The Maximise Plus Bariatric Seat Cushion (NCL-MXPC, 56x46x10cm) provides triple-layer foam pressure redistribution for users up to 318kg (50 stone). Welded vapour-permeable two-way stretch cover; non-slip base; waterfall flap. MDR 2017/745 compliant. Tissue viability nurse and bariatric care specialist assessment required.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-MXPC-(3LBC5646) |
| Dimensions | 56 x 46 x 10 cm |
| SWL | 318 kg (50 stone) |
| Foam Layers | Firm base; CMHR middle; viscoelastic top |
| Cover | Welded, vapour-permeable, two-way stretch |
| Additional Features | Non-slip base; waterfall flap |
| MDR Compliance | MDR 2017/745 |
NICE CG179 and MDR 2017/745 apply as for all Maximise range cushions. For bariatric residents, the tissue viability nurse and bariatric care specialist should jointly assess the cushion specification, confirming that the 318kg SWL accommodates the individual's weight, that the 56x46cm dimensions provide adequate seated coverage, and that the triple-layer foam provides appropriate pressure redistribution for the individual's risk level. CQC Regulation 12 requires that seating equipment for bariatric residents is appropriate for their weight; specifying a standard-SWL cushion for a resident whose weight exceeds that SWL would be non-compliant. The non-slip base inspection should be included in regular equipment maintenance checks.
How does the triple-layer foam construction support effective pressure redistribution for bariatric users?
Standard foam cushions may bottom out under bariatric loading - compressing fully so the user is effectively resting on the chair frame through the foam, providing no pressure redistribution. The Maximise Plus triple-layer system addresses this: the firm base layer provides a stable platform that resists full compression under the higher load; the CMHR middle layer distributes the load from the base more broadly into the cushion body; and the viscoelastic top layer provides the pressure-redistributing contouring that directly benefits the skin contact surface. The three layers working together maintain the effective pressure relief depth under bariatric loading that a single-layer standard foam cushion cannot provide.
What is a waterfall flap and why does it matter for bariatric seating?
A waterfall flap is a softened, gently curved or downward-sloping front edge of the seat cushion that prevents the sharp right-angle edge of a standard cushion from creating a pressure point at the underside of the thighs. For heavier users, the thigh tissue weight pressing down onto a square cushion edge creates a localised high-pressure zone at the thigh underside near the knee, which can contribute to pressure ulcer development in this area during extended seated periods. The waterfall flap redistributes this contact by providing a gradual slope that allows the thigh to rest against a curved surface rather than a sharp edge, spreading the contact pressure over a larger area and reducing the peak pressure at the thigh-cushion interface.