Varilite (a division of Cascade Designs, Inc.)

4000 1st Avenue South
Seattle, Washington 98134
United States
Telephone: 800-827-4548 or 206-505-9500.
Fax: 206-343-5795 or 800-363-7739.
Web: http://www.varilite.com.
Email: info@varilite.com.

Products manufactured by Varilite (a division of Cascade Designs, Inc.) (listed alphabetically)

1. BACK REST, SPORT SEAT, & SEAT REST SELF-INFLATING CUSHIONS

   Open cell foam back rest with airtight, waterproof nylon shell. Self inflates; valve to adjust user's comfort. Size 16 by 8 by 2.5 inches; blue, cedar brown covers available. Also available: Seat Rest, similar product for seat of chair, size 12 by 16 by 1.5 inches; price $65.00; Sport Seat, like Seat Rest except heavier duty covering, in navy, rust, or green.

2. BAND-IT

   Band It is an ankle strap designed for use by individuals with lower extremity and neurological disabilities who use wheelchairs. This positioning device is designed to be secured around the ankle, with the body of the device extending over the top of the userÆs shoe and orthosis. The device has a dynamic component that allows some movement at the ankle to prevent joint stiffening and full body tonal reaction, and reduce buttock shear. The device has a side-squeeze closure that can withstand 250 pounds of direct force but be opened with a single pull. The closure is offset to protect the skin during excessive movement. SIZES: Small (fits over shoe/orthosis with 6 to 9 inch circumference), medium (fits over shoe/orthosis with 9 to 11 inch circumference), and large (fits over shoe/orthosis with 11 to 13 inch circumference). DIMENSIONS: Webbing is 1 inch.

3. EVOLUTION BACK

   Evolution Back is a wheelchair back support system designed for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury who use wheelchairs. The system is adjustable to accommodate growth and its "slide and snap" hardware is operable with one hand. It has an oversized self-inflating cushion for immersion of bony prominences, and is designed to work with lateral supports, hip belts, and hip guides. The system includes hardware with one inch of lateral adjustment at four points, and up to 15 degrees of depth adjustment. A 17-inch system fits a 16-inch or 18-inch chair. The shell has a flat back panel for flush mounting of headrest hardware, and contoured sides to provide lateral support. The air/foam cushion has a mesh material cover that wicks moisture away from the body to avoid maceration. A "tongue" design prevents cushion displacement. SIZES: Regular and tall. DIMENSIONS (HxW): The regularmodel is available in 10.2 x 12inches, 12 x 14 inches, 13 x 15 inches, 14 x 16 inches, 15 x 17 inches, 16 x 18 inches, 18 x 20 inches, 18 x 22 inches, or 18 x 24 inches. The tall model is available in 14 x 12 inches, 16.3 x 14 inches, 17.5 x 15 inches, 19 x 16 inches, 20.5 x 17 inches, 22 x 18 inches, or 25 x 20 inches. Seat depth is 2 inches (3 inches along the spinal column). CAPACITY: 250 pounds.

4. EVOLUTION BACK DEEP

   Evolution Back Deep is a back support cushion designed for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury who use wheelchairs. It provides full posterior support and up to seven inches of lateral support. The seat can be adjusted in depth plus or minus three inches (up to 17.5 degrees of recline), and can be adjusted laterally plus or minus one inch at four points to accommodate growth or disproportionate body types. The system includes a PSIS block and supplemental lateral inserts. The oversized self-inflating cushion provides for immersion of bony prominences. The system has ôslide and snapö hardware for one-handed use. The shell has a flat back panel for flush mounting of headrest hardware, and is designed to accommodate hip belts and harnesses. The self-inflating air/foam cushion is oversized to protects the user from the shell edges. The cushion's reticulated foam distributes pressure and encourages air-flow, and the cover is made of mesh material that wicks moisture away from the body to prevent maceration. A tongue design keeps the cushion in place. DIMENSIONS (HxW): Available in 16.8 x 14, 18 x 15, 19.2 x 16, 20 x 15, 22.2 x 16, or 25.2 x 17 inches.

5. EXPRESS

   The Express is a foam wheelchair seat cushion designed for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury. The cushion is made of open-cell foam in two different densities, bonded together in opposing patterns to prevent the pelvis from going into a posterior tilt and sliding out of the chair. Closed-cell foam lateral pieces add increased stability or can be removed to adapt to a sling seat. The cushion comes with a front label, a nylon handle, and an incontinence cover with nonslip material on its underside and a protected zipper. OPTIONS: Varilite Solid Insert (see separate entry). DIMENSIONS (LxW): 16 x 16 inches, 16 x 18 inches, 18 x 16 inches, or 18 x 18 inches. The cushion is 3 inches thick.

6. FASTBACK

   The Fastback is a back support cushion designed for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury who use wheelchairs. This air and foam flotation cushion is comprised of three densities of foam, positioned according to density to provide mild lateral support, scapular contour, and vertebral comfort and pressure relief. A valve allows the user to release more air for greater envelopment and stability. Other features include a PSIS block for lower back support, and a mesh cover with reticulated foam to wick moisture. The cushion can be folded with the chair. OPTIONS: Mounting harness. DIMENSIONS (H): 12 inches (for 14 to 15 inch seat), 14 inches (for 16 to 17 inch seat), or 16 inches (for 18 to 19 inch seat).

7. PAL SWING-AWAY LATERAL SUPPORT

   PAL (Positive Action Lateral) Swing-Away Lateral Support is a lateral trunk support designed for use by individuals with balance disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or spinal cord injury who use wheelchairs. The pad angle of this lateral thoracic support can be rotated plus or minus 10 degrees. It is designed to fit the Evolution Back from Varilite (see separate entry). The pad has a steel base encased in multi-stiffness closed-cell foam with a washable cover, and is available in curved or linear styles. Support is locked by a push button mechanism with no pinch points, and can be mounted with the push button up or down. Short, long, or short/offset brackets are available. DIMENSIONS: Pads can be adjusted 1 inch horizontally with a short or short/offset bracket, or 2.25 inches with a long bracket.

8. PEDIATRIC CHEST HARNESS

   The Pediatric Chest Harness is a wheelchair torso support and positioning device designed for use by children and smaller adults with neurological disabilities. The harness has pads constructed from closed-cell foam and enclosed in a soft, breathable fabric. Elastic sewn at the shoulder allows for moderate movement such as weight shifting, propelling, reaching, and simple activities of daily living. The harness has a top pull and stays attached to the chair when not in use. It is washable and comes with attaching hardware. SIZES: Small and extra small. DIMENSIONS (HxW): 1.5 x 10 inches (extra small) or 1.5 x 14 inches (small). The foam pads are 1/2 inch thick and webbing is 1 inch. COLOR: Black with small accent piece of blue and green webbing.

9. PRO-FORM

   Pro-Form is an air and foam flotation seat cushion with a contoured base designed for use in wheelchairs by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury. This wheelchair seat cushion has a deep ischial pan, high laterals, and a flexible hinge, and its base can be custom cut to fit individual needs. Possible alterations to the base include cutting down, split seats, and cutouts. The closed-cell foam base does not absorb liquid or bacteria, even after being cut. Single and dual cushion systems are available. The single cushion system has a self-inflating air and foam cushion that provides pressure relief and positioning assistance. The dual cushion system has two self-inflating air and foam cushions that can be individually adjusted to accommodate pelvic obliquities and other asymmetrical conditions. The cushion comes with a wedge and a choice of a regular or an incontinence cover. OPTIONS: Cheat Sheets (see separate entry) for building up or smoothing modifications to the closed-cell foam base. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 12 x 14 inches, 14 x 14 inches, 14 x 16 inches, 16 x 16 inches, 16 x 18 inches, 16 x 20 inches, 18 x 16 inches, 18 x 18 inches, 18 x 20 inches, or 20 x 20 inches. The wedge is 2 inches high.

10. SOLO

    Solo is an air and foam flotation cushion designed for use in wheelchairs by individuals with balance disabilities, lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury. This cushion is made of foam of different densities that align with anatomical landmarks and offer medial and lateral support. A medium density foam is used to form the pelvic buckets and thigh troughs. A less stiff foam is used in the cushion to protect the skin over the buttocks from breakdown while providing comfort. The foam placement is based on anthropometric data and is designed to suspend and envelop the most sensitive area of the buttocks. A two-way valve allows air to flow in and out of the cushion in order to personalize the fit. The cushion comes with a choice of a standard or an incontinence cover. Both covers are washable and have a non-slip material on the underside. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 12 x 12 inches, 12 x 14 inches, 14 x 14 inches, 14 x 16 inches, 16 x 16 inches, 16 x 18, 18 x 16 inches, 18 x 18 inches, or 20 x 18 inches. WEIGHT: The largest size weighs 20 ounces.

11. STRATUS

    The Stratus is an air and foam flotation cushion designed for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury who use wheelchairs. The cushion is made of foam with two densities to provide medial and lateral thigh support and has a U-shaped sitting pan. A two-way valve allows the user to adjust the air pressure by letting air in and out of the cushion. The cushion comes with a choice of a regular or an incontinence cover. OPTIONS: Varilite Solid Insert (see separate entry) fits inside cover to eliminate sling seating. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 12 x 12 inches, 12 x 14 inches, 14 x 14 inches, 14 x 16 inches, 16 x 16 inches, 16 x 18 inches, 17 x 17 inches, 18 x 16 inches, 18 x 18 inches, 20 x 18 inches, or 20 x 20 inches. All sizes are 3 inches in height.

12. VARILITE BACKREST & VARILITE SPLIT BACKREST

    The Varilite BackRest and Split BackRest are inflatable back support cushions designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities, spinal cord injury, and others who need back support. The cushions offer lower lumbar support and promote spinal extension during wheelchair use, extended car rides, air travel, and in office chairs. Support encourages upright sitting posture and decrease muscle fatigue. Cushions have a mesh cover with reticulated foam that wicks moisture away from the skin. A self-inflating valve allows the user to adjust the amount of support. The Varilite BackRest is slightly larger and has two loops to attach to a wheelchair. The Split BackRest has a split cushion with two compartments, and is designed for individuals with asymmetrical sitting posture due to rotation, muscle imbalance or skeletal changes. The cushions are washable and pack small. DIMENSIONS (HxW): Approximately 8 x 16 inches.

13. VARILITE CHEAT SHEETS

    Varilite Cheat Sheets are sheets of foam material designed for customized wheelchair seating for use by individuals with balance disabilities, lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury. The Sheets are made of closed-cell foam with adhesive backing, and can be used for for building contours, changing pressure loading patterns, and improving the overall fit and function of a seating system. Sheets bond instantly and may be cut to exact size using only scissors or a blade. They can be layered one on top of another. Applications include building laterals, medial thigh separators, PSIS/lumbar support, padding helmets and crutches, smoothing hard furniture edges, and creating non-slip surfaces. The Sheets come in packages of four.

14. VARILITE DROP BASE SYSTEM

    The Varilite Drop Base System is a wheelchair cushion drop base designed for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury. This system lowers the wheelchair seat base for individuals who need to be lower to the ground to self-propel or who have difficulty transferring to a higher surface. The system includes a base constructed from durable PVC plastic and L-J brackets made of hardened steel. The brackets allow up to four inches of height adjustment and up to 15 degrees of seat-to-floor or seat-to back angle adjustment. Finger locks secure the drop base to the wheelchair and allow for quick removal. Available sizes fit wheelchairs from 13 to 20 inches wide and with seat rail diameters of 7/8 or 1 inch. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 14 x 16 inches, 16 x 16 inches, 16 x 18 inches, 18 x 16 inches, 18 x 18 inches, or 20 x 20 inches. The plastic base is 3/8 inch thick.

15. VARILITE SEATING SYSTEM ADULT REGULAR

    Seat cushion with a molded base. Includes Varilite self-inflating foam cushion and urethane bladder, with a washable knit cover. The opening of valve determines the level of support and the shape of the cushion through inflation and deflation. Weight is 2.9 pounds. Two sizes. Adult: base 17.5 by 16.25 inches. Narrow Adult: base 15.5 by 16.25 inches.

16. VARILITE SOLID INSERT

    The Varilite Solid Insert is a solid seat insert designed for use in wheelchairs by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury. This insert is placed between the cushion and upholstery or directly inside the cushion cover to eliminate the effects of sling upholstery. Inserts are available to accommodate pediatric as well as adult users. They are made from durable plywood with rounded edges and sanded surfaces to reduce chance of splintering or puncturing. OPTIONS: Custom modifications are available. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 12 x 12 inches, 12 x 14 inches, 14 x 14 inches, 14 x 16 inches, 16 x 16 inches, 16 x 18 inches, 16 x 20 inches, 18 x 16 inches, 18 x 18 inches, 18 x 20 inches, 20 x 16 inches, 20 x 18 inches, or 20 x 20 inches. The plywood is 0.25 inch thick.

17. ZOID PERFORMANCE CUSHION

    The Zoid Performance Cushion is an air flotation cushion designed for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities, mobility disabilities, and spinal cord injury who use sport wheelchairs. This self-inflating cushion features impact and vibration reducing technology. It tapers one inch from front to back for a tigher fit. The self-inflating technology lets the user immerse into the cushion to lower center of gravity and improve agility. The cushion has extra-stiff, beveled laterals to provide lateral support and balance, and no medial thigh separator. A moisture-wicking cover with rolled top panel eliminates seams on underside of legs. DIMENSIONS (LxW): 12 x 8 inches, 12 x 12 inches, 12 x 14 inches, 14 x 14 inches, 14 x 16 inches, 16 x 16 inches, 16 x 18 inches, or 18 x 18 inches. The height for all sizes is 2.5 inches. WEIGHT: Largest size weighs one pound.

See Varilite (a division of Cascade Designs, Inc.) products that are no longer available.