Be More Secure With Wheelchair Positioning Belts

Wheelchair positioning belts are basically seat belts for wheelchairs, designed for the security of the wheelchair user. The similarities do not stop here –  positioning belts can also be released at the push of a button, just like a car seat belt. Comfortable to use, chair positioning belts are designed with padding along with various fastener types – Velcro, plastic and metal or a combination of all these.

Why are belts needed when wheelchairs do not even move half as fast as cars? Wheelchair users tend to feel off-balance sometimes when they are seated on a wheelchair. Thus, to fasten them in place, a wheelchair positioning belt is used. These strap the wheelchair user to his or her place, so that there is less tilting involved especially when making a turn. This way, wheelchair users will move with confidence and feel secure at the same time.

Fitting a chair positioning belt onto a wheelchair really depends on the type of wheelchair used. The first type is mounted through a hole that is cut through the nylon of the belt. Another type makes use of metal brackets that are attached to the chair frame. This is the more popular wheelchair belt used as it is viewed to be more secure than the first one.

There are several mounting areas that can be considered in the process of mounting a belt. Belts mounted onto the backrests will create more pressure to the waist. On the other hand, chair positioning belts mounted on the seat frame will tend to be tighter around the hip area. Thus, when making a decision on where to mount your belt, it is best to keep in mind that having the belt tight on your abdomen will restrict bending motions.

Finally, there is nothing worse than wearing a wheel chair positioning belt which is not of the right length. If you have an old belt, measure your new belt according to the old one. Otherwise, use the clips to keep the belts loose during the adjustment stage, until the final tightening process. This way, you can ensure a good fit and be ready to mobilize.