How MAPS Carved Foam Supports Complex Postural Needs
How MAPS Carved Foam Supports Complex Postural Needs
Postural needs vary widely, particularly for individuals who present with significant asymmetry, abnormal tone and/or complex body shapes. In these situations, modular seating systems may not provide the level of contact, contouring or stability needed for efficient and functional posture. MAPS carved foam seating offers a clinically appropriate alternative by providing an intimate, customised interface shaped directly around the individual.
MAPS is designed for users whose posture cannot be accommodated or corrected through standard modular components. It supports complex pelvic orientations, spinal asymmetries and atypical contours, creating a stable and secure base that promotes alignment of body segments, comfort and participation.
Understanding the role of contoured seating
For some individuals, achieving a balanced sitting posture requires more than adjustable laterals or pelvic supports. Factors such as fixed asymmetry, rotational components, atypical tone patterns or structural changes can prevent even well-set modular systems from providing adequate stability.
Carved foam seating addresses this by creating a close-contact surface that distributes pressure more evenly and reduces areas of instability. This intimate fit helps maintain the pelvis and trunk in a supported and functional position, and can reduce fatigue, improve tolerance to sitting and support respiratory and digestive function.
The MAPS process begins with a detailed assessment and a digital scan, ensuring the final shape closely reflects the individual’s contours while maintaining clinical intent and attainment of functional goals.
Precision shaping for safety and comfort
Every MAPS seat is shaped through a controlled digital workflow. Once assessment data is captured, the seating profile is carved using a computer-guided system. This ensures accuracy, repeatability and consistent quality across the entire surface.
Carved foam provides a stable base for individuals with:
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significant pelvic obliquity, rotation and/or tilt
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pronounced spinal curvature or rib cage asymmetry
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complex body shapes not suited to modular seating
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high or fluctuating tone where containment is required
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tissue integrity vulnerabilities
The resulting interface offers support where needed, accommodation where appropriate and protection for vulnerable areas. The aim is not to force correction but to promote efficient, functional posture with appropriate contouring.
Combining MAPS with modular systems
MAPS seating can also be integrated with components such as dynamic backs and adjustable accessories. This hybrid approach allows clinicians to tailor both the intimate fit of carved foam and the adaptability of modular supports.
For example, a custom-contoured seat may be combined with a re-mouldable backrest (Lynx) to accommodate changes in trunk posture over time, which can include a dynamic mechanism where needed. This flexibility helps ensure that the seating remains clinically relevant as needs evolve.
Consistency across environments
A well-fitted carved foam seat helps maintain functional capability and postural alignment throughout the day, whether at home, in education settings or during therapy. This consistency supports comfort, reduces the need for constant repositioning and can help individuals participate more fully in daily activities.
MAPS seating is manufactured in the UK with local technical support, ensuring reliable turnaround times and access to guidance when required. Each seat is produced with the same level of accuracy and quality control, supporting services in delivering predictable outcomes across their caseloads.
A clinically driven solution
MAPS carved foam is not a universal approach. It is a targeted intervention for users whose postural needs exceed the limits of modular seating systems. By providing a precise, supportive and stable base, it enables clinicians to manage complex presentations safely and effectively.
The goal is simple. To create a seating interface that supports function, comfort and alignment for individuals with the greatest need for tailored postural care.
