Buying a wheelchair is a daunting task as a lot goes into it. We want to make sure each customer who buys a wheelchair feels confident in their purchase if they’re buying it for themselves or for a loved one we want to be there to help. That's why we've created this blog to help you understand what you'll need to know to ensure a proper fit for a wheelchair, essential for comfort, safety, and overall well-being. Using the wrong size wheelchair can lead to discomfort, pressure sores, and other health issues. We will walk you through the steps on how to measure for a wheelchair to ensure the perfect fit so that you can decide with confidence.
To take accurate measurements, you'll need the following tools:
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: Proper seat width ensures the patient is comfortable and stable. An overly narrow seat can cause pressure sores, while a seat that’s too wide may lead to poor posture and difficulty maneuvering the wheelchair.
|
Wheelchair Type |
Seat Width (inches) |
Total Width with Wheels and Arms (approx. inches) |
Notes |
|
Pediatric |
10-14 |
18-22 |
Designed for children; size and total width can vary with customizable options. |
|
Narrow Adult |
<16 |
22-24 |
Ideal for tight indoor spaces; used by those needing a compact wheelchair. |
|
Standard Adult |
16-18 |
24-26 |
Most common adult size; balances comfort and mobility, suitable for average door widths. |
|
Wide Adult |
20-22 |
28-30 |
For larger adults; ensures comfort with a bit more room, consider door width accessibility. |
|
Extra Wide (Bariatric) |
24+ |
32+ |
Designed for bariatric users; significantly wider to accommodate over 300 lbs., ensuring spaces can accommodate the increased total width. |
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: Accurate seat depth helps prevent slouching and supports proper posture. It also ensures the patient’s legs are not dangling, which can cause discomfort and circulation issues.
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: Proper back height supports the patient’s upper body and provides comfort. A backrest that’s too high can restrict movement, while one that’s too low may not provide adequate support.
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: This measurement ensures the wheelchair’s rear is at the correct height, allowing for stability and ease of movement. It’s crucial for maintaining proper posture and preventing tipping.
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: Proper front seat height helps in transferring to and from the wheelchair. It also ensures comfort and prevents strain on the legs and feet.
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: The hanger angle affects the wheelchair’s maneuverability and the patient’s comfort. A proper angle ensures the patient’s legs are not cramped and can move freely.
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: Correct armrest height provides support for the arms and helps in maintaining proper posture. It also aids in transfers and reduces the risk of shoulder strain.
How to Measure:
Why It’s Important: Proper footrest length and width prevent foot drop and provide support. They ensure the patient’s feet are well-supported, enhancing overall comfort and stability.
Why It’s Important: Selecting a wheelchair that supports the patient’s weight is crucial for safety and durability. Bariatric wheelchairs are available for heavier patients and provide additional support and comfort.
Measuring for a wheelchair may seem daunting, but it's crucial for ensuring comfort, safety, and mobility. By following these steps, you can find the perfect fit and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Discover pediatric products like wheelchairs, mobility aids, and bathroom systems designed to make a difference for children with special needs.
Learn about the different types of patient lift slings and how they improve safety and comfort during patient transfers.
Key Specs Quick-Release Axles: No Weight capacity: 500 lbs. Weight: 127 lbs. With three comfortable positions, retractable lock bar, self-adjusti...
View Full Details
Featuring 360-degree air compression, various massage modes, heat, vibration, and deep tissue shiatsu massage technology, MAS 2 is an adjustable sh...
View Full Details
YOISHO is the sound of relaxation and letting go in Japanese, and we thought there was no better word to use as the name of one of our best-selling...
View Full Details
The new generation ultrasonic humidifier for asthmatics, allergies, and sinusitis is here! Shop MIKO's MYST is the perfect humidifier for bedrooms,...
View Full Details
IBUKI+ is one of the best air purifiers for allergies to get you through this pollen season. As the new addition to MIKO's true HEPA air purifier f...
View Full Details
IBUKI is Miko's best-selling true HEPA air purifier with a three-layer filtration and 360-degree suction design. IBUKI covers up to 400 sqft and co...
View Full Details
Key Features The ProHeal transport wheelchair for adults is lightweight and foldable, making it the ideal option for travel and transport. This fo...
View Full Details
Key Specs Drive Range: up to 13 miles Max Speed: 4.00 mph Auto-folding seat Weight: 60 lbs. Weight capacity: 300 lbs. The ZooMe Auto-Flex takes...
View Full DetailsNoble Aid Antihistamine Allergy-Relief Tablets: Get Relief from Common Allergies Fast Noble Aid Antihistamine Allergy-Relief Tablets are a safe and...
View Full DetailsDon’t Let Everyday Pains & Aches Stand In Your Way With The Purest Low-Dose Coated Aspirin Tablets For Adults By NobleAid! No matter if you oft...
View Full DetailsThe high-performance Protekt® 500 Lift is the perfect blend of form and function for safe and easy patient transfers. This electric-powered, high q...
View Full DetailsThe high-performance Protekt® 600 Lift is the perfect blend of form and function for safe and easy patient transfers. This electric-powered, high q...
View Full DetailsThe Protekt® 500 lb. Sit-to-Stand patient lift has a higher weight capacity than most other competitors sit-to-stand lifts. With its 3” dual front ...
View Full Details
The Protekt® 600 lb. Sit-to-Stand has extra wide adjustable kneepads that will help meet a wider range of patient needs. To support the extra weigh...
View Full Details
ProHeal offers a complete line of slings to meet the dynamic needs in both the long-term care and homecare settings. These slings are an industry s...
View Full DetailsThe Protekt® All-In-One is the only lift on the market that is foldable, portable and can be used for ALL TYPES of transfers between: car and chair...
View Full Details
The Protekt® Dash standing transfer is your best choice for fall prevention, reducing caregiver lifting injuries and promoting patient mobility. Th...
View Full Details
Key Specs Seat Size: 20" Drive Range: up to 16 miles Max Speed: 6.00 mph Weight capacity: 400 lbs. Weight: 185 lbs. The Drive Medical Ventura DL...
View Full Details
Key Specs Seat Size: 20" Drive Range: 16 Max Speed: 6.00 mph Weight capacity: 400 lbs. Weight: 174 lbs. The Drive Medical Ventura DLX 3-Wheel sc...
View Full Details
Key Specs Dynamic modern design 10 MPH top speed Drive range up to 22 miles Weight capacity: 450 lbs. From its distinctive look to class-leadin...
View Full Details
Key Specs Large, plastic carry basket Flat-free, non-marking tires Drive Range: up to 9 miles Weight Capacity: up to 300 lbs. The Scout transport...
View Full Details
Introducing the Medacure Junior Two-Button Folding Walker, the perfect mobility solution for individuals seeking independence and assistance in the...
View Full Details
Introducing the Medacure Steel Rollator - Your Reliable Mobility Companion! Constructed with a robust yet lightweight steel frame, the Medacure Ste...
View Full Details
Key Specs: Simple control panel Sliding swivel seat with flip-up armrests Rear basket Weight capacity: 350lbs FDA Regulated Highlights: The ...
View Full Details
Key Specs: Folds in 3 seconds Maximum speed 4mph Weight capacity: 330 lbs FDA Regulated Highlights: Discover the freedom of movement offered ...
View Full Details
