Rigidizer
The VARILITE Rigidizer, or solid insert, counters the effects of sling upholstery. For many wheelchair users, sling seating promotes internal rotation of the lower extremities, sacral sitting, posterior pelvic tilt, loss of natural lumbar lordosis, and obliquity of the pelvis. Such poor positioning can result in discomfort and long-term problems.
A Rigidizer offers an easy and cost-effective solution to the problems of sling seating. Made from durable plywood, the Rigidizer can be placed between the cushion and upholstery, or, preferably, inside the cushion cover. With the Rigidizer in place, the user benefits from improved sitting balance, more neutral pelvic position, greater spinal extension, and overall improved comfort.
Air in a VARILITE cushion supports the load, while foam keeps the air where it’s needed and preserves the cushion shape. Learn more about the VARILITE Air-Foam technology
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For both Pressure Setting Valve (PSV) and standard valves, begin with the cushion fully inflated and valve closed. Transfer onto the cushion.
For a PSV, turn the valve clockwise until the pre-determined number appears in the indicator window. Air will escape until the valve automatically shuts off (approximately 10-15 seconds). Once the valve has shut off the release of air, close the valve by turning it clockwise. See PSV Operating Instructions for more information.
For a standard valve, slowly turn the valve counterclockwise to release the air. Listen for a change in pitch and close the valve by turning clockwise. Air level is determined by the amount of support or stability needed by the user, comfort, and activity level. See Seating Systems instructions for more information.
The cushion is designed to indent in the sacral-ischial area. The soft, less firm foam of the sacral-ischial area, by design, exerts less “push back” on the cushion fabric than the surrounding firmer foam. See Sacral-Ischial Foam Indentation Explanation for more information.
VARILITE cushions are available in a wide range of widths and depths. We frequently update our size selection to meet the needs of our customers. We welcome your size suggestions for planning future product sizes. Customers tell us that our standard sizes often accommodate customer wheelchairs well. If you need a size that is not currently available, select the cushion that is 1” larger. For example if you wheelchair seat size is 17” x 18”, select an 18 x 18 cushion. The cushion will accommodate the 1” size difference without affecting its performance.
We recommend that you leave the valve open and allow your VARILITE cushion to fully inflate overnight at least once a week to maintain optimal cushion performance and foam integrity. Check your cushion’s inflation level daily to ensure optimal seating and positioning.
Size Capacity
(Inches) (lbs)
12x8 250
12x12 300
12x14 325
14x14 400
14x16 450
16x16 500
16x18 575
17x17 575
18x16 575
16x20 650
18x18 650
20x16 650
18x20 725
20x18 725
20x20 750
22x18 750
22x20 750
24x18 750
24x20 750
Warranty
VARILITE provides a warranty on all new products. Please read the Limited Warranty, Limitations of Remedies and Liability for the U.S. and Canada for more information about the terms of warranty.
If a problem arises with your VARILITE product, please call our Customer Service Department at (800) 827-4548. All warranty claims will be handled promptly.
You can also start a warranty claim with us by filling out the online Return Authorization Form below. Warranty issues are commonly evaluated via photos and to do that, please select “I have a warranty/repair questions” when you start your claim.
If you would prefer to send your product back to us, it will require a Return Authorization (RA) number prior to sending the product in for repair or replacement. To expedite the handling of your return, please follow the guidelines below:
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Write the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping carton.
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Fill out the RA form completely.
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Do not send cushion covers.
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To protect the health of our employees, please clean used cushions before shipping. Soiled cushions will not be evaluated and a $20 handling fee will be charged. Cushions can be wiped clean with a damp rag and sprayed with a disenfectant such as Lysol.
Please refer to the Return and Repair Policy for complete instructions.