Comfy Wheelchair High Back: The Ultimate in Comfort and Support

A reclining manual wheelchair is designed to offer users maximum comfort and flexibility, especially for those who need to spend long periods seated or who require additional postural support. Whether you’re a carer or a wheelchair user learning the ropes, knowing how to properly use and adjust a reclining wheelchair is essential for both safety and comfort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage — from identifying the chair’s key parts to preparing for safe transfers, making adjustments, and folding the wheelchair for storage.

Understanding the Parts of a Reclining Wheelchair

Before you begin, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with all the main components of the chair. Working from top to bottom:

• Headrest and Back Upholstery – Provides head and back support for comfort during recline.

• Backrest Cane and Hand Grips – Offer stability and an easy way to manoeuvre or push the chair.

• Spreader Bar and Adjustment Knobs – Keep the back of the chair stable and allow for recline adjustments.

• Desk-Length Armrests – Provide resting support and can be removed or adjusted for easier transfers.

• Seat Upholstery – Offers a supportive base for the user.

• Wheel Assembly and Hand Rims – Allow the user to propel the chair independently.

• Wheel Locks with Brake Extensions – Ensure the chair stays securely in place when stationary.

• Anti-Tippers – Prevent the chair from tipping backwards, enhancing safety.

• Elevating Leg Rests – Include a calf pad, footplate, and height/length adjustment levers for tailored leg support.

• Front Casters – Small front wheels that aid in steering and smooth movement.

Preparing for a Safe Transfer

Safety always comes first. Before assisting a patient or user into the chair, ensure both wheel locks are engaged securely. The brake extensions provide extra leverage, allowing the user or carer to lock and unlock the wheels more easily.

Depending on the type of transfer, you may wish to remove one armrest to provide better access. To do this, press the release button on the front of the armrest while gently lifting it upwards. Set it aside somewhere safe.

Next, remove or swing away the elevating leg rests. Underneath the seat upholstery, you’ll find a lever connected to the pins that hold the leg rests in place. Pull the lever towards the chair’s centre and swing the leg rest outward. For some transfers, removing them entirely is even easier — simply swing them out fully and lift them straight up off the pins.

Before the patient sits, attach the spreader bar securely by swinging it upwards and tightening both adjustment knobs. This stabilises the chair and ensures it’s ready for safe use.

Transferring the Patient into the Chair

Once the wheelchair is ready, the patient can be carefully transferred into the seat. After they are comfortably positioned, reattach the armrests — start by inserting the rear post first, then the front post, making sure it locks into place with a click.

To reattach the leg rests, align the pins on the chair with the holes on the leg rest while keeping the leg rest swung outward. Once aligned, gently push and swing the leg rest inward until you hear it click securely.

Adjusting for Comfort

Reclining wheelchairs are designed to be customised to the user’s comfort. Here’s how to make those fine adjustments:

• Adjusting Leg Rest Length: Loosen the black clip and press the two release buttons simultaneously. Slide the footplate up or down until it suits the patient’s leg length, then lock it back in place.

• Changing Leg Rest Height: To raise the leg rest, simply lift it upwards. To lower it, use the outer lever — but always support the patient’s leg or move it off the rest first to prevent sudden movement.

• Reclining the Backrest: Depress both release handles at the same time to recline the chair. Adjust to the desired angle, then release the handles to lock it securely in place. Always ensure the wheelchair is locked before making recline adjustments.

Collapsing and Storing the Wheelchair

When it’s time to fold the wheelchair for storage or transport, start by removing the leg rests and headrest. Loosen the adjustment knobs and remove the spreader bar by pushing it downward on one side.

To fold the chair, pull upwards on the middle of the seat upholstery, both front and back, until it collapses neatly together.

If you wish to roll the folded chair, flip the anti-tippers upwards by pressing the release buttons. This allows you to tilt the wheelchair slightly back onto its rear wheels and roll it with ease.
Always remember to flip the anti-tippers back down before allowing a patient to sit in the chair again.

Important Safety Tips

• Never overload the back of the wheelchair, as heavy bags or equipment can cause it to tip backwards.

• Keep loose items and clothing away from the wheels to prevent tangling or accidents.

• Always lock the brakes before getting in or out of the wheelchair.

• Be mindful with incontinence pads — placing them directly on a cushion can reduce its pressure-relief effectiveness and may cause slipping. Instead, use an incontinence cover or consult your healthcare provider for suitable solutions.

• Encourage movement: Even in a reclining chair, users should shift or change position regularly as advised by a healthcare professional. This helps prevent pressure sores and improves circulation.

In Summary

Using a reclining manual wheelchair may seem complex at first, but once you understand its parts and adjustments, it becomes second nature. From transfers and recline angles to leg support and folding mechanisms, every feature is designed to provide comfort, safety, and independence for the user.

By following these simple steps and safety tips, carers and users alike can ensure every journey in a reclining wheelchair is both comfortable and secure.