ClimaTherm regulates temperature of textile seat covers

02 Sep '08

6 min read

In the health care industry, there is often the issue of comfort for individuals that are users of wheelchairs. The innovative company Vital Base has just designed a cushioning especially for wheelchairs that stresses comfort.

The secret: The temperature regulating smart Outlast technology which was originally developed for NASA and is now balancing temperature changes in wheelchairs. Sitting comfort is improved significantly.

This cushion system is developed with precision. “We have done extensive research and with the help and input from users, therapists, and clients, we have managed to create a genuine product that is amazing”, explains John Rune Furnes, CEO of Vital Base AS, Hareid/Norway. The product is called Vital Base Sitting System. “Vital Base Royal” is a seat cushion for wheelchairs where the outer cover is ClimaTherm.

ClimaTherm is the name of a product used as a textile cover to wheelchair cushions and other cushions and products. The purpose: ClimaTherm is made to keep constant temperature of 28°C when exposed to the heat of a human body (this is normally between 30°C and 34°C on the outside). Also, ClimaTherm enables better ventilation of the contact surface. The microclimate is improved by drier skin and constant temperature.

This effect reduces the risk of the creation of pressure ulcers when sitting on a cushion. ClimaTherm depends on certain properties in the materials to give the wanted effect: Outlast phase change material (PCM), 3D textile, cover textile.

ClimaTherm is constituted of two or more different materials, layered one upon the other, and formed so that it is suitable for products meant for sitting on or products coming close to the body. ClimaTherm is effective only when exposed to the said temperatures.

The effect is described as follows:
1. Heat from the body (33°C) warms up the air inside the 3D textile
2. The warm air inside the 3D textile acts on the PCM
3. The Outlast PCM starts acting on its own, storing and releasing energy as it warms up or cools down.

ClimaTherm is applied to products in the health care business. The cover is used in wheelchair cushions, both seat and backrest, and has proven itself to improve sitting experience and let the user benefit from its effects.

The effects help reducing risk of pressure ulcers as ClimaTherm both ventilates the contact surface and keeps a constant temperature, thus optimising skin condition. Skin impairment is one major risk factor.

“Vital Base Royal” has the best pressure distributive properties along with side support and pelvis stabilisation, and inside there even is an energy absorbent reducing shocks to the spine.

Vital Base Royal is one of the best-selling products of the wheelchair manufacturer Alu Rehab AS in Norway (supplying to the EU, Japan, South Africa, Middle East etc). “ClimaTherm is one of the success factors of the cushion, and proves this daily as more peoplelove it and sit on it”, explains John Rune Furnes.

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