Repose Harlem Porter chair User manual

www.reposefurniture.co.uk
Harlem
Users Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Repose Harlem Porter chair. The Harlem Porter
has been researched and engineered to provide a feeling of comfort, safety
and security for client’s with conditions associated with severe or involuntary
movement, such as Huntington’s. Being designed to a high specification the
chair provides an ideal portering solution for general usage.
To maximise the advantages of your chair please take the time to read these
instructions carefully, as they contain essential information on set-up and
operation of all key features, as well as upholstery care, important safety
advice plus warranty and contact details. If for any reason you are unsure of
anything, please contact your supplier immediately for further information.
Please keep this manual safe for future reference.
Thank you
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4 What Our Expert Says
6 Important Safety Instructions
7 Recommended Quality Checks
8 Chair Delivery
8 Pressure Care Management
8 Weight Limits
9 Feature Functionality
14 Back and Seat Cushion Adaptability
16 Posture Support Back Cushions
18 Pressure Management Seat Cushions
19 Optional Accessories
20 Chair Dimensions
21 Fabrics
21 General Upholstery Care
22 Harlem Fabric Cleaning Instructions
23 Warranty
Contents
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Page

What Our Expert Says
Kate Sheehan
Independent Occupational Therapist
Where can the chair be used?
The chair can be used in a number of health and care
environments including hospitals, hospices and care
homes as well as in domestic situations.
What are the feature benefits?
The Harlem Porter chair has:
• Independent back rest recline
This allows for a range of angle adjustments from 95˚
to 120˚ degrees to reduce pressure on the bottom
and legs and provide increased comfort.
• Seat angle adjustment
With an angle range of 15˚ degrees the tilting seat can
help to reduce the risk of an individual falling from the
chair due to severe involuntary movements as well as
allowing for different levels of comfort and postural
control.
Who is this chair suitable for?
The Harlem has been designed and engineered to be extremely robust and comfortable to meet the
needs of those with ataxic movements such as Huntington’s Disease. However, it would also meet
the needs of clients with life limiting conditions, including MND and MS. Due to its enhanced levels
of comfort, it could also be used for clients with aching joints, where any movement is painful e.g.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ehlers-Danios syndromes or osteoporosis.
The independent back rest also means that it can meet the needs of semi-ambulant and non-ambulant
users, addressing posture and positioning requirements by using the extensive range of additional
accessories and features to modify the chair to meet the individual needs of the client. A very
versatile portering chair with an extensive range of potential users.
The Harlem is ideal chair to be used as part of a 24-hour postural care programme, with those
clients with skin integrity problems or a history of pressure sores as it can be easily repositioned to
allow for optional pressure relief whilst not impacting on their occupational performance, enabling an
individual to engage comfortably in tasks they need or want to do.
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• Seat depth adjustment
This ensures that the correct seating posture is maintained with the option to change the
dimensions as the user’s weight alters.
• Deep padded seat cover
Providing deep comfort and safety protection for those suffering with conditions associated with
severe or involuntary movement.
•Sliding footplate
This enables the user to place their feet safely on the footplate whilst being portered, but because
it can be hidden away it allows uninterrupted access with a hoist.
• Interchangeable and adjustable back cushions
There is a choice of eight interchangeable pressure management back cushions that enable the
chair to be adapted to a single user’s changing needs or to adapt the chair to another user. This
ensures greater longevity of its usage.
In addition, all cushions can be repositioned to suit a user’s individual seating preferences and
fibres added or removed from fibre filled cushions to adjust firmness. Covers can also be removed
for cleaning.
• Interchangeable seat cushions
There is a choice of eight pressure
management seat cushions all designed
with different levels of pressure
management in mind to reduce
shear and friction and the potential
development of pressure sores.

Please ensure that:
• YOU ALWAYS KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS SAFE as you will need them for
reference purposes.
• ALL CARERS AND ATTENDANTS are trained in the full use of the chair and are qualified
to provide advice on the pressure management and postural care options.
• YOU UNDERSTAND the features of the chair and how they might be used to benefit
particular users.
• YOU UNDERSTAND the recommended user weight limit for your chair. It will be dependent
on the Repose chair model that you have chosen. Please ensure that you understand these limits
and DO NOT exceed them. This may damage the chair and will invalidate your warranty.
• YOU CHECK the chair regularly to ensure that it is in a suitable working condition and that
there is no damage. DO NOT USE the chair if it is not working properly or damaged.
• YOU ALWAYS move the chair around using the push handle or wing handles and that you are
mindful of your own physical attributes as you carry out any such movements. DO NOT use
other parts of the chair to move it around as this may cause damage to the framework and
workings of the chair and will invalidate your warranty.
• YOU ALWAYS take the necessary precautions and advice when carrying out any movement or
handling operations.
• NEVER push the chair up or down steps or stairs.
• When moving a user around in the chair ALWAYS ensure that the user’s feet are positioned on
the footplate to avoid them catching or dragging on the floor.
• YOU ALWAYS LOCK THE CASTORS when the chair is stationary, for making transfers
or when altering the chair set up. THIS WILL AVOID any movements that could cause
personal injury.
• When using the functionality of the chair e.g. recline, leg rest operation etc. when someone is in
the chair ALWAYS ensure that any movements are smooth and comfortable for the user to
avoid any distress.
• YOU ONLY use the lap strap, fitted as per the instructions, for moving people about in the
chair. IT IS NOT A PELVIC POSITIONER and should NEVER be used for restraining a
user. ALWAYS ensure that it is in a good working condition.
• Children DO NOT play with, or on, the chair as this may cause damage and could result in
personal injury.
Important Safety Instructions
The following instructions are for your own safety, the
safety of others and to ensure that the chair is used
correctly and in line with the warranty conditions.
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• NO ONE stands or sits on the arms, the leg rest or footplate as this may damage the chair and/
or cause it to tip. To do so may cause personal injury.
• NO ONE stands on the seat as this may damage the chair and/or cause it to tip. To do so may
cause personal injury.
• You are ALWAYS careful to keep hands, other body parts and clothes away from the moving
parts of the mechanism when checking or during usage to avoid them being trapped.
• YOU NEVER exit the chair whilst the footplate is extended.
Maintenance and repairs
• YOU ONLY USE approved parts on your chair. These can be obtained through your supplier.
Failure to use approved parts will invalidate your warranty.
• YOU ALWAYS get your supplier or a qualified professional to carry out any repairs or fit
new parts to the chair. DO NOT attempt to carry out your own repairs to the chair as this may
invalidate your warranty.
• YOU NEVER MAKE any material design, mechanical or other modifications to the chair as this
may affect the way in which the chair operates and the inherent safety features. It will also
invalidate your warranty.
• YOU PROVIDE your original purchase invoice and unique chair batch number when ordering
parts or when making a claim under your warranty.
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Recommended Quality Checks
The chair should always be checked every time it is used for signs of damage or excessive wear
and tear to ensure safe and reliable usage is maintained. Regular checks should include, but are not
limited to:
• Damage to the cables or adjustment levers.
• Any loose or detached parts.
• Castors for damage or any build up of fluff, dirt or dust particles.
• Damage to the fabric of the chair.

The chair will have been set up at the date of delivery and supplied with a full set of documents.
If you have any questions please speak to the person or company that took delivery.
Chair Delivery
Pressure Care Management
Weight Limits
The Harlem has been designed to incorporate a number of pressure management features. The use
of these features will depend on your assessment of the client’s requirements.
Please ensure that you understand the features and how they can be used.
For the benefit of your client we always recommend that those setting up or operating the Harlem
are trained on the use of the chair and in pressure management and postural care.
The Harlem comes as standard with an overall weight limit of 127 kg (20 stone) and with a
maximum leg rest weight limit of 57 kg (9 stone).
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Below we have detailed the chair’s key functionality which will enable full usage of
the chair allowing you to provide additional comfort and posture control for the user.
Please read the User Manual for complete details on how to operate your model
of chair.
Feature Functionality
4 lockable castors
The Harlem comes with 4 heavy duty lockable castors designed to glide easily over low profile
carpets, wooden and vinyl flooring. ALWAYS LOCK THE CASTORS when the chair is
stationary, for making transfers or for making changes to the chair set-up. THIS WILL AVOID
any movements that could cause personal injury.
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Use the red pedals to lock
and unlock the castors.
Push Handle Lever and Controls
On the manual model the push handle has two levers which are highlighted on the image. The lever
on the left (1) operates the independent back recline. The lever on the right (2) operates the seat
angle adjustment. The image also shows the robust rubber grip handles for ease of portering. All
levers are clearly labelled on the chair.

Independent Backrest Recline adjustment
The backrest can be independently reclined to open up the angle between the backrest and the seat,
providing additional positions for comfort, support and pressure management.
The angle range is 95° to 120°.
Manual Model
The lever on the left-hand side (1) of the push handle reclines the backrest. Simply pull the lever
towards you and hold in. This will release the backrest in order for it to recline. Pull the push
handle towards you to recline the backrest to the desired position. Ensure that you carry out this
recline action slowly so as not to cause discomfort to the chair user. Once you have reached the
desired recline position release the lever and the back will lock at this angle. Repeat to return to
the original position or to select another angle.
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11
A
Seat Angle adjustment
The right-hand lever (2) operates the seat angle
adjustment. Tilting the seat can help to reduce
the risk of an individual falling from the chair due
to severe involuntary movements. It can also be
used as part of a 24-hour postural management
programme to reduce pressure problems.
To adjust pull the lever towards you and at the
same time press your foot against the adjustment
bar (A). Release the lever and take your foot of
the bar when the desired position has been
reached and this will lock the angle.
Seat angle range 0º - 15º
Seat Depth adjustment
Two handwheels under the front skirt of the chair
release the seat so that it can slide forwards or
backwards to set the depth at the desired position.
Once in place tighten the handwheels to prevent any
movement of the seat when someone is sat in it.
Seat depth range: 432mm – 533mm (17" to 21")
ALWAYS ENSURE that the user’s legs are kept safe from
any sudden pressure or movements during any alterations.

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Leg Support Block
The Harlem comes with a contoured leg support block. The contoured leg
channels provide comfort and support by reducing the risk of a user crossing
their legs or from their legs falling off the edge of the leg support. Attach the
leg support using the connecting straps as indicated.

Sliding Footplate
adjustment
The footplate simply slides in and out to
provide additional support. Always use the
footplate when moving a user around to avoid
them catching or dragging their feet on the
floor. When the footplate is under the base of
the chair it allows uninterrupted access with a
hoist from the front or obliquely.
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D-rings
The Harlem comes with D-rings fitted as
standard enabling easy fitting of a lap strap and
pad. They can be found at the base of the seat
back by removing the seat cushion. The lap
strap and pad simply connect to the D-rings as
shown.
ONLY USE the lap strap, fitted as per the instructions,
for moving people about in the chair.
IT IS NOT a pelvic positioner and it should NEVER be used for restraining a user.
Lap Strap and Pad
The lap strap can be shortened or lengthened
by using the adjuster and it also has a quick
release clip as illustrated left. Always make sure
the lap belt is comfortable for the user and that
it is not pinching.
RELEASE
CLIP
ADJUSTING
STRAPS

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The Harlem comes with a range of different seat and back cushion options to allow the chair to be
tailored to the user’s individual comfort, postural and pressure management requirements. They are
interchangeable enabling the chair to be adapted to different users or to take account of changes in
a user’s condition over time. This adaptability ensures that the chair has a greater longevity of usage.
We would recommend that any such changes should only be performed after a relevant healthcare
assessment of the individual’s requirements has been carried out.
Postural Supporting Back Cushions
Key features:
• All cushions can be interchanged and repositioned for comfort and posture management.
To reposition the back cushions simply pull away from the back where they are positioned using
Velcro strips and then reposition as required. Alternative or duplicate back cushions can be
purchased at any time.
Important Note: Some of the back cushions shown on pages xxx are not available on the small
sized chair due to design restrictions.
Back and Seat Cushion
Adaptability
• All of the back cushions come with covers
that are removable for the purposes of
cleaning or replacement..
• Each of the fibre filled cushions comes with
a zip that will enable fibres to be added or
taken away to adjust the level of firmness.

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Pressure Management Seat Cushions
The Harlem comes with our interchangeable seat cushions. Purchase one or more cushions to
support the different needs of individuals who may use this chair. With all these seat cushions, we
recommend a fabric with four way stretch properties to aid the reduction of friction and sheer.
Key features:
• All covers are removable for
cleaning purposes.
For further details on all cushion options
please refer to pages 18 to 21 or consult with your supplier.
• All seat cushions can be removed and
interchanged enabling the chair to be
modified as a user’s conditions change,
or adapted for other users.
Simply remove the seat cushion by pulling
away from the seat frame.

The six different back options enables the chair to be adapted to different users or to take account
of changes in a user’s condition over time. For further details on these options please consult your
supplier.
Posture Support Back Cushions
Waterfall back Large profile headrest
with waterfall back
Comfort lateral back*
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*Available on Medium and Large chair sizes only
Individual fibre filled
waterfall cushions, each of
which are fully adjustable
to accommodate maximum
postural support. The waterfall
back can be useful for those
with mild Kyphosis, Scoliosis
and reduced muscle mass on
their back.
The profile headrest conforms
to the head and shoulders
which can be useful for
individuals with limited neck
control with the waterfall
back providing soft adjustable
lumbar support.
Soft fibre filled back with
lateral support, which can be
useful for those who have
limited trunk control or
balance. It can be useful for
those with early stages of
neurological conditions such as
MS or a Stroke survivor.

For ease of cleaning and replacement all back cushions and covers are removable. Fibres can be
added to or taken away from the fibre filled cushions to adjust the firmness.
Large profile headrest
with comfort lateral back*
Support lateral back* Large profile headrest
with support lateral back*
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*Available on Medium and Large chair sizes only
This back offers soft fibre filled
cushions to provide head,
shoulder and trunk support,
which can be useful for older
users who have lost some
muscle control, supporting
them in a good postural
position with the head in a
neutral position. This back can
also be useful for early stages
of neurological conditions
to maintain good positioning
without restricting activities.
A foam filled back providing
firmer lateral support with a
soft fibre filled headrest. The
firm lateral support maintains
midline trunk alignment which
can be useful for those post
Stroke or early to mid-stages
of neurological conditions.
Firm foam lateral back cushion
with soft fibre filled profile
headrest can provide support
for those who have limited
trunk control or balance. The
profile headrest can provide
support to keep the head in
good midline alignment which
can be useful for those with
early stages of neurological
conditions such as MS or a
Stroke survivor with limited
residual impairments.

For those who have good posture and mobility
but are seated for greater than one hour at a
time and require pressure relief and supported
comfort.
This cushion has a high-density foam base which
offers a supportive and firm seat base with a top
layer of memory foam to allow immersion into
the cushion, giving stability and a large surface
area to reduce pressure levels.
For those sitting for long periods with specific
comfort issues such as a high risk of pressure
sores. This cushion uses the latest medical grade
silicone gel technology allowing pressure to be
evenly distributed.
The gel conforms to the shape of the body and
equalises to body temperature. The gel cells
allow air to flow easily and Coolform is totally
odourless and hypo-allergenic.
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Pressure Management Seat
Cushions
There are four interchangeable seat cushion options depending on your postural and comfort
requirements. They all have a pressure management range which is shown on the images below.
For further details on the options please consult your supplier.
For those who have good posture and mobility
but sit for long periods of time and require
pressure relief and supported comfort.
Recommended for people with limited muscle
bulk or at risk of excessive weight loss.
This cushion has a high-density foam which
offers a supportive and firm seat base. The foam
is topped with a fluid liquid gel in a soft silicone
cover which provides a high level of pressure
relief. The liquid gel helps to dissipate heat and
constantly adapts to the user’s movement.
For those sitting for long periods with specific
comfort issues such as a high risk of pressure
sores.
Gelacell has a unique cell matrix that distributes
pressure across the contact area, as it contours
and yields in response to weight redistribution.
Gelacell absorbs body heat, reducing the risk
of creating an environment that could increase
pressure risks, the grid design also encourages
air circulation. Gelacell is clinically tested and
passes all dermatological tests for skin contact.

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The following accessories are optional on the Harlem:
• Leg support block
• Lap strap and pad
• A range of headrests that include:
Optional Accessories
Head roll
Large profile headrest
Small head pillow
Midline headrest
Small profile headrest

Small Medium Large
Seat Height 406mm (16") 457mm (18") 508mm (20")
Seat Width 432mm (17") 483mm (19") 533mm (21")
Seat Depth 432mm-533mm
(17" - 21")
432mm-533mm
(17" - 21")
432mm-533mm
(17" - 21")
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Chair Dimensions
Please note that depending on the seat cushion built into the chair the seat height may vary slightly from that
shown above. Under compression of an individual’s weight the seat cushion will achieve the correct seat height,
for example gel fillers and foams will adapt to the weight and shape of the individual.
The Harlem Porter has a weight limit of 127 Kg (20 stone) as standard.
• Arm Height 165mm (6.5") (dependent on seat angle)
• Back Height 711mm (28") (dependent on seat angle)
• Overall Height 1143mm (45")
• Overall Width 686mm (27")
• Overall Length 889mm (35") with handle bar 1041mm (41")
We recommend that professional advice is sought when purchasing
specialist seating.