UI HydroFlex. iss4 01/11
UI HydroFlex. iss4 01/11
Fixed and Loose Covers
Pressure Management
The HydroFlex incorporates CareFlex’s patented WaterCell Technology® in the seat in combination with a composite
visco elastic memory foam and high elastic foam cushion. The memory foam allows the seat cushion to conform
to the client’s body shape, distributing their weight over as large a surface area as possible. The high elastic foam
prevents the memory foam bottoming out and makes the cushion responsive to client movement. The WaterCell
Technology moves with the client to ensure that the cushion remains in contact with the client as they move and
alter their weight distribution.
Two lumbar options are available for the HydroFlex and each provides pressure relief in a different way. The deep
laterally contoured back has kidney pads to provide simple lateral stability. These pads also increase the contact
surface between client and seat, distributing their weight over as large a surface area as possible. The
fl
at back
incorporates a water cell which covers the lumbar and kyphotic spine.
These pressure relief features make the HydroFlex suitable for those clients at medium to high risk of pressure damage
when used as part of a therapy programme assessed and prescribed by an appropriate Healthcare Professional.
Adjustment Control Options
There are three formats of the HydroFlex available, manual, motorised and Pro-control. On the manual version of the
HydroFlex Tilt-in-Space, Back Angle Recline and the elevating legrest are controlled by locking gas actions.
On the motorised version of the HydroFlex the Tilt-in-Space, Back Angle Recline and the elevating legrest are controlled
by electric actuators which are powered by a rechargeable 24V battery system.
The Pro-Control version of the HydroFlex uses actuators to control the Tilt-in-Space and legrest features but utilizes
a locking gas action for the back angle recline. This is because in many situations the back angle recline needs to
be set up at a speci
fi
c angle for the client and should not be adjusted further. The Pro-Control system allows the
healthcare professional to set up the back angle recline and leave the day to day adjustments of TiS and legrest
elevation to the client/carer.
Identi
fi
cation
Each HydroFlex chair has a unique chair number which must be quoted during any correspondence with CareFlex or
your local CareFlex Distributor. This number is on a silver foil label on the cross bar of the seat depth adjustment
frame at the back of the chair. The number is essential for tracing the product and allows accessories and spare
parts to be easily selected.
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The HydroFlex is available with either
fi
xed or loose covers. The
fi
xed cover version has a cleaner, crisper appearance
to make what is essentially a clinical product look more appropriate in a domestic environment. The
fi
xed cover
greatly reduces the need for Velcro on the chair, which may make the chair more appropriate in areas where infection
control is a signi
fi
cant consideration. The loose cover version has greater
fl
exibility in terms of adjusting the chair’s
con
fi
guration and carrying out servicing and repair procedures.
Correct seat width; client
sits ‘midline’.
Seat Too Wide; client tends
to lean to one side.
1. Chair Set-up
1a. Seat Height & Width
Seat Too Low;
Increase in pressure on the
buttocks and lower back.
Seat Too High;
Increase in pressure
beneath thighs.
If the client can raise to standing themselves or with
minimal assistance, the seat height should be set so that
the client’s feet rest
fl
at on the
fl
oor and the underside
of their thighs are in contact with the full length of the
seat cushion. If the seat height is too high, the client’s
heels will be lifted off the
fl
oor and pressure will build
up along the underside of their thighs. If the seat is
too low, their knees will be raised and there will be no
contact between the back of their thighs and the seat
cushion. This will increase the pressure on their bottom
and sacrum and could cause discomfort at the hips.
If the client is less ambulant and is being regularly
portered then seat height can be set relative to the
footplate. Again, ensuring the foot is
fl
at and fully
supported is important.
Seat width affects side-to-side pelvic stability. This is
important as the spine should line up centrally with the
pelvis. If the pelvis is free to move to one side then the
client’s spine will usually lean in the opposite direction. As
gravity pulls the client over, the spine will begin to curve
to compensate as the client tries to keep their head level.
The client will take on a characteristic ‘S’ shaped spine or
scoliosis. The more upright the user’s trunk is, the more
critical pelvic stability becomes. It is, therefore, important
to use a chair with the correct seat width in order to
position the pelvis properly.
Seat width should always allow for a little bit of movement
as the client’s body weight and posture naturally shifts
throughout the day. If the client is held in a rigid
position they will quickly tire and experience discomfort.
HydroFlex seat height and width will have been meas-
ured during assessment and the chair made to these
dimesions for the client prior to delivery.
If further adjustment is required, please contact your
local CareFlex Distributor.
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