A hybrid seating cushion made up of a cushion base and a cushion insert. The cushion base has a seating surface in which a void in or extending through the cushion base is formed. A cushion insert such as an air bladder or fluid sack is positioned within the void. A lip or upper surface around an opening in the void overhangs at least a portion of the cushion insert, thereby minimizing the size and corresponding negative effects of a transition area where the base and the insert overlap.

A wheelchair system includes a wheelchair including a plurality of force sensors including at least three force sensors. A rigid seat pan is placed in contact with each the plurality of force sensors at a different position on the rigid seat pan so that the rigid seat pan does not contact the frame and forces on the rigid seat pan are transferred to the plurality of force sensors. Each of the plurality of force sensors is in communicative connection with a processor system. A memory system is in communicative connection and an interface system is in connection with the processor system and a user interface system in communicative connection with the processor system. Instructions stored on the memory system are executable by the processor system to determine a value of a variable related to a distribution of force on the rigid seat pan over time.

A therapy seat cushion, method of making the cushion and method of using the cushion. The cushion has a planar array of at least two sets of alternatively inflatable and deflatable cells controlled by an inflation control system, and at least one non-inflatable offloading cushioning cell interspersed amongst the inflatable cells. The non-inflatable offloading cushioning cell configured and arranged to align with a pressure sore or an area prone to development of a pressure sore on an individual.

An advanced manually propelled wheelchair (100) is described. The wheelchair (100) has a chassis (110). In certain examples this may be a single piece design. The wheelchair (100) may further have one or more of a load adjustment mechanism (150) and a power-assist mechanism. The load adjustment mechanism (150) is configured to adjust a position of a set of rear wheels (120) for the wheelchair (100) relative to a loading of the wheelchair (100). Load adjustment may be performed based on a sensed loading. The power-assist mechanism provides a powered torque to a set of front wheels (130) to help a user propel the wheelchair (100) or to stabilise the wheelchair (100) during use. The power-assist mechanism may be provided as a set of modular front wheel units.

Described herein are devices, systems, and methods relating to making individuals comfortable when in contact with surfaces (e.g., seats and beds) including preventing pressure injuries on subjects. In embodiments, disclosed herein are pressure injury prevention systems comprising actuator assemblies that can simultaneously provide immersion and offloading of pressure while allowing a subject to retain balance. In other embodiments, moisture control devices and/or sensing networks can be used in conjunction with said actuator assemblies to prevent pressure injuries in a subject in need thereof. In embodiments, also described herein are computing devices and applications that alert a manual intervention or trigger an automated intervention between the individual and the intervention surface based on a risk determination. Such interventions can send instructions to the system to relieve pressure and/or moisture at one or more interface locations on the interface surface between the system and a subject according to a set of rules based on a predetermined profile, data collected continuously in real time, or both.

Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn or used by a bed-stricken or wheel-chair restricted individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body. The support assembly may be incorporated into a design for a wheelchair or a bed.

A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.

A support device has a main support surface for a person's body, including an auxiliary device influencing the main support surface shape. The auxiliary device includes: a group of supports supporting the main support surface, positioned on the side of the main support surface facing away from the body-supporting side, the supports each including a sub-support surface; an adjuster for each sub-support surface influencing the height of each sub-support surface. The device also includes a monitor for each sub-support surface monitoring the height of the respective sub-support surface; and a programmable control unit controlling the adjuster. The supports include an elastically bendable plate connected to the adjuster. The bending plate is connected to the sub-support surface to influence its height depending on the extent of bending imposed by the adjuster. The adjuster includes an electromotor on the concave side of the bending plate.

The invention relates to a backrest for supporting the back of a seated person, the backrest comprising mounting means for mounting the backrest on a frame of a seating device; comprising: —a first back part for supporting at least a part of the back of the person at a determined angle, which first back part has a stiffness such that during use the part of the back shapes itself substantially to the first back part, and wherein the backrest comprises adjusting means for adjusting the angle and/or the position of the first back part relative to the frame; and —a second back part which has a flexibility such that during use the second back part shapes itself substantially continuously to another part of the back of the person. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting such a backrest and a (wheel) chair provided with such a backrest.

A pillow device couples to a vehicle interior to provide enhanced comfort to a user's elbow while driving. The device includes a substantially cylindrical cover having a cylindrical medial portion and a pair of hemispherical ends. The cover has a planar section parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cover. Stuffing is positioned within the cover. A first fastener is coupled to the cover wherein the cover is configured for being coupled to a surface of an interior side of a vehicle door.