FLEX CUSHION USER MANUAL
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Safety Instructions
To avoid injury, read, understand and follow all instructions and warnings in this manual before installing
and using the Flex Cushion. There are hazards associated with the use of wheelchairs and adaptive equip-‐
ment. If you misuse your wheelchair or your Cushion you can be seriously injured. If your Cushion ceases to
function as intended, please consult your authorized Spex seating supplier immediately before continuing
to use.
Flex Cushion meets the requirements of ISO 7176-‐16; wheelchairs -‐ resistance to ignition of postural sup-‐
port devices. The cover and foam meet the flammability requirements of California Technical Bulletin 117.
In rare cases the Lycra fabric may cause a skin irritation for people with sensitive skin. If you experience any
reddening or itching of the skin consult with your health care professional.
Disclaimer: Medifab takes no responsibility as to the therapeutic effectiveness of our products. Our
claims relate to the ability of the products to provide safe and reliable positioning and seating on the
equipment onto which they are installed.
Weight Capacity
•
12-‐15” (25.4 -‐38 cm) width Cushion maximum user weight:
200 lbs. (90 kg)
•
16-‐20” (41-‐51 cm) width Cushion maximum user weight:
350 lbs. (160 kg)
WARNING
Never exceed the weight capacity of your cushion or the wheelchair as specified by the wheelchair
manufacturer. Never perform exercise weight training that causes the user to exceed the weight
capacity of the wheelchair. Ensure that the cushion is effectively secured in place, before carrying out a
transfers. Only use foam wedges, inserts and covers provided by Medifab.
Environment
Moisture:
Keep your Cushion dry at all times, as contact with water or excess moisture could cause
degradation to the functionality of your Cushion, or potential failure. If your Cushion becomes damp or
wet, thoroughly wipe with a dry cloth as soon as possible. Do not use your Cushion in a showering or pool
facility.
Temperature:
Your Cushion may not function as intended when used at extreme temperatures. Keep the
Cushion away from sources of extreme heat or extreme cold to avoid change in functionality of the foam.
Dirt:
Small particles such as dust, dirt and sand may restrict optimum functionality. Regularly wash your
Cushion cover to ensure no build-‐up occurs.
FLEX CUSHION USER MANUAL
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Compatibility
•
The Flex Cushion has been designed to be compatible with most wheelchairs.
•
The Flex Cushion must have a solid base to install to, such as a solid seat base pan or cushion rigidiz-‐
er, which provides more stability to the user. Solid seat base must have hook velcro attached to it to
ensure the cushion is held in place during use.
WARNING
RISK OF ACCIDENT, INJURY, PAIN OR DEATH IF WARNINGS ARE NOT HEEDED
Seek assistance if you are uncertain about any of the following points
1.
Installing a Cushion on a wheelchair may disturb the wheelchair’s centre of gravity and cause
the wheelchair to tip backwards potentially resulting in injury or death. Check if anti-‐tippers or
other adaptations need to be added to the wheelchair to help increase stability.
2.
Installation and adjustment of your Flex Cushion must only be performed by
a)
An authorized Spex distributor or technician
b)
A qualified healthcare professional who has undergone appropriate biomechanical training
3.
The Flex Cushion must have a solid base to install to. A solid seat base pan will provide more
stability to the user (the Cushion won’t sag).
4.
This Cushion must be trialled first to determine its effectiveness in meeting the needs of the user.
The clinician must inspect the user’s skin to ensure that red pressure spots are not developing.
5.
The user and/or caregivers should regularly check for skin redness or tissue breakdown. If
redness develops, discontinue the use of the Cushion immediately and consult your doctor or
therapist. The Cushion can be reconfigured for better positioning.
6.
With proper set-‐up and continued maintenance, the Flex Cushion is an excellent candidate for
people who are at risk of skin breakdown, however no Cushion can completely eliminate sitting
pressure or prevent pressure injuries.
7.
Keep the Cushion dry. Moisture is a contributing factor in causing pressure injuries.
8.
We recommend the user to have a good diet and have regular pressure relieving exercises/
therapy to help prevent pressure injuries.
9.
Do not leave the Flex Cushion outside overnight or at temperatures below 5° C/41° F. The Flex
Cushion should be room temperature before sitting on it.
10.
Avoid sharp objects or exposure to excessive heat or open flame.
11.
The Flex Cushion has been specifically designed as a Cushion for users in mobility wheelchairs.
Do not use the Cushion in any way not described and never modify the Cushion.
12.
Never use the Cushion without its cover. Care should be exercised near open flame or burning
cigarettes. Using the Cushion without its cover increases the risk of flammability and skin
damage.
13.
Never use the Cushion without the incontinence cover. Failure to do so will reduce the life of
the Cushion.
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