How R82’s custom 3D-printed cushion provided comfort and facilitated engagement

Introduction

Abigail has four-limb dystonic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level V) and faced considerable challenges with mobility and comfort due to her condition. Today she has two different Turtle solutions – a moulded seat in a x:panda shape box on a High-low:xo frame for indoor use and a moulded seat in a Kudu, for outdoor use. Recognising her need for an advanced seating system, R82 developed a bespoke 3D-printed cushion tailored to her specific requirements. This innovative solution was easily integrated into Abigail’s existing R82 Turtle box, ensuring comfort, optimal posture and participation in her daily activities. Since adopting her custom seating system, Abigail is a happy, engaged and active child, both at home and at school. 

Despite her challenges, Abigail is known for her infectious smile and captivating presence, whether she is engaging in sensory play, attending school or enjoying time with her grandfather. 

Essential to Abigail’s daily life is a specialised seating system that provides comfort, enables her healthy posture and facilitates engagement. Recently, R82 provided Abigail with a custom-designed 3D-printed cushion, perfectly suited to her unique physical needs. Paired with her existing R82 Turtle box and Kudu frame, this innovative solution has shaped how she navigates her world. 

The Challenge

Abigail’s condition, which includes significant muscle control issues, communication difficulties, and daily seizures, demands continuous therapeutic support and advanced assistive equipment. She also has cortical visual impairment (CVI), further complicating her interaction with the environment.  

Before receiving her custom 3D-printed cushion, Abigail faced limitations in comfort and seating adaptability, particularly during prolonged periods of sitting. Her condition necessitated an optimal seating system that could provide skeletal support, help to maintain proper posture, and accommodate her therapy and daily routines. Ensuring that Abigail’s seating was both functional and comfortable across various settings - including school, home and outdoor activities - was critical in addressing her needs.

The solution

To meet Abigail’s requirements, the team at R82 designed and delivered a 3D-printed cushion specifically tailored to her unique needs. This innovative cushion was based on precise measurements, ensuring a flawless fit into her existing Turtle shell and eliminating the need to replace her entire seating system. 

The cushion provides personalised support by catering to Abigail’s postural needs, promoting stability, and accommodating her movement limitations. Its seamless integration with her Turtle shell makes it adaptable for use across various environments, whether it is mounted on her Kudu frame for mobility, used at home during sensory play, or supporting her during school activities.  

What makes this solution stand out is its ability to optimise Abigail’s comfort while maintaining functionality. Importantly, the breathable materials of the 3D-printed cushion proved effective during warm days, keeping Abigail calm, cool, and content. Since receiving it, Abigail hasn’t spent a day out of her new cushion, as it meets her needs across all aspects of her daily life. 

Results

The impact of the custom 3D-printed cushion on Abigail’s life has been nothing short of remarkable. Key results observed include: 

• Enhanced comfort: Abigail remains calm, comfortable, and content, even in challenging conditions such as warmer weather.  

• Seamless integration: The cushion works effortlessly with her current Turtle shell and Kudu frame, requiring no additional adjustments or disruptions to her routine.  

• Active participation: Abigail now feels at ease during school, therapy, family activities, and her favourite sensory play sessions. Her optimal posture has allowed her to engage more effectively in activities, such as choosing songs during music time using her eye gaze technology.  

• Universal use: Whether at home, school, or outdoors, Abigail’s seating system supports her needs in every setting, making it a constant part of her daily life.  

Abigail’s grandfather, an integral part of her daily routine, shared his joy seeing her so comfortable and active. Her bright smiles and engagement during their storytelling and sensory playtime highlight the success of this solution. 

Conclusion

R82’s commitment to creating insightful, child-centred solutions has significantly improved Abigail’s quality of life. The custom 3D-printed cushion illustrates how personalised advancements in assistive technology can address complex challenges, offering both comfort and opportunities for greater participation. 

Abigail’s story is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in transforming lives. At R82, we remain dedicated to celebrating the individuality of every child while focusing on solutions that support interaction, inclusion and play.