Description
The Drive Balanced Aire adjustable cushion, sold by Drive Medical as the Balanced Aire Adjustable Skin Protection Cushion, is an air cell wheelchair cushion inflated with a hand pump. Part numbers run from 8047-16 to 8047-2218.
What does it do and how does it work?
- Air cells: interconnected cells share one valve, so the air moves under the seated person rather than the person sitting on top.
- Profiles: 4 in (102 mm) high profile or 2 in (51 mm) low profile.
- Cover: low-shear stretch cover with a fluid-resistant top, locking straps and a non-skid bottom, removable for washing.
- Standard: meets the TB117 flammability standard.
Who is it for, and who should choose something else?
- Adjustable skin protection: Drive classes it that way and describes it for clients with limited seated tolerance.
- Daily check: it suits a user or caregiver who can check the air daily and add or release it.
- Assessment first: a therapist chooses the profile and sets the starting air level.
Will it fit?
- Widths: 16, 18, 20 or 22 in (406 to 559 mm); depths 16 or 18 in (406 or 457 mm).
- High profile: 16x16, 18x16, 18x18, 20x16, 20x18 and 22x18 in.
- Low profile: 16x16, 18x16, 18x18 and 20x16 in.
- Capacity: 500 lb (227 kg), every size and profile.
Using it day to day
- Set-up: cells up, valve under or behind the right knee; open the valve, fit the pump tube, inflate until the cushion arches slightly, let it settle, press it with an open palm 5 or 6 times, then close the valve.
- Air check: keep at least 0.5 in (13 mm) between the pelvic bones and the seat base, and check daily; if the body touches the base, too much air has been released.
- Handling: inflate before use, do not bend or fold the cushion, and store it dry.
- Care: wash the cover at 30 C (86 F) and do not iron it; wipe the cushion with germicidal soap and water, with no detergents, solvents or machine washing.
- Punctures: the repair kit has glue and two patch films; find the leak under water, patch it and wait 30 minutes.
- Warranty: 2-year limited from Drive Medical.
What does it work with, and what are its limits?
- Size limits: the 2 in profile stops at 20x16 in, and the 22 in width comes only in the 4 in profile.
- Returns: a used cushion has touched the skin and is not returnable; read the return policy.
- Spares: replacement covers by part number and a spare pump are separate.
How does it compare?
The ROHO High Profile is another interconnected air cell cushion, the Prism Supreme II Plus is a contoured foam cushion with a gel-infused top, and the wheelchair cushions hub lists the range, including the other air cushions.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the 2 in or the 4 in profile?
The 4 in gives more air and a higher seat; the 2 in keeps the person lower for transfers and foot propulsion. The 22 in width is in the 4 in profile only.
How do I set the air level?
Valve under or behind the right knee, cells up: open the valve, pump until the cushion arches slightly, let it settle, press it 5 or 6 times with an open palm and close the valve. Keep at least 0.5 in (13 mm) between the pelvic bones and the seat base.
How much weight does it hold?
500 lb (227 kg) in every size and profile; 2-year limited warranty.
Mobility Specialties is an ADP registered vendor; see how ADP works with us.
Specifications
- Weight capacity
- 500 lbs (227 kg), every size and profile
- Seat width
- 16", 18", 20" or 22" (406, 457, 508 or 559 mm)
- Seat depth
- 16" or 18" (406 or 457 mm)
- Cushion height
- 4" (102 mm) high profile; 2" (51 mm) low profile
- Sizes
- 4" high: 16x16, 18x16, 18x18, 20x16, 20x18, 22x18; 2" low: 16x16, 18x16, 18x18, 20x16 (width x depth, inches)
- Construction
- Flexible interconnected air cells with one valve; carry handle; meets the TB117 flammability standard
- Cover
- Low-shear, water-resistant stretch nylon with a fluid-resistant top, adjustable locking straps and a non-skid bottom; removable
- Cover care
- Cover: wash at 30°C (86°F), do not iron. Cushion: germicidal soap, wipe dry; no detergents, machine washing, drying, heat or steam
- Adjustments
- Air level set with the included hand pump through one valve; check daily
- Included
- Cushion with cover, hand pump, repair kit (glue and two patch films) and owner's manual; replacement covers and a spare pump are separate
- Warranty
- 2-year limited
- Product type
- Air cell wheelchair cushion
- Use category
- Adjustable skin protection
Figures from the manufacturer. Options and seat sizes can change them; we confirm yours before ordering.
Documents
Delivery and service
Delivery and setup
We deliver and set up equipment across Toronto and the GTA, and show you how everything works. Custom and special-order products can take longer; we confirm timing with you before delivery.
Service and repairs
Our technicians service what we sell, at home or in our shop.
Try before you buy
Visit a showroom in Etobicoke or Brampton to try products first, or book a free home assessment.
Warranty
Warranty details
Drive Medical warrants the Balanced Aire Adjustable Skin Protection Cushion with a 2 year limited warranty in Canada. The same term applies to every size and to both the 2 in and 4 in cell heights.
- Term: 2 year limited.
Questions about this product?
Talk to our team, try it in a showroom, or book a free home assessment. We help with sizing and funding.
