Bariatric Cushion - Two-Layer Pressure Relief for Heavier Users.
- 318kg Safe Working Load - the FC20 is engineered for bariatric residents with a verified safe working load of 318kg (50 stone); the two-layer foam construction uses a firm high-density base layer to resist bottoming out under bariatric loads, with a softer conforming top layer providing pressure redistribution at the skin interface; SWL must be verified against the individual's documented weight before clinical issue per MHOR 1992 equipment selection requirements.
- Waterfall Flap at Front Edge - the waterfall flap folds the front edge of the cushion downward, eliminating the pressure point that a vertical foam edge creates at the underside of the thighs during extended sitting; for bariatric residents, thigh pressure at the chair edge is a recognised secondary pressure injury risk site alongside the ischial tuberosities, and the waterfall profile distributes seated load across a longer thigh contact surface to reduce that risk per NICE CG179 assessment criteria.
- 2-Way Stretch VP Wipe-Clean Cover - the vapour-permeable cover stretches in two directions to conform to the wider seated anatomy of bariatric users without folding or bunching at the seams; the wipe-clean surface supports NHS IPC decontamination between users; the 2-way stretch also allows the waterfall flap to drape correctly without the cover pulling taut and reducing flap effectiveness during seated use.
- MDR 2017/745 Bariatric Compliance - the FC20 is a Class I medical device under the Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745; clinical selection for bariatric use requires occupational therapist assessment of pressure risk distribution, seated posture, thigh dimension, and wheelchair seat pan width; the 51x46cm footprint must be verified against the seat pan of the intended wheelchair or chair before prescription.
Bariatric Seating Cushion FC20 - 318kg SWL - Waterfall Flap - 51x46x10cm
The FC20 bariatric seating cushion is a two-layer foam pressure redistribution device rated to a safe working load of 318kg (50 stone). The 51x46x10cm footprint is sized for bariatric wheelchair seat pans, and the waterfall flap front edge eliminates the thigh pressure point created by a vertical foam edge during extended seated use. The 2-way stretch vapour-permeable wipe-clean cover conforms to bariatric seated anatomy without seam pressure, and the dual-layer foam construction resists bottoming out under high-load conditions. Compliant with Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745 and selected following occupational therapist assessment per NICE CG179.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 51 x 46 x 10cm |
| Safe Working Load | 318kg (50 stone) |
| Foam Construction | Two-layer: firm HD base, soft conforming top |
| Front Edge | Waterfall flap (thigh pressure distribution) |
| Cover Type | 2-way stretch VP wipe-clean |
| Reference | NCL-FC20 |
| Regulatory Status | MDR 2017/745 Class I medical device |
| Clinical Standards | NICE CG179, MHOR 1992 (SWL verification) |
Regulatory Compliance
The FC20 bariatric cushion is compliant with Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745 as a Class I medical device. MHOR 1992 requires that all equipment selected for bariatric residents has a verified safe working load exceeding the resident's documented weight; SWL verification and documentation must be completed before clinical issue. Clinical selection follows occupational therapist assessment of the resident's pressure risk score, seated weight distribution, thigh dimensions, and wheelchair seat pan width. The wipe-clean cover supports NHS IPC decontamination requirements applicable to shared or high-use equipment. Equipment register documentation must be maintained for CQC Regulation 12 readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a waterfall flap and why is it particularly important in bariatric pressure care seating?
A waterfall flap is a design feature where the front edge of the cushion folds downward at an angle rather than presenting a vertical foam face at the chair edge. In a standard cushion, the compressed vertical edge creates a pressure line across the underside of the thighs at the point where they contact the chair edge, which is a recognised pressure injury risk site in addition to the ischial tuberosities and coccyx. For bariatric residents, the combination of higher seated weight, wider thigh contact at the chair edge, and the mechanical compression of the foam at the edge under load makes this thigh-edge pressure risk significantly greater than in standard-weight users. The waterfall flap eliminates the vertical edge pressure point by distributing seated load across the inclined surface rather than concentrating it at a single horizontal line, directly addressing the NICE CG179 principle of reducing peak interface pressure at all at-risk anatomical sites.
How should the FC20 seat pan dimensions be matched to a bariatric wheelchair?
The FC20 measures 51x46cm, which is wider than a standard seat cushion to accommodate bariatric seat pan configurations. Before prescribing, the occupational therapist must measure the wheelchair seat pan width and depth and confirm that the cushion dimensions match or slightly exceed the seat pan by no more than 2-3cm on each side. A cushion significantly wider than the seat pan will overhang the armrests and may reduce lateral stability or transfer safety. A cushion smaller than the seat pan will leave uncushioned foam edges that create pressure points at the thigh periphery. Where the resident's seated width or thigh profile falls outside the 51x46cm footprint, a custom-sized bariatric pressure cushion should be considered and a specialist seating assessment should be requested.
NCL-FC20
- 318kg Safe Working Load - the FC20 is engineered for bariatric residents with a verified safe working load of 318kg (50 stone); the two-layer foam construction uses a firm high-density base layer to resist bottoming out under bariatric loads, with a softer conforming top layer providing pressure redistribution at the skin interface; SWL must be verified against the individual's documented weight before clinical issue per MHOR 1992 equipment selection requirements.
- Waterfall Flap at Front Edge - the waterfall flap folds the front edge of the cushion downward, eliminating the pressure point that a vertical foam edge creates at the underside of the thighs during extended sitting; for bariatric residents, thigh pressure at the chair edge is a recognised secondary pressure injury risk site alongside the ischial tuberosities, and the waterfall profile distributes seated load across a longer thigh contact surface to reduce that risk per NICE CG179 assessment criteria.
- 2-Way Stretch VP Wipe-Clean Cover - the vapour-permeable cover stretches in two directions to conform to the wider seated anatomy of bariatric users without folding or bunching at the seams; the wipe-clean surface supports NHS IPC decontamination between users; the 2-way stretch also allows the waterfall flap to drape correctly without the cover pulling taut and reducing flap effectiveness during seated use.
- MDR 2017/745 Bariatric Compliance - the FC20 is a Class I medical device under the Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745; clinical selection for bariatric use requires occupational therapist assessment of pressure risk distribution, seated posture, thigh dimension, and wheelchair seat pan width; the 51x46cm footprint must be verified against the seat pan of the intended wheelchair or chair before prescription.