New product partnership to help reduce the pressure of air travel for wheelchair users
Gel Ovations Europe has teamed up with Bristol start-up easyTravelseat, enabling users of the unique seating and sling solution designed for aviation to make their journeys more comfortable with Gel Ovations’ specialist gel pad.
The brainchild of entrepreneur Josh Wintersgill, the easyTravelseat from Able Move is an in-situ transfer sling and seat designed to help wheelchair users transfer safely and comfortably into and out of aeroplane seats.
Using the aid’s lifting handles, airport staff are able to lift and transfer individuals easier and simpler, reducing the risk of injury for the wheelchair user or the cabin crew, whilst its innovative design made specifically for aeroplanes allows the user to remain in the easyTravelseat throughout their journey.
Importantly, the lightweight and convenient easyTravelseat is owned by the user, reducing waiting times for special assistance to provide transferring equipment on departure and arrival.
See the easyTravelseat in action:
Now the aviation mobility aid start-up has agreed to a new partnership with Gel Ovations Europe, offering customers the opportunity to incorporate Gel Ovation’s specialist gel solution prescribed for use in wheelchairs and in situations where optimum pressure care is required.
Following a conversation with James Payne, Director of Gel Ovations, the company is now supplying its Dimensional Gel pad which can be inserted into the easyTravelseat and on top of an existing cushion inside the easyTravelseat to alleviate pressure on a person’s lower back and seat area whilst sat on the aisle chairs and aircraft seats.
Precision moulded from medical grade silicone, the cellular design of the pad allows air to easily circulate between the cells, minimising both heat and moisture build-up, as well as allowing for even pressure distribution – reducing the risk of pressure ulcers.
According to the company, both of these are important factors given the length of time that someone could be sat in an aeroplane seat, potentially affecting how comfortable the experience could be.
James said: “Gel Ovations is proud that this partnership with Able Move is making a difference and opening the world for so many wheelchair users who would have been reluctant to travel before.”
The partnership boosts the choice of seating options available to easyTravelseat customers and offers an alternative comfort element to the product.
Josh Wintersgill, Founder of Able Move, commented: “We are pleased to have the dimensional pads as part of our broader product offering with the easyTravelseat to clients.
“The breathability, pressure relief, mouldability and thinness are ideal for some when flying. For us, it’s all about customer choice, whilst factoring in the considerations of special assistance, the aircraft itself and airlines.”
Diagnosed at the age of two with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and a wheelchair user himself, 26-year-old entrepreneur Josh was inspired to create the easyTravelseat in 2018 after growing tired of the undignified, embarrassing and unsafe aircraft transfers he experienced as a wheelchair user.
The company is continuing its work with airports, airlines, charities and travel agents to help build education and awareness of the product as it works towards transforming and improving aeroplane transfers for those with reduced mobility.
