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Dunlop Foams Prescription Information For Therapists (PR13233)

https://ilcaustralia.org.au/products/13233

Recommended uses of selected examples of Dunlop foams in seat cushions, seating and wheelchair insert fabrication for people with disabilities and frail, elderly people

General Details

Extra product information

Following the manufacturing process, foam is tested for density, resilience and hardness.

Density is a measure of the weight of foam per cubic metre
Resilience measures the elasticity and bounce back qualities, providing how long lasting the foam will be.
Hardness is measured by pressure applied to the foam to 40% of its thickness.
Based on these measurements, differing foams apply for various applications.

Consider: What is the foam to be used for? What is the frequency of use?

There are many foam grades manufactured by Dunlop. The grades mentioned below have been found to be the most suitable for use in seat and cushion fabrication for disabled people. The lighter weight foams (as indicated by the first number) are not usually suitable for use in this area.

FOAM GRADE:
27-16 Standard

RECOMMENDED USES:
This foam is used generally as a 12mm - 15mm overlay on heavily contoured seats to provide a degree of comfort. It is too light and not resilient enough to be used in any other situation.

FOAM GRADE:
31-180 Standard

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is used in most of the quilted covers on matrix, fibreglass and polypropylene inserts except where there is a high risk of pressure problems. In this case an Enduro foam should be used.

FOAM GRADE:
31-320

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is a very hard, stiff foam and should not ever be used under the ischial tuberosities (bottom). It may be used as hip blocks and under the step up section of an anti thrust seat.

FOAM GRADE:
36-100 Enduro and 36-130 Enduro

RECOMMENDED USES:
These two good quality, high resilience foams are usually chosen for comfort as they don't push or position the person as aggressively. Being softer, they are more likely to bottom out so they are best used in combination with one of the Enduro foams below. Alternatively, cut the foam at least 75mm thick.

FOAM GRADE:
38-200 Enduro

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is a high quality, high resilience foam for use in weight or load bearing situations. It is a good choice for seat bases (for children use at least 25mm and for adults 50mm) and for padding on lateral supports, etc. It may be too hard for some people.

FOAM GRADE:
50-250 Enduro

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is an exceptionally good quality foam. There is no risk of cell crushing or bottoming out after several years of seat use. It is particularly ideal for seating adults because of this. For thicknesses see above. Some clients find this foam too hard for comfort.

FOAM GRADE:
CR70 Medium density rebonded foam

FOAM GRADE:
CR105 Medium to firm density rebonded foam

RECOMMENDED USES:
These foams are reconstituted out of chips of waste foam. They should never be used under ischial tuberosities (bottom) because of the variation in the quality and hardness of the foam chips from one square centimetre to another. They are ideal for hip blocks, pommels, under the step up of anti thrust seats and for padding footplates.

FOAM GRADE:
CR120 Hard high density rebonded foam

FOAM GRADE:
CR150 Extra hard high density rebonded foam

FOAM GRADE:
PE30 Closed Cell Foam

RECOMMENDED USES:
The closed cell foams are resistant to impregnation by urine or saliva. They are ideal for hip block, pommels and headrests / neckrests. They can be carved and can be smoothed off with sand paper or hook fastener. They are too hard to be used under ischial tuberosities (bottom). Some types are a little softer and may be a better choice where a person puts a lot of pressure on their headrest or pommel.

FOAM GRADE:
38 - 40 LR Foam
48 - 90 LR Foam

RECOMMENDED USES:
This slow recovery foam emulates Temper foam and is used as a comfort overlay on Enduro foams (25mm plus) on seat cushions. It is successfully used as a mattress overlay at least 50mm thick or glued with 25mm - 50mm of 36-100 Enduro.

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Following the manufacturing process, foam is tested for density, resilience and hardness.

Density is a measure of the weight of foam per cubic metre
Resilience measures the elasticity and bounce back qualities, providing how long lasting the foam will be.
Hardness is measured by pressure applied to the foam to 40% of its thickness.
Based on these measurements, differing foams apply for various applications.

Consider: What is the foam to be used for? What is the frequency of use?

There are many foam grades manufactured by Dunlop. The grades mentioned below have been found to be the most suitable for use in seat and cushion fabrication for disabled people. The lighter weight foams (as indicated by the first number) are not usually suitable for use in this area.

FOAM GRADE:
27-16 Standard

RECOMMENDED USES:
This foam is used generally as a 12mm - 15mm overlay on heavily contoured seats to provide a degree of comfort. It is too light and not resilient enough to be used in any other situation.

FOAM GRADE:
31-180 Standard

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is used in most of the quilted covers on matrix, fibreglass and polypropylene inserts except where there is a high risk of pressure problems. In this case an Enduro foam should be used.

FOAM GRADE:
31-320

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is a very hard, stiff foam and should not ever be used under the ischial tuberosities (bottom). It may be used as hip blocks and under the step up section of an anti thrust seat.

FOAM GRADE:
36-100 Enduro and 36-130 Enduro

RECOMMENDED USES:
These two good quality, high resilience foams are usually chosen for comfort as they don't push or position the person as aggressively. Being softer, they are more likely to bottom out so they are best used in combination with one of the Enduro foams below. Alternatively, cut the foam at least 75mm thick.

FOAM GRADE:
38-200 Enduro

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is a high quality, high resilience foam for use in weight or load bearing situations. It is a good choice for seat bases (for children use at least 25mm and for adults 50mm) and for padding on lateral supports, etc. It may be too hard for some people.

FOAM GRADE:
50-250 Enduro

RECOMMENDED USES:
This is an exceptionally good quality foam. There is no risk of cell crushing or bottoming out after several years of seat use. It is particularly ideal for seating adults because of this. For thicknesses see above. Some clients find this foam too hard for comfort.

FOAM GRADE:
CR70 Medium density rebonded foam

FOAM GRADE:
CR105 Medium to firm density rebonded foam

RECOMMENDED USES:
These foams are reconstituted out of chips of waste foam. They should never be used under ischial tuberosities (bottom) because of the variation in the quality and hardness of the foam chips from one square centimetre to another. They are ideal for hip blocks, pommels, under the step up of anti thrust seats and for padding footplates.

FOAM GRADE:
CR120 Hard high density rebonded foam

FOAM GRADE:
CR150 Extra hard high density rebonded foam

FOAM GRADE:
PE30 Closed Cell Foam

RECOMMENDED USES:
The closed cell foams are resistant to impregnation by urine or saliva. They are ideal for hip block, pommels and headrests / neckrests. They can be carved and can be smoothed off with sand paper or hook fastener. They are too hard to be used under ischial tuberosities (bottom). Some types are a little softer and may be a better choice where a person puts a lot of pressure on their headrest or pommel.

FOAM GRADE:
38 - 40 LR Foam
48 - 90 LR Foam

RECOMMENDED USES:
This slow recovery foam emulates Temper foam and is used as a comfort overlay on Enduro foams (25mm plus) on seat cushions. It is successfully used as a mattress overlay at least 50mm thick or glued with 25mm - 50mm of 36-100 Enduro.

Manufacturer/Country
Australia

Models / Specifications

Model Dunlop Foams Prescription Information For Therapists: Dunlop Foams Prescription Information For Therapists

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        Maintenance

        Refer to the supplier and manufacturer manual for maintenance instructions and safety warnings.

        Standards

        Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing, and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards see http://www.ilcaustralia.org.au/Using_Assistive_Technology/standards_regulation

        Disclaimer

        Independent Living Centres Australia (ILCA) does not design or make products. ILCA cannot guarantee that all information given is correct. Prices shown are a rough guide. Some products may incur GST. Check with suppliers for up-to-date prices. The display of products at an ILCA centre, or details given in print, is only for your information. It is not a recommendation. You should always get professional advice when choosing products. The person choosing the product is responsible for their choice. ILCA takes no responsibility for people choosing equipment or services which will cause (or be alleged to have caused) loss or injury. You must follow the manufacturer’s or service provider’s instructions when using equipment or services.