Arm & Thigh Supports
installation & user manual
®
S
User Name:
Serial Number:
User Manual for all Spex Arm and Thigh Supports (product code begins with ‘1156-’)
Revision: ArmThighSupport20170320
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION NOTICE:
This manual contains important instructions that must
be passed on to the user of this product. Please do not
remove this user manual before delivery to the end user.
SUPPLIER: This manual must be given to the user of this
product.
USER/CAREGIVER: Before using this product, read
entire manual and save for future reference. Transit
Safety section MUST be read before used in a vehicle.
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Introduction
Medifab recommends that a clinician such as an Occupational or Physio Therapist
that is skilled in wheelchair seating and positioning be consulted to determine if
the Spex Arm & Thigh Support is appropriate for the user. The intended user of the Arm
& Thigh Support is a user with postural support requirements.
Safety Instructions
To avoid injury, read, understand and follow all instructions and warnings in this
manual before installing and using the Spex Arm/Thigh Support. There are hazards associated with the use of wheelchairs and adaptive equipment. If you misuse your wheelchair or your Arm & Thigh Support you can be seriously injured. If your Arm & Thigh Support ceases to function as intended, please consult your authorised Spex seating supplier
immediately before continuing to use.
The Arm & Thigh support foam meets the ammability requirements of California
Technical Bulletin 117. The Arm support fabric meets the ammability requirements of
California Technical Bulletin 117. The Thigh support fabric meets the ammability requirements of AS/NZS 3744:1. In rare cases the Neoprene fabric may cause a skin irritation for
people with sensitve skin. If you experience any reddening or itching of the skin consult
with your health care professional.
Disclaimer: Medifab takes no responsibility as to the therapeutic eectiveness of our
products. Our claims relate to the ability of the products to provide safe and reliable
positioning and seating on the equipment onto which they are installed.
Compatibility
• Spex Arm & Thigh Support has been designed to be compatible with most wheelchairs.
• Spex Arm & Thigh supports are designed to be installed to the Spex Grid-Base seat
pan or to the seat rail channels.
• Spex Arm & Thigh supports can be installed to other wheelchair seat pans / seat
rails ensuring that a strong and rigid mounting surface is present to enable eective
installation and on-going use.
• Spex Arm & Thigh supports are tested and certied for the Spex brand and may not
be appropriate for installation to other brands of wheelchairs.
• Spex Arm & Thigh supports are not to be used in a dierent manner other than
what they have been designed for.
Disposal & Recycling
Your Spex Seating System is manufactured using a variety of materials, of which most
can be recycled. Once it reaches the end of its life, if you are the legal owner, do not
dispose of as ordinary household waste but take your Spex system to an approved recycling or collection point, to dispose of according to local laws and regulations.
Separate collection and recycling of the Spex System when disposing ensures protection
of the environment and assists with natural resource conservation.
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Warning
1. Hardware is shipped out disassembled and with brackets attached loosely. It is the installer’s responsibility to
ensure all hardware is installed correctly and tightened before using the wheelchair.
2. Installation and adjustment should be performed only by an authorized dealer or qualied therapist.
3. Spex products must not be modied or changed as this voids warranty
4. Only use genuine Spex accessories, components and hardware.
5. Never lift the wheelchair by the thigh or arm supports
6. Never use the Spex products if any hardware is missing, malfunctioning, or broken. Seek qualied assistance
with any repairs, replacements or adjustments.
7. Poorly tted Spex products can aggravate posture problems and the overall safety of the user
8. The user must not put excessive force against the thigh or arm supports
9. When removing the thigh or arm supports, ensure the user is supported by a carer prior to avoid the user falling
from the wheelchair.
10. Be aware of the pinch points. Ensure all body parts are kept clear during these movements and adjustments.
11. The locking mechanism must be correctly locking at all times. If it stops locking do not use the equipment.
12. Spex arm and thigh supports must be used in conjunction with a stabilized pelvis with hip belt tted
13. If the user has signicant or forceful leaning to one side, a complete postural evaluation must be undertaken to
ascertain the correct wheelchair seating set up prior to installation.
14. Do not use Spex arm and thigh supports or mechanisms for purposes that are not designed for.
15. Care must be taken when undertaking a user transfer from the seating system. The user may fall from the wheelchair or injure themselves when supports are removed.
16. Never use the support without its cover. Care should be exercised near open ame or burning cigarettes. Using
the thigh support without its cover increases the risk of ammability and skin damage.
Check that the hardware is working correctly, if not you must replace immediately.
Medifab recommends that all fasteners be checked for wear, such as loose bolts or broken
components every 6 months. Loose fasteners should be retightened according to the
installation instructions. Contact your authorized Spex Seating supplier immediately to
replace any broken components. Do not continue to use the system after identifying
loose or broken components. The expected lifetime of the Arm & Thigh Support is 5 years.
Cleaning the hardware: Hardware may be wiped clean with mild detergent and
water. Dry thoroughly after wiping.
Cleaning the Thigh support cover: Machine wash. Do not bleach. Tumble dry (low
heat). Do not iron. Do not dry clean.
Cleaning the Arm support cover: Wipe with mild detergent.
If you have any additional questions regarding cleaning procedures, please contact your
authorized Spex Seating dealer.
Maintenance & Cleaning
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Environment
Moisture: Keep your Arm & Thigh Support dry at all times, as contact with water or
excess moisture could cause corrosion, degradation to the functionality of your Arm &
Thigh Support, or potential failure. If your Arm & Thigh Support becomes damp or wet,
thoroughly wipe with a dry cloth as soon as possible. Do not use your Arm & Thigh Support in a showering or pool facility.
Temperature: Your Arm & Thigh Support may not function as intended when used
at extreme temperatures. Keep the Arm & Thigh Support away from sources of extreme
heat or extreme cold to avoid burns from the metal components.
Dirt: Small particles such as dust, dirt and sand may restrict optimum functionality.
Regularly check your Arm & Thigh Support to ensure no build-up occurs around openings and moving parts.
Arm & Thigh Support Contents
Your Arm & Thigh Support contains the following:
Note: When ordering, it is
possible to specify only the Arm
Support, in this case the Thigh Support
component will not be included. It is also
possible to specify only the Thigh Support,
in this case the Arm Support component
will not be included.
A
C
D
E
B
DESCRIPTION
QAUNTITY
A
Armrest
1
B
Thigh support
1
C
Connection bracket
1
D
Fixing plate
2
DESCRIPTION
QAUNTITY
Armrest
1
Thigh support
1
Connection bracket
1
Fixing plate
2
Quick release bracket
1
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Mounting to the Wheelchair
Seat rail mounting guide
Loosely fasten both of the stainless backing plates to the Seat Rail
mount and slide down the rail tube.
Once in position, tighten the fasteners.
1.
2.
Seat pan mounting guide
Slide the seat pan bracket underneath the seat pan, above the rail.
Insert one xing stud through the Seat Pan wing, and one through
the Seat Pan as shown.
Fasten using the M6 washers and nuts.
Slide the bracket to the correct position and tighten using a 10 mm
spanner.
1.
2.
B
To adjust the height, loosen the four M6 fasteners with a 4mm Hex
Key and adjust the hip guide to the desired height by moving the
hole positions to achieve the right height.
Ensure all four fasteners are tightened up correctly once the support
pad is in position.
1.
Fixed Thigh support adjustment
2.
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To adjust the horizontal position of support pad, loosen the four
outer M6 fasteners with a 4mm Hex Key and adjust the hip guide to
the desired position.
Ensure all four fasteners are tightened up correctly once the support
pad is in position.
Replace the cover once complete.
3.
4.
5.
1.
Remove the cover if required.
To adjust the wheelchair width, height and angle, loosen the eight
M6 fasteners with a 5mm Hex Key, and adjust the plate as required.
To adjust the support pad height only, loosen the four M6 fasteners
with a 5mm Hex Key and adjust the hip guide to the desired height.
To achieve more oset of the thigh support, reverse the 8mm clamps
as shown.
If using the Swing Down Seat Pan Mounting Bracket, ensure the hip
guide bracket is fastened correctly using the countersunk fasteners.
Replace the cover once completed.
2.
3.
Axial Thigh support adjustment
4.
5.
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To adjust the arm support height, loosen the four M6 fasteners with a
4mm Hex Key and adjust the arm support pad to the desired height.
These may need to move hole positions to achieve the right height.
Ensure all four fasteners are tightened up correctly once the arm support pad is in position.
Underneath the arm support pad, the outside fasteners allow for a
slight angle adjustment of the pad in relation to the arm support
post.
Further angle adjustment can be achieved by adjusting the Seat pan
mounting bracket angle when a Spex seat pan is installed.
2.
The inner fasteners underneath the pad allow for the forward and
back adjustment of the pad in relation to the arm support post.
3.
Arm support pads can be rotated to either oset the arm support
pad or allow for a wider position. Wider arm supports come with an
oset fastening hole for alternate positions.
4.
1.
Fixed Arm support adjustment
5.
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To adjust the height and angle of the arm support, loosen the four
M6 fasteners with a 4mm Hex Key and adjust the angle until the arm
support pad is at the desired height and angle.
Ensure all four fasteners are tightened up correctly once the arm support pad is in position.
Underneath the arm support pad, the outside fasteners allow for a
slight angle adjustment of the pad in relation to the arm support
post.
Further angle adjustment can be achieved by adjusting the Seat pan
mounting bracket angle when a Spex seat pan is installed.
2.
The inner fasteners underneath the pad allow for the forward and
back adjustment of the pad in relation to the arm support post.
3.
4.
1.
Angle Arm support adjustment
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To adjust the height of a combination thigh and arm support beyond
the standard adjustment instructions laid out in previous guides, the
thigh support mounting plate may need to be shifted to the opposite
side of the armrest post.
Supplied additional M6 x 20mm fasteners and washers will be required
2.
1.
Combo Thigh & Arm support
adjustment
Remove the bottom four M6 x 16mm fasteners to remove the thigh
support from the post.
The top four M6 x 16mm fasteners may require shifting depending on
the arm support height required.
Remove the arm support to install the thigh support on the opposite
side of the post.
3.
Using the supplied M6 x 20mm fasteners and washers, x the arm support to the inside of the post, with the thigh support attached to the
outside of post.
4.
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Reinstall the top four fasteners, washers and nuts as needed.
Adjust the arm support height as required.
To adjust the thigh support height and position, follow the thigh support installation guide
Tighten all the fasteners to ensure the position is set.
6.
5.
7.
8.
9.
Fixed thigh and arm support using M6 x 25mm Fasteners.
Once the user has nished using the Spex Arm & Thigh support, it must be refurbished if it is issued to
another user. Below are the strict guidelines for refurbishing the Spex Arm & Thigh support. Medifab
takes no responsibility for contamination, cross infection, or damage.
Reissuing to another user
Part Procedure
Safety check All components to be checked for signs of stress or cracking.
Upholstery covers Upholstery outer covers must be replaced regardless of condition.
Hardware and
components
Ensure the mechanism components are in place and in safe working order. If
any are missing, they must be ordered. Check for signs of stress or cracking.
If any stress/cracks are found the Arm & Thigh support is to be condemned
and must be disposed of. Clean the hardware and components with a mild
detergent and quality disinfectant ensuring all areas are free from grime.
Foam Foam pad must be replaced regardless of condition.
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The Spex seating system has been successfully crash tested and complies with RESNA WC-4:2012,
Section 20. The Spex seating system meets the requirements of ISO 16840-4:2009 and is suitable
for use as a motor vehicle seat when used with an appropriate wheelchair base. Please follow all
installation, use and maintenance instructions within this manual as well as the following transit
instructions. If feasible, the wheelchair user should transfer to the vehicle seat and use the vehicleinstalled occupant restraint systems.
Spex seating system has been designed to accommodate the proper use of vehicle-anchored belt
restraints. Spex achieved a rating of Excellent (16 out of 16), for ease of properly positioning a belt
restraint, and the degree to which proper belt restraint can be achieved, based on the methods of
Annex C.
The following items of the Spex seating system have been tested and are suitable for use in a motor
vehicle:
• Full height back support range
• Grid-Base Seat Pan
• Cushion Range
• Arm and Thigh Supports
• Trunk Lateral Supports
• Head Supports
Note: Back supports that are lower than the user’s shoulder height are not certied and not
recommended for transport in a vehicle. Eg. Vigour Lo and Vigour Mid back supports.
Assembly, Use, Maintenance & Limitations
• Adjustments to the set up of the wheelchair must only be carried out by a qualied therapist,
professional, or seating technician. Custom contoured/bespoke systems may require a qualied
professional to congure and install the seating system.
• After carrying out any adjustments ensure all bolts, screws and nuts are securely fastened again
to ensure safety when travelling in a vehicle.
• Ensure the top and bottom mounts of the backrest and the front and rear mounts of the seat
pan are installed as far apart from each other as possible to give a stronger 4-point attachment
to the wheelchair frame. Ensure the quick release latches are engaged.
• Do not use the Spex seating system as a means of vehicle seat if seating components which
have not been successfully crash tested are used anywhere on the seating system. Spex seating
is designed and certied using only Spex components. Medifab is not liable in the event where
other manufactured seating systems are used in conjunction with Spex seating.
• At regular intervals check that all the fastenings on the Spex seating system have not become
loose during day to day use and re-tighten if necessary.
• Ensure the swing-away laterals are in their locked position before using the seat as a vehicle seat
in a motor vehicle, if tted.
Transit Safety
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Correct Positioning of Belt Restraints
When using the Spex seating system as a vehicle seat, both a pelvic belt restraint and
shoulder belt restraint must always be used. To correctly position the belt restraints on
the wheelchair occupant, the following must be ensured:
• The pelvic-belt restraint should be worn low across the front of the pelvis near the
junctions of the pelvis and thighs
• The angle of the pelvic-belt restraint should be between 30° to 75° relative to the
horizontal and, ideally, between within 45° to 75° to the horizontal (as shown in
Figure 2)
• The belt-restraint buckle of three-point belt restraints should be placed in contact
with the occupant’s body and away from wheelchair components
• The junction of the shoulder belt and pelvic belt of three-point-belt restraints
should be located near the hip opposite the shoulder over which the diagonal
belt crosses and not near the midline of the occupant
• Belt restraints should not be routed outside of the wheelchair wheels or over the
wheelchair armrests, and should not be held away from the body by wheelchair
components or parts
• Upper-torso belt restraints should t directly over, and in contact with, the middle
of the shoulder
• Belt restraints should be adjusted to t as snugly as possible, consistent with user
comfort
• Belt restraints should not be worn twisted in a manner that reduces the area of
contact of the belt webbing with the occupant
Transit Safety
Figure 3a - Improper positioning of pelvic-belt restraints over wheelchair armrests
Figure 3b - Proper routing and positioning of
belt restraints on the wheelchair occupant
Figure 1
Figure 2
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1. The distance between the top of the user’s shoulder and the top
of the back should not exceed 16.5 cm (6.5”).
2. The Spex seating system must only be used with wheelchair
bases that are tested as part of a wheelchair system that conforms
to performance requirements of ISO 7176-19 and RESNA WC4:2012, Section 19.
3. The Spex seating system should only be used on wheelchair
frames that provide four securement points and pelvic-belt
anchor points that conform to the requirements of RESNA WC4: 2012, Section 19.
4. The wheelchair must be labelled as appropriate for use as a
seat in a motor vehicle, dynamically tested to the performance
requirements of ISO 7176-19 and installed, used and maintained
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. The Spex seating system must only be used as indicated in this
user manual.
6. Both pelvic and shoulder belt restraints as a part of a complete
Wheelchair Tie down and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS)
which meets ISO 10542-1 shall be used to achieve eective
occupant restraint and optimum protection in a vehicle impact;
the belt restraints should be compatible with the specic
wheelchair, and tted to the user in accordance with WTORS
manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Back supports with adjustable recline angles should not be tilted
back more than 30° to the vertical during travel in vehicles unless
necessary for the medical and postural needs of the occupant.
8. If the back support must be adjusted to an angle that is greater
than 30° to the vertical during travel, the upper shoulder-belt
anchor point should be adjusted rearward to maintain belt
contact with the wheelchair occupant’s shoulder and chest.
Warning
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9. The Spex seating system must only be used for forward-facing
seating in motor vehicles.
10. In order to reduce the potential of injury to vehicle occupants,
wheelchair-mounted rigid trays not specically intended for use
during travel in motor vehicles must be:
a. Removed and secured separately in the vehicle or
b. Secured to the wheelchair so they will not break free in a crash
and
• Be positioned with a gap of at least 75 mm between the back
edge of the tray and the wheelchair occupant’s abdomen
and/or chest so as not to interfere with the proper beltrestraint use, and
• Have energy absorbing padding placed between the back
edge of the tray and the wheelchair occupant.
11. Alterations or substitutions must not be made to the seating
system structure, parts or components, without rst consulting
Medifab.
12. The use of a postural pelvic belt attached to the wheelchair
base or seat frame is encouraged during travel, but these belts
should be positioned so that they don’t interfere with the proper
positioning of crashworthy belt restraints, and they should not
be relied on for occupant protection in crash situations unless
the postural belt has been designed to comply with, and perform
to the requirements of WC19.
13. Postural support devices that are not labelled as conforming
to ISO 16840-4 may be used when in a vehicle, but should not be
relied on for occupant restraint.
Warning
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14. Both pelvic-belt and shoulder-belt restraints that comply with
WC18 and/or WC19 should be used to limit occupant movement
in a crash and reduce the likelihood of occupant ejection from
the vehicle and/or injurious contact of the occupant with the
vehicle interior.
15. Belt restraints should be positioned on the wheelchair occupant in accordance with WTORS manufacturer’s instructions.
16. Backrest mounting hardware must be installed correctly.
Refer to the appropriate section for correct backrest hardware
mounting instructions.
17. If the wheelchair is being transported whilst unoccupied, the
wheelchair must still be secured to the WTORS.
18. Children whose mass is less than 22kg (48.5 lb) should be
transferred from their seating system into appropriate child
restraint systems intended for use in motor vehicles.
19. Sucient forward and rearward clear space should be
provided around the wheelchair occupant. Forward clear-space
zone (FCZ) needs to be larger when a shoulder-belt restraint is
not used.
FAILURE TO HEED THESE WARNINGS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
TO THE WHEELCHAIR USER OR OTHERS.
Warning
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Recommended forward and rearward clear
zones for wheelchair-seated occupants.
(Note: the FCZ may not be achievable for
wheelchair-seated drivers).
Warning
EC REP
BEO MedConsulting Berlin GmbH
Helmholtzstr, 2-9
10587 Berlin Germany
Tel: +49-30-318045-51
Medifab Ltd
Phone +64 3 307 9790
Fax +64 3 307 2820
fasterresults@spexseating.com
www.spexseating.com
32 Detroit Drive
Rolleston 7675
New Zealand
US REP
Medicept
200 Homer Ave, Ashland, MA 01721
United States
Tel: +1-508-231-8842
Warranty
Each Spex Arm & Thigh Support is carefully inspected to provide peak performance and is guaranteed to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase, provided normal use. Should a defect in materials
or workmanship occur within 12 months from the original date of purchase, Medifab will, at its option, repair or replace it without
charge. This warranty does not apply to general wear and use, including punctures, tears or burns, nor to the removable Thigh
Support cover.
Claims and repairs should be processed through the nearest authorized Spex supplier. Except for express warranties made herein,
all other warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability and warranties of tness for a particular purpose are excluded.
There are not warranties which extend beyond the description on the face hereof. Remedies for breach of express warranties herein
are limited to repair or replacement of the goods. In no event shall damages for breach of any warranty include any consequential
damages or exceed the cost of non-conforming goods sold.
The serial number of your Thigh Support can be located by unzipping the Thigh Support Pad cover. The serial number of your Arm
Support is located on the base of the Arm Pad.
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