Types of Wheelchair Backrests

Comfort is vital to ensuring mobility and quality of life for wheelchair users. Spending extended periods in a wheelchair requires a seating setup that provides maximum support and comfort. A vital component of this comfort is the wheelchair backrest, which improves posture, alleviates pressure points, and prevents discomfort.

Wheelchair backrests come in various designs to cater to the diverse needs of users, ensuring they provide ample support, comfort, and proper posture. 

Different Types of Backrests You Can Choose From

Standard Wheelchair Backrests

Virtually every wheelchair on the market comes equipped with some form of back support as a standard feature for the user. These backrests typically consist of a durable and lightly padded upholstered material, often adhered to the backrest canes using screws or bolts. They generally have a fixed-height design and offer limited, if any, features or adjustability. They are intended to provide basic back support and positioning and are best suited for individuals using their wheelchairs for shorter sitting durations.

Standard Sling Backrests

Most manual wheelchairs come standard with a sling backrest, also known as an upholstered backrest. They typically consist of materials such as vinyl, nylon, or fabric with limited padding and are wrapped around or screwed onto the back canes of the wheelchair. They are generally fixed in height and angle and provide basic support, which means the cushioning isn’t as comfy. Power or manual wheelchair backrests are designed to suit the needs of individuals who do not require specialized posture support and spend limited time in their wheelchairs.

Tension-Adjustable Backrests

Adjustable tension backrests take the standard sling upholstery a step further by incorporating fabric or velcro straps that can be tightened or loosened in various areas to customize user support and comfort. These can accommodate slight changes in the user's body over time or provide targeted support to specific areas of the back, improving overall posture and reducing the risk of pressure sores. They also provide the ability to combat the hammock effect that can occur on standard sling upholstery after long-term use. 

Reclining Backrests

Wheelchair reclining backrests can tilt back to various degrees, which is ideal for users who spend considerable time in their wheelchairs. This adjustability helps with pressure management, circulation improvement, and comfort enhancement. It also benefits users who need to lie down at intervals for medical reasons, like certain heart conditions or respiratory issues.

Upgraded Wheelchair Backrests:

A wheelchair user may want to upgrade from a standard backrest to enhance their comfort, support, and overall well-being. An upgraded backrest can offer many features that cater to individual needs. Typically constructed with an ergonomically shaped back shell that conforms to the natural curve of the spine, these backrests incorporate enhanced materials such as high-quality foam or gel, which provide cushioning for support and pressure relief. They are often highly customizable and allow for additional features such as lateral trunk or head and neck support. Because they attach to the wheelchair with adjustable mounting brackets, they offer the user much greater height, depth, and angle adjustability and are easily foldable or detachable for convenient storage. There are a variety of upgraded backrests available on the market, each of which is designed with different wheelchair users' needs in mind.

Contoured Backrests

Almost all cushioned backrests have a degree of contour, but these backrests usually have a deeper contour shaped to fit the user's natural curvature even better. By providing enhanced lateral support, contoured backrests help users maintain an upright posture and stabilize the trunk, which benefits users with trunk instability or weakness. The ergonomic design also distributes the body's pressure equally, diminishing the risk of developing pressure sores.

The Matrx Elite Deep Back with SuperSoft Foam, which is available from Aracent Healthcare, is an excellent deep contour backrest option. It has 6 inches of contour depth and can accommodate optional side laterals for optimal trunk support while allowing clearance for the shoulders and hips. It is lightweight and easy to install, and it has 1" of SuperSoft™ foam over the standard High Resilient foam for better cushioning and comfort than the basic backrest.

Pediatric Backrests

Specially designed for children, pediatric wheelchair backrests are smaller and provide excellent ergonomic support. They improve the child’s proper posture, which is vital for healthy physical growth. These backrests are often adjustable to ensure the child is comfortable and happy while sitting.

If you're looking for better replacement backrests for your pediatric wheelchair, companies like Aracent Healthcare have the Matrx Mini Back model. It comes with a water-resistant and breathable foam cover and alternative cover options, including Pink Lollipop or Blizzard Blue, to make it appealing to children. It even has pre-drilled holes to accept Motion Concepts, Stealth, and Otto Bock™ headrest mounts for added comfort.

Bariatric Backrests

Bariatric backrests are sturdier and wider than standard ones and are built for heavier users. They offer better support and greater weight capacity, ensuring safety and comfort without compromising the backrest's structural integrity. The design often includes padding to absorb extra pressure and prevent skin breakdown.

The Matrx PB Heavy-Duty Back is a specific type of bariatric backrest that is contoured to provide midline support and positioning. It also provides different width and height options, with a 500 pound weight capacity to aid larger wheelchair users. Its water-resistant and breathable outer cover helps to prevent hot spots and skin breakdown.

Air or Gel Adjustable Backrests

These backrests contain compartments filled with air or gel, which can be adjusted to suit individual comfort requirements. They effectively distribute pressure evenly across the back, greatly reducing the risk of pressure sores. These backrests benefit users susceptible to skin integrity issues or who sit in a wheelchair for extended periods.

Custom Molded Backrests

Custom-molded backrests are the best choice for users requiring wheelchair backrests for kyphosis or lordosis. Created from a mold of the user's back, these backrests provide unparalleled support by fitting perfectly to the individual's shape. This type not only helps correct or accommodate users with fixed kyphotic postures but also ensures maximum comfort and support.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wheelchair Backrests

Personal Needs and Preferences

You should consider the wheelchair user’s specific health conditions, lifestyle, and daily activities. For instance, some wheelchair backrests are designed for active individuals who require a greater range of motion to independently conduct day-to-day tasks. In other cases, individuals with a spinal cord injury or conditions such as cerebral palsy may benefit from a wheelchair backrest with a deeper contour for greater trunk support and a more fixed torso positioning.

Width of the Backrest

The backrest should match the width of the user's torso to provide adequate support without being too tight or loose. A backrest that's too wide can cause the user to slump, while a backrest that's too narrow can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. It should also match the wheelchair’s back cane width.

Backrest Height

Material and Cushioning

• Foam. It offers basic support and comfort and suits users without severe positioning needs.
• Gel. It helps distribute pressure evenly, which prevents pressure sores.
• Air-Filled. It allows for adjustable firmness and contouring to the user's body shape, providing excellent pressure relief.
• Combination. Some backrests use a combination of materials for optimal support and comfort.

Adjustability

Adjustable backrests enable height, depth, and angle adjustments to accommodate different activities and comfort requirements. This is crucial for users who spend long periods in their wheelchairs and may need to adjust their seating position throughout the day.

Head and Neck Support

Some wheelchair users desire additional support for the head and neck, especially those in a tilting or reclining model. While some wheelchair backrests may come equipped with a headrest, this feature more often must be added separately. Whether or not you're interested in head support at the time you’re choosing a wheelchair backrest, it’s beneficial to pick one that is headrest compatible with pre-drilled holes for accepting the mounting hardware. This not only allows for easy installation, but it also keeps your options open if you decide to add a headrest down the road.

Lumbar Support

Adequate lumbar support is essential to prevent lower back pain. Some backrests come with additional lumbar padding or an adjustable lumbar curve for improved posture and comfort.

Contouring

Contoured backrests provide better lateral (side) support and maintain an upright posture. Different backrest designs offer varying levels of contour. Low- to mid-range contour levels range from 3” to 5” and provide added postural support for most users. Deep contour backrests are also available with even greater contour and are particularly beneficial for users with spinal deformities or poor trunk control.

Compatibility with Wheelchair

Ensure the backrest is compatible with the wheelchair frame regarding mounting and structural integrity. An incompatible backrest can compromise the wheelchair's performance and the user's safety.

Weight and Portability

The backrest's weight is an important consideration for active wheelchair users who require a lightweight setup for ease of propulsion and transportation. Look for materials that offer durability without adding unnecessary weight.

Ease of Maintenance

The backrest cover should be easy to clean or remove for washing, especially for users prone to sweating or those with incontinence. Moisture-resistant and breathable materials can enhance comfort and hygiene.

Safety Features

If safety and visibility are your concerns, you may choose backrests with features such as built-in side guards or reflective materials. These features are especially necessary for users who navigate crowded or poorly lit environments.

Upgrade Your Comfort: Explore Different Wheelchair Backrests

Selecting the right wheelchair backrest can significantly impact the comfort, health, and quality of life of any wheelchair user. Whether you need the enhanced support of a bariatric backrest, the tailored fit of a custom-molded backrest, the pressure relief of an air or gel adjustable backrest, or the versatile support options offered by various materials and heights, the right backrest can make all the difference.

But if you already have a certain backrest model in mind, you may consider getting it at Aracent Healthcare. Our amazing customer support can assist you in finding specific wheelchair backrests, saving you time and hassle. 

Contact us right away to talk to our experts and answer your questions and concerns.