More Details

For further information please see Assistive Technology Australia?s website www.at-aust.org or phone our Infoline1300 452 679 to talk to a health professional.
You can also visit our centre at Blacktown ? see Supplier details for address. Please note that Assistive Technology Australia?s purpose is to provide impartial information. We do not buy or sell assistive technology but provide supplier details.

Considerations

? Foam is suitable for use as a wheelchair cushion or mattress overlay by users who are at low risk of developing pressure injuries and require additional comfort.
? Foam may assist to absorb vibration when travelling in a wheelchair.
? Density - to ensure that a user receives adequate support, a suitable density should be determined by the weight of the user and the amount of time spent sitting on the foam. Higher density foam distributes weight across a greater surface area than low density foam. Higher density foam will also absorb more vibration than low density foam.
? Thickness - a thicker foam will reduce the risk of a user 'bottoming out'. Consider the height of a foam wheelchair cushion and its influence on other wheelchair measurements, eg. armrest height.
? Slow recovery foam will conform to a person's body thereby distributing their weight across a large surface area.
? Convoluted foam or cubed projections on the surface may allow increased air flow.
? Cover - consider resistance to staining and cleaning requirements. Is a waterproof cover required?
? Flame retardancy of foam and cover.
? Chemical treatment.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.