Our wheelchair headrests offer comfort and ergonomic options with multiple adjustment capabilities
Mainly used for wheelchairs, these headrests are versatile and can attach to a solid back of any chair or use your imagination for a custom head and neck support.
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 devices 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.
These are the basic configurations of hardware setups for wheelchair headrests. They use various headrest pads which are listed in the next section below. You can match the headrest set up with the pad that gives you the options you need for the best support, comfort and safety.
Wheelchair Headrest Hardware Configurations
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.
Wheelchair Headrest Pads
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.
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Wheelchair Headrests
