Kalogon launches Bondar, a custom wheelchair back support designed for medicare coverage

Custom wheelchair back support is covered by Medicare: ©Lightfieldstudio - stock.adobe.com

Kalogon, a manufacturer of smart seating solutions, has introduced Bondar, a new custom-fabricated wheelchair back support designed to work in tandem with the company’s Orbiter Med smart cushion. With the release, Kalogon is offering a fully integrated seating system to support posture, health and comfort for wheelchair users.

Bondar, which has received Medicare billing code E2617, is a 3D-printed, custom-fit back support tailored to the user’s body shape. It was designed with input from clinicians to simplify installation and adjustment, using a streamlined mounting system with fewer screws and components than most traditional backrests.

“Many seating assessments begin with facilitating posture, which is determined by the position of the pelvis and spine,” said Tim Balz, CEO and co-founder of Kalogon. “A seat cushion and back support must work harmoniously to deliver effective postural support and increase duration of sitting time. That’s why we developed a custom back support designed to complement our Orbiter Med seat cushions.”

Seating specialists, including assistive technology professionals, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, can order Bondar using Kalogon’s real-time online configurator. As measurements are entered, a 360-degree image of the product updates to reflect the design, which helps avoid errors and reduces the likelihood of costly remakes.

The Orbiter Med, which completes the system, features Kalogon’s Advanced Pressure Management System (APMS), enabling intelligent redistribution of weight. According to research published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, APMS improves tissue oxygenation in the gluteal region in non-disabled users, indicating its potential benefit for wheelchair users.

Recent advancements and ongoing challenges for wheelchair users

Technological innovation has significantly improved the daily lives of wheelchair users, especially in the areas of pressure management, posture support, and mobility. Smart systems like Kalogon’s Orbiter Med and the newly released Bondar represent a growing trend of personalized, tech-enabled seating solutions. These tools not only prevent pressure injuries but also enhance breathing, digestion, and overall quality of life by improving spinal and pelvic alignment.

One of the most promising developments is the use of smart materials and sensors to constantly monitor and adjust seating pressure. By dynamically responding to user movement and needs, these systems help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers—a common and serious issue among long-term wheelchair users. Integration with mobile apps allows clinicians to fine-tune settings remotely and users to adjust pressure profiles based on daily activities.

However, challenges remain. Many wheelchair users face long delays in obtaining properly fitted equipment due to insurance hurdles, limited supplier access, and complicated ordering processes. Errors in measurement or configuration can result in discomfort, health risks, or months-long waits for remakes. Custom seating, while clinically valuable, is still not universally accessible due to cost, lack of provider training, and limited reimbursement pathways.

Additionally, many users still struggle with secondary conditions tied to inadequate seating, including respiratory difficulties, digestive problems, and chronic pain. While innovations like Bondar offer a path forward, widespread adoption depends on education, improved access to qualified clinicians, and continued policy support to ensure coverage for advanced seating technologies.