Has the TMT team done any analysis on the cushions to see if there are any risks/benefits of using the 95a/98a TPU vs the foaming TPU or of either one in general? In the past I have done a bit of research on cushions and preventing pressure wounds, but certainly not enough to know about these (I do not have a medical background). Everyone using the TMT should consult a PT anyway, find out how many hours a day to use it, etc.
The 95a TPU version reminds me of a Purple cushion (this may have been inspired by the fact that I printed it in purpleā¦) with the grid inside, although it is not breathable.
This was a long way of saying that Iām wondering if there are any health (for children who have low sensitivity for pain in their lower body) or comfort benefits of the foaming TPU vs the 95a/98a?
its a great question, and i would also throw a ātypicalā cushion into the mix as well (foam + fabric). What clinical specialists told me was to make them as soft as possible, and thats what led the design development. Hopefully soon we will have more user feedback to understand which one is best
Is there any reason for the holes in the cushions? Except for the front of the seat bottom, no straps go through them. The holes in the upper cushion are not only a challenge to print, but the walls around the holes make those areas hard.
Great question! The top holes in the back rest line up with the top straps, but in the instructions it shows them not going through there. I agree if we could do those rest with no holes except the 2 in the bottom cushion that would be 100 times better.
I have been having challenges as we need to isolate the TPU cushion sets and perfect the setting ? To me it seems that the infill creates issue/blobs no matter how many wall loops you try, we may have a better outcome as a group getting a set of settings that work best.
Agreed, I would love to see the holes removed, unless they were purpose built say for cooling, but the walls of the holes are stiff and make the upper seat hard in those locations. The rear holes in the base seat are used, but not the front. Iāve been using a cuticle cutter to remove the very small nubs that I get from the infill. This works very well and makes them almost perfectly flush. I was going to try to remove the holes, but the only program Iāve ever used is Tinkercad (I built a pretty cool dragon..lol) the extent of my 3D design knowledge. The file is to big for TC to handle. I wanted to see if I could do it and then make a test piece that possibly could be approved.
This is just a guess, but I feel like the holes on the front of the bottom cushion are to offer a between the legs buckle option in the future. Purely speculation because the notches on the side of the wings donāt have a purpose right now, but they are considering offering accessories like a drink holder or tray in new iterations.
Iām a pediatric ICU doc with an interest in mobility/rehab but this is not direct medical advice.
In general, softer materials will be easier on pressure points, which, in the age group and mobility levels of the kids who will use these chairs, is less of an issue. Later in life (or with more complex contractures/dystonia) bad decubitus ulcers can occur if pressure isnāt offloaded but the TMT isnāt an all day chair for kids and families are instructed by physiatry & other med professionals how to do skin care for more complex immobility; those patients are usually set up in custom chairs. Iām printing in TPU AIR to start. If there is discomfort, there are lots of ways that a chair can be modded to have additional padding, even w/ regular foam, etc. Iām hoping to make sure my family brings their chair to their next physiatry appointment so the rehab team can take a look and give pointers, if needed, and to also see how the kiddo uses it!!!
Thank you, your āNot Medical Adviceā is very much appreciated. Your incite and knowledge give someone like me a greater understanding of the issues. I just delivered my first TMT. They have scheduled an appointment for a proper fitting. They were so very appreciative.
Although the instructions donāt show the straps going through the holes in the top of the seat back, I have been putting them through there as I believe the holes are to make the straps lower or higher depending on the size of the child. @MakeGood_Noam ???
Of note, Iāve been spending downtime at work talking with our head PT, who is really interested in the cushion and seat analysis. He thinks thereās probably a local vendor who would gratis help identify pressure spots where you might want more infill or less if anyone is interested in pursuing that.