What is A Drop Seat on a Wheelchair?

A drop seat is a component used to lower the height of the wheelchair seat to allow the user to reach the footrest or the floor. Drop seats can help when the person is using a wheelchair that is too high for their height. With this arrangement, the user can sit comfortably without hanging limbs or risking a leg injury.

The seat also lowers the center of gravity of the wheelchair, reducing the possibility of the chair tipping over when the user bends forward. Drop seat creates a flat, low-height seating surface without making any adjustments to the wheelchair frame. The low-height sitting surface supports safer transfers, improved posture, and independent wheelchair mobility. The drop seat base can be set to an inclined position creating a wedge effect that can aid proper positioning. This reclining position helps prevent forward sliding, falls, and skin breakdown.

Health Products For You carries drop seats that help provide you solid low-height seating surface for improved posture and positioning. You can try Skil-Care J-Hook Drop Seat Base that can be lowered, raised, or angled up to offer a comfortable seated position for you.

How to Install the Drop Seat in a Wheelchair?

To install a drop seat, the existing sling seat is removed. The drop seat base is attached to the side seat rails using the drop hooks.
Most of the drop seats come with adjustable hooks. The drop hooks can be set up to lower a wheelchair seat up to four inches or depending on the manufacturer's specifications.
Then you can place your desired wheelchair cushion on the drop seat base.
Secure the cushion with safety straps to prevent it from sliding off the drop seat base.
Some drop seats are universal and can be installed on any wheelchair.

What are the Benefits of the Drop Seat?

Access to the Floor: The drop seat gives floor access to the users for foot propulsion, increasing their autonomy and reducing the staff time required to move the patient from place to place.
Control and Comfort: It permits shorter users to reach the footrest for improved positioning, slide control, safety, and comfort.
Utmost Safety: This seating arrangement makes transfer into or out of the wheelchair easier. It prevents falls and improves the posture of the resident. It lowers the wheelchair's center of gravity, making it more stable.
Adequate Weight Distribution: It reduces the hammock effect of wheelchair sling seats. The drop seat provides a firm base for improved weight distribution and reduced pressure on the spine and tailbone. For some residents, the low seating surface allows them to use cushions while keeping the armrests and backrest in proper relation to them.
Proper Positioning: The drop seat can be adjusted to create a wedge that helps in proper positioning and prevents the user from slipping down in the wheelchair.

What are the things to consider when using a Drop Seat?

Dimensions: Always buy a drop seat base that matches your seat width.
Weight Capacity: Buy a drop seat base that can support the resident's weight. Refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the information regarding maximum weight capacity.
Cushioning: Never place the user directly on the drop seat. Always use a cushion that is specifically designed for it.
Fault: Always check for drop seat base for signs of wear and tear. If you notice the unit is torn, replace it with a new one. Faulty drop seats for wheelchair users render their spinal cord injured. Therefore, it is essential to keep a check on drop seats.

Where can I buy a Drop-Seat Base online?

You can find sturdy and durable drop seat bases at Health Products For You that aid in the ultimate comfort, safety, and positioning of the wheelchair user. These products are from our Esteemed Vendor, Skil care. Shop with us to avail of attractive discounts.