Wheelchair users often face many health issues due to prolonged sitting, such as preventable pressure injuries, discomfort caused by non-breathable fabrics, and hygiene problems. As a leading company in the medical coated fabric industry, Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics produces high-quality fabrics for the medical and healthcare sectors, including the industry-leading Dartex® polyurethane (PU) coating. Karma Medical, in collaboration with Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, has successfully applied the breathable and durable Trelleborg Dartex® coated fabric to its wheelchair cushions, significantly enhancing the comfort of wheelchair users.

Wheelchair users face a higher risk of pressure injuries

Wheelchair users need to support 50% of their body weight on just 8% of their body surface area, particularly at the base of the spine. When pressure increases over a smaller surface area, it can lead to discomfort, skin breakdown, and a range of health issues, thereby increasing the risk of preventable pressure injuries.

Research has emphasized the persistent non-healing wounds that occur after pressure injuries. Studies have revealed that wheelchair-bound patients bear greater pressure on a smaller body surface area, thus recommending the use of an 8cm thick polyurethane (PU) cushion to help redistribute this pressure.

Trelleborg Dartex® Fabric Enhances Patient Comfort and Safety

Traditional fabrics used in the healthcare sector, such as PVC, can cause excessive sweating and discomfort due to their lack of breathability. Additionally, fabrics that are difficult to clean can lead to hygiene issues and potential health problems.

For 35 years, Karma Medical Products Co. Ltd. (Kang Yang) has been an award-winning brand of advanced wheelchairs, committed to quality, ergonomics, and sustainability. A crucial factor in their commitment to user comfort and safety is the use of polyurethane (PU) coated fabrics in their seating components, including Trelleborg's Dartex® fabric. This brings numerous benefits to wheelchair users.

Firstly, Dartex® fabric offers excellent breathability, effectively promoting air circulation and helping to reduce humidity at the skin-cushion interface, contributing to a cool and comfortable microclimate. Breathable fabrics are crucial for preventing moisture buildup and reducing the risk of preventable pressure injuries.

Secondly, Dartex® fabric is also durable and easy to clean, with its PU-coated surface wiping clean easily, making it simpler to maintain hygiene and prevent the accumulation of bacteria and contaminants.

Lastly, Dartex® fabric exhibits remarkable stretchability, providing immersion and encapsulation for wheelchair users, enhancing their comfort by reducing pressure points and distributing pressure more evenly.

Karma and Trelleborg Collaborate to Enhance the Quality of Life for Wheelchair Users

Karma Medical's wheelchair cushions, featuring Trelleborg Dartex® fabric, embody the positive impact of choosing the right materials. By addressing challenges in breathability, durability, and comfort, PU-coated fabrics significantly enhance wheelchair functionality and longevity, thereby genuinely improving users' daily quality of life.

Lawrence Tan, Business Development Manager for Asia Pacific at Trelleborg, stated: "Trelleborg is committed to improving the quality of life for wheelchair users through innovative materials. Our Dartex® fabric, with its exceptional breathability, durability, and comfort, has become an integral part of Karma Medical's award-winning wheelchairs, helping them enhance user experience and health outcomes."

Paige Chen, Vice President of Marketing at Karma Medical, admitted: "Our commitment to product quality and user comfort is reflected in our material choices. Trelleborg's Dartex® fabric achieves a perfect balance of breathability, durability, and comfort, ensuring our wheelchairs meet high standards and effectively meet user needs."

If you want to learn more about Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics' solutions for support surfaces, please follow our official WeChat public account: TRELLEBORG Engineered Coated Fabrics, or visit our official website:

https://www.trelleborg.com/en/engineered-coated-fabrics