To ensure every Wilcare chair delivers the highest level of comfort, safety, and functionality, it is essential that each chair is correctly specified to meet the individual user’s needs. Our many years of experience within the healthcare and independent living sectors allow us to guide you through this process with confidence.
Please use the guidance below when calculating the correct chair specification for each user. For visual examples of the different chair functions available, please also refer to our Chair Mechanism Guide.
User Weight
The first and most important consideration is the user’s weight. Always check the weight of every person who is likely to use the chair, not just the primary user.
The maximum user weight for our standard single and dual motor chairs is 19 stone. Some specialist, tilt-in-space and bariatric models are designed to accommodate higher user weights.
For accurate limits, please refer to the individual model datasheets or consult the Wilcare brochure. This ensures the chair operates safely and maintains its performance over time.
See Wilcare Data Sheet See WIllcare Brochure
Type of Mechanism Required
Wilcare offers a wide range of chair mechanisms, each designed to meet different physical and functional needs. These include:
• Standard rise and recline
• Tilt-in-space
• Wall hugger
• Three-motor bariatric mechanisms
Each mechanism offers unique benefits, from simple assisted standing to advanced postural support and pressure management. An overview of how each mechanism operates can be found in the Wilcare brochure, and each product listing includes a clear key showing which mechanisms are available for that model.
Selecting the correct mechanism is essential to achieving both comfort and long-term usability.
Measurements
Correct internal dimensions are critical to ensuring proper support and pressure distribution. The key measurements to consider are:
• Seat height
• Seat width
• Seat depth
• Backrest height
When seated, support should be evenly distributed beneath the user’s thighs and seat, with no concentrated pressure points. The backrest should provide stable, comfortable support, allowing the user to relax without slumping or straining.
It is also important to consider the overall size of the chair in relation to the room. If space is limited or the chair will be reclined regularly, ensure there is sufficient clearance behind and around the chair.
Seat Height
Seat height has a direct impact on how easily a user can sit down and stand up.
A seat that is too high may cause the user’s feet to lift from the floor, creating discomfort under the thighs. A seat that is too low will make standing more difficult and may direct excessive pressure towards the pelvis rather than distributing it along the thighs.
The correct seat height is calculated by measuring from the floor to the crease at the back of the knee. When seated, the hips and knees should be at approximately right angles, with both feet flat on the floor. Always measure while wearing normal footwear.
Wilcare offers seat heights starting from 14 inches on standard single and dual motor chairs. Tilt-in-space models generally start from 16 inches, with a maximum seat height of 22 inches on most models.
Seat Width
The seat should allow the user to sit comfortably while still enabling effective use of the armrests.
Ideally, the seat width should equal the widest part of the user’s hips or bottom, plus approximately 3 inches (7.5cm) on each side. This ensures comfort without compromising posture or support.
Tilt-in-space mechanisms are available from 16 inches wide, while standard single and dual motor mechanisms begin at 18 inches. Certain bariatric three-motor chairs can be specified up to 33 inches wide.
Seat Depth
Seat depth must be sufficient to support the full length of the thighs.
If the seat is too shallow, the thighs will lack support, leading to discomfort over time. If the seat is too deep, the user may lean back excessively to gain shoulder support, which can cause slumping and poor posture.
To calculate the correct seat depth, measure from the back of the hips along the thighs to approximately 1½ inches behind the back of the knee. When seated, the user should be able to place two fingers between the seat edge and the back of the knee.
Backrest Height and Shape
Wilcare offers a variety of back cushion styles, including fibre-filled and foam designs, to suit different postural needs.
Lumbar support backs offer additional postural assistance, while waterfall backs are fully adjustable to match the user’s shape. For users who recline frequently, both the back and head must be adequately supported.
To determine the minimum backrest height, measure from the seat to the top of the ears while seated. Our standard back height is 30 inches, with the option to increase or reduce this by ±3 inches on most models.
Choice of Fabrics
Fabric choice is not only an aesthetic decision but also a functional one.
Where pressure-relieving foam or gel seating is required, a multi-way stretch fabric such as Polyurethane (PU) or Panvelle Stretch should be specified to allow the cushion to perform correctly.
In cases of incontinence, waterproof and wipe-clean materials are recommended. Wilcare offers a wide selection of fabrics designed specifically for healthcare and independent living environments.
Additional Considerations
Headrests
We offer simple neck pillows as well as neck cut-out options, which help maintain a central seated position and improve comfort.
Headrest Wings
Wings provide lateral head support, particularly useful for users who regularly fall asleep in the chair. Wing sizes can be increased or reduced by ±3 inches, depending on the model.
Armrests
Standard arm height is 7 inches, measured from the middle of the seat, with the option to adjust by ±3 inches.
Armrests should provide firm side support and assist with standing. They must be wide enough to support the forearms during relaxation and positioned so the user does not hunch their shoulders or lean to one side.
For ease of standing, the arm ends should be easy to grip and level with the front edge of the seat. Removable armrests are available on most models and can assist with side transfers, such as from a wheelchair.