Goodbye Static Head Support Hardware, Hello Dynamic!
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS

Static Head Support Hardware
Seating Dynamics has offered both Static and Dynamic Head Support hardware for many years. The Static Head Support hardware was designed to provide a great deal of adjustment to achieve a precise position. This hardware also maintained the position of the head pads and did not break. Sounds great, right?
The Dynamic Head Support hardware also provides significant adjustment to achieve a precise placement and the hardware, including many of the same components as the Static version, is also quite durable and holds position well, despite client forces. The difference is that the Dynamic version moves in response to client forces, compressing small elastomers which store energy and help the client return to a starting position. This dynamic component diffuses forces to protect the client from injury and the equipment from loss of alignment or even damage. This dynamic component is often used in conjunction with a Dynamic Rocker Back interface and Dynamic Footrests, diffusing forces throughout the body and reducing overall extension.

Dynamic Head Support Hardware
We came to realize that a client who requires a very durable head support in order to prevent loss of head pad alignment or breakage really required force diffusion. Although durable, the Static version cannot diffuse these forces, and a non-yielding surface could lead to micro-concussions or other injury.
Our wonderful colleague, Sharon Sutherland, shared a story of a man who had broken his head support hardware on numerous occasions. His seating and mobility team placed additional head support mounting hardware on the wheelchair to increase strength and prevent further equipment damage. Instead, as this client continued to extend with force, he actually fractured several vertebrae in his cervical area! The hardware did not break, yet the force was not diffused.
After much consideration, Seating Dynamics has decided to discontinue the Static Head Support Hardware in February of 2025. If you are working with a client who is moving their head support hardware out of position or causing damage, we urge you to consider our Dynamic Head Support hardware to diffuse these forces, not just sustain them.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.