How To Measure a Plus Size Patient For Seating

One of the most common reasons for a service user having an inappropriate seating solution, is an incorrect hip to hip measurement.

The main culprit is the change in body morphology when the person is sat up, compared to standing or lying down. When seated, the individual’s pannus needs to be factored into the measurement.

A correct seat width should allow for hip support and stability which will aid in comfort and fatigue management. A chair with a seat width too wide can encourage leaning to one side which has a negative effect on the spine.

The VersaTech 1100 Bariatric Ultra Low Bed, HBB500 and Olympus Bariatric Bed frames with support surface measure 120cm (48 inches) in width.

With the service user on the support surface and the bed frame in as much of a seated position as can be tolerated, measure the gaps between both of their hips and the edges of the mattress.

Add together both measurements and deduct this from the total width of the bed/mattress to provide you with an approximate hip measurement.

This will allow you to select from the following seating offering;

Rise and Recliner Chair – 24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32”, 35”, 37”, 39”

For example, the bed measures 120cm wide and the gaps are 22cm on the patients right and 24cm on the patients left (total of 46cm) Therefore, 120cm minus 46cm = 74cm (or 29”)

Note: Always round up to the next size when ordering to allow for patient manoeuvrability without risk of pressure injury. In this instance, the patient in this example will require a 30” or 32” seat width.

1- To account for body morphology, measure the individual while they are in as much of a seated position as can be tolerated on a VersaTech 1100 ULB, HBB500 or Olympus Bariatric Bed frame with a support surface (these are 120cm or 48 inches wide)

2- Measure the gaps each side of the patient from their hip to the edge of the mattress

3- Add both gap measurements together and deduct from 120cm or 48 inches

4- Convert this measurement into inches

5- Select the chair size and round up where necessary to allow for patient manoeuvrability without risk of pressure injury