Our Chilli Bean isn’t an ordinary bean bag however.
We use innovative vaccuum technology so mum Naomi and Eliza's care team can precisely fix the contours and firmness to perfectly support Eliza, correctly. In effect Chilli Bean gives her a big blue hug.
Eliza feels so comfortable in it that the first time she used it, she fell asleep!
Eliza’s requires 24-hour care because of her complex needs.
Her muscle spasms and lack of head control means she requires specialist seating but the family was struggling to find equipment that was comfortable, safe and delivered the necessary support to stabilise her.
Mum Naomi- herself an Occupational Therapist- desperately looked for something that would help Eliza be part of family life.
Naomi had already purchased one of our Bagel flotation cushions for the bath, to enable Eliza to enjoy the immersion experience rather than being sat in a rigid bath seat.
Naomi wondered if the same vacuum technology was available in a day chair so Eliza could join in family time…
It was- Chilli Bean!
We showed Naomi and her care team how to mould Chilli Bean to give Eliza a correct, natural and comfortable seating position and necessary stabilisation without pressure points.
Chilli Bean's ability to be reformed means that Eliza grows, or her daily support requirement change, the family can quickly and easily adjust the shape and firmness to suit.
We have removed the weeks of delay in remoulding inherent with conventional fixed mould paediatric seating.
Chilli Bean's soft fabric also gives Eliza sensory feedback. Its snug shape helps her awareness of her body. And when mum pops a sound device underneath the ChillI Bean, Eliza gets further sensory stimulation as the vibration will transfer through.
“Eliza’s reaction- falling asleep- when she first sat in the Chilli Bean was just wonderful!” said Naomi. “She’s otherwise either in her wheelchair, or we have a foam seat but the headrest on that doesn’t give her any stable support.
“The precision we can create with Chilli Bean will mean we can all relax and have family time without worrying that Eliza is comfortable, correct and stable.”
Chilli Bean is just one of our numerous vacuum posture cushions , from simple arm & wrist supports to full-size mattresses.
You can find out more about the concept of vaccuum posture cushions here: http://www.aatgb.com/posture-cushions/.
We have more information about Chilli Bean here: http://www.aatgb.com/chilli-bean/
Once someone is taller than 150cm they are too big for a conventional car seat, with all its associated support. Our Voyageur motability belt system means that problem is solved, quickly and unobtrusively.
The inventors themselves have a disabled child. It was their own personal experience that inspired the development of Voyageur, when their child grew too tall for a conventional car seat.
The resulting system is simple.
It comprises just two elements- the Seat Grid tether system and X-Posture Suit of positioning safety belts. You secure each element simply by magnetic buckles, so it is quick for you to attach, fit, and release- even with one hand. You don't even need any tools.
Although designed primarily for car usage, you can attach the universal-sized Seat Grid to any seat where the straps can be passed between base cushion and back.
X-Posture Suit’s belt configuration with shoulder and hip straps means your loved one's torso is secure, stable laterally and vertically and correctly positioned. You achieve abduction to the thighs and stability to the pelvis.
Voyageur is available in two sizes depending on the user’s waist and thigh dimensions.
"Voyageur extends the horizons for so many people who need postural support," says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director.
“So long as there is a suitable seat for Voyageur, it can provide the stable and comfortable support needed to safely enjoy sedentary activity.
"Its use extends beyond going out in the car- sailing, cycling, flying to name a few!”
Voyageur sits alongside our Stabilo range of innovative postural support cushions, including the infinitely adjustable Chilli Bean vacuum posture seat.
You can find out more about Voyageur here: https://www.aatgb.com/voyageur/.
There's more about our Stabilo range of postural support and posture correction cushions here: https://www.aatgb.com/posture-cushions/
The cushion in question is one of AAT’s vacuum posture cushions- the Comfortable Plus Duo- one of few approved by British Airways for use in flight.
Vacuum technology means the cushion holds its form and firmness once moulded yet is easy to re-shape if required: perfect stability and adaptability.
Peter’s father Daniel shapes and fixes the cushion to the contours of the seat and Peter’s back to perfectly support him in the aircraft cabin, on his own seat, for the duration of the flight.
The Comfortable Plus Duo cushion supports Peter‘s whole body from head to pelvis.
As the five year-old is peg fed and ideally needs to be lying down for feeding, the cushion’s generous size and integral lateral wings meant it was able to double up as a safe and comfortable feeding mat too.
“Peter can’t support himself for too long. When we booked the holiday we thought he could sit on our laps for the flight but discovered for safety he would have to sit on his own seat for take-off and landing,” explained Daniel.
“We have an AAT cushion- the Comfortable- at home on the recommendation of Peter’s Occupational Therapist, to support Peter’s back in his wheelchair so were familiar with how it all works. We can precisely mould it around his pronounced spinal bump to keep him supported and comfortable.
"But the design of aircraft seats presented a challenge: to be able to fly, we needed something that would also stabilise his head and pelvis. The larger Comfortable Plus Duo was perfect!”
Comfortable and Comfortable Plus Duo are just two of numerous vacuum posture cushions AAT offers, from simple arm & wrist supports to full-size mattresses.
Using vacuum technology they precisely fit, support and correct the positioning of the user- and to hold that shape for as long as needed! Continued stabilisation and comfort whilst compensating for asymmetry and/or muscle weakness is assured.
AAT is so confident of the cushions’ performance, it offers free no obligation assessment for potential users.
Full details of AAT’s range of vacuum posture cushions are on its website: https://www.aatgb.com/posture-cushions/.
Details of Comfortable Plus and Comfortable Plus Duo are here: http://www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus/ and http://www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus-duo/
Chloe, 19, cannot walk because of her condition. She relies on a dynamic stand device- an Innowalk- for aerobic exercise and joint mobility. But she struggled to sit comfortably and gain the full benefit of the equipment because of her spine curvature.
Physiotherapist Lisa Clapp, from Reach Rehab Physiotherapy, works with Chloe and knew of our Comfortable Plus Duo adjustable posture cushion.
Lisa proposed it as an option- subject to assessment.
Comfortable Plus Duo is essentially a bean bag that can be fixed into shape to support and stabilise the head and torso without pressure points, thereby effectively reducing the risk of pressure sores.
Once moulded to the contours required, air within is extracted via pump to fix the “beans” into shape. The process means it can be quickly and easily adjusted, at home, to accommodate finite adjustments to comfort, whether on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Comfortable Duo Plus can be similarly moulded to provide the required stabilisation to hips and pelvis. It even allows formation of a pommel.
Chloe is supported and comfortable when using the Innowalk with her Comfortable Plus Duo. She can use it for longer, and with greater ease, enhancing her mobility, circulation and aerobic exercise.
We trained Chloe’s mother Donna in how to shape and adjust the cushion and fix it to the correct contours without pressure points. Donna can ensure the cushion always perfectly supports Chloe, with a process that takes just a few moments.
Says mum Donna:
“The Comfortable Plus Duo has been a game changer! Chloe loves it, which makes her physical therapy easier and improves her mental health. It keeps its shape so well too: I don’t have to alter the shape very often at all.”
Added Lisa:
“AAT’s Comfortable Plus Duo has been pivotal in Chloe being able to obtain the benefit of her Innowalk. We can precisely adjust it to support her back and hips, with the right degree of firmness to hold her, comfortably, in the correct position.”
More information about Comfortable Plus Duo can be found at https://www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus-duo
Further reading:
https://www.aatgb.com/how-to-make-sitting-comfortable-plus
https://www.aatgb.com/moulding-to-guest-needs-delivers-holiday-happiness/
For over a decade, 28-year-old Alex Yates lived within the confines of his adapted ground-floor space, unable to explore the rest of his Victorian home in Yorkshire or venture outside with ease.
His scoliosis and complex mobility needs made navigating the multi-level house and steep driveway nearly impossible. His access was limited.
Today, Alex’s world has opened up—thanks to a thoughtful combination of assistive technology and collaborative problem-solving.
With the help of AAT’s C-Max stairclimber and Comfortable Plus Duo vacuum posture cushion, and the expertise of Kirklees Council, Alex can now access all of his home and enjoy outings with his family.
Alex’s home spans four floors, with multiple staircases and steps leading to a shared, sloped driveway.
Until recently, he had never seen any rooms beyond the ground floor. To leave the house, his family had to lay down pallets to create a makeshift ramp, transfer him into the car, and then remove the ramp to maintain access for neighbours—a time-consuming and physically demanding process.
Occupational Therapist Jessica Johnson from Kirklees Council was struggling to find a safe and practical access solution. She consulted Mark Hughes, the Council’s Moving & Handling Specialist, who identified a potential answer: a C-Max stairclimber that had been stored unused after being purchased for another client.
Together with AAT, Jessica and Mark visited Alex’s home to assess the equipment’s suitability. Given Alex’s complex seating needs, AAT recommended pairing the C-Max with the Stabilo Comfortable Plus Duo cushion to ensure proper posture and support during transfers.
We have turned "can't" into "can", so Alex can access his home and explore the world outside!
“It’s literally been life-changing—the whole world has opened up for Alex,” says Jess Gage, Alex’s main caregiver.
“We used to carry him up and down stairs, but that was no longer safe. He’s never even seen his sisters’ rooms! Now, with the C-Max, it’s so easy to move him around the house and even go out. The Stabilo cushion is amazing—it keeps him comfortable and secure. He just giggles with joy every time we move him.”
Mark Hughes adds:
“The combination of the C-Max and Stabilo cushion provided the postural support Alex needed to safely access and exit his home. It eliminated the risks associated with previous transfer methods and allowed Alex to remain in the home he loves, with a renewed sense of independence.”
We offer free, no-obligation assessments of the client, environment, and occupation for all its equipment. Each solution is tailored to the user, with full setup and training provided for caregivers.
To learn more or book an assessment, visit www.aatgb.com/c-max/. You may also be interested in https://www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus-duo/
Rafi's enjoyment comes down to the innovative disabled bathing support - Aqua Liberty.
He developed haemolyptic uremic syndrome in 2023.
The toxins produced by the condition attacked his brain stem causing irreversible damage. Twice his parents and sister prepared to say their final goodbyes, but he rallied and was eventually able to return home.
Rafi's family home needed major adaptation. The team @ the popular TV series DIY SOS stepped in, calling in AAT to help with Rafi's bathing support.
Rafi's bath is important not just for his personal hygiene but to allow him movement for developing motor function.
The family’s Occupational Therapist Marvanne Mowczak chose the bath because it would be big enough to accommodate Rafi as he grows and provide scope for aquatic physiotherapy, and give his family.
Marvanne has included our Aqua Liberty bath support system for disabled people, so he would be safe during bath time yet comparatively unrestricted.
Unlike other disabled bathing supports, Aqua Liberty is a two-part system, comprising a base and separate vacuum-formable neoprene cushion.
Aqua Liberty holds and cushions Rafi’s torso and pelvis when it's bath time whilst still allowing him freedom and movement.
Rafi can have the system infinitely moulded to exactly support him using its pioneering vacuum technology. He has no pressure points, and the firmness can be adjusted just as he needs.
Yet it is quick and easy to remove from the bath for other family members.
Marvanne says, “I felt that given the ever changing and improving physical presentation of Rafi’s body having a product that can be adapted was essential.
"I wanted something that as well as offering postural support also allowed him the movement to enjoy bath time.
"I already use other vacuum posture systems from AAT so knew and understood the concept of Aqua Liberty.
"It’s worked really well for him- he’s using it every day and loves it!"
AAT’s family of premium quality vacuum posture cushions includes everything from the Aqua Liberty bath system through bean seats to wheelchair cushions and arm rests.
Using an advanced neoprene material, they are waterproof yet breathable and can be easily wiped clean.
Full details, including a quick-fill form to book a free, no obligation assessment, can be found here: http://www.aaatgb.com/aqua-liberty/
And, if Rafi needs support for seating beyond the bath, his family can if they wish use the detachable cushions from the Aqua Liberty System. Multiple solutions, one product!
You can find out more here:
You may also be interested in:
https://www.aatgb.com/hassle-free-stress-free-and-safe-bathing-without-delay/
https://www.aatgb.com/aqua-liberty-support-for-the-bath-and-beyond/,
https://www.aatgb.com/our-new-bathing-products-are-certainly-making-a-splash/
Piran was born with severe Cerebral Palsy. Now 16, he cannot sit unaided and is very restricted in what he can do, further complicated by a dislocated hip.
His mum Maria came across Chilli Bean when Piran was just an infant, when researching equipment to help him.
As Piran has grown, he has had bigger versions to still achieve the same level of precisely moulded, pressure-free posture support.
We refer to Chilli Bean as a “big blue hug”: the adjustable seat for children with complex needs seat is based around a bean bag which moulds around Piran to exactly support him without pressure points.
Chilli Bean paediatric posture seat uses vacuum technology to fix or adjust the shaping to match Piran’s precise contours and requirements.
Maria herself can do, at home, any adjustment required depending on Piran’s needs.
She simply lets a little air back into the adjustable bean seat, makes the alteration, then attaches a pump to remove the air inside which fixes the shape.
You can see how easy it is here: https://www.aatgb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AQPgzY94KWRG0wYffPV8gnhTuvzqLf_lVSQrjVED0rm6GAfiCbilMaF3eU54oQ4756l597Y7dJDa11-g9hHz2QYhFQ_tbeLt2GQmxnEec_F1Pg.mp4
“Chilli Bean has completely changed his world,” says Maria. “We can do so much with it, because we can change the shape ourselves.
“It supports him to sit and be involved in family life. Because we can exactly shape it ourselves, we can adjust it as he needs to ease a lot of the pain he is constantly in.
“Piran loves music, so we can pop a sound box underneath and he can feel the vibration. He sits in it, lies across it on his tummy. It’s easy to move around too- we’ve taken it camping!”
Our Chilli Bean seat for complex needs children is just part of our Stabilo range of infinitely re-mouldable posture cushions for people with impairments.
The range extends from small wrist/arm supports to mattresses.
You can precisely mould the cushion as and whenever you need, within seconds, to give your child the exact posture support and correction they need.
With their advanced neoprene cover, the cushions are fully wipeable, breathable yet waterproof. You can even use them in the bath with our pioneering Aqua Liberty supported bathing system.
Full details including how it works can be found here:
https://www.aatgb.com/posture-cushions/.
Unlike the conventional beanbag seats, the ground-breaking seat can be quickly, easily, infinitely remoulded at home, by YOU (the care giver).
Chilli Bean seat for special needs children eliminates the stress of a child being uncomfortable or incorrectly positioned. It assures perfect, pressure-free, support each time.
It's because it uses vacuum technology. So carers can adjust the seat themselves, at home.
There is no need to wait for a new assessment, or a new mould to be produced and delivered.
To our knowledge, there is no other paediatric postural support system like Chilli Bean available to UK occupational therapists and special needs parents.
Chilli Bean uses vacuum technology to form, fix and adjust the bean bag into the required shape, rather than being a fixed mould.
We fully train the care giver(s) in the re-shaping process.
So you can quickly execute any re-moulding or minute adjustment- at home, as soon as your child needs.
You don’t have to worry about incorrect positioning nor pressure points.
Chilli Bean works by attaching a hand pump or the whisper-quiet electric pump to the bean bag to extract the air between the beans, fixing them into the exact shape required.
You can create and form pommels or lateral wings. You can set the firmness/ rigidity to your child’s comfort whilst achieving the security and stabilisation needed.
Chilli Bean gives you mm-precise support and comfort, without pressure points, all the time, every time- 24 hours a day.
Chilli Bean’s neoprene surface provides sensory stimulation and is wipe clean.
It’s also easy to place additional sensory devices below to provide vibration or sound.
Thus your child’s comfort and correct support is constant.
You have no delay waiting for re-assessment, re-measuring and a new mould to be manufactured and delivered with its associated additional cost.
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director:
“Chilli Bean is a revolution in postural support systems. The infinite, at home re-moulding of Chilli Bean makes it an appropriate, reasonable and best value proposition for any healthcare professional needing postural seating for clients with physical or mental disabilities.”
Adds Jane, whose son Fred has a Chilli Bean:
“What works for Fred one day may not be suitable the next. The Chilli Bean is perfect: we’re able ourselves to finitely adjust the contouring and firmness of the seat to make Fred properly supported. It’s the first time we’re chilled about his comfort, we know with the Chilli Bean it’s easy to make even tiny alterations whenever he needs.”
Full details of Chilli Bean, including how to book a free, no obligation assessment, are on AAT’s website @ https://www.aatgb.com/chilli-bean/.
You may also be interested in:
https://www.aatgb.com/chilli-bean-infinitely-remouldable-posture-and-comfort/
https://www.aatgb.com/how-to-improve-postural-support-for-specialneeds/
Noah has been unable to sit in the bath for over half of his life because of the level of support he needs in keep him safe in the water: he has complex needs, including dystonia and fragile bones which impact on his muscle control.
Nor has he been able to participate in many of the activities shared by the rest of the family, including canoeing and sailing with his dad on holiday.
That has all changed since his parents Sheila and Sam discovered the Aqua Liberty supported bathing system on the recommendation of their Occupational Therapist.
Aqua Liberty centres around a base and vacuum posture cushion.
The base can be quickly and easily attached to any bath, and just as easily removed to allow the rest of the household to use the bath.
The cushion is AAT’s Stabilo infinitely adjustable Comfortable Plus cushion, moulded to the exact support shape and fixed using vacuum technology.
Unlike other moulded support systems, Stabilo holds its shape once fixed for weeks yet can be easily and quickly altered as needed- at home, by the family/carer(s).
And because the cushion is detachable from the Aqua Liberty base, it can be used beyond the bath.
This added benefit meant that when the family went on holiday, Noah was more able to fully participate, including water activities.
At the Children’s Sailing Trust’s Trevassack Lake, Noah was able to use his Comfortable Plus cushion in the canoe , enabling him to sit comfortably, safely and properly supported, and go out on the water with his dad for the first time- something previously only the preserve of his brothers.
Noah's mum Sheila:
“We had initially been assessed for the cushion to enable Noah to access our bath, previous seating solutions did not allow for Noah to stretch out his legs and at times the dystonia he suffers from can cause his legs to kick out, if restricted he is prone to fractures. The cushion for us was a no brainer!".
“When we took the cushion on holiday with us, Noah’s smiles said it all. He was able to access the water with his dad and brothers and have fun!
"Particularly special for us as it enabled Dad Sam to take Noah out on the water which is something he does with Noah’s brothers.”
We are so confident about the benefits of Aqua Liberty that we offer free, no obligation assessment/demonstration, bookable on line @ https://www.aatgb.com/aqua-liberty/.
Rather than being a fixed plastic mould, Chilli Bean uses vacuum technology to create and hold its shape.
It means parents, staff, care-givers can themselves form, fix and adjust the Chilli Bean into the required shape, as soon as needed.
The child’s comfort and correct support is immediate, constant, and free from pressure points.
There is no delay waiting for re-assessment, re-measuring and a new mould to be manufactured and delivered with its associated additional cost.
Chilli Bean works by attaching a hand pump or the whisper-quiet electric pump to the bean bag to extract the air between the beans, fixing them into the exact shape required.
Pommels or lateral wings can be created and the firmness/ rigidity set to the child’s comfort whilst achieving the security and stabilisation needed.
Chilli Bean delivers mm-precise support and comfort, without pressure points, all the time, every time- 24 hours a day.
Further, Chilli Bean’s neoprene surface provides sensory stimulation. It’s also easy to place additional sensory devices below to provide vibration or sound.
Explains Peter Wingrave AAT Director:
“Chilli Bean is a revolution in postural support systems. The infinite, at home variability of Chilli Bean makes it an appropriate, reasonable and best value proposition for any healthcare professional needing postural seating for clients with physical or mental disabilities.”
Adds Jane, whose son Fred has a Chilli Bean:
“What works for Fred one day may not be suitable the next. The Chilli Bean is perfect: we’re able ourselves to finitely adjust the contouring and firmness of the seat to make Fred properly supported. It’s the first time we’re chilled about his comfort, we know with the Chilli Bean it’s easy to make even tiny alterations whenever he needs.”
Full details of Chilli Bean, including how to book a free, no obligation assessment, are on our website @ https://www.aatgb.com/chilli-bean/.
