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/
The middle-aged client joined the home after a spell in hospital: underweight and fragile, she needed additional skeletal support and 1:1 care. Meadow View- part of Emh Care & Support- could provide the high quality round-the-clock attention she required.
The home’s nurses responsible for the lady were struggling to find a way to keep her comfortable and safe in bed. They raised the issue with the home’s Occupational Therapist, who suggested AAT’s Grande mattress with Treat-Eezi cover.
The staff utilise the cushion's vacuum technology to contoured the mattress-sized bean bag exactly as needed. The process gives the lady with a secure yet comfortable position without pressure points.
The vacuum principle removes any air in the cushion, thereby fixing the moulded shape. Staff do not need to regularly replumping or adjust the lady nor the cushion. If she needs a slight adjustment to the shape or firmness, staff can quickly and easily alter the cushion contour and rigidity to suit.
If needed, the cushion can even be moulded to create abduction and adduction wedges, or an asymmetrical body position- all by the care-givers, within minutes.
The additional Teat-Eezi overlay helps maintain blood flow and gives an extra layer of protection against the risk of ulcers.
Meadow View Manager Gillian Kent comments, “The Grande gives support to her overall body structure, yet is soft and comfortable.
"Our team find it’s easy to reform when she is supine. They can ensure her continued relief and security when she’s lying in her bed.
"It has really helped her overall daily and nightly relaxation.”
Find out more about AAT’s Grande vacuum posture cushions here: https://www.aatgb.com/grande/
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/
