Careflex Hydroflex Small Chair

CareFlex HydroFlex Small Specialist Seating Chair

The CareFlex HydroFlex Small is a highly adaptable specialist seating chair designed for children and smaller adults with complex postural and pressure-management needs.

It combines advanced positioning, pressure redistribution and extensive adjustability within a compact seating system. With a maximum user weight of 100 kg, the Small HydroFlex provides the complex postural capabilities of the HydroFlex range in dimensions better suited to smaller users.

Key features include Tilt-in-Space, Back Angle Recline, CareFlex WaterCell Technology®, an articulating head section, adjustable seat depth and an independently elevating channel leg rest with integral footplate.

The chair can be considered for users presenting with complex needs associated with conditions and challenges such as:

• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Motor neurone disease
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Abnormal muscle tone
• Poor sitting balance
• Reduced head control
• Pelvic instability
• Scoliosis
• Increased thoracic kyphosis

An individual specialist seating assessment is recommended to establish suitability and the most appropriate configuration.

Designed for Children and Smaller Adults

The HydroFlex Small has been developed for users who require complex seating but whose body dimensions are better suited to a smaller chair. Its compact seating geometry makes it particularly useful where a standard adult specialist chair would be too large to provide effective support.

The chair is available with multiple seat-width and seat-height options, allowing the configuration to be matched more closely to the individual.

Maximum User Weight – 100 kg

The CareFlex HydroFlex Small has a maximum user weight of 100 kg, approximately 15.7 stone.

The correct chair size should be selected according to body dimensions, posture, pressure-care requirements and functional needs rather than user weight alone.

Tilt-in-Space

The HydroFlex Small incorporates Tilt-in-Space. Tilt-in-Space changes the orientation of the complete seating system while maintaining the relationship between the seat and backrest.

This can help:

• Promote pelvic stability
• Encourage pressure redistribution
• Support postural alignment
• Manage fatigue
• Conserve energy
• Provide alternative resting positions
• Maintain support during repositioning
• Improve comfort during prolonged sitting

The Small HydroFlex provides approximately 0° to 30° of Tilt-in-Space.

Back Angle Recline

The chair also incorporates Back Angle Recline. Back Angle Recline changes the angle between the seat and backrest, allowing the user's hip angle to be adjusted. The Small HydroFlex provides an approximate back-angle range of 95° to 125°. Using Back Angle Recline together with Tilt-in-Space gives carers and clinicians greater flexibility when establishing supported sitting and resting positions.

Articulating Head Section

One of the defining features of the HydroFlex is its articulating head section. This allows the upper part of the back support to be profiled around more complex head and spinal positions.

It can be particularly useful for users with:

• Reduced head control
• Increased thoracic kyphosis
• Neurological conditions
• Muscle weakness
• Altered muscle tone
• Complex spinal posture

The aim is to support the user's existing posture appropriately rather than forcing the head against a fixed-position backrest.

Adjustable Head-Support Wings

The upper support incorporates adjustable wings that can be configured around the user's head and upper trunk. These can be positioned to provide additional lateral support and help establish a stable head position. The final position should be determined during a specialist seating assessment.

Suitable for Increased Thoracic Kyphosis

The HydroFlex is particularly well suited to users with increased thoracic kyphosis. A pronounced upper-spinal curve can alter the position of the shoulders and head. The articulating upper section allows the chair to be profiled around this presentation, while the adjustable wings can provide additional head support. This can offer greater flexibility than a conventional straight backrest.

CareFlex WaterCell Technology

The HydroFlex Small incorporates CareFlex WaterCell Technology® within the seating system. The seat cushion combines WaterCell Technology with Vapour Permeable upholstery to provide continuous pressure redistribution.

This can be particularly valuable for users who:

• Have reduced independent movement
• Spend prolonged periods sitting
• Require assistance with repositioning
• Have sensory impairment
• Have an identified risk of pressure injury

Pressure management should form part of a wider individual care plan where appropriate.

Adjustable Seat Depth

The Small HydroFlex provides an adjustable seat depth of approximately 35–50 cm. Correct seat depth helps support the thighs while positioning the pelvis appropriately towards the rear of the chair.

Correct adjustment can help:

• Improve pelvic stability
• Maximise thigh support
• Improve weight distribution
• Reduce unsupported areas
• Avoid excessive pressure behind the knees
• Reduce the tendency towards sacral sitting

Four Seat-Width Options

The HydroFlex Small is available with internal seat widths of:

• 28 cm
• 33 cm
• 38 cm
• 43 cm

These options make it easier to match the chair to smaller users without leaving excessive space around the pelvis and trunk. Correct seat width is particularly important in complex seating because a chair that is too wide can reduce the effectiveness of lateral support.

Four Seat-Height Options

The Small HydroFlex is available with seat heights of approximately:

• 38 cm
• 41 cm
• 44 cm
• 47 cm

This allows the chair to be configured around lower-leg length, transfers and the user's surrounding environment.

Compact Overall Width

The Small HydroFlex has a maximum overall width of approximately 59 cm. This compact footprint can be useful within:

• Homes
• Bedrooms
• Schools
• Specialist education
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation settings
• Care environments

Access routes and available manoeuvring space should still be checked before provision.

Adjustable Laterals

Adjustable lateral supports are available where additional trunk control is required. They can be configured around the user's chest and trunk dimensions to provide additional lateral support and help maintain a stable position. The Small HydroFlex can be configured with different lateral-width arrangements according to the user's needs.

Independently Elevating Channel Leg Rest

The HydroFlex Small features a full-width independently elevating channel leg rest. The channel design supports the lower limbs while helping maintain:

• Alignment
• Stability
• Comfortable positioning
• Consistent support during elevation

The leg rest can be adjusted independently of the main seating system.

Lower-Limb Elevation

The leg rest can elevate the lower limbs where appropriate.

This provides additional flexibility for:

• Comfort
• Rest
• Lower-limb support
• Position changes

Lower-limb elevation should be used according to the user's assessed clinical and postural requirements.

Integral Footplate

An integral footplate supports the user's feet as part of the lower-limb positioning system.

Correct foot support contributes to:

• Pelvic stability
• Lower-limb alignment
• Pressure distribution
• Overall posture
• Comfort

Adjustable Small Footplate Range

The HydroFlex Small provides an approximate seat-to-footplate adjustment range of 34–40 cm. This shorter lower-leg range is particularly important for children and smaller adults.

Angle-Adjustable Fold-Down Footplate

The integral footplate is angle adjustable and folds down. The design allows carers to adjust and stow the footplate from one side of the chair, helping simplify everyday operation.

Knee-Angle Adjustment

The HydroFlex provides an approximate knee-angle adjustment range of 80° to 170°. This combines with the elevating leg rest and adjustable footplate to provide substantial flexibility around lower-limb positioning.

Four Fully Braked Castors

The HydroFlex Small is fitted with four fully braked castors. The castors incorporate sealed-bearing hubs to support smoother manoeuvrability and durability. When the brakes are applied, the chair provides a stable seated platform.

Ergonomic Push Handle

An ergonomic push handle provides carers with a practical position for manoeuvring the chair within appropriate indoor environments.

Appropriate moving-and-handling procedures should always be followed when moving an occupied specialist chair.

Fixed or Loose Cover Options

The HydroFlex is available with a choice of:

• Fixed covers
• Loose covers

Loose covers can be particularly useful where the chair may be reconfigured or reused within a community equipment or multi-user service.

Dynamic Air Cushion Option

A Dynamic Air Cushion is available as an alternative pressure-management option. This may be appropriate where the user's assessment identifies a requirement for a different pressure-management surface.

Cushion selection should consider:

• Pressure risk
• Skin integrity
• Stability
• Posture
• Movement
• Comfort
• Functional requirements

Positioning Accessories

A range of positioning accessories is available for the HydroFlex Small, including:

• Adjustable laterals
• Anterior knee strap
• Blockers
• Chair protector
• Chest harness
• Detachable footplate pad
• Dynamic Air Cushion
• Extended footplate

Accessories should be selected according to the individual's seating assessment.

Suitable for Cerebral Palsy

The HydroFlex Small may be particularly relevant for children or smaller adults with cerebral palsy who require complex postural support. Depending on the individual presentation, the seating system may help address:

• Altered muscle tone
• Pelvic instability
• Poor trunk control
• Reduced head control
• Scoliosis
• Postural asymmetry
• Complex lower-limb positioning

Suitable for Neurological Conditions

The HydroFlex may also be considered for individuals with:

• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Motor neurone disease

The user's diagnosis alone does not determine chair suitability. Posture, dimensions, muscle tone, pressure risk, movement and functional requirements should all be considered.

Suitable for Poor Head Control

Poor head control is one of the areas where the HydroFlex's articulating upper section can be particularly valuable. The adjustable head section and support wings allow the chair to be configured around the user's specific head position rather than relying on a fixed headrest angle.

Suitable for Scoliosis

The HydroFlex can also be considered for users with scoliosis. Its adaptable back and lateral support system allows the seating configuration to be tailored around asymmetrical spinal presentations.

The seating objective should be determined individually according to whether the posture is flexible, partially flexible or fixed.

Key features

• Articulating Back
• Flat Backrest with CareFlex WaterCell Technology®
• Elevating, Channel Legrest
• Angle Adjustable, Fold Down Footplate
• Adjustable Wings
• Four Fully Braked Castors
• Vapour Permeable Upholstery to all Contact Areas
• Adjustable Seat Depth
• Back Angle Recline
• Tilt-in-Space
• Hoist friendly
• 5 year frame warranty

Client Groups

• Semi-ambulant & Non-ambulant
• Cerebral Palsy (Particularly young adult) 
• CVA 
• EMI Associated Conditions 
• Motor Neurone Disease 
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• RTA and Spinal Cord Injury 
• Rehabilitation

Environments

• Domestic / Homecare
• Nursing & Residential homes
• Specialist wards (Stroke rehab, brain / spinal injury, ITU)

Options

• Fixed Covers
• Loose Covers
• Extended Footplate
• Deep Laterally Contoured Backrest
• Transfer Arms(s)
• Manual or Motorised Actuation
• Pro-control Actuation (Only TiS & legrest motorised)
• AutoTilt (Fully motorised or Pro-control actuation)

Accessories

• Adjustable Laterals (Small / medium / kidney; Regular or wide setting)
• Groin Harness
• Pelvic Strap
• Padded Pelvic Strap
• 4-Point Padded Pelvic Strap
• Pommel
• Anterior Knee Strap
• Seat Wedge
• In Line Headrest
• Profiled Soft Headrest
• Shallow / Deep Headrest

Specification

• Small model 280 / 330 / 380 / 430mm seat width options 
• Seat height 500 / 530 / 560mm 
• Max User weight  Small Chair 100 kgs