CareFlex HydroFlex User Instructions

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UI HydroFlex. iss4 01/11
CareFlex
HydroFlex User Instructions
FLEXIBILITY IN A WORLD
OF MIXED ABILITY
These are the user instructions for the CareFlex HydroFlex chair.
Please read them carefully before setting up and using the chair and keep them in a safe
place for future reference.
These instructions include details of the performance of the chair. If the chair should
start behaving outside of its intended performance, show signs of damage or excessive
wear, or otherwise feel unsuitable, please take it out of service and contact CareFlex
or your CareFlex Distributor immediately.
The HydroFlex chair is designed for a range of clients who require a combination
of comfort, pressure management and posture control from their seating system.
The chair has a built-in pressure management system based on CareFlex's patented
WaterCell Technology®.
Medium = 150kg max user weight.
Small = 100kg max user weight
Class 1
Medical Device
CareFlex classifi es the HydroFlex as an advanced seating system intended for use as part of a rehabilitation
programme. The adjustability of the chair and the range of complementary accessories means that the chair is suitable
for clients who require specifi c support and positioning to achieve a good posture.
HydroFlex Client Characteristics
UI
The HydroFlex should be selected for clients;
• with neurological conditions who need to maintain a good, midline posture.
• with neurological conditions who require 'correct' functional positioning for rehab and activities.
• with fi xed skeletal postures of the hips and spine.
• with conditions affecting their abdomen which makes upright sitting uncomfortable.
• who require a wide range of positions for different activities through the day.
The HydroFlex chair is all about keeping the client in a good, midline position. Once set up, the position is 'prescriptive'
and will hold the client reasonably fi rmly. For this reason, the HydroFlex is not suitable for those clients with strong
contractures or with pronounced pelvic windsweeping or obliquity. The HydroFlex is not suitable for highly agitated
clients who will not benefi t from the prescriptive support the chair offers. Unless these clients trial the chair and fi nd
it comfortable and supportive, it would be advisable to consider the softer support of the HydroTilt.
The HydroFlex is suitable for clients with neurological conditions such as MS or MND, for stroke rehabilitation and
rehabilitation following spinal or head injury.
The HydroFlex incorporates features which allow it to be set up to accommodate different postures and provide seating
positions for a range of activities. The key features are;
• Tilt-in-Space, which allows the clients position to be adjusted without affecting pelvic position.
• Back Angle Recline, which can be adjusted to provide a comfortable hip angle.
• Legrest elevation, to raise the legs and support the lower leg with the knees at a relaxed angle.
The suitability and effectiveness of these features are dependent on correct chair set up. Correct chair set up is
dependent on three key elements; seat to fl oor/footrest height, seat width and seat depth.
Seat to fl oor height and seat width will have been measured during the initial seating assessment and the HydroFlex
will have been factory assembled to these measurements. Seat depth must be adjusted to suit the client once the
chair has been delivered. Seat to footplate height can be adjusted to suit the client.
Use a cloth tape measure to measure the client as you are setting up the chair. This will help limit the need for
any re-adjustment.
Regularly check the HydroFlex set up to ensure it is working as intended and the client is benefi ting from the pressure
management solutions which are built into the chair.
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UI HydroFlex. iss4 01/11