In today's market, there is a wide variety of side rail styles available for procedure chairs, making it difficult to determine which option is best for your specific needs. To select the most suitable side rails for your procedure chair, it's essential to consider several key factors:

1. Will the chair need to be moved over long distances regularly or remain stationary?

2. How often will patients require side rail support?

3. What is the primary patient demographic: young, elderly, bariatric, or general?

4. Do the drop sides need to provide quick and easy access in emergencies?

5. Are regular patient transfers part of the workflow?

6. What level of access do caregivers or surgical staff need during procedures?

7. How much support should the drop sides offer during procedures?

8. Will additional support be required during patient recovery?

By addressing these considerations, you can start to identify your needs and preferences. With this information, we can help you explore the available options and customise a solution that perfectly suits your requirements.

Types of patient support sides

When considering side rails, the crossbars are typically arranged in either a vertical or horizontal configuration. While the choice between these configurations often comes down to personal preference or facility standards, it's essential to understand their functional differences. Solid sideboards can also be an option, especially if preventing limb movement during transport or recovery is a priority.

Side-folding rails

Side-folding rails pivot horizontally, folding down to either the left or right of the chair. These rails require a gap at the end of the chair equal to or greater than the height of the side rail. The folding mechanism may vary based on the chair brand and model, allowing the rail to fold either above or below the seat cushion. This design offers easy access to patients but does require consideration of available space at the ends of the chair.

Drop sides

Unlike side-folding rails, drop sides retract vertically, aligning with the chair top when lowered. This design allows for a smooth, unobstructed surface when the rails are down, making it ideal for procedures that require unimpeded access to the patient. However, drop sides can be bulkier and more challenging to lift due to their heavier construction. Some designs may require dampening mechanisms, such as springs or gas struts, to control the speed of movement and prevent rapid falls. Maintenance demands for such systems may also be higher.

Split drop sides

Split drop sides offer more flexibility by dividing the side rail into two independent sections - one at the head end and one at the foot end of the chair. This allows caregivers to lower just one section of the rail, maintaining patient support while still providing partial access. Split drop sides are particularly useful when safety and accessibility are both priorities, as they allow partial rail adjustments without fully compromising the patient's restraint.

Push handle side rails

In some cases, side rails double as push handles for manoeuvring the chair. While convenient, this dual function places additional strain on the locking mechanisms and drop side supports, potentially leading to premature wear and tear. Moreover, pushing from the outer edges of the chair may not provide optimal ergonomic support for the operator, increasing the risk of strain injuries.

Final considerations

As you can see, there are many options to consider when selecting side rails for your procedure chair. It's crucial to ensure that whichever manufacturer you choose can offer localised support, regular maintenance services, spare parts, and comprehensive user guides for their products.

By carefully evaluating your needs and the various side rail features available, you can make an informed decision that best supports patient safety, caregiver access, and overall operational efficiency.

Need help choosing a procedure chair? Contact us today, we're here to help.