The world of wheelchair seating has just witnessed a groundbreaking innovation, courtesy of LCS, a specialist in seating solutions for individuals with mobility impairments. The company, based in Grange, Ireland, has developed a world-first 3D printed custom cushion with a ventilation system, designed specifically for wheelchair users. The WheelAir Custom Cushion combines a 3D-printed lattice structure with LCS’s WheelAir ventilation system to provide an active airflow in the cushion, addressing micro-climate. This cutting-edge design ensures that the cushion remains cool and comfortable, even in warm environments.
The Science Behind the Cushion
The WheelAir Custom Cushion uses programmable foam to ensure maximum comfort, allowing customers to choose not only the shape and contours of the cushion, but also the density. This innovative feature enables the selection of five levels of softness across multiple zones on the same cushion, all 3D printed in one piece.
Benefits for Wheelchair Users
The WheelAir Custom Cushion offers numerous benefits for wheelchair users, including:
- Improved comfort and reduced pressure sores
- Self-regulation of body temperature and moisture control
- Reduced risk of overheating and profuse sweating
- Increased mobility and independence
How it Works
The custom cushion is printed from the scanned shape of the user, ensuring it is entirely suited to their needs. Programmable foam is breathable, hygienic, and bio-compatible, designed to ensure comfort for the user by distributing and relieving pressure.
- Programmable foam is breathable, hygienic, and bio-compatible.
- The foam is designed to distribute and relieve pressure, ensuring maximum comfort.
- The 3D-printed lattice structure allows for active airflow, addressing micro-climate.
Partnerships and Expansion
LCS has partnered with companies in the UK and Europe to bring the WheelAir Custom Cushion to a wider customer base in these markets and in new markets around the world. The company is confident that this innovative product will make a significant impact on the lives of wheelchair users.
Quote from Luke Conway, Founder and Director of LCS
““We had been working with WheelAir for many years by incorporating it into our custom foam backrests, but we felt that we were not realising the full potential with our foam cushions. We always thought we could combine 3D printed seating and WheelAir, so we started to explore that option. “The opportunity to purchase WheelAir came up in February 2023 and we made the decision to buy it and start planning to combine 3D printed seating with the WheelAir ventilation system. The WheelAir Custom Cushion was then born. “Over the past six months we have tested and trialled the WheelAir Custom Cushions with wheelchair users in Ireland, the UK and Europe. Our initial testing and user trials have been very positive in regard to the wheelchair users’ comfort and ability to control their temperature. The open structure of the 3D printed cushion allows air to flow much more freely, and when we add the active air flow from WheelAir, the user is cooled. “This is the first of its kind, in the world of wheelchair seating, a ventilated cushion addressing micro-climate. We are working with a number of partners in the UK and Europe, and we plan to widen our customer base in these markets and other markets around the world.”
Conclusion
The WheelAir Custom Cushion represents a significant breakthrough in wheelchair seating technology, providing a comfortable and ventilated solution for individuals with mobility impairments. With its innovative design and partnership with companies in the UK and Europe, LCS is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of wheelchair users worldwide.
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