Vari Lite VARILITE User manual

IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION
Instruction Manual
Seating System
Supplier:
Please ensure
the user of this
wheelchair
cushion receives
and understands
this important
product
information.

Page 2
Warning page 3
Maintenance page 4
Care and Cleaning page 5
Adjusting Air Level for PSV (Pressure Setting Valve) page 6
Adjusting Air Level for Standard Air Valve page 7
Important Note for Suppliers:
Please provide the User or Caregiver with this manual.
Important Note for VARILITE Seating System Users and Caregivers:
Please keep this manual for future reference.
If you do not understand this instruction manual or if you have
any questions, please contact VARILITE Customer Service at
1-800-827-4548.
This Instruction Manual explains how to care for, maintain, and
adjust VARILITE Seating Systems.
Table of Contents

Page 3
Seating System Instruction Manual
When changing seat or back supports, it may be
necessary to consult a therapist or seating professional
to have minor adjustments made to your wheelchair and
secondary supports, as wheelchair systems can vary
greatly.
Skin checks should be performed regularly to monitor
skin redness, particularly around bony prominences.
Contact your health care provider immediately if
persistent redness is noted.
WARNING

Page 4
Cushion maintenance is required to ensure optimal
performance of your VARILITE adjustable seating
system.
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 and when you change
altitudes. The cushion will deflate under pressure if punctured or
if the valve is left open.
Contact the company that provided you with the cushion, or
contact VARILITE customer service immediately if you suspect
your cushion has been punctured.
No maintenance is required for VARILITE non-adjust-
able seating systems.
Seat Cushion Maintenance

Page 5
Seating System Instruction Manual
Care for All VARILITE Seating Systems
VARILITE cushions and covers should be used in conjunction
with one another. The cover is an essential part of the cushion
by enhancing pressure distribution and promoting air circulation
for healthy tissues. The cover serves to protect the cushion from
punctures, burns and being soiled.
Never expose your VARILITE cushion to sharp objects. Never
store sharp or heavy objects on top of your seating system.
Never store your seating system in conditions of extreme heat or
exposure to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Cleaning for All VARILITE Seating Systems
Clean the cushion by wiping with a damp cloth.
The cushion cover can be removed and machine washed. Refer to
the cushion cover’s tag for specific instructions. Air dry.
Additional seating components such as Wave Bases, Contoured
Bases, or Wedges can be cleaned with soap and warm water. Do
not saturate. Air dry.
Care and Cleaning

Page 6
Adjusting Air Level
PSV (Pressure Setting Valve)
Inflating the Cushion
1. Open air valve by turning valve
counterclockwise.
2. Your cushion needs to be
unweighted to inflate.
(You should not be sitting on
cushion at this time.)
3. When cushion is fully inflated, close air valve by turning valve
clockwise.
Adjusting the Cushion
1. Begin with the cushion on the wheelchair, fully inflated with the
valve closed.
2. Transfer onto wheelchair. Sit in the proper position.
3. Open the valve by turning it counterclockwise until the pre-
determined position number (“1”, “2”, or “3”) appears in the
indicator window. Unless otherwise instructed by your
therapist, use position “2“. Air will escape until the valve
automatically shuts off (approximately 10-15 seconds).
4. Once the valve has shut off the release of air, close the valve by
turning it clockwise. This will prevent the inadvertent release of
additional air due to weight shifting, transferring, manual
propelling, and so forth.
Open
Close
Indicator
Window

Page 7
Seating System Instruction Manual
Standard Air Valve
Inflating the Cushion
1. Open air valve by turning valve counter-
clockwise.
2. Your cushion needs to be unweighted to
inflate. (You should not be sitting on
cushion at this time.)
3. When cushion is fully inflated, close air valve by turning valve
clockwise.
Adjusting the Cushion
1. Begin with the cushion on the wheelchair, fully inflated with the
valve closed.
2. Transfer onto wheelchair. Sit in the proper position.
3. Turn the valve counterclockwise to open the valve and release
air. You want to sink down about 1 to 2 inches (2.5cm to 5cm).
4. Close the valve when the air level that provides the support you
need for comfort and functionality is reached. Generally, this is
when there is between 1 and 1/2 in. (2.5 and 1.3cm) of cushion
between the user’s ischial tuberosity and the seating surface.
Open
Close
Adjusting Air Level

Page 8
©2006 Cascade Designs Inc.
Printed in U.S.A. on recycled paper P.N. 30-132
Thank You for Choosing VARILITE!
We know you will be pleased with the qual-
ity, performance and design of your VARILITE
product. VARILITE systems offer unparalleled
pressure relief, stability and positioning support
to enhance function and performance.
Warranty Registration
Be sure to complete the Warranty Registration
form that came with this seating system, or
complete the Warranty Registration form online:
http://www.varilite.com/forms_warrantyreg.aspx
4000 1st Ave South
Seattle, WA 98134
1-800-827-4548
www.varilite.com
Authorized EU Representative: Cascade Designs, Limited
Dwyer Road, Midleton, Co. Cork
Republic of Ireland; Retain this address