Evolution™
Evolution™
For wheelchair users with a high degree of tissue breakdown and symmetric positioning needs.Learn More
The VARILITE Evolution is the cushion of choice for wheelchair users with a high risk of tissue breakdown and symmetric positioning needs
Therapists recommend the Evolution for individuals with motor and neurological dysfunction due to spinal-cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury. Therapists value the Evolution’s outstanding pressure distribution and postural support.
Users and caregivers value its low weight, comfort, and ease of use. No pumps or accessories. No kneading or manipulation.
Superior pressure distribution, positioning stability, comfort and simplicity have made the Evolution our most popular wheelchair cushion. By adding VARILITE’s innovative PSV (Pressure Setting Valve) we’ve made the Evolution PSV even better, taking the guesswork out of cushion adjustment.
VARILITE Air-Foam Floatation makes the Evolution ultralight, without compromising pressure distribution and support. Air and Foam floatation Functional areas of the cushion are created by three types of foam: soft foam for the decubitus-sensitive area of the ITs; medium foam for the thigh trough, pelvic bucketing and pre-ischial bar; and firm foam for the perimeter and the medial thigh separator.
Bonding Evolution foam to coated fabric makes the cushion hold air. A valve releases air to immerse the user in the foam, the foam conforms to the user, and the user’s weight is distributed over the surface of the cushion.
Independent research has shown VARILITE air-foam floatation to be the #1 impact and vibration dampening technology (RESNA 2000).
Positioning Supports
Positioning supports improve stability, which is important for users with compromised sitting balance or who transfer frequently. Multi-stiffness foam provides support as the user is immersed in the cushion. Medial and lateral supports minimize internal and external lower extremity rotation. Pelvic bucketing and a pre-ischial ridge help maintain pelvic position, and thigh troughs promote a neutral femoral position.
Four-way-stretch Fabric
Evolution foam is bonded to four-way-stretch knit fabric for maximum conformity during immersion. The fabric is puncture and water resistant.
Pressure Setting Valve (PSV)
VARILITE’s PSV takes guesswork out of cushion adjustment and makes it automatic.
Evolution PSV uses VARILITE’s revolutionary new Pressure Setting Valve (patent pending). The PSV works by sensing the amount of internal cushion pressure. As air is released, internal pressure decreases and the user is immersed in the cushion for effective pressure distribution.
The PSV is marked with three pre-set positions, which provide the best range of immersion for most users. The therapist determines the PSV position that results in optimal pressure distribution for a client. (A therapist can mark a different position on the PSV if the user falls outside the pre-determined range.)
Sitting on a fully inflated Evolution PSV, the client simply opens the PSV to the appropriate position. When the PSV senses that enough air has been released, it automatically shuts off the flow. The client closes the PSV. Adjustment is simple and consistent.
Ease of use improves user compliance. A therapist can select the Evolution PSV with confidence, knowing that a client or caregiver can adjust the Evolution PSV easily for optimal pressure distribution. The first time. Every time. Consistent.
Standard Valve for Adjusting Air Volume
Sitting on a fully inflated cushion, the user opens the valve and releases air, closing the valve when sitting on approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) of air and foam.
Cover
The Evolution is available with a mesh or incontinence cover with breathable four-way-stretch material. Reticulated foam inside promotes air exchange and improves pressure distribution. The underside is a rugged nonslip material with hook and loop for added security. Evolution cover meets ISO 7176-16 ignition resistance standards for upholstered wheelchair components. Machine washable.
Wedge
A modifiable closed-cell foam wedge is available as an accessory with each Evolution. Our Wedge reduces the seat-to-back angle, which increases the weight-bearing load on the back of the thighs and decreases the load on the buttocks. The 2 inch (5 cm) tapered wedge trims easily for custom fitting to meet individual needs.
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.