foam-in-place seating Process Overview

Time can play a critical role in the improvement of a special-care patient’s condition, and we recognize that time is limited for busy therapists and technicians in facilities that are often understaffed.

The time it takes to have most custom-molded seats made is measured in days and weeks, but the Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS) process was designed to be fast and efficient. It takes less than two hours to pour a FIPS insert - seat and back - at your facility! That includes a trial run-through, mixing, pouring, positioning, curing, and trimming.

The insert can be fabric-finished and waterproofed in about two to four hours (depending on complexity). If you don’t have time for finishing your insert, Dynamic Systems offers several finishing options. Please call for details (1-855-SUNMATE).

Free Instruction materials

A 33-minute instructional video on DVD and Instruction Manual are available for free. Request a copy.

Seat, Back and total inserts

Three basic custom molds can be created using Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS): the Seat Insert, the Back Insert and the Total Insert, which includes both the seat and back support.

Since Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS) is so easy to work with, you might try experimenting with alternative uses. Foot support cushions, supine lyers, gerry chairs and head rests are just a few examples of additional custom-molded applications.

The total insert is created in two pours: first the seat cushion and then the back cushion. After curing, the two inserts are trimmed, glued together and finished with fabric/waterproofing.

To create a seat insert or a back insert, only one unit of Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS) is required. Follow the steps shown here that apply to the insert you are making. (Note: this diagram does not show the molding frame. See the Foam-In-Place Seating Instruction Manual for details.)

1. First, the molding bag, with base cushion inserted, is placed in the chair. One unit of Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS) is mixed and poured into the molding bag. This will make the seat cushion.
2. The person is then quickly transferred and held in position in the seat of the chair. The Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS) will begin to contour around the body and the chair as it starts to foam.
3. After the seat cushion sets, it is removed, trimmed and replaced in the chair for molding the back cushion. A new molding bag, with base cushion inserted, is placed behind the person reseated in the chair. The person is leaned forward, and a second unit of Foam-In-Place Seating (FIPS) is poured into the bag.
4. The person is then leaned back against the bag and held in position. The liquid mixture will then start to foam and mold to the contours of the back of the chair and person. Once the back cushion sets, both cushions can be removed, glued together and finished.