Question 1

Does Paraglide have a weight capacity?

Accepted Answer

Each size of Paraglide (small through XXL) can reposition someone weighing up to 550 lbs.

Question 2

Can Paraglide be used with different seat cushions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Paraglide works as intended on a wide variety of seat cushions, including prescribed and highly specialized seat cushions. In one case, it was even tested on a ROHO air cushion where the cushion's cover was removed and the Paraglide sheet was placed directly on top of the cushion's air cell pods.

Question 3

Are there any wheelchairs that Paraglide will not work on?

Accepted Answer

Paraglide attaches to almost any wheelchair that meets two requirements:

1)  There must be clear and unobstructed access to the down canes and/or the arm rest tubes at the back of the wheelchair. These tubes are necessary to attach the clamps that hold and secure the Paraglide device in place. The down canes or arm rest tubes must be 1 inch or less in diameter (we provide spacers to accommodate smaller diameters).

2) There must also be a space between the back rest and the seat cushion to allow room for the Paraglide sheet to slide through. This means, for instance, Paraglide will not work with wheelchairs that have a center spine, as the Paraglide sheet cannot be pulled through the spine.

We've found that the majority of wheelchairs we've tested on, including power wheelchairs, meet these criteria.

Question 4

What about shear?

Accepted Answer

The specialized Paraglide sheet, approved by Occupational Therapists involved in the development of the Paraglide repositioning system, has special features that allow the sheet to move *with* the person, even on top of their prescribed cushion. The thin sheet has a slightly brushed surface texture on the top of the sheet and a smooth surface on the bottom of the sheet. This difference in surface textures allows the sheet to move with the person as they reposition, while the pressure/friction primarily occurs below the surface of the sheet (between the sheet and the cushion).

Because Paraglide allows people to move and shift their position more frequently throughout the day, we have received user testimonials indicating how Paraglide has improved skin health and reduced blistering, in some cases allowing the removal of a lap belt and/or eliminating the need for a person to use the tilt feature of their wheelchair.

Question 5

Does Paraglide remind me when it is time to reposition?

Accepted Answer

When a user is seated in their wheelchair, the Paraglide system monitors their time spent in the wheelchair and will provide a reminder to conduct a reposition every 60 minutes, a default interval based on Mayo Clinic best practice guidelines for the prevention of pressure injuries. The remote will display the message “Reposition Recommended” which will remain for 15 minutes with a beep notification every two minutes (if the sound is turned on). This alert can be stopped by performing a glide or hitting the “Reset” button if the user does not wish to be repositioned.

Question 6

How do I clean Paraglide?

Accepted Answer

The Paraglide sheet can be laundered (washed and dried) with the user’s personal clothing. There is a name tag on the bottom side of the Paraglide sheet where the user’s name can be written to ensure it does not get mixed up with another sheet.

To clean the Paraglide device (the rotating mechanical tube), you must first ensure the green protective cap over the charge port is closed tightly. You may then clean and rinse the device as you would other equipment. The device is IP 67 certified, meaning it is waterproof as long as the green protective cap over the charge port is securely closed. Failure to close the protective cap may result in damage to the device which is not covered under warranty.

Question 7

What if I lose the remote control?

Accepted Answer

Paraglide conveniently has a "Find My Remote" feature.

Briefly press and hold the small pin hole button (1-3 seconds) until the light begins to blink slowly and then release. This will send a signal to the Paraglide remote and cause the remote to set an alarm which will continue for two minutes or until the “Reset” button is selected. It can take up to 30 seconds for the remote to receive this signal.

Question 8

Does Paraglide have a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Paraglide comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

MacKenzie Healthcare Technologies

Creating Safety & Dignity Through Innovation

Frequently Asked Questions