Posey Self-Releasing Hugger User Manual

E-Z rElEAsE AnD sElF-rElEAsinG HuGGErs

Applicable Products:

REF

6514, 6542

ApplicAtion

instructions

DEscription oF proDuct: Vinyl covered foam cushion for wheelchairs or similar non-wheelchair applications.

6514

inDicAtions For usE:

• Patientswhohavepooruppertorsoalignmentand/orneeda

LATEX

firm surface to rest their elbows on.

• Patientswhorequireananteriorposturesupport.

• Patientswhorequireaworkareaoreatingareaontheirwheelchairor

similar non-wheelchair applications.

• Productsconsidered“self-release”or“assisted-release”mustbe

specified by the ordering physician.

contrAinDicAtions:

• DO NOT use on a patient who is or becomes highly aggressive, combative, agitated, or suicidal.

• STOP USE AT ONCE: if the patient has a tendency to slide forward or down in the device; or is

able to self-release.

NOTE: A restraint with a pelvic piece will reduce the risk of sliding, or of the patient pulling the

device over his or her head. See Posey Catalog.

posEY E-Z rElEAsE AnD
sElF-rElEAsinG HuGGErs

REF

6514 Self-Releasing Hugger
20”W x 11”D x 4”T
(51 cm x 28 cm x 10 cm)

REF

6542 E-Z Release Hugger
20”W x 11”D x 4”T
(51 cm x 28 cm x 10 cm)

• DO NOT use on a patient who is unwilling or unable to follow instructions, and is at risk of a

fall or re-injury from self-release.

ADVErsE rEActions

• Severeemotional,psychological,orphysicalproblemsmayoccur:iftheapplieddeviceis

uncomfortable; or if it severely limits movement. If symptoms of these problems ever appear
for any reason, get help from a qualified medical authority and find a less restrictive, product or
intervention.

rx onlY

6542

notE: ese products are designed for use on both full-length

or desk-length arm wheelchairs or other similarly equipped non­wheelchair applications.

ApplicAtion instructions:

1. Position the patient in the

wheelchair or chair.

2. Hold the Hugger horizontally. It can

be oriented either with the straps
facing forwards, or towards the
patient depending on the individual’s

FiG. 1

ability to remove the Hugger.

3. Place the Hugger flat across the

patient’s lap and release the Hook
and Loop attachment straps.

4. If necessary, compress each side of

the Hugger, squeezing it between

FiG. 2

the armrests until the Hugger lies
flat on the patient’s lap (fig. 1).

5. Adjust the position of the Hugger so

that it is snug, yet comfortable and
non-restrictive for the patient.

6. Attach the Hook and Loop strap

around the wheelchair arm frame to

FiG. 3

secure the Hugger in place (fig. 2).

7. To remove the EZ Release Hugger

or Self-Releasing Hugger, pull on the
easy to grasp loop straps to release
the Hook and Loop (fig. 3). You
can also release the Self-Releasing
Hugger by simply having the patient

FiG. 4

stand up (fig. 4).

be snug, but not interfere with breathing

is device should ALWAYS

or circulation. After application, slide an
open hand (flat) between the device and
patient to ensure proper fit. ALWAYS
monitor a patient to make sure the
patient is not able to slide down, under

FiG. 5

the device, and fall off the chair seat (fig. 5). If a patient’s
body weight becomes suspended off the chair, chest
compression and suffocation could result. Restraints with
a pelvic piece may be necessary to reduce sliding down.

ADDitionAl sAFEtY AnD lAunDErinG

instructions on otHEr siDE



© 2009 Posey Company. All rights reserved.

Posey Company • 5635 Peck Road, Arcadia, CA 91006-0020 USA • www.posey.com
Phone: [phone] or 1.626.443.3143 • Fax: [phone] or 1.626.443.5014

EC REP

MDSS GmbH
Schiffgraben 41
D-30175 Hannover, Germany

I9272 042209

Safety Information for the Use of Posey Wheelchair/Gerichair Lap Products

WARNING:

Improper application or use of any restraint may result in serious injury or death.

ALWAYS Monitor patients per facility policy.

RX ONLY. NOT FOR HOME USE. Federal law (USA) restricts this

device to sale by or on order of a physician. For use in a licensed
healthcare facility only.

STAFF TRAINING: Staff must have on going training and be able
to demonstrate competency to use this device in accord with:
Posey instructions; your facility policies and state and federal
regulations (Federal Register, Part IV, 42 CFR Part 482.13(e)(5) and (f)
(6); Posey offers inservice training aids at no charge. Contact
Posey online at www.posey.com or call toll-free at 1.800.447.6739
(press 5).

SELECTING THE RIGHT POSEY PRODUCT: Refer to the Posey
catalog to help select the right device to meet individual
patients’ needs.

BEFORE APPLYING ANY RESTRAINT:

• Make a complete assessment of the patient to ensure restraint
use is appropriate.

• Identify the patient’s symptoms and, if possible, remove the
cause. You may need to: cater to individual needs and routines;
increase rehabilitation and restorative nursing; modify the
environment; or increase supervision.

• Use a restraint only when all other options have failed. Use the
least restrictive device, for the shortest time, until you find a
less restrictive alternative. Patients have the right to be free
from restraint.

• Obtain informed consent from the patient or guardian prior to
use. Explain the reason for restraint use to the patient and/or
guardian to help ensure cooperation.

• A restraint must only be used in accord with the patient’s
Individualized Care Plan (ICP). The ICP is an
assessment by an interdisciplinary team, which
may include, but is not limited to: PT, OT, Nursing,
the Physician, and Social Services. The ICP should
include: restorative nursing; patient release; and
pressure sore prevention.

NOTE: Just as patient behavior is not 100% predictable, no product is

100% foolproof. Patient safety requires regular reassessment and
monitoring per facility policy. A product that worked in the past may
be inappropriate if the patient’s mental or physical health status
changes. NEVER apply any product that you feel is unsafe. Consult
with the proper medical authority if you have questions about
patient safety.

ADDITIONAL WARNINGS:

1. ALWAYS monitor patient per facility policy.
Be aware that constant monitoring may be
required for:

• Aggressive or agitated patients; and

• Patients deemed at risk of aspirating their
vomit. This includes patients who are not able to sit up. If

the patient vomits, he or she could aspirate the vomit and

suffocate.

• Be prepared to intervene at the first sign of danger. Such
patients require frequent review and evaluation of their
physical and psychological status.

2. This device should ALWAYS be snug, but not
interfere with breathing or circulation. After
application, slide an open hand (flat) between
the device and patient to ensure proper fit.
ALWAYS monitor a patient to make sure the patient is not
able to slide down, under the device, and fall off the chair
seat. If a patient’s body weight becomes suspended off the
chair, chest compression and suffocation could result.
Restraints with a pelvic piece may be necessary to reduce
sliding down.

3. NEVER alter or repair this product. ALWAYS
Inspect before each use: Check for broken stitches

or parts; torn, cut or frayed material; or locks, buckles,
or hook and loop fasteners that do not hold securely.
DO NOT use soiled or damaged products. Doing so
may result in serious injury or death. Dispose of damaged products
per facility policy for BIOHAZARDOUS material.

4. NEVER use Posey products on toilets, or
on any chair or furniture that does not
allow proper application as directed in the
Application Instructions. DO NOT use at
home.

5. NEVER expose this product to open flame, fire,
smoking materials, or high heat sources. Some

products may melt or ignite and burn. The facility
smoking/no smoking policy should be strictly
enforced.

6. NEVER use a Posey product as a seat belt in a
moving vehicle. Posey products are not designed
to withstand the force of a crash or sudden stop.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:

Vinyl Products:

• Wipe Clean with mild detergent. OSHA approved
intermediate level disinfectants can be used per
manufacturer instructions. DO NOT use phenol and
benzyl based disinfectants.

• After cleaning, products MUST be rinsed with water to remove any
residual chemicals.

• Make sure products are completely dry before use.

Test Zippers and hook and loop fasteners before each use.
DISCARD device if it does not fasten securely.

STORAGE AND HANDLING:

• This device is designed for use in normal indoor environments.

• This device may be stored in ambient warehouse temperatures at
normal humidity levels. Avoid excess moisture or high humidity
that may damage product materials.

Posey Company • 5635 Peck Road, Arcadia, CA 91006-0020 USA • www.posey.com
Phone: [phone] or 1.626.443.3143 • Fax: [phone] or 1.626.443.5014

© 2012 Posey Company. All rights reserved.

EC REP

MDSS GmbH
Schiffgraben 41
D-30175 Hannover, Germany

I9200C REV B 092412