Description
Permobil Hip Bolster – Comfortable Support for Better Wheelchair Hip Positioning
The Permobil Hip Bolster provides supportive lateral positioning for wheelchair users who need additional help maintaining a centered and comfortable hip position. Designed to reduce the effective width of the wheelchair seat, this positioning accessory creates a more individualized seating environment while providing support along the side of the hips.
A wheelchair seat that is too wide for the user can make it difficult to maintain a stable position. When there is excess space around the hips, the pelvis may shift from side to side during everyday activities. The Permobil Hip Bolster helps fill this additional space by creating a supportive surface between the user and the side of the wheelchair.
The bolster features a secure strapping system that wraps around the side of the wheelchair to keep the support in place. Its bilateral design also allows it to be used on either the left or right side, depending on where additional support is required.
Comfort is another important part of the design. The bolster comes with a Solace fabric cover that is fluid-proof, antimicrobial, and soft to the touch. Its multidimensional stretch material helps create a more accommodating surface around bony areas while supporting pressure redistribution and skin protection.
For wheelchair users who need to reduce seat width and create a more supportive hip positioning setup, the Permobil Hip Bolster offers a simple and flexible solution.
What Is a Permobil Hip Bolster?
The Permobil Hip Bolster is a wheelchair positioning accessory designed to provide support along one side of the hips.
It works by reducing the available width of the wheelchair seat and creating a supportive contact surface beside the user’s body.
The bolster can help fill empty space between the user and the wheelchair side. This can be particularly useful when the wheelchair seat is wider than the user’s natural hip width.
Instead of allowing the hips to move freely into the additional space, the bolster creates a more defined seating area.
The result is a more individualized fit within the wheelchair.
Wheelchair Hip Positioning Support
Hip positioning plays an important role in the overall wheelchair seating arrangement.
The position of the hips and pelvis can influence the user’s relationship with the back support, seat cushion, thighs, knees, and feet.
When a user has too much open space around the hips, maintaining a consistent seated position may become more difficult.
The Permobil Hip Bolster provides lateral support that helps create a more contained seating environment.
By reducing the effective seat width, it can help keep the hips more centrally positioned.
This type of support can also complement other seating and positioning accessories used within a customized wheelchair setup.
Reduce Wheelchair Seat Width for a Better Fit
One of the main purposes of the Permobil Hip Bolster is to reduce the functional width of the wheelchair seat.
Not every user requires the same amount of seating space.
A wheelchair may have additional width because of the model, configuration, clothing needs, seasonal changes, or individual positioning requirements. When there is more room than necessary around the user’s hips, additional lateral support may help create a better fit.
The hip bolster fills some of this extra space.
Benefits of Reducing Effective Seat Width
Using a properly fitted hip bolster can help:
- Create a more individualized seating space
- Reduce excessive room around the hips
- Provide additional lateral support
- Help keep the hips more centrally positioned
- Improve the relationship between the user and the wheelchair sides
- Support a more consistent seating arrangement
The amount of seat-width reduction required will depend on the individual user and their overall seating needs.
Bilateral Design for Flexible Positioning
The Permobil Hip Bolster features a bilateral design.
This means the bolster can be used on either side of the wheelchair.
The flexibility to place the support on the left or right side allows the seating system to be configured according to the user’s individual needs.
Some users may require additional support on one particular side because of their natural sitting tendency or wheelchair configuration.
The bilateral design makes it easier to use the bolster where it is needed without requiring separate left- and right-specific products.
This flexibility can also be useful when adjustments to the seating setup become necessary over time.
Secure Strapping System
A positioning support needs to remain securely in place while the wheelchair is in use.
The Permobil Hip Bolster includes a strapping system that secures around the side of the wheelchair.
The straps help keep the bolster positioned against the wheelchair side rather than allowing it to shift freely.
This creates a more stable support surface for the user.
A secure attachment system also helps the bolster function as part of the overall wheelchair seating setup.
The positioning accessory should be installed according to the appropriate product instructions to ensure that the straps remain secure.
Side Protection for Wheelchair Users
The hip bolster does more than reduce the width of the seat.
It also creates a protective layer between the user and the side of the wheelchair.
Wheelchair sides can be hard or structured surfaces that may not provide the same level of cushioning as a dedicated positioning support.
The Permobil Hip Bolster adds a soft, supportive surface to this area.
This can help create a more comfortable interface for users who require consistent lateral hip support.
The added layer can also reduce direct contact with the wheelchair side.
Solace Fabric Cover
The Solace cover is one of the key comfort features of the Permobil Hip Bolster.
The material is designed to be soft to the touch while providing practical performance for wheelchair seating applications.
The cover is:
- Fluid-proof
- Antimicrobial
- Soft against the body
- Designed with multidimensional stretch
- Easy to clean
These qualities make the cover suitable for regular wheelchair use.
A positioning support can spend long periods in direct or close contact with the user, so the surface material can influence everyday comfort and maintenance.
Soft and Comfortable Contact Surface
Comfortable seating materials are especially important for people who use a wheelchair for extended periods.
The Solace fabric cover provides a soft surface that can feel more accommodating than a rigid wheelchair component.
The material’s multidimensional stretch allows the cover to move and adapt more naturally around the support surface.
Rather than acting like a stiff outer layer, the fabric helps create a more flexible contact interface.
This can be useful when the bolster sits against the side of the user’s hips throughout the day.
Multidimensional Stretch for Pressure Redistribution
The cover features a multidimensional stretch design.
This type of material can move in more than one direction, helping it adapt around the contours of the user’s body.
The Permobil Hip Bolster uses this flexible surface to create a more accommodating contact area around prominent body structures.
The design supports pressure redistribution rather than concentrating contact on a single small area.
For users who require additional attention to skin protection and pressure management, the quality of the contact surface can be an important consideration.
However, the bolster should always be used as part of a properly assessed seating system.
Pressure Relief and Comfort
The Permobil Hip Bolster is designed with pressure relief and comfort in mind.
Its supportive shape provides lateral positioning, while the flexible cover helps create a more accommodating contact surface.
Pressure management is particularly important for users who spend extended periods seated.
A properly positioned bolster can help distribute contact over a broader area rather than allowing concentrated pressure against a hard wheelchair side.
The exact benefits will depend on the user’s body shape, positioning needs, skin condition, and complete seating configuration.
Skin Protection for Everyday Wheelchair Use
The Solace cover is designed to support skin protection by creating a softer and more flexible surface around the user’s hips.
Its multidimensional stretch construction can help reduce friction and irritation associated with less accommodating materials.
The fluid-proof and antimicrobial qualities also support practical hygiene and maintenance.
For users with specific skin protection needs, however, the entire seating system should be evaluated regularly.
No single positioning component can address every pressure or skin concern.
Comfortable Lateral Hip Support
The main function of the Permobil Hip Bolster is to provide lateral support around the hips.
Lateral support can help create a more defined seating boundary.
Instead of leaving a large gap between the user and the wheelchair side, the bolster provides a supportive contact point.
This can be useful for users who require help maintaining a centered position within the seat.
The amount of support needed can vary considerably between individuals.
Some users may require a single bolster on one side, while others may use a different combination of positioning supports.
Permobil Hip Bolster Features and Benefits
The Permobil Hip Bolster combines positioning support with practical comfort features.
Reduces Effective Seat Width
The bolster fills additional space around the user to create a more individualized seating area.
Helps Maintain Central Hip Positioning
Lateral support helps keep the hips more centrally positioned within the wheelchair.
Secure Strapping System
The straps secure around the side of the wheelchair to keep the bolster in position.
Bilateral Design
The bolster can be used on either the left or right side of the wheelchair.
Solace Fabric Cover
The soft cover provides a comfortable contact surface.
Fluid-Proof Material
The cover helps protect the positioning surface from fluid exposure.
Antimicrobial Surface
The material supports a more hygienic seating environment.
Multidimensional Stretch
The flexible cover moves in multiple directions to create a more accommodating surface.
Pressure Redistribution
The design helps create a broader and more supportive contact area around the hips.
Side Protection
The bolster provides a cushioned barrier between the user and the side of the wheelchair.
Together, these features make the Permobil Hip Bolster a useful option for customized wheelchair seating.
Why Hip Positioning Matters in a Wheelchair
The hips and pelvis provide an important foundation for seated posture.
When the user sits off-center or shifts excessively to one side, other parts of the body may also change position.
For example, movement at the hips can influence the position of the trunk, thighs, knees, and feet.
The Permobil Hip Bolster provides additional lateral support to help create a more defined hip position.
It does not work alone. Instead, it forms one part of a complete seating system.
The seat cushion, back support, pelvic positioning belt, foot supports, and other accessories can all influence the user’s final seated position.
A More Individualized Wheelchair Seating Setup
Standard wheelchair dimensions cannot provide an exact fit for every user.
A hip bolster offers a way to modify the seating environment without necessarily changing the entire wheelchair.
By placing the Permobil Hip Bolster beside the user, caregivers and seating professionals can reduce the functional seat width and provide support where it is needed.
The bilateral design adds even more flexibility.
The same bolster can be positioned on either side of the wheelchair depending on the seating requirements.
This makes it a useful accessory for individualized seating adjustments.
Support for Long-Term Wheelchair Use
Many wheelchair users remain seated for long periods during the day.
During extended use, a support accessory should provide positioning assistance without creating an unnecessarily uncomfortable contact point.
The Permobil Hip Bolster combines supportive structure with a soft, flexible cover.
The Solace material adds comfort while the bolster itself creates the lateral support needed to help reduce excess space around the hips.
This combination makes the product suitable for everyday seating applications where additional hip support is required.
Easy-to-Clean Wheelchair Positioning Support
Regular maintenance is important for wheelchair seating accessories.
The Solace cover offers a practical surface that is easy to clean.
Its fluid-proof construction can also help simplify everyday care.
Users and caregivers should follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions to maintain the material and preserve its intended performance.
Avoid using cleaning products that could damage the cover or affect its surface properties.
Working With Other Wheelchair Positioning Accessories
The Permobil Hip Bolster can work alongside other components within a complete seating system.
Depending on the user’s requirements, these may include:
- Pelvic positioning belts
- Seat cushions
- Back supports
- Thigh supports
- Lateral trunk supports
- Calf supports
- Footplates
- Headrests
- Knee supports
Each component supports a different area of the body.
The hip bolster focuses on reducing excess space around the hips and providing lateral support.
When the complete system works together, it can create a more individualized seating environment.
Who May Benefit From a Wheelchair Hip Bolster?
The Permobil Hip Bolster may be useful for wheelchair users who need additional support around one side of the hips.
It may be considered for users who:
- Sit in a wheelchair seat that has excess width
- Need additional lateral hip support
- Require help maintaining a more centered hip position
- Need a soft protective surface against the wheelchair side
- Want to create a more individualized seat width
- Require flexible left- or right-side positioning
- Use customized wheelchair seating equipment
- Need a positioning support with a fluid-proof cover
Proper Installation and Positioning
Correct placement is important for any wheelchair positioning accessory.
The Permobil Hip Bolster should sit in a location that provides the required lateral support without interfering with the user’s comfort, transfers, or other wheelchair functions.
The strapping system should secure the bolster around the wheelchair side according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For users with complex seating requirements, a qualified seating and mobility professional can help determine the appropriate placement.
you may also like some of our products:
Routine Inspection and Maintenance
The bolster and its straps should be inspected regularly.
Check the cover for visible damage, wear, or changes in its surface condition.
The strapping system should also remain secure.
If the bolster shifts during use or no longer provides the intended support, the seating configuration should be reviewed.
Regular inspection helps ensure that the accessory continues to perform as intended.
Permobil Hip Bolster for Comfortable and Secure Wheelchair Hip Positioning
The Permobil Hip Bolster provides a practical solution for reducing excess seat width and creating additional lateral support around the hips.
Its secure strapping system helps keep the bolster positioned against the side of the wheelchair, while the bilateral design allows the same support to be used on either the left or right side.
The soft Solace cover adds another level of comfort with fluid-proof, antimicrobial, and multidimensional stretch properties. This flexible surface supports pressure redistribution and helps create a more accommodating contact area around the hips .visit the official Permobil makers site
For wheelchair users who need a more individualized seating width and additional lateral support, the Permobil Hip Bolster offers a comfortable and adaptable positioning solution. When properly fitted as part of a complete seating system, it can help keep the hips more centrally positioned while providing a softer protective surface along the side of the wheelchair.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.