Varilite Meridian Cushion

Please Note: Rigidizers (Solid Inserts), Wedges, Extra Cushion Covers, and Cheat Sheets are available upon request. These accessories are not listed in the item customization options. If you require any of these items, please contact us via phone or email for pricing and availability.

Varilite Meridian Cushion is air and foam floatation, coupled with multi-stiffness foam. Meridian is an adjustable Air-Foam Floatation skin protection cushion. Bonding of the meridian foam to coated fabric makes the cushion hold air. The four-way-stretch knit fabric allows for maximum conformity during immersion and the fabric is puncture & water resistant.

Air and Foam floatation

Three types of foam are used to make it functional: soft foam is used for the decubitus-sensitive area of the ITs; medium foam is used for the thigh trough, pelvic bucketing and pre-ischial bar; firm foam is used for the perimeter and the medial thigh separator.

Dual-chambers

• Front and rear chambers permit independent adjustment of the pelvis and thighs, quickly and easily, while the client is seated. Front chamber allows maximum loading of the thighs which reduces pressure on the ITs and the rear chamber allows maximum immersion of the pelvis for better pressure distribution.
• Dual-chamber design helps in promoting a neutral pelvis position for clients who are prone to extensor tone or thrusting. Thigh & pelvic chambers form a pre-ischial ridge which prevents the ITs from sliding forward, preventing a posterior pelvic tilt & sacral sitting.
• Releasing more air from the pelvic chamber than the thigh chamber provides added postural support by creating dump or squeeze that "holds" the user in place.

Positioning supports

It improves stability for users with compromised sitting balance or who transfer frequently. Multi-stiffness foam provides support as the user is immersed in the cushion. Medial & lateral supports minimize internal & external lower extremity rotation.

Valve for adjusting volume

• Meridian uses two-way air valves. Sitting on a fully inflated cushion, the user opens the right valve and releases air from the pelvic chamber. Optimal immersion is achieved when there is 1/2 inch of air & foam between the ITs and the wheelchair seating surface.
• Immersing the pelvis while the thigh chamber is fully inflated creates a wedge effect that shifts the load from the ITs to the thighs. The user can decrease the amount of wedge achieved by opening the left valve to release air from the thigh chamber.

Cover

Meridian is available with a mesh or incontinence cover with breathable four-way-stretch material. Reticulated foam inside promotes air exchange & improves pressure distribution. The underside is a rugged nonslip mterial with hook and loop for added security. Both covers are machine washable.

• Manufacturer warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 2 years after purchase by the original consumer/owner.
• Cushion cover is not covered under this warranty.
• The manufacturer will replace the product if found defective within the warranty period.
• The warranty is not applicable to the damage caused by using unsuitable environmental conditions or failure to maintain the product in accordance with user and service instructions.
• Any alteration, modification, or repair will void the warranty, normal wear and tear, consumer neglect and willful destruction are not covered under the warranty.
• Parts under warranty will be covered at no cost.
• Any labor cost for service under warranty is not covered as per our terms of sale.
• Standard manufacturer terms & conditions apply for warranty of this product.

Unfortunately hygiene items cannot be returned once opened, due to health concerns. The only products that can be returned are unopened boxes.

If the product is unopened, then the following policy will be applied:

• Returns are accepted within 30 days from the date of shipment.
• All returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee.
• All returns require an RGA (Returned Goods Authorization) number. Unauthorized returns cannot be accepted.
• To be eligible for a return, products must be in new, unused condition, untampered with, and in their original packaging. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.
• If the return is not due to a manufacturing defect, the original shipping cost and any credit card or PayPal processing fees will be deducted from the total refund.
• Custom orders are non-refundable and non-returnable.
• The return policy follows the standard terms and conditions set by the manufacturer.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!

Q: How do Varilte cushions work?
A: 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

Q: How is the cushion adjusted properly?
A:

• 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 system instructions for more information.

Q: Why do some seat cushions have an indentation?
A: 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 detailed information

Q: Will a 16" x 18" cushion fit in a 17" x 18" chair?
A: No. Select the cushion that is 1" larger. For example if your wheelchair size is 17" x 18", select an 18" x 18" cushion. The cushion will accommodate the 1" size difference without affecting its performance.

Q: Are Varilite cushions available in custom sizes?
A: Varilite cushions are available in a wide range of widths and depths. Size selection is frequently updated to meet the needs of customers. Standard sizes often accommodate custom wheelchairs well. If you need a size that is not currently available, select the cushion that is 1" larger as explained in the above question.

Q: How do I maintain my Varilite seating system and back support?
A: We recommend that you leave the valve open and allow the 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.

Q: What is the weight capacity for Varilite seat cushions?
A:

Q: What do I do if I get a hole in my cushion?
A: Although the bladder of the cushion is puncture-resistant, it is not puncture-proof. If you do get a hole in your cushion, there are two options; either request for a repair kit or send it for repair. See warranty for more information.

Q: Is there any latex in Varilite cushions or covers?
A: No.

Q: What do I do if the valve breaks or comes loose?
A: If the valve breaks or comes loose, you can request a valve replacement kit or you may send it for repair. See warranty for more information.

Q: Is the cushion and cover fabric waterproof?
A: Incontinence covers are available for all VARILITE seat cushions, meaning fluid will not penetrate the cushion cover and will wick away from the user. In addition, the cushion itself is waterproof.

Q: What is the difference between Mesh and Incontinence covers?
A: Mesh covers are made of an open weave material designed to allow for best available air flow through the material. Incontinence covers are made of a waterproof material which will not allow fluid to penetrate the cover.

Q: Are the cushion covers washable?
A: Absolutely. All covers may be machine-washed and air-dried. We suggest zipping the cover closed and using the gentle cycle setting when machine-washing our covers.

Q: How does the dual-chamber air-foam system help prevent pressure sores for wheelchair users?
A: The Varilite Meridian Cushion features a dual-chamber air-foam system with independently adjustable front and rear chambers, allowing precise support while the user is seated. The front chamber maximizes thigh loading, which reduces pressure on the ischial tuberosities (ITs), while the rear chamber allows for deep pelvic immersion to enhance pressure distribution.

Q: Is the Varilite Meridian Cushion good for people with spinal cord injuries or neurological conditions?
A: Yes. The Meridian Cushion is highly recommended by therapists for individuals with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injuries.