Evaluation: Kalogon’s Tremendous-Adjustable Bondar Backrest

Years of avoiding stress sores have taught me to not mess with a seating system that works. With a tweak right here and a few further padding there, I stored my {custom} RIDE cushion and backrest on life assist nicely previous their anticipated expiration dates, however alas, all good issues come to an finish. 

I ultimately needed to change each with new molds that mirrored my physique’s modifications, and whereas the brand new cushion labored swimmingly, the custom-molded backrest resembled a medieval torture machine greater than a useful backrest. Regardless of one of the best efforts of my therapist and vendor and a number of seating clinic visits for changes, it grew to become clear that there could be no salvaging of what I affectionately dubbed “the polyurethane maiden.” 

Proper across the time I spotted this, I acquired a launch about Kalogon’s new Bondar backrest. We had simply printed a optimistic evaluate of their Orbiter cushion, and I puzzled: may the Bondar be the backrest resolution I wanted? 

Ordering, Adjusting and Testing 

Bondar is a customizable 3D-printed wheelchair backrest for individuals who want extra postural correction or assist. It was designed to enrich Kalogon’s Orbiter cushion, however can be utilized independently on most guide and energy chairs. Earlier than ordering, distributors and therapists can regulate the lateral depths and lengths, create “aid spots” and regulate the angular again utilizing a program Kalogon constructed known as Launch Pad. 

I labored with my vendor and therapist to design a backrest that would supply the lateral assist I needed with out limiting my motion and independence just like the polymaiden. Having the ability to see precisely how the helps would look utilizing Launch Pad gave me hope that Bondar would resolve my issues.  

The Bondar I acquired regarded nearly similar to what I anticipated. With a black polycarbonate shell, a black cushion cowl and black lacing on the again, there’s nothing notably flashy in regards to the Bondar. It appears strong and useful, and after the polymaiden that was greater than sufficient for me. 

Putting in the Bondar on my Permobil F3 was comparatively painless, except for a minor concern with the Permobil mounting bracket that I’ve additionally had with different backrests. As soon as I obtained seated, I instantly appreciated the steadiness of freedom and assist the again offered. As a C5 quad, I’ve no sensation in nearly all of the areas the place the backrest touches me, however I may inform the padding struck the proper mix between being agency and supportive and smooth and protecting. 

Regardless of my relative consolation, the backrest wanted to be repositioned to optimize my seating place and skill to drive. The changes had been the place the Bondar actually shined. Utilizing a single Allen key, my vendor was capable of make intensive changes whereas I remained within the chair. It was his first time working with a Bondar and I may inform he was impressed on the backrest’s adjustability. “They actually nailed it on the {hardware},” he informed me later. “Making changes was positively a breeze.” I don’t plan on numerous adjusting now that we’ve got it arrange correctly, however figuring out it may be adjusted simply is reassuring and speaks to the considerate design. 

As soon as we obtained the positioning locked in, I centered on operate — particularly, did the Bondar enable me the liberty and mobility I wanted to work from and drive my chair? Shifting side-to-side and ahead for stress reliefs felt easy and secure, however the proper lateral assist barely impeded my capability to comfortably drive.  

My therapist popped the again off, took it into the store to chop it down and returned lower than ten minutes later, downside solved. She stated the polycarbonate shell was straightforward to chop via and work with. With the washable black cowl pulled over, I couldn’t inform she had eliminated something visually, however my arm moved extra freely and driving was a lot simpler. Actually, after the polymaiden, the whole lot felt simpler and higher with the Bondar.  

The Verdict 

In an excellent wheelchair seating system, every part ought to work collectively to offer wanted postural assist and pores and skin safety whereas maximizing independence and performance. What this appears like is totally different for each wheelchair person. I do know individuals who depend upon the added assist offered by the options that I loathed in regards to the polymaiden, and I do know others who would scoff on the Bondar for being too cumbersome. However I additionally know loads of wheelchair customers within the center, like me, for whom I feel the Bondar might be an important resolution. 

A backrest doesn’t must be horny or have any bells and whistles; it wants to enrich your cushion and chair and be dependable and adaptable to your wants. The Bondar checks all these containers and wins further factors for the apparent care that went into designing its {hardware} and adjustment system.