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What Wheelchair is Right for Me?
When youโre looking for a Wheelchair, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. There are so many different types and brands available, and it can be difficult to know which one will work best for your needs.
Itโs not easy being in a wheelchair. You have to worry about finding the right type of wheelchair that will fit your needs, as well as finding a wheelchair that is comfortable and easy to use.
We want to make things easier for you by providing information about the different types of wheelchairs available on the market today. Weโll help you figure out which wheelchair is right for you, and weโll provide tips on how to use your new wheelchair safely and comfortably.
Things to Know While Buying A Wheelchair
Whether you are recovering from an injury or have a permanent disability, having a suitable wheelchair can make all the difference. But before you buy a wheelchair, there are some important points to consider.
Consider Your Mobility Needs
Before you start shopping for a wheelchair, itโs essential to think about your mobility needs and how they may change over time.
Determine what type of terrain you will be traveling on and how much support you will need from your chair. It is also important to consider any additional features that could help with mobility, such as adjustable seat heights or detachable footrests.
Think About Comfort and Support
Choosing the right cushioning system is essential for comfort and support when using a wheelchair.
Different cushion types are available depending on your individual needs and preferences, such as gel-filled cushions or foam cushions with memory foam layers for better pressure distribution throughout your body while seated in a chair.
Itโs also essential to ensure that the armrests and footrests provide adequate support without causing discomfort when sitting in the chair for long periods.
Looking Into Specialized Options
Depending on your specific needs, there are specialized wheelchairs available on the market today that can provide greater levels of comfort and convenience than standard wheelchairs.
For example, Reclining Wheelchairs offer more flexibility in positioning than traditional wheelchairs by allowing users to recline back and forth at different angles while seated in the chair. On the other hand, Power Wheelchairs offer more power than manual models, and Lightweight Wheelchairs provide greater portability but still include many of the same features found in heavier models.
Check Weight Capacity
Wheelchair weight capacity is an essential factor to consider if you plan on carrying additional items like medical supplies or personal belongings while using your chair โ so make sure to check the manufacturerโs specifications before purchasing.
Generally speaking, lighter models can accommodate up to 250 pounds, while heavier chairs can handle up to 400 pounds or more, depending on their design and construction materials.
Consider Adjustable Features
Adjustable features like seat depth, back height, armrest heights, footrest angles, etc., give you more control over how comfortable you feel while using your wheelchair โ especially if you plan on using it frequently over long periods.
This type of customization ensures that your wheelchair fits perfectly according to your size and shape for maximum comfort during use.
Take Time To Try Models Out In Person
Whenever possible, try out different models in person so that you can get an idea of how they feel before committing to buying one! This is especially true if there are adjustable features โ since these can drastically affect how a user feels when using their wheelchair over more extended periods (such as those who spend most days at home).
Additionally, asking questions about maintenance or special accessories offered by each model can help narrow down which one is right for YOU!
Buying a wheelchair is an important decision that should not be taken lightly โ after all, not only will it affect how comfortable you feel while using it, but also its lifespan depending on usage patterns and maintenance requirements.
By keeping these seven key points in mind during your search process โ from considering mobility needs all the way through researching options online โ finding just the right wheelchair wonโt seem so daunting after all.
Two Basic Types of Wheelchairs
To meet a diverse range of usersโ preferences and needs, manual wheelchairs come in two primary varieties. A wheelchair may either be self-propelled or pushed by an attendant.
Self-Propelled Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs that are โself-propelledโ are those that enable their users to go forward by pushing or propelling themselves without assistance from another person.
Wheelchairs with push rims enable the user to propel oneself forward by utilizing just their upper body power.
Most of these chairs also have push handles on the back in case the user needs assistance being pushed. When being pushed up bumps or over other obstacles, the bigger back wheels may be helpful.
Attendant Propelled Wheelchairs
An attendant-powered or transport wheelchair is often the best option if you are unable to propel yourself and plan to depend on someone else to push the chair. These are simpler to steer since the back wheels are smaller.
The user of a Transit Wheelchair has little mobility compared to a Self-Propelled type since the back wheels are too tiny for the user to reach, much alone employed for propulsion. There are no steadfast guidelines for deciding which chair to purchase. Your best chance is a self-propelled wheelchair if you even see you want to move slightly.
What Type of Wheelchair To Get Based On Your Condition?
Reclining Wheelchair
A Reclining Wheelchair is a special type of wheelchair that allows users to adjust the seating angle between 90 and 180 degrees, allowing them to recline their back and take pressure off the lower back, hips, and ankles.
Who Is It For? Reclining wheelchairs are ideal for those who need to be able to recline in order to relieve pain or pressure, as well as those with limited mobility and flexibility. They also provide additional comfort and support for people who spend extended periods of time in their wheelchairs, such as those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
For What Medical Conditions? Reclining wheelchairs are often recommended for people with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromuscular diseases. They can also be beneficial to people who suffer from arthritis or chronic back pain.
Transport Wheelchair
A Transport Wheelchair is a lightweight wheelchair specifically designed for easy transport. It usually has smaller wheels, a simpler frame, and a folding backrest to make it easier to fold up and store in tight spaces.
Who Is It For? Transport wheelchairs are ideal for those who need to travel in their own chair but donโt have access to a larger vehicle, such as those who use public transportation or frequently travel by airplane.
They are also great for those who need an easy-to-use wheelchair that is lightweight and compact enough to be taken in and out of the house without assistance.
For What Medical Conditions? Transport wheelchairs are often prescribed for those who have mobility impairments or limited strength, such as those with arthritis, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and other chronic conditions.
They are also ideal for those who may require assistance to move around but donโt necessarily need a full-featured wheelchair.
Bariatric Wheelchair
A Bariatric Wheelchair is a heavy-duty wheelchair designed to support individuals of larger sizes. It has a wider seat, higher weight capacity, and a sturdier frame than other wheelchairs, allowing it to comfortably accommodate heavier users.
Who Is It For? Bariatric wheelchairs are ideal for those who need extra support due to their size or weight. They are also a great option for those who require a larger seat to be comfortable.
For What Medical Conditions? Bariatric wheelchairs are often recommended for individuals with obesity, limited mobility, postural deformities, or joint problems.
They can also be beneficial for people with conditions like congestive heart failure that make it difficult to move around. A bariatric wheelchair can provide additional support and comfort for those who need it.
Pediatric Wheelchair
A Pediatric Wheelchair is a special type of wheelchair designed specifically for children. It typically has smaller dimensions, shorter arms, and lighter weight to ensure a proper fit for growing kids.
Who Is It For? Pediatric wheelchairs are ideal for children of all ages who need extra support and mobility. They are also a great option for those who require frequent adjustments due to their growing bodies.
For What Medical Conditions? Pediatric wheelchairs are often prescribed for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and other neuromuscular diseases. They are also beneficial for those with congenital disabilities or injuries that limit their mobility.
A pediatric wheelchair can provide extra support and comfort while helping children stay active and independent.
Sports Wheelchair
A Sports Wheelchair is a specialized wheelchair designed to give athletes with disabilities the support, stability, and mobility they need to stay active. It typically has adjustable features like lower back tilt, camber angles, and larger wheels for improved handling and maneuverability.
Who Is It For? Sports wheelchairs are ideal for athletes with disabilities who want to stay active and participate in sports. They can also be beneficial for those who need a wheelchair that is adjustable, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.
For What Medical Conditions? Sports wheelchairs are often recommended for individuals with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and other disabilities.
They can also be beneficial for those who may not necessarily need a wheelchair but require extra support to stay active and participate in sports. A sports wheelchair can provide the mobility, stability, and comfort needed to stay on the go.
Top 3 Wheelchairs to Consider
If you are looking for a wheelchair, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you.
There are so many different wheelchairs on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. You need to consider your budget, your needs, and your lifestyle before making a decision.
Here are three of the top wheelchairs on the market today. All these 3 wheelchairs are manufactured by Drive Medical, which has a wide range of wheelchairs for all types of patients.
Viper Plus GT Wheelchair
Drive Medical Viper Plus GT Wheelchair with Universal Armrests
From: $590.50The Drive Viper Plus GT Wheelchair is a flexible mobility solution for those with varying requirements. Drive Medicalโs Viper Plus GT Wheelchair is constructed from aluminum, making it lightweight and durable.
You may adjust the height of the back support on this Lightweight Viper Wheelchair from 17 to 19 inches.
The seat-to-floor height of the Viper Plus GT Wheelchair may be adjusted from 17.5 inches to 19.5 inches, thanks to its twin axle. The Viper Wheelchair, in addition to its reclining option, has a number of other modifications that make it one of the most patient-friendly wheelchairs on the market.
Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair
Drive Medical Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair
From: $191.46The Drive Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair is designed to provide a comfortable and stylish ride no matter the surface. It features a powder-coated steel frame, embossed nylon upholstery, and an array of arm styles and front rigging options that can easily be customized for any user.
Plus, thanks to the lightweight urethane tires mounted on composite wheels, the chair offers improved durability and requires very little maintenance.
Whether youโre looking for a stylish way to get around or need enhanced mobility due to physical limitations, the Drive Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair has everything you need in one solidly-built package.
Cruiser III Wheelchair
Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair with Flip Back Re...
From: $207.76The design team behind the Cruiser III wheelchair didnโt take any risks with the aesthetics of their gold medal winner, so itโs only available in black. It follows strict conventional design standards, making it appear like the vast majority of other wheelchairs available today.
However, Drive did add a nice touch that greatly improves the unitโs visual appeal a set of attractive mag wheels. Itโs not a huge thing, but it helps to spice up the look a little.
The width of the seat is suitable for a wide variety of users. Better still, at the time of purchase, you may choose from three distinct seat-size configurations to better suit your needs and preferences. Take a few seconds to measure yourself to choose the seat size that will provide the most comfort.
Conclusion
There are so many different types of wheelchairs on the market, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you or your loved one.
We hope that this post has given you some insight into the different options available and what factors you should consider when making a decision.
Ultimately, the best wheelchair is the one that meets the userโs needs and provides them with the mobility they need to live their life to the fullest.
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