4
Design and Function
Intended Use
Using a head support is part of a complete seating intervention and should be
informed by the findings of a seating assessment so each individual’s needs can be
met.
The
i2i
is designed to :
•
Help maintain overall positioning goals.
•
Help decrease the progression of cervical deformities.
Unsupported
positions may become fixed.
•
Assist in providing an upright head position and promote eye contact.
•
Help to improve a person’s mealtime experience and saliva management.
NOTICE
If a client is shunted, consult their physician
if you feel there may be any compression
or interference with the shunt before using the i2i.
Indications of Use
The potential users fall into two groups:
•
Those lacking strength needed to maintain upper body and neck
positioning for extended periods of time.
•
Those with a high degree of extensor tone but poor head control, often
leading to the head becoming caught under or to the side of the current
headrest and requiring repositioning by the caregiver.
Goals:
•
The users in the first group require ample support in all directions,
especially in the anterior direction.
•
The users in the second group require a system that offers enough lateral
and posterior support to invite them back to a midline position when they
extend their necks. This has the added benefit of relieving their worry
about becoming caught or tangled with their head positioning equipment,
or having a surface behind the occiput that may provide the perfect spot
to push off into neck hyperextension.
It is recommended that the framework of the
i2i
follow the contour of the neck,
shoulders and chest.
•
There should be approximately 1/4" to 1/2" of clearance between the head
positioning pad and the user's body.
•
Adjust the head positioning pad to the user's specifications, needs, and
comfort. The anterior stabilizer arms can be bent or molded to improve
individual fit.
Fitting the i2i
