Meridian Wave™

Meridian Wave™

Dual-chambered, adjustable skin protection cushion with a solid positioning base. Available in three base styles.
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At VARILITE, innovation means superior solutions like our Wave Series of contoured bases for positioning support. Therapists now can combine Meridian dual-chamber, adjustable Air-Foam Floatation skin protection cushions with a solid positioning base. Three different Wave designs are available: CPW (Contoured Positioning Wedge), LPB (Lateral Positioning Base), and CPB (Contoured Positioning Base).

Our Wave series of contoured closed-cell bases give therapists a choice of positioning support. Wave CPW provides exceptional positioning of the lower extremities for enhanced sitting posture. Lateral thigh supports position the lower extremities and prevent unwanted abduction of the thighs. Medial thigh supports provides the correct amount of abduction to prevent unwanted adduction of the thighs. The Wave CPW increases the weight-bearing load on the back of the thighs and decreases the seat-to-back angle. The closed-cell CPW will not absorb fluid and is resistant to bacteria.

Wave LPB provides a sold base of support and a high degree of pelvic and lower extremity lateral positioning. Lateral pelvic supports, located posterior to the greater trochanters, provide lateral stability that maintains the pelvis in the center of the seat. Lateral thigh supports position the lower extremities and prevents unwanted abduction of the thighs. The Wave LPB provides a firm foundation for postural stability and discourages chair upholstery from slinging. The closed-cell LPB will not absorb fluid and is resistant to bacteria.

Wave CPB provides a solid base of support and a high degree of pelvic and lower extremity lateral and medial positioning. Lateral pelvic supports, located posterior to the greater trochanters, provide lateral stability that maintains the pelvis in the center of the seat. Lateral thigh supports position the lower extremities and prevents unwanted abduction of the thighs. Medial thigh supports provides the correct amount of abduction to prevent unwanted adduction of the thighs. The Wave LPB provides a firm foundation for postural stability and discourages chair upholstery from slinging. The closed-cell CPB will not absorb fluid and is resistant to bacteria.

Therapists recommend the Meridian for individuals with motor and neurological dysfunction due to spinal-cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury. Therapists value the integral pre-ischial ridge and wedge effect created by the Meridian’s dual chambers. User and caregivers value its low weight, comfort, and ease of use. No pumps or accessories. No kneading or manipulation.

VARILITE air-foam floatation, coupled with multi-stiffness foam, delivers superior pressure distribution. Functional areas of the Meridian are created by three types of foam: soft foam for the decubitus-sensitive area of the ITs; medium foam for the thigh trough, pelvic bucketing and pre-ischial bar; and firm foam for the perimeter and medial thigh separator. Valves release air to immerse the user in the foam, which conforms to the user and distributes the user’s weight over the surface of the cushion.

Front and rear chambers permit independent adjustment of the pelvis and thighs, quickly and easily, while the client is seated. The rear chamber allows maximum immersion of the pelvis for better pressure distribution. The front chamber allows maximum loading of the thighs which reduces pressure on the ITs. The Meridian’s dual-chambered design promotes a neutral pelvis position, especially important for clients prone to extensor tone or thrusting. The thigh and pelvic chambers form a pre-ischial ridge which prevents the ITs from sliding forward, preventing a posterior pelvic tilt and sacral sitting. Releasing more air from the pelvic chamber than the thigh chamber provides added postural support by creating dump or squeeze that “holds” the client in place.

Note: To determine HCPCS Code, Item Number, and MSRP, you must first configure this product.
How do VARILITE cushions work?

Air in a VARILITE cushion supports the load, while foam keeps the air where it’s needed and preserves the cushion shape. Learn more about the VARILITE Air-Foam technology
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How is the cushion adjusted properly?

For both Pressure Setting Valve (PSV) and standard valves, begin with the cushion fully inflated and valve closed. Transfer onto the cushion.

For a PSV, turn the valve clockwise until the pre-determined number appears in the indicator window. Air will escape until the valve automatically shuts off (approximately 10-15 seconds). Once the valve has shut off the release of air, close the valve by turning it clockwise. See PSV Operating Instructions for more information.

For a standard valve, slowly turn the valve counterclockwise to release the air. Listen for a change in pitch and close the valve by turning clockwise. Air level is determined by the amount of support or stability needed by the user, comfort, and activity level. See Seating Systems instructions for more information.

Why do some seat cushions have an indentation?

The cushion is designed to indent in the sacral-ischial area. The soft, less firm foam of the sacral-ischial area, by design, exerts less “push back” on the cushion fabric than the surrounding firmer foam. See Sacral-Ischial Foam Indentation Explanation for more information.

Will a 16” x 18” cushion fit in a 17” x 18” chair?
No. Select the cushion that is 1” larger. For example if you wheelchair seat size is 17” x 18”, select an 18 x 18 cushion. The cushion will accommodate the 1” size difference without affecting its performance.
Are VARILITE cushions available in custom sizes?

VARILITE cushions are available in a wide range of widths and depths. We frequently update our size selection to meet the needs of our customers. We welcome your size suggestions for planning future product sizes. Customers tell us that our standard sizes often accommodate customer wheelchairs well. If you need a size that is not currently available, select the cushion that is 1” larger. For example if you wheelchair seat size is 17” x 18”, select an 18 x 18 cushion. The cushion will accommodate the 1” size difference without affecting its performance.

How do I maintain my VARILITE seating system and back support?

We recommend that you leave the valve open and allow your VARILITE cushion to fully inflate overnight at least once a week to maintain optimal cushion performance and foam integrity. Check your cushion’s inflation level daily to ensure optimal seating and positioning.

What is the weight capacity for VARILITE seat cushions?

Size      Capacity
(Inches)   (lbs)


12x8         250
12x12       300
12x14       325
14x14       400
14x16       450
16x16       500
16x18       575
17x17       575
18x16       575
16x20       650
18x18       650
20x16       650
18x20       725
20x18       725
20x20       750
22x18       750
22x20       750
24x18       750
24x20       750

Is there any latex in VARILITE cushions or covers?
No.

Warranty

VARILITE provides a warranty on all new products. Please read the Limited Warranty, Limitations of Remedies and Liability for the U.S. and Canada for more information about the terms of warranty.

If a problem arises with your VARILITE product, please call our Customer Service Department at (800) 827-4548. All warranty claims will be handled promptly.

You can also start a warranty claim with us by filling out the online Return Authorization Form below.  Warranty issues are commonly evaluated via photos and to do that, please select “I have a warranty/repair questions” when you start your claim.   

If you would prefer to send your product back to us, it will require a Return Authorization (RA) number prior to sending the product in for repair or replacement. To expedite the handling of your return, please follow the guidelines below: 

  • Write the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping carton. 

  • Fill out the RA form completely. 

  • Do not send cushion covers. 

  • To protect the health of our employees, please clean used cushions before shipping. Soiled cushions will not be evaluated and a $20 handling fee will be charged. Cushions can be wiped clean with a damp rag and sprayed with a disenfectant such as Lysol. 

Please refer to the Return and Repair Policy for complete instructions.

Return Authorizaton Form