About Wheelchair Seating

How will I know which wheelchair cushion or backrest is right for me and my needs?
Seek expert opinion! Your wheelchair therapist (or Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist) will help you decide what you need from these products and source these items for you to try. There are numerous different products and brands in the New Zealand market so the choice is vast - but each style has different advantages and disadvantages. Your therapist will be able to talk you through these and help short-list some appropriate products for you.

Can I trial different backrests and wheelchair cushions?
Yes - we are more than happy to send these items out on trial, as long as a therapist has requested it. It is really important that you have the opportunity to try these products as we all have different comfort levels and needs. Generally the trial time frames are for two weeks and the therapist - and sometime one of our product specialists - will set the product up to meet your needs and show you how to adjust it if necessary.

How do I wash my cushion cover?
Different manufacturers have different washing instructions. Each cushion should come complete with some washing instructions within the product manual, so we recommend you read this.

• For Otto Bock cushions, turn the cushion inside out and machine wash on a regular cycle. Air dry flat.
• For Varilite cushions, zip the cover closed and place good side out in a washing machine. Air dry flat.
• We do not recommend that any covers go into the tumble dryer.

Can I sit on the wheelchair cushion without its cover on it, while the cover is being washed?
We don't really recommend this. The cover is an important part of the cushion and the two parts are designed to work as a team.

How long will a cushion or backrest last?
Both Varilite and Otto Bock cushions and backrests are manufactured to last for five years. However, this is affected by how the cushion is cared for.

How do I adjust a Varilite cushion to contour to me?
Begin with the cushion fully inflated and valve closed. Transfer onto the cushion and open the valve by turning counter clockwise. Listen for a change in pitch and close the valve.

Are wheelchair backs easily removable so that I can fold up my wheelchair and take it in the car?
Yes. Different styles and brands of wheelchair backrests have different types of mounting brackets. Most of these simply unclip and allow the backrest to be pulled off. When you are ready to put it back on, it simply slots back into place and then secured using the clips already on the wheelchair back canes.

Need more advice or help?
Our team of product specialists are available to work with therapists to help set up equipment, add in the correct product selection and trouble shoot. Our customer care team are on the phones from 8am to 5.30pm every weekday - you can email them (click here) or phone them on 0800 31 61 81.