-loop bands. The back upholstery has Velcro tension adjustment upholstery.
The main reason why you need to choose this type of back is
- It allows postural deviation
- Individuals can tighten according to their posture
The advantage of this kind of wheelchair back upholstery is that you won’t have to purchase a whole new seat back if the support becomes too loose. Instead, readjust the bands. It’s usually made of a light nylon mesh. As a result, not only is this kind of back upholstery adaptable, but it is also pleasant and light. It may aid in the prevention of sweat-induced skin deterioration.
Please check your user’s handbook for the appropriate procedure before trying to modify the tension. This will help avoid potential problems and hassles and ensure that the changes are done correctly.
Materials
Back supports come in a variety of materials. Some chairs begin with an aluminum shell, but most end up with a carbon fiber shell. This may have an impact on the kind of wheelchair back upholstery users choose. Individuals have to decide whether they are aiming for maximum strength and support or the lowest possible weight?
Individuals need to think about the cushion underneath the outer layer of cloth. Foam comes in a variety of kinds and may be stacked in a variety of ways. The amount of support and how comfortable you feel will vary depending on the kind and placement of foam.
The last step in the upholstering procedure is to add the cloth cover. Covers are available in a range of materials, each with its own set of characteristics. Some textiles are better at allowing air to pass through than others. Others offer antibacterial or moisture-resistant characteristics. Some are more durable than others. On the other hand, cloth covers for electric wheelchairs are more attractive.
The Disparities Between Nylon And Vinyl
The two most popular fabrics for wheelchair back upholstery are vinyl and nylon. Nylon is more breathable. It’s made of synthetic fibers and resembles woven cloth. Because it is more costly than vinyl, it is typically seen on lighter chairs or rehab chairs. Nylon also takes longer to achieve its maximum heat reflection, which aids in the user’s insulation.
Nylon is more difficult to clean. Because the porous surface collects spills and bodily fluids it may need to be replaced more often.
Vinyl is a synthetic non-woven fabric. It looks like leather. Vinyl chair backs are not often available on daily or rehabilitation chairs. Vinyl wheelchairs are often available in hospitals and other institutional settings.
It’s not as breathable as nylon, so you’re more prone to sweat. It is however, easier to clean than nylon. If you have any spills or incontinence, nylon is a good option since individuals can clean it easily. In addition, it stays clean for a long time and does not require frequent cleaning.
