Headrest for Wheelchair is comfortable, ergonomic and features multiple adjustment capability

Mainly used for wheelchairs, this headrest is versatile and can attatch to a solid back of any chair or use your imagination for a custom head support.

headrest for wheelchair

The headrest is adjustable in the verticle and horizontal planes, as well as rotational for precise positioning. The straight bar adjusts horizontally, the offset bar adjusts vertically and the offset block swivels on a ball for rotation.

Many wheelchair users are unable to transfer to a vehicle seat and the wheelchair serves as a means of both mobility and postural support during daily activities and as a seating support in a vehicle .

Headrests are one type of devices used by some wheelchair users to support and align the head and neck in a stable and functional position. An integral part of the seating system, headrests are typically utilized throughout the day and, therefore, remain on the wheelchair while the user rides in or drives a vehicle.

headrest sizes

Headrest pads are steel back plate with 1½" thick comfortable foam, covered with a removable, washable cover. Equipped with a 3 point socket that attaches to headrest assembly.

The vertical adjuster allows the user to raise and lower the headrest pad to the appropriate height, while the horizontal adjuster also allows the headrest to be adjusted based on the needs of the user. This allows the headrest pad to be placed at various distances in front of the seat back. The headrest pad attaches to the end of the horizontal adjuster with swivel adjustment for rotation.

Some wheelchair users who do not typically need a headrest may find that a headrest helps to stabilize the head and neck during vehicle acceleration and turning.

Reduced rearward head and neck movement can reduce whiplash neck injury in a rear impact. Headrests can help limit this rearward head and neck movement and thus reduce the severity of neck injuries. Wheelchair headrests are not designed to provide head restraint in a rear impact and, therefore, may not provide total head and neck protection. However, based on the principles of occupant protection and knowledge about the biomechanics of injuries, the chances for a whiplash neck injury will be decreased when a headrest is used and positioned behind and close to the back of the head.

When front head support is necessary, soft collars that are not attached to the wheelchair are preferred over stiff collars or forehead strap systems that are anchored to the wheelchair. Preliminary data on neck collars tested with child restraint systems show an increase in neck tension with stiff collars. The increased neck tension resulted from the bottom of the chin pivoting on the top of a stiff neck collar and stretching the neck during a frontal crash.

Since stiffer neck collars produced higher neck tensions, it is recommended to use the softest and lightest neck collar that can perform the needed function.

Forehead straps could cause neck hyperextension in a frontal crash. Preventing the head from forward movement while at the same time allowing forward movement of the body due to belt stretching or loose torso belts or supports may result in neck extension injuries. If these devices are necessary during vehicle travel, they should release at the lowest force possible while still providing effective postural support. Another potential concern with forehead straps is that they will become misplaced and slide down and across the neck, causing severe injury.