As we age, standing up from a seated position can be incredibly challenging. For those who also have from hip or back conditions, stepping out of a can be nearly impossible. It can also be difficult to enjoy activities such as attending church, watching a child’s baseball game, or trying a new restaurant for the fear of not being able to get seated and remain there comfortably.
Thankfully, or a can make these less of a challenge and offer the freedom to get back to the activities you enjoy most.
What is a S C?
A is a tool that allows users who have the option to have in and out of a car or chair that may have otherwise been impossible for them. Made from durable can withstand repeated use and regular friction caused by the user getting in and out of the .
These products are first placed on the and the user will sit back onto the with their knees facing out of the vehicle. They can then use the rotating mechanism to rotate their body in a smooth motion toward the front of the vehicle, placing one foot in the car at a time. Once the passenger is facing the front of the vehicle, the seat can be removed by sliding it under the passenger and placed either on the floor or beside the passenger.
When exiting the vehicle, the passenger will do the same motion as before, but in reverse. with the legs facing the front of the vehicle and slowly rotate the toward the door, placing one foot out at a time. Once both legs are out of the vehicle and the passenger is facing the door completely, they can stand and remove the or leave it in place for when they return next.
Who Can Benefit From Using a R?
Many individuals who may suffer from ongoing medical or physical impairments can benefit from a . Not only are these seats helpful for getting in and out of a car, but they can also provide extra padding for those hard surfaces we face in our daily lives.
Places like park benches, church pews, restaurant chairs, and bus seats do not always provide the necessary one may need while being seated for an extended period of time. These seats are often 1/2″ or more in thickness and can be an excellent barrier between you and the hard surface on which you may sit.
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When looking for a , it is important to purchase a product that offers , durability, affordability, style, and ease of use. We have broken down each of these features so that you can find the best product for you or your loved one.
As the name suggests, have a and a to allow for movement. We primarily intend to use these products for entering and exiting a vehicle and we should not use them while driving as they may cause unwanted movement. Many insurance companies and investigators will negate a claim if a driver was using a at the time of a crash.
Finding a that offers a slip-resistant base is an important to consider, as it will help reduce the likelihood of the product slipping out from under the user. These non-slip bases are typically a textured, rubber material that will grip the and stay in place while in use. Some products will also include a strap or to reduce any movement.
The non-slip surface of the base can be especially helpful when using the on slippery surfaces such as metal benches or chairs. Many people will use a jacket or sweater for added padding, but these options can move around, clump up, and can become dirty, which can become a hassle if you need to use the clothing item later.
If using these products in a vehicle, taller individuals will need to pay closer attention to the thickness of the seat’s material. Any added height can make it challenging for a man or woman to get into the vehicle and may cause them to have to bend their head more than usual. This can be painful for those who suffer from neck or spine injuries or conditions.
Durability
Repeated use of any product will cause normal wear and tear. When looking for the best , checking the quality and weight capacity of the can help provide an estimate of how long the product will last. For example, if the can support a weight of 300 or more pounds, a user who weighs much less than that can expect the to last a longer amount of time, whereas a heavier set user may need to find a higher weight-rated .
As we will sit upon this product, washing the fabric may be necessary from time to time. Many seats will include a cover that is machine washable, but you will want to check the requirements or recommendations for how to properly wash and care for your .
They make some of these products from a highly resistant polyester material that makes them a breeze to clean. While they may not be machine washable, we can easily spot clean them to remove any unwanted stains or marks that can appear over time. Be sure to read the instruction manual provided with the product to understand which products or chemicals can and cannot be used to spot clean these covers.
Affordability
While and durability are prime considerations when selecting the , prospective buyers may be price sensitive to the final purchase cost. begin at around $15 and can climb as high as $60 or $70 each. Understanding that this could be a tool that is used every day can help justify these higher costs. We can break a $70 seat used once every day of the year down to just $0.19 per day.
Higher prices do not always guarantee higher quality. The ability to enter or exit a driver or in order to maintain is the primary goal, so finding a product within your budget that offers features and a comfortable is essential. A good rule of thumb is to pick a somewhere in the middle of the highest and lowest price options. We have included a list of top seats that will not break the bank.
Style
Now, more than ever, we have an endless supply of options to choose from when making online purchases. Dozens of companies have created amazing products that offer the support and comfort needed and the durability desired in a proper .
These options also include many styles, such as color, padding design, fabric selection, and printed material. Many people will choose a neutral color to go with any look or event, while others may choose a darker material to hide any unwanted spots or stains that can occur from repeated use.
No matter what your style choice is, there are dozens of options to choose from that still adhere to proper and affordability standards.
Ease of Use
These seats can come in a variety of shapes, colors, and thickness. If the vehicle is a bit higher than most, purchasing a that has fifteen inches of may not be suitable. Likewise, a that does not allow the passenger to buckle the or provide enough to enter or exit may not work. Seats can be too wide for a specific and may hang over the edges, so you will need to carefully consider the intended use of the product.
Some seats include memory which users find extremely comfortable and want to use outside of a vehicle such as a dining table or playing piano. If the is too heavy for the user to transfer from the car to their home or restaurant, they may be less likely to use it or keep it in a place for . Most seats begin around 3 pounds in total weight but can go up significantly depending on the features and upgrades included with the .
9 Affordable S C to Consider
Now that you have armed yourself with some considerations for selecting the best , let’s explore the nine best options that are affordable and perfect for everyday use. As outlined previously, a higher cost does not mean higher quality and these seats are all high-quality offerings that will help the user with their needs.
5-Star Super Deals Rotation Gel Memory Cushion
This includes cooling gel and memory to provide both support and reduce overheating of the . It weighs 3.8 pounds and is 15 5/8″ in diameter for easy transport for a variety of uses. It can support up to 300 pounds and has a machine washable cover. Many users have rated this high in overall comfort and support.
This is available from Walmart for $22.95.
Collections Etc. Portable 360
A lightweight option for home or travel, this from Collections Etc. is a great option to consider. It has a removable cover that is machine washable and comes in a striking blue color. It can also support up to 330 pounds, which is more durable than some of the other options on the market. One user reported that this was an excellent choice to help his wife, who suffered a stroke, get in and out of the car and gave him the ability to reposition her as needed in the .
This is available from Collections Etc. for $19.99.
Stander EZ
This is a massive 18″ by 18″ and can support up to 350 pounds. It has a non-slip base that helps keep the auto in place. They made the padded cushion of a cotton and nylon blend which makes it comfortable yet durable. This is larger than most, so the user will need to measure the they use most to ensure a proper fit and that they can easily carry the product with them if using it outside the home or vehicle.
This is available from Home Depot for $24.00.
Medline
This product from Medline is a very affordable option that meets the criteria for durability and ease of use. It is machine washable and can support up to 300 pounds. It also includes a slip-resistant base to help with transferring in and out of a vehicle or another seated position. Medline is a very respected brand offering a wide variety of products for various needs.
This is available from Vitality Medical for $16.24.
Essential Medical Supply
Essential Medical offers this with a full rotation and a non-skid back for . It can support up to 300 pounds and is designed specifically for users with back, hip, or knee pain. It weighs four pounds and is 18″ wide. This product is a bit heavier than most, so for those users who may struggle to carry heavier objects, this could be a challenge.
This is available from Walmart for $21.55.
Easy Comforts
This comes with ABS filling and has a non-slip backing. It has a polyester covering that you can easily spot clean. This is only 1/2″ thick, so it is perfect for those who want a lighter and thinner option. However, as it is thinner than other options, it may also provide less comfort than some of the thicker options listed. One user reported that their 95-year-old mother uses this as she has bad knees and they both love the .
This is available from Easy Comforts for $14.99.
Ideaworks Deluxe
Ideaworks offers this in both black and grey options that is just over 2″ in thickness. The cover is 95% polyester and is simple to wipe clean if dirty. This is a great option for the car, TV chair, or office chair.
This is available from HSN for $18.95.
Healthsmart Deluxe
This soft is 1 3/8″ inches thick, which can be an ideal thickness for taller individuals who may be concerned about head clearance entering a vehicle. It is 15″ wide, meaning that it is not too wide to fit most passenger vehicles and can accommodate for most restaurants or other events. Many users report that it has a smooth motion and is a great option for those who will need in their such as those who will use it on a work or crafting chair.
This is available from Rite Aid for $34.99.
Vive
The final recommended that offers rotation comes from Vive. The specifically designed this product for car use and wheelchair use and is great for those who suffer from joint or back pain and have . It includes a non-slip base for extra and comfort while minimizing any unwanted movement.
This is available from Rehab Store for $27.99.
Why Should You Purchase a S C?
There are several reasons why it could be beneficial to consider purchasing a for you or your loved one. Constant twisting can cause added stress on the body and for those users that may have balance issues, getting in and out of a car could be a potentially dangerous activity. It’s estimated that 37,000 people get injured each year exiting or entering a vehicle.
For those who have previously fallen and suffered an injury such as a hip or tailbone fracture, sitting on a hard surface for a long period of time can be especially painful and may cause them to reduce their exposure to activities they may have once enjoyed. This can lead to several side effects, such as depression, weight gain, and a feeling of isolation.
By opting to purchase a , users can regain their freedom while also ensuring their . You can find comfort at any location and on any surface and the risk of falling in or out of a is greatly reduced, which can put a caregiver’s mind at ease.
