Description
- Suitable For
- Key Features
- Optional Accessories
- Fabric Options
- Size Guide
- Back Cushions
- Seat Cushions
- Mechanisms
- Headrest Cushions
- Warranty
- Gallery
Suitable For
The Boston is ideal as part of a 24-hour postural care programme. It has been prescribed for clients that require intensive care such as, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and or for those with life limiting conditions.
With some client conditions it has helped to reduce agitation, increased their levels of interaction and engagement in activities and provided them the opportunity to sleep in deep comfort. However, the Boston is equally at home being used as a general porter chair.
The Boston is ideal for life limiting conditions, palliative care, deteriorating conditions and those clients with have issues with agitation and wandering:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Motor Neurone disease
- Dementia
- Multiple diagnoses
Both reclining and tilt systems can provide pressure relief, increase circulation, improve head, neck and trunk control, improve functional posture and positioning, support safe transfers by various means and minimise variations / fluctuations in the client’s muscular control. Tilt and recline systems work predominantly by moving the persons centre of gravity which whilst maintaining posture and ergonomic support allows the pannus to be redistributed. This can be used to alleviate pressure, help the respiratory system and allow access for specific skin care tasks.
The backrest and leg rest can be adjusted separately providing a further range of back and leg combinations to support improved posture and pressure management, particularly aiding the amount of hip flexion.
Couple this with the angle and height adjustable footplate and this makes the Boston chair a highly versatile and comfortable pressure management porter.
The chair can be used with either a mobile or overhead hoist to support safe moving and handling techniques for carers.
Environments:
Key Features
The Boston porter comes with an extensive range of key features as standard to aid pressure management, postural control and comfort. There is the option to purchase additional features and these are detailed in Optional Accessories Section.
MechanismsThe Boston comes in either an electric or manual model. The features are the same for both models except that the electric model comes with a rechargeable battery pack as standard and a handset that will operate the main movements of the chair which are the Independent Tilt in Space, Backrest Recline and Leg Rest adjustments. All other adjustments / movements are operated manually on both models.
For further details on these mechanisms, with video clips, visit the Mechanism Section. | |
Pressure Management Back CushionsThere is a choice of eight interchangeable and adjustable pressure management back cushions that enable the chair to be adapted to a single user’s changing needs or to adapt the chair to another user. This ensures greater longevity of its usage. In addition, all cushions can be repositioned to suit a user’s individual seating preferences and fibres added or removed from fibre filled cushions to adjust firmness. Covers can also be removed for cleaning. See Back Cushion Section for more details. | |
Pressure Management Seat CushionsThere is a choice of six interchangeable seat cushions each with different pressure management features. You can purchase one or more cushions to support the different needs of individuals who may use this chair. Cushions and covers are removable for cleaning and replacement. With all these seat cushions we recommend a fabric with four way stretch properties to aid reduction of shear and friction. See Seat Cushion Section for more details. | |
Ease Of Movement – Push Handle And Wing HandlesThe Boston is designed to be extremely easy to push and manoeuvre. Whilst the Boston comes with the traditional heavy-duty push bar it also comes with additional easy to grip wing handles, providing a sturdy and comfortable hold, with the handles shaped and positioned to suit carers of different heights. These handles allow the chair to be easily moved and positioned even when an individual is in a fully reclined position. | |
Four Heavy Duty Large Lockable CastorsThe Boston comes with four heavy duty lockable castors designed to easily glide over low profile carpets, wooden and vinyl flooring. | |
Pocket On Rear For Client DocumentationA pocket on the back of the chair can be used to keep the client’s papers or chair user instructions. | |
Padded Seat Chaise CoverThe Boston benefits from a single, full cover over the whole of the seat. This chaise, which is attached to the seat cushion, reduces the risk of pressure areas developing due to pinch points and shear and friction when the chair reclines. The chaise/seat cover can be removed for cleaning and replacement. | |
D-RingsThe Boston comes with D-rings fitted as standard enabling easy fitting of a lap strap and pad. | |
Rechargeable Battery System (Electric Model)The Boston comes with a rechargeable battery system (20 Cycle back-up system) as standard allowing for mains free usage. It enables up to 20 chair adjustments. Full user instructions can be found in your user manual – please read carefully before using the chair and the 20 cycle back up. |
Optional Accessories
The following features can be purchased to enhance the functionality of the chair.
Seat Depth AdjustmentThe Boston has the option to alter the seat depth with a choice of two sets of detachable adjuster pads, 25.4mm (1”) or 50.8mm (2”). Any number of pairs of these can be purchased. The covers can be removed for cleaning or replacement. The seat depth should be long enough to support the upper part of the legs whilst allowing the back to rest comfortably on the backrest. If the seat is too long the user is likely to slouch in the chair to get their feet on the floor, which puts extra pressure on their lower spine, if too short it will cause additional pressure on the thighs risking potential skin breakdown. | |
Height and Angle Adjustable FootplateA height and angle adjustable footplate allows for an additional range of support positions. The footplate can also be removed or flipped up to allow uninterrupted access with a hoist. The footplate has a removable cover for replacement or cleaning. | |
Angle AdjustmentThe footplate has four positions to accommodate for fixed flexion and to maintain the foot position for users with drop foot. It can be folded up against the leg rest if required. It is easy to change the position by simply using the pull strap on the right-hand side of the base of the footplate to engage the locking pin. | |
Height and Angle Adjustable FootplateEasily adjusted using the locking pin at the back of the footplate the seat height to footplate range is 432mm to 584mm, (17” to 23”). | |
Wedge Adjustment BlockersWedge adjustment blockers are available with all our back cushions on the Boston. The blockers fit behind the cushions allowing the carer to change the level of support and adapt the back for a user’s changing needs. Available in two sizes 50.8mm (2”) and 76.2mm (3”) depth. Any number of these can be purchased. The covers can be removed for cleaning or replacement. | |
Padded Detachable Footrest PadThe footrest pad can be simply secured to the footplate providing the user with a softer and deeper cushion support. Available in three sizes – 25.4mm, 50.8mm and 76.2mm (2”, 3” and 4”). Any number of these can be purchased. The cover can be removed for cleaning or replacement. | |
Lap Strap and PadA lap strap that can be easily shortened or lengthened and which has a quick release clip can be purchased. This is a lap strap and not a pelvic positioner and should never be used for restraining purposes. | |
HeadrestsThere are five headrests to choose from, all of which come with a Velcro tab allowing them to fit over the top cushions. For further details on each of these options please refer to the Headrest Cushion Section.
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Fabric Options
All our health fabrics are Waterproof, Anti-MRSA, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Crib 5 and bleach cleanable. All cushions and cushion covers are removable for cleaning purposes.
Size Guide
Overall Weight Limits
The Boston comes as standard with an overall weight limit of 159 kg (25 stone) and with a maximum leg rest weight limit of 57 kg (9 stone).
Seat Cushion Weight Limits
The overall weight limited will be restricted when certain pressure management seat cushions such as the Airform and Celliform cushions are selected. Details of these can be found in the Seat Cushion Section. The maximum leg rest weight limit is not affected by the seat cushion selection and will always remain at 57 kg (9 stone).
Small | Medium | Large | |
Seat Height | 635mm (25″) | 635mm (25″) | 635mm (25″) |
Seat Width | 457mm (18”) | 508mm (20″) | 559mm (22″) |
Seat Depth | 508mm (20″) | 508mm (20″) | 508mm (20″) |
Arm Height | 178mm (7″) | 178mm (7″) | 178mm (7″) |
Overall Height | 1270mm (50″) | 1270mm (50″) | 1270mm (50″) |
Overall Height | 724mm (28.5″) | 775mm (30.5″) | 826mm (32.5″) |
Overall Depth | 927mm (36.5″) | 927mm (36.5″) | 927mm (36.5″) |
Please Note
Depending on the seat cushion built into the chair the seat and arm height may vary slightly from that shown above.
Back Cushions
There is a choice of eight interchangeable pressure management back cushions that enable the chair to be adapted to a single user’s changing needs or to adapt the chair to another user. This ensures greater longevity of its usage. In addition, all cushions can be repositioned to suit a user’s individual seating preferences and fibres added or removed from fibre filled cushions to adjust firmness. Covers can also be removed for cleaning and replacement. | |
WaterfallIndividual fibre filled waterfall cushions, each of which are fully adjustable to accommodate maximum postural support. The waterfall back can be useful for those with mild Kyphosis, Scoliosis and reduced muscle mass on their back. | |
Waterfall LateralThe central cushion in this soft fibre filled waterfall back comes with in-built lateral supports which can provide some trunk support for those who have limited trunk control or balance, useful for those with early stages of neurological conditions such as MS or a Stroke survivor with limited residual impairments. | |
Large Profile Headrest With WaterfallThe profile headrest conforms to the head and shoulders which can be useful for individuals with limited neck control with the waterfall back providing soft adjustable lumbar support. | |
Comfort LateralSoft fibre filled back with lateral support, which can be useful for those who have limited trunk control or balance. It can be useful for those with early stages of neurological conditions such as MS or a Stroke survivor. | |
Large Profile Headrest With Comfort LateralThis back offers soft fibre filled cushions to provide head, shoulder and trunk support, which can be useful for older users who have lost some muscle control, supporting them in a good postural position with the head in a neutral position. This back can also be useful for early stages of neurological conditions to maintain good positioning without restricting activities. | |
Support LateralA foam filled back providing firmer lateral support with a soft fibre filled headrest. The firm lateral support maintains midline trunk alignment which can be useful for those post Stroke or early to mid-stages of neurological conditions. | |
Large Profile Headrest With Support LateralFirm foam lateral back cushion with soft fibre filled profile headrest can provide support for those who have limited trunk control or balance. The profile headrest can provide support to keep the head in good midline alignment which can be useful for those with early stages of neurological conditions such as MS or a Stroke survivor with limited residual impairments. | |
Double Comfort LateralDeep filled contoured back cushions provide lateral postural support for improved comfort and positioning, making this chair useful for any individual with painful joints and where any movement is painful with conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or neurological conditions. This back could also benefit palliative care, supporting those with life-limiting conditions. |
Seat Cushions
There is a choice of six seat cushions each with different pressure management features. It can be removed and interchanged with one of the other seat cushion options. You can purchase one or more cushions to support the different needs of individuals who may use this chair. Cushions and covers are removable for cleaning and replacement. With all pressure management seat cushions, we recommend a fabric with four way stretch properties to aid the reduction of shear and friction. | |
ViscoformFor those who have good posture and mobility but are seated for greater than one hour at a time and require pressure relief and supported comfort. This cushion has a high-density foam base which offers a supportive and firm seat base with a top layer of memory foam to allow immersion into the cushion, giving stability and a large surface area to reduce pressure levels. | |
FoamaformFor those who have good core stability and posture, are sitting for more than one hour at a time and require low to medium pressure relief combined with a high level of comfort. This cushion has different layers of high-density foam, offering a supportive seat base which allows the user’s bottom to be immersed into the cushion. It provides stability, a large surface area reducing pressure levels and a high level of personal comfort. | |
CelliformFor those sitting for long periods with specific comfort issues such as a high risk of pressure sores. Gelacell has a unique cell matrix that distributes pressure across the contact area, as it contours and yields in response to weight redistribution. Gelacell absorbs body heat, reducing the risk of creating an environment that could increase pressure risks, the grid design also encourages air circulation. Gelacell is clinically tested and passes all dermatological tests for skin contact. Maximum weight of user 127 kg (20 stone) | |
LiquiformFor those who have good posture and mobility but sit for long periods of time and require pressure relief and supported comfort. Recommended for people with limited muscle bulk or at risk of excessive weight loss. This cushion has a high-density foam which offers a supportive and firm seat base. The foam is topped with a fluid liquid gel in a soft silicone cover which provides a high level of pressure relief. The liquid gel helps to dissipate heat and constantly adapts to the user’s movement. | |
CoolformFor those sitting for long periods with specific comfort issues such as a high risk of pressure sores. This cushion uses the latest medical grade silicone gel technology allowing pressure to be evenly distributed. The gel conforms to the shape of the body and equalises to body temperature. The gel cells allow air to flow easily and Coolform is totally odourless and hypoallergenic. | |
AirformFor those who currently have or who are at high risk of pressure sores. Users need to have good pelvic stability and core trunk strength to accommodate the air pressure changes. The Airform has three manual air cushions under a layer of memory foam. The cushion provides all the benefit of an air cushion without the sensation of alternating changes in air pressure. Minimum weight of user 40 kg (6 stone 4lbs) |
Mechanisms
The Boston comes in either an electric or manual model. The features are the same for both models except that the electric model comes with a rechargeable battery pack as standard and a handset that will operate the main movements of the chair which are:
Independent Tilt In Space (TIS)The Independent Tilt in Space works to counteract the effect of the person’s pannus. By having control over the angle of tilt you can adjust that person’s centre of gravity’ making them feel more comfortable, supporting the pannus, and reducing the feeling that they are being dragged forward by external forces. The TIS movement allows the seat to back angle to remain the same whilst the whole seating system is tilted backwards, which means that the angle of the hips, knees and ankles are not affected during this movement. It also reduces the weight on the Ischial Tuberosities and redistributes the weight through the back. This constant back angle prevents shear and friction during movement. This feature can also help when moving someone in a hoist and can support better pelvic positioning by optimising the use of gravity to position the user in the optimal position. | |
Independent Backrest ReclineThe Independent Backrest Recline allows the person to maintain flexibility over their body’s position, particularly the amount of hip flexion, enabling them to maximise comfort as well as managing health needs. This unique feature allows the angle at which the TIS operates to be changed at any time. The backrest can be independently reclined providing a range of back angles allowing for optimal position for comfort. The angle range is 108 – 165 degrees. The range of positions that this allows, coupled with the Independent Leg Rest adjustment can include the Trendelenburg position. | |
Independent Leg Rest AdjustmentThe leg rest on the Boston has been designed slightly longer to support good positioning of the legs. It also has a gentle profile shape to support the legs from slipping from the leg rest and reduces the risks associated with individuals crossing their legs. The leg rest angle can be changed independently and can move 90° degrees from the standard seating position. Please note that on the manual chair the leg rest can be adjusted using the lever on the side of the chair as illustrated. |
Headrest Cushions
There is a choice of 5 detachable headrests all attached with a velcro tab.
Head RollThe head roll is useful to reduce depth for anyone with reduced neck extension or needing to keep their head in a neutral position for tasks such as eating or drinking whilst maximising comfort and reducing effort. | |
Small Head PillowThe small head pillow provides additional comfort for those who may require a softer surface to rest on whilst stopping hyper-extension at the neck when reclined or tilted. | |
Small Profile HeadrestSimilar to the large profile headrest but support is focused more on the head and neck. | |
Large Profile HeadrestThis headrest provides a combination of lateral support at the head, neck and shoulders whilst offering additional comfort and reducing neck extension. | |
Midline HeadrestThe midline headrest provides postural support for those with some form of midline deficit, following a stroke resulting in proprioceptive deficit or unilateral neglect for example. It is also useful for those with reduced lateral muscle strength or tolerance (such as sternocleinomastoid). |
Warranty
Below is a summary of our Standard two-year warranty terms and conditions.
There is also the option to upgrade to a five-year comprehensive care plan, this is for non-commercial users only, please call our office on 023 9230 06556.
Standard Two-Year WarrantyTwo years on mechanisms and frame. |