Frequently Asked Questions

The SofTech is a self-contained wheelchair cushion with charger.  It has system components (e.g., battery, pump, electronics, etc.) inside the base of the wheelchair cushion and incorporates an auto-start/stop feature.  Charge the wheelchair cushion and apply weight/pressure to turn it on.  When you transfer off of the SofTech wheelchair cushion, it will automatically turn off. 

The APK2 system includes a wheelchair cushion, control box, and charger.  The system components (e.g., battery, pump, etc.) are inside a separate control box which must be mounted somewhere on the chair.  The APK2 wheelchair cushion connects to the control box with two external air hoses.  The APK2 wheelchair cushion is turned on/off with the control box.  

Both systems are customized to the client’s needs and function in the same manner. 

1. Plug the Smart Charger into the APK2 control box or SofTech side panel first.  
2. Plug the other end of the charger into a functioning wall outlet. 
3. Confirm connection was made by looking for a red light on the charger brick.  Even if the system is fully charged, the charger light will turn red for a second.  If the light did not turn red, complete step 4.
4. If the light on the charger remained green, you MUST unplug the charger from the wall outlet for 15 seconds.  Then, plug it back into the wall outlet.  Move to step 5 once the charger light turns red.
5. Let the system charge for 8 hours.  The light on the charger brick will turn green once it is fully charged.  Please note: the charger light may remain red for an extended amount of time as the Smart Charger enters trickle charge once the battery reaches capacity.  This is completely normal and is partly due to the Bluetooth technology searching for and/or holding connection. 

• Consult your charging instructions (packaged with the Smart Charger) if you have any further questions/concerns.  

The wheelchair cushion battery will be fully charged within 8 hours (as long as the correct charging protocol was followed).  The Smart Charger then goes into a trickle charge.  This can make the light on the charger stay red for several additional hours – this is normal.

The front of the wheelchair cushion has the small raised pommel.  Hoses or electrical cords are situated at the rear of the wheelchair cushion.  The SofTech side panel (in most instances) is on the front, right corner of the cushion.  In most cases, the air hoses on the APK2 system come out the back, left corner of the cushion.

Yes, set-up is easy.  Instructions for both systems are below.  Always read the instructions packaged with your Aquila wheelchair cushion before set-up and first use.  

1. Read the entire owner’s manual before operation or set-up.
2. Charge the battery according to our specific charging instructions.
3. Set the wheelchair cushion on the chair correctly.  Follow your owner’s manual to ensure the orientation of the wheelchair cushion is correct.
4. If you have an APK2 system, connect the air hoses to the two ports on the control box (controller).  Then go to step 6.
5. If you have a SofTech system and successfully completed steps 1-3, transfer onto the wheelchair cushion.  The wheelchair cushion will automatically turn on.  You can stop here if you do not want to adjust the setting (see owner’s manual).  Transferring off the SofTech will automatically turn the wheelchair cushion off.  You can stop here. 
6. Once the wheelchair cushion is set up correctly, the client should transfer onto the cushion.  
7. Once the client is on the cushion, you may turn the cushion on/off and adjust the firmness setting (if desired).  We typically recommend starting on the “medium” firmness setting, and adjusting up/down if necessary. Do not turn the APK2 wheelchair cushion on unless someone is seated on it.
8. Once the cushion is on it will inflate and deflate until it is turned off.  Turn the seating system off and then transfer the client off of the wheelchair cushion.

Call Aquila if there are any questions or for special accommodations. Be sure that anyone involved with operating, charging, or maintaining the wheelchair cushion reads the owner’s manual.

We do not have demos of our custom-fabricated wheelchair cushions because they are all made specifically for each client.  However, in the interest of educating specialists at rehab facilities and seating clinics on the benefits of our wheelchair cushions, when available, we can provide a demo to be used for demonstrative purposes.  Demo cushions are not custom-fabricated and should only be used to illustrate functionality.  Because these demo cushions are not custom-fabricated (in construction or programming) for individual clients, you should not use them to pressure map specific clients. 

You can purchase one of our custom wheelchair cushions through an authorized dealer or directly from Aquila.  A dealer must be used if you are running through insurance because we do not handle insurance paperwork.

No, Aquila does not process insurance paperwork.  You would have to go through a durable medical equipment dealer, have them order the wheelchair cushion, and do the claims paperwork.  Contact Aquila Corporation’s sales team to find a dealer in your area.

Our custom cushions are coded E2609 so they are coded for Medicare payment. 

The custom fabricated code, E2609, has no set allowable so Medicare looks at each claim, gives them individual consideration and makes a determination for an allowable and then reimburses 80% of that allowable. 

UPDATE:

We have recently heard from DME companies that the most Medicare will pay towards a SofTech is a few hundred dollars and that the process can take up to a year to come through.  Private insurance and/or workers’ compensation may offer a different outcome.

We can make any size APK2 cushion but the smallest SofTech cushion we can make is 16 x 16.  Please contact the sale department to discuss cushion sizes or request a special shape.  

The benefit is that skin and tissue gets relief from the constant pressure exerted by body weight especially under the pelvic bones.  Ulcers form from the circulation being cut off as the result of the constant pressure.   That’s why doctors prescribe alternating mattresses after flap surgery and if the person has a static cushion they must do some form of pressure relief every 20 minutes.

A ROHO is a static non- moving cushion. You must move yourself or lift yourself up to get any pressure reduction or pressure relief when you sit on a ROHO.  Aquila wheelchair cushions automatically give pressure relief so you don’t need to do your own manual pressure relief.

Also if the ROHO leaks, which can happen any time, you will completely bottom out with no protection at all.  Our wheelchair cushions have bottom out protection and the bladders are protected inside the cushion so it is not possible for them to be punctured.

The order forms can be found here, are on a link at the bottom of any page, and there are links located on the product pages.  

The APK2 comes with the customized wheelchair cushion, cushion cover, controller (control box), controller cover and charger.

The SofTech comes with the customized wheelchair cushion, cushion cover and charger.

Yes, an additional warranty can be purchased any time within the first year and it extends the current warranty 12 additional months.

Dealers generally do not have our wheelchair cushions on display because they are custom ordered.  We will provide a demo when available for rehab facilities and seating clinics only.  Our wheelchair cushions can be seen at trade shows.

Yes, we do the International Seating Symposium and sometimes the consumer shows such as The Abilities Expo.

We do sell internationally, but all international sales are final and shipping costs change.  

Each of our wheelchair cushions are custom fabricated. We can make any size or shape.  The inflation options offered are custom configured for each client. We provide custom placed offloaded areas to account for existing pressure sores or areas of concern. We offer accessories not available anywhere else. Our wheelchair cushions have passed 18 month simulated use tests at national testing labs. Our wheelchair cushions have had clinical studies performed and have been published in medical journals. Our cushions have been registered with the FDA since 1999. Other alternating cushions are mass produced with no consideration for individual needs. The inflation levels of other cushions are the same and do not account for client’s needs.

The pump and batteries will eventually need to be replaced.  The amount of time before replacing depends on a number of variables but generally a pump will last 1-3 years.  The battery will last longer before beginning to lose capacity (2-5 years).  Clients can always send their wheelchair cushion in for a routine check.  Call  our Customer Service Representative when if you feel your battery and/or pump may need replacement.

We currently use FedEx for domestic and international shipping.  International shipping costs are not final until the day the item ships. 

Typically a wheelchair cushion can be made and shipped in 2-3 weeks after the completed order form is received.  We cannot process an order without a completed order form.  Due to COVID-19, our production times have increased slightly.  We ask for your patience as we fill orders as quickly as possible.

We do need accurate measurements and sore locations.  These measurements can be taken by a caregiver, family member, medical equipment dealer, or therapist.

We have a short video and shows an easy method.  If you have further questions, please call Aquila for clarification.  

We do not have company representatives at this time.

Yes the batteries are safe. There a safety circuit on each battery and the batteries passed safety tests in testing labs. The batteries are well within the limits for airline travel and are contained inside the device so there are no restrictions.

Yes, we have clinical studies and case studies written by medical professionals.  In fact, we have more clinical evidence and validation than any wheelchair cushion on the market.  Our studies have been published in medical journals as well and our cushions have been mentioned in several books.

The small, flat fan is imbedded inside the wheelchair cushion and turns on every time the pump activates. The fan sends air to the top surface of the cushion – primarily to the groin area.

The incontinent cover has a waterproof top material and cannot be used with the moisture control unit because no air will pass through it.  The regular cover has a mesh, 4-way stretch top material and will allow air to pass through.   Both covers are anti-microbial and machine washable.  

You should not run Aquila wheelchair cushions without weight applied to the pad.  The wheelchair cushion will inflate to the required, pre-programmed PSI with or without weight on the cushion.  If the wheelchair cushion is inflated with no weight on the pad and then weight is added to the pad, the air bladders could stretch.  This could, in severe cases, damage a bladder.  

If the wheelchair cushion is inflated when weight isn’t being applied, turn the system off for approximately 5 minutes to allow the air bladders to deflate BEFORE transferring onto the cushion.  If you have an APK2 system, you can unplug the air hoses from the control box to allow the air to deflate.  Be sure to plug the air hoses back into the control box before next use.

All GEN II Aquila Seating Systems are equipped with Bluetooth technology.  If the system is turned off and not charged for several days, the system battery will eventually lose all capacity.  This is due to the Bluetooth technology searching for and/or holding connection.  So, if you do not charge the system battery every night, you run the risk of not having a fully charged wheelchair cushion the following morning.

If the battery becomes low, the low battery alarm will sound.  If the battery loses all capacity and is plugged in correctly to charge, the critically low battery alarm will sound. 

It is the responsibility of the client, their care staff, and/or their family to ensure the wheelchair cushion is charged properly every night.  

The pump is very quiet.  It sounds like a humming motor sound.

No.  The air bladders are internal and protected from external factors.

While we are no longer on contract with the VA, they have continued to purchase both the Airpulse PK2 and SofTech Seating Systems for veterans.  Please call us for more information or reach out to your local VAMC representative. 

The battery should be charged every night.  There is a slight power draw from the Bluetooth transmitter even when the cushion is turned off.  So, the battery will eventually discharge completely if not charged daily and properly.

The wheelchair cushion can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not submerge in water.

The firmness range on your circuit board is calculated for each client based on their body weight.  We recommend beginning on medium as that is the midpoint of the range.  Soft puts the least amount of air in the bladders, making a small difference between your load and offloaded areas.  Firm puts the most amount of air in the air bladders and makes the biggest difference between load and offloaded areas.  

The Bluetooth is not active in your system.  You system was never paired with a device and will not be paired with a device.  The Bluetooth is only active if you owned a wireless remote control (the wireless remote control is no longer available for purchase).  

Aquila has been in business since 1999.

Aquila is open 9 AM – 4 PM (Central Time) Monday – Thursday.