Description
- Suitable For
- Key Features
- Optional Accessories
- Fabric Options
- Size Guide
- Back Cushions
- Seat Cushions
- Headrest Cushions
- Mechanisms
- Warranty
- Gallery
Suitable For
The Melrose Porter healthcare chair is ideal as part of a 24-hour postural care programme as it has been specifically engineered to meet the comfort needs of individuals with pressure management issues and to provide adaptable support for neurological and postural conditions.
With a unique combination, of Tilt in Space and independently controlled back recline and leg elevation, carers can constantly adjust the user’s position to relieve pressure and provide all-day comfort.
The Melrose Porter healthcare chair has been designed with a high level of pressure and postural features and benefits to meet the needs of those with significant symptoms that affect their skin integrity and postural needs:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Motor Neurone disease
- Life limiting conditions
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, seat and width adjustment and this makes the Melrose Porter healthcare chair a highly versatile and comfortable pressure management porter.
The Melrose Porter can be used with either a mobile or overhead hoist to support safe moving and handling techniques for carers.
Environments:
Key Features
The Melrose Porter healthcare chair comes with the following key features as standard. There is the option to purchase additional features and these are detailed in the Optional Accessories Section.
MechanismsThe Melrose comes with Independent Tilt in Space, Backrest Recline and Leg Rest adjustments. This mechanism enables a whole range of postural positions for high level pressure management care. For further details on this mechanism, visit the Mechanism Section. | |
Pressure Management Back CushionsThere is a choice of seven 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 and replacement. See Back Cushion Section for details on the individual cushions. | |
Pressure Management Seat CushionsThere is a choice of seven 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 details of the individual cushions. | |
Seat Depth AdjustmentThe Melrose comes with a mechanism to adjust the seat depth so that the right seat depth can be achieved. The Seat depth range is 406mm to 559mm (16” to 22″) In addition, there is the option to purchase seat adjuster pads which will increase the range of adjustment. These are explained in the Optional Accessories Section. 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. | |
Seat Width AdjustmentThere are two sizes of arm pads that allow the seat width to be adjusted. A single set comes as standard with each size of chair. There are a range of seat widths that are achievable by using the reversible sets of arm pads: Arm Pad Set 1 standard on medium sized chair: 483mm (19″) or 533mm (21″) seat widths. Arm Pad Set 2 standard on small sized chair: 431mm (17″) or 533mm (21″) seat widths. | |
Contoured and Padded Leg RestThe contoured leg rest helps to stop the legs splaying and is extremely comfortable. It has a removable cover for cleaning or replacement. | |
Heavy-duty push handleFor ease of movement the Melrose comes with a heavy-duty push handle with rubber grips. | |
CastorsThe Melrose comes with four heavy-duty castors built in as standard, with the rear ones lockable. | |
D-RingsD-rings are fitted as standard. |
Optional Accessories
The following features can be purchased to enhance the functionality of the Melrose Porter healthcare chair.
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. | |
Height AdjustmentEasily adjusted using the locking pin at the back of the footplate the seat height to footplate range is 356mm to 584mm, (18” to 22”). | |
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. | |
Sliding FootplateThis enables the user to place their feet safely on the footplate whilst being portered, but because it can be hidden away it allows uninterrupted access with a hoist. The footplate has been designed with a central castor to maximize stability. The cover can also be easily removed for cleaning and replacement. | |
Seat Depth AdjustersIn addition to the adjustable seat depth which is built into the chair there is the option to purchase additional seat depth adjusters. There is a choice of two sets of detachable adjuster pads, 25.4mm (1″) or 50.8mm (2″). The covers can be removed for cleaning or replacement. | |
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 Headrests Section.
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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. |
* Please note that some of these additional features will need to be fitted at the point of manufacture.
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
Melrose Porter Overall Weight Limits
The Melrose has a weight limit of 127 Kg (20 stone) as standard. The maximum leg rest weight limit is 57 kg (9 stone) on all models.
Seat Cushion Weight Limits
Certain pressure management seat cushion options have their own overall weight limits, including the Airform and the Celliform, details of which can be found in the Seat Cushion Section. The maximum leg rest weight limit is unaffected by the seat cushion.
Important Dimensions
Small | Medium | |
Seat Height | 584mm (23″) | 584mm (23″) |
Seat Width | 432mm (17″) and 533mm (21″) Using the reversible small arm pads | 483mm (19″) and 533mm (21″) Using the reversible arm pads |
Seat Depth | 406mm (16″) – 559mm (22″) | 406mm (16″) – 559mm (22″) |
Arm Height | 229mm (9″) | 229mm (9″) |
Overall Height | 1245mm (49″) | 1245mm (49″) |
Overall Width | 711mm (28″) and 813mm (32″) (25mm (1″) and 76mm (3″) options on arm pad) | 711mm (28″) and 762mm (30″) (25mm (1″) and 51mm (2″) options on arm pad) |
Overall Depth | 914mm (36″) | 914mm (36″) |
Please note that:
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 seven 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 or replacement. If you would like to find out about what back cushions are available on other healthcare chairs from the Repose range please see the comparison chart below. | |
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. |
Seat Cushions
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. | |
Profile ViscoformThe profile version of the Viscoform cushion provides a pommel, which can support those with weak trunk or lower limb muscles who are prone to sliding down and forward in their chair or for those with lower limbspasticity to help maintain hips in the abducted position to create a good seating position. | |
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. | |
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) | |
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. | |
Profile CoolformThe profile version of the Coolform cushion provides a pommel, which can support those with weak trunk or lower limb muscles who are prone to sliding down and forward in their chair or for those with lower limbspasticity to help maintain hips in the abducted position to create a good seating position. | |
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) |
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). |
Mechanisms
The most important aspect to consider before purchasing any healthcare chair are the seating positions that are required to aid the conditions of the client and address any pressure and postural management needs.
The Melrose Porter healthcare chair comes with manually operated independent Tilt in Space, backrest recline and leg rest adjustments.
Independent Tilt in SpaceThe 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. The backrest can be independently reclined providing a range of back angles allowing for optimal position for comfort | |
Independent Leg Rest MovementThe leg rest on the Melrose has been designed with a contoured leg rest helps to stop the legs splaying and is extremely comfortable. The leg rest works independently of the backrest movement enabling a wide range of relaxing positions, from sitting upright and raising the leg rest to relieve tired legs to a fully reclined resting position. The leg elevation can support reduction in oedema and fluid retention. This reduced fluid in the lower limbs allows a user to maintain their standing and walking abilities. |
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. |