Careflex SmartSeatPro Small II Paediatric Chair

CareFlex SmartSeatPro II Small Specialist Seating Chair

The CareFlex SmartSeatPro II Small is a highly adjustable modular specialist seating chair designed specifically for children and younger or smaller adults with complex postural management and pressure-care needs.

Its advanced seating system can be configured to help stabilise, accommodate and, where appropriate, correct postural asymmetries from the feet and pelvis through the spine to the head. This makes the SmartSeatPro II Small particularly suitable for users who require a higher level of postural management than a conventional supportive chair can provide.

Key features include Tilt-in-Space, Back Angle Recline, a multi-adjustable back and head system, CareFlex WaterCell Technology®, adjustable seat width, removable armrests, a channelled elevating leg rest and manual or powered controls.

With internal seat widths ranging from approximately 280 mm to 440 mm and a maximum user weight of 100 kg, the Small model provides complex specialist seating in dimensions specifically suited to smaller users.

Designed for Children and Younger/Smaller Adults

The SmartSeatPro II Small has been developed around the requirements of children, young people and smaller adults who need advanced postural support. Its smaller seat-width range allows the chair to provide closer support around the pelvis and trunk, rather than placing a smaller user in an oversized adult seating system.

The chair can be configured around individual requirements for:

• Pelvic stability
• Trunk positioning
• Head support
• Spinal asymmetry
• Lower-limb positioning
• Pressure redistribution
• Transfers
• Functional activity
• Comfort

Regular reassessment is particularly important for growing children and young people.

100 kg Maximum User Weight

The SmartSeatPro II Small has a maximum user weight of 100 kg, approximately 15.7 stone.

Chair selection should nevertheless be based on the user's complete body dimensions, posture, movement and seating requirements rather than weight alone.

Adjustable Seat Width

The SmartSeatPro II Small provides internal seat widths from approximately 280 mm to 440 mm / 28–44 cm. This broad adjustment range allows the seating system to accommodate children and smaller adults with different pelvic widths.

Correct seat width can help:

• Improve pelvic stability
• Position armrests appropriately
• Improve lateral support
• Reduce unwanted movement within the seat
• Improve comfort
• Support a more stable trunk position

The labelled seat-width guides help clinicians and carers make consistent adjustments.

Complex Postural Management

The SmartSeatPro II Small is intended for users with complex postural needs.

It may be considered where the user presents with:

• Pelvic instability
• Significant asymmetry
• Scoliosis
• Increased thoracic kyphosis
• Increased lumbar lordosis
• Reduced head control
• Altered muscle tone
• Contractures
• Wind-swept lower limbs
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced sitting balance
• High pressure-care requirements

The aim of the seating setup may be to stabilise, accommodate or, where appropriate, influence the user's posture.

Multi-Adjustable Back and Head System

One of the SmartSeatPro II's most important features is its four-part multi-adjustable back and head system. The individual sections can be configured around the user's body shape and posture.

The lower sections can be adjusted in:

• Height
• Depth
• Angle
• Offset
• Rotation

This allows the back support to be tailored far more precisely than a conventional fixed-profile backrest. Soft removable padding provides additional comfort and allows support to be placed where it is required.

Articulating Head Section

The upper section of the SmartSeatPro II is designed to accommodate complex head and neck positions. This can be particularly useful for users with:

• Poor head control
• Increased thoracic kyphosis
• Neurological conditions
• Neck weakness
• Altered cervical alignment

Rather than forcing the head against a fixed-position support, the articulating section can be profiled around the user's posture.

Sacral and Lumbar Positioning

The lower back sections can be configured to provide specific support around the sacrum, pelvis and lumbar region. Good pelvic positioning is fundamental because the pelvis forms the foundation for the rest of the seated posture.

Improved pelvic stability can positively influence:

• Trunk alignment
• Head position
• Lower-limb alignment
• Pressure distribution
• Upper-limb function

Tilt-in-Space

The SmartSeatPro II 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
• Manage fatigue
• Conserve energy
• Provide supported resting positions
• Assist positioning
• Maintain postural support during repositioning

The appropriate amount of tilt should be determined according to safety, tolerance and the user's clinical requirements.

Built-In Tilt Inclinometer

The chair incorporates an inclinometer to provide a clear indication of the tilt position.

This can help carers and clinicians:

• Record chair settings
• Reproduce assessed positions
• Monitor positioning
• Improve consistency between carers
• Support safe use

Back Angle Recline

The SmartSeatPro II Small also provides Back Angle Recline.

Back Angle Recline changes the angle between the seat and backrest, altering the user's hip angle.

It may help:

• Accommodate reduced hip flexion
• Improve comfort
• Reduce abdominal pressure
• Manage pain associated with restricted hip movement
• Provide different resting positions

The appropriate angle should be based on pelvic stability and the individual's available hip range of movement.

CareFlex WaterCell Technology

The SmartSeatPro II incorporates CareFlex WaterCell Technology to support pressure management. The seating system is designed to contour around the user and redistribute loading over a larger surface area.

This can be particularly important for children and smaller adults who:

• Have reduced independent movement
• Spend prolonged periods sitting
• Require assistance with repositioning
• Have reduced sensation
• Have an increased risk of pressure injury

Pressure management should form part of a wider individually assessed care plan.

Optional Dynamic Air Cushion

Where pressure-care requirements are higher, a Dynamic Air Cushion can be specified.

The appropriate cushion should be selected according to:

• Pressure risk
• Skin integrity
• Postural stability
• Muscle tone
• Movement
• Comfort
• Functional requirements

Fully Removable Armrests

The SmartSeatPro II Small has fully removable armrests. This can make transfers and care easier by improving access to either side of the chair.

Benefits include:

• Easier lateral transfers
• Improved sling application
• Easier sling removal
• Better access for personal care
• Improved repositioning access

Quick Arm Height Adjustment

Armrest height can be adjusted quickly to provide appropriate support for smaller users.

Correct arm height can help:

• Improve shoulder position
• Support the upper limbs
• Increase trunk stability
• Improve comfort
• Support functional activity

Channelled Elevating Leg Rest

The SmartSeatPro II Small incorporates a channelled elevating leg rest. The channel design helps maintain lower-limb alignment while the legs are supported or elevated.

It can be particularly useful where users require:

• Improved lower-limb alignment
• Additional stability
• Support for weakness
• Accommodation of altered muscle tone
• Supported leg elevation

Negative-Angle Leg Rest

The leg rest can also move into a negative-angle position.

This can help accommodate:

• Limited knee range
• Tight hamstrings
• Contractures
• Users who require a more flexed knee position
• Appropriate foot placement before standing transfers

For some semi-ambulant users, the negative angle can help establish a more practical foot position before standing.

Two Leg-Rest Sizes

The SmartSeatPro II Small is available with Standard or Wide leg-rest configurations.

The selected leg rest affects the minimum available seat-width and seat-height configuration.

This is important when configuring the chair for particularly small users and should be considered during assessment.

Angle-Adjustable Footplate

The footplate is angle adjustable to accommodate different ankle and foot positions.

Appropriate foot support can help:

• Promote postural stability
• Provide sensory feedback
• Reduce pressure risk
• Improve lower-limb alignment
• Free the upper limbs from unnecessary stabilising activity

The footplate can accommodate fixed ankle positions or support a more neutral position where appropriate.

Adjustable Laterals

Optional adjustable lateral supports provide additional trunk support.

The laterals can be independently adjusted in height and width to help support a more stable midline position.

They may be particularly useful for users with:

• Reduced trunk control
• Postural asymmetry
• Scoliosis
• Muscle weakness
• Altered muscle tone

Headrest Options

A range of head-support options is available to complement the multi-adjustable back system.

Options can include:

• Soft Headrest
• Soft Profiled Headrest
• Soft Pillow Headrest
• Foam Headrest
• In-Line Headrest
• Neck Headrest

The most appropriate option should be selected according to the user's head control, posture and sensory requirements.

• Soft Profiled Headrest The Soft Profiled Headrest provides contoured support around the shoulders, neck and head. It can be useful where additional head alignment is required while still providing a soft support surface.
• In-Line Headrest: The In-Line Headrest incorporates memory foam and provides more extensive cranial support. Its cut-away sides are designed to maintain sight and hearing while supporting the head.
• Neck Headrest: A deeper-profile Neck Headrest can provide increased lateral control where additional head and neck stability is required.

Pelvic Positioning Options

A variety of pelvic positioning accessories can be fitted.

Options include:

• Pelvic belt
• Padded pelvic belt
• 4-point padded pelvic belt
• Groin harness

Pelvic positioning is central to the overall postural setup and should be established before attempting to control the trunk or head.

Chest and Trunk Support

Chest and upper-body positioning options include:

• Dynamic Chest Harness
• Sternum Harness
• Adjustable Laterals

These can provide additional support without unnecessarily restricting appropriate active movement.

Flip-Down Pommel

A Flip-Down Pommel is available for the Small SmartSeatPro II.

It can help support lower-limb positioning and manage presentations such as:

• Wind-sweeping
• Adduction
• Lower-limb asymmetry

The pommel can rotate to accommodate leg angle and flips down to improve access during transfers.

Manual or Motorised Operation

The SmartSeatPro II Small can be configured with:

• Manual gas-action controls
• Battery-controlled motors
• Pro-Control option

This allows operation to be tailored around the user and caregiver. Powered functions can be particularly beneficial where frequent repositioning is required or where reducing manual effort is important.

Modular Design

The SmartSeatPro II Small is highly modular.

This allows the seating system to be adapted as requirements change and makes it particularly relevant for:

• Growing children
• Changing postural presentations
• Rehabilitation
• Community equipment services
• Long-term conditions
• Regular seating review

Suitable for Cerebral Palsy

The SmartSeatPro II Small may be particularly suitable for children or young adults with cerebral palsy who require complex management of:

• Muscle tone
• Pelvic position
• Trunk asymmetry
• Head position
• Lower-limb alignment
• Contractures
• Pressure care

Suitable for Scoliosis

The chair can be configured around users with scoliosis. The modular back elements can support an asymmetrical posture according to whether the seating objective is to:

• Accommodate
• Stabilise
• Partially correct
• Encourage a more symmetrical position

This should be determined through clinical assessment.

Suitable for Increased Thoracic Kyphosis

The articulating upper section can accommodate increased thoracic kyphosis, particularly where the spinal curve changes the position of the head. This provides greater flexibility than a conventional fixed backrest.

Suitable for Increased Lumbar Lordosis

The adjustable lumbar and sacral sections can also be configured around users presenting with increased lumbar lordosis.

Suitable for Contractures

The combination of the channelled negative-angle leg rest, adjustable footplate and positioning accessories can help accommodate users with contractures where appropriate.

Suitable for Traumatic Brain Injury

The SmartSeatPro II may be considered for individuals with traumatic brain injury who present with complex postural asymmetry, muscle-tone changes, pelvic instability or reduced head control.

Suitable for Spinal Cord Injury

Users with spinal cord injury may benefit from the chair's combination of pressure management, pelvic support and modular trunk and head positioning.

Suitable Following Stroke

The chair may also be considered where stroke has resulted in:

• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Asymmetrical sitting
• Reduced sitting balance
• Altered tone
• Reduced head control

Key features

• Multi-Adjustable and Modifiable Back and Head System
• Tilt-in-Space with Inclinometer (Visual Tilt Angle Indicator)
• Back Angle Recline with Visual Indicator
• WaterCell Technology
• Increased Negative Angle, Channelled and Elevating Leg Rest
• Angle Adjustable Flip-Up Footplate
• Integral Seat Depth Adjustment
• Integral Seat Width Adjustment
• Integral Arm Height Adjustment
• Adjustable and Removable Armrests
• Hoist and Transfer Friendly Frame with Increased Ground Clearance
• Four Fully Braked Castors
• Removable Battery Tray on Motorised Version

Client Groups

• Cerebral Palsy
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Stroke
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Motor Neurone Disease

Environment

• Domestic and Home Care
• Rehabilitation Settings
• Hospital Wards
• Schools and Colleges
• Nursing and Residential Homes

Specification

• Small: Internal Seat Width: 280 - 400mm
• Small: Maximum User Weight 100kg