A head positioning system
that stimulates proper posture for the head, neck and upper torso.
Provides significant contact at the suboccipital shelf of the skull without contact with the occipital area.
A list of 5 critical points that help you determine if your client needs an i2i head & torso positioning system.
Features and options that enhance the positioning and functionalities of the i2i head & torso positioning system.
What's the i2i?
The i2i is a head positioning system that not only increase proper posture for the head but for the upper torso as well.
The i2i System was developed by Leslie Fitzsimmons PT, ATP who tried all available options for her most challenging students at Lakeview School in New Jersey. When nothing worked, she designed the i2i System which finally met her client's head positioning needs.
A
Unique Shape
The unique, integrated shape of the i2i provides a foundational connection between the head and neck, providing support at the suboccipital shelf as well as the occiput, depending on the profile height. This shape supports the head while limiting neck hyperextension.
B
Anterior Arms
Anterior arms promote a midline head position without obstructing shoulder movement. These prevent the client from hooking under the head support and also support the chin prompt.
C
Lateral Components
Optional lateral pads limit neck rotation and lateral flexion. Individuals with muscle weakness and reduced head control may require the pads to be in close proximity to the head.
D
Chin Prompt
The chin prompt is to provide a prompt when contacted to lift the head. it can be raised and lowered, making it an excellent therapeutic tool to encourage neck muscle strengthening. The chin prompt was carefully designed to prevent airway obstruction or individual's chin from rolling over the front. The closed cell foam prevents sinking into the support and the straps are designed to slide off the i2i if too much pressure is exerted. A custom chin prompt is also available specifically designed for a client with a trach.
E
Ear Cutouts Option
The cutouts are specifically designed to minimize contact with the ears and specifically folding of the ears during head turning. The ear cutouts lessen friction and pressure, thereby reducing irritation.
F
Adjustable Arms and Locking Mechanism
Adjustable anterior arms move laterally to ease transfers and removal of the i2i support. Once moved laterally, the anterior arms lock in place to maintain position.
How does it work?
The i2i has a unique design and can be customized to meet an individual's needs. This head support provides significant contact at the suboccipital shelf of the skull without contact with the occipital area. The support then extends down either side of the neck and anterior to the trunk in two 'arms.' Finally, an optional chin prompt fits between these arms.
So, when it is appropriate to consider the i2i as an option for a client?
A
To avoid contact with the occiput
As the i2i does not directly contact the occipital area (unless an additional pad is added), this design works well for clients who tend to extend in response to contact with this area of the skull.
B
To encourage midline position
The arms, in combination with the lateral contact at either side of the neck, encourage a midline position for clients who rotate or laterally flex the neck.
C
To prevent hooking
The arms also prevent 'hooking.' Some of our clients tend to drop their head forward and then lift the head into lateral flexion, sometimes getting stuck between the bottom of the head support and the top of the back.
D
To minimize neck hyperextension
The height of the posterior portion of the i2i can be customized. A higher profile option provides significant support at the suboccipital area, limiting neck hyperextension.
E
To encourage an upright head position
The chin prompt encourages the client to keep their head upright. When the client's chin contacts the prompt, the client is cued to lift their head.
Facilitates
transfer
Keep midline and
mealtime in check
Prevents friction
and reduce irritation
Keeps the occipital
region free
Free up
chest area
Enhances the level
of comfort
Add a personal
touch or comfort
Move pad away,
keep hardware set
Protect your hardware
against tone reactions
Add additional lateral support
or interactive components
Extend positioning
possibilities
Advanced Alternative
Drive Control System
Adjustable Arms Option
Adjustable anterior arms move laterally to ease transfers and removal of the i2i support. Once moved laterally, the anterior arms lock in place to maintain position.
Also available for pediatric sizes. Pediatric refers to neck widths from 3in (7.62cm) to 4in (10.16cm).
The Chin Prompt
The chin prompt is designed to provide a cue to lift the head to upright. The height of the prompt can be changed on the arms to achieve the desired results. If excessive pressure is exerted against the chin prompt, it will slide downward to prevent any safety issues. A variation of the prompt is available for clients using a trach.
For a more permanent solution you can also use a temporal pad mounted with our Swing Away Receiver (SAR).
Ear Cutout
Ear cutouts are designed to prevent the ears from folding over during head movements. The ear cutouts lessen friction and pressure, thereby reducing irritation.
Low Profile
The standard has a higher profile option which provides significant support at the suboccipital area, limiting neck hyperextension.
The lower profile option works well for client’s who have a shorter neck length or who will be using a separate occipital support. For example, the UniLink Ultra System.
Note: Pediatric sizes standard profile is low profile.
Short arms is approximately 1 1/2in (3.81cm) to 2in (5.08cm) shorter than the standard version.
Short Arms
The length of the arms can be modified to meet an individual's needs. If hooking is not an issue, shorter arms may be adequate.
Short arms option is approximately 1 1/2in (3.81cm) to 2in (5.08cm) shorter than the standard version.
Gel Insert
Gel inserts can be added on the inner surfaces of the support for clients who exert strong forces.
Cover Options
The i2i has a number of cover options including Glide Skin, Neoprene (standard) and Sheepskin.
Glide Skin is a neoprene super 4-way stretch material that is waterproof and has a low heat conduction. The smooth rubbery surface makes it easy to maintain and clean. Glide Skin has excellent elongation performance and is lightweight.
Neoprene provides excellent insulation against cold and guards against abrasions like few materials do.
Sheepskin has excellent insulating properties and it is also resistant to flame and static electricity. Wool is considered by the medical profession to be hypoallergenic.
Flip Down Mount
The i2i must be flipped back to transfer the client in and out of the seating system due to the anterior arms, using our flip-back mounting hardware.
Other benefits of the UniLink Head Solutions Flip Down hardware are:
- Have multiple planes of adjustment allow critical adjustment of anterior, posterior, and angle.
- Separate links isolate adjustment planes and angles.
- Individual link adjustment achieves the most complex head support solutions.
- Standard removal option or integrated pull down release that allows the hardware to flip down, eliminating misplacement.
Tone Deflector
If the client is exerting strong forces against the head support, our Tone Deflector can be added to absorb and diffuse these forces, preventing loss of adjustment and breakage.
Special Configurations
Swing Away System
Our swing away receiver support temporal pads for lateral support, switches for access to external assistive technology devices, or even a chin joystick.
Special Configurations
UniLink™ Ultra
Every head support needs to be as individualized as the person requiring it. The UniLink Ultra, in conjunction with the i2i, provides a versatile positioning system with remarkable adjustment capabilities and a portfolio of options and accessories to meet virtually any client's needs.
Special Configurations
i-Drive Advanced Alternative Drive Control System
i-Drive
The
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