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The THOMASHILFEN Octopus Car Positioning Harness provides additional postural support for children, teenagers and adults who need help maintaining an upright position when travelling. Suitable for users approximately 130–190 cm tall and 30–80 kg, it must always be used with the vehicle's own 3-point safety belt.
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Please Note: These products are sold with their intended purpose as described. We cannot be held responsible for any misuse of items where physical force has been used to damage the product or where it had been used in a manner that it was not designed for. If in doubt of its suitability, please get in touch.
The THOMASHILFEN Octopus Car Positioning Harness is a specialist rehabilitation positioning system designed for children, teenagers and adults who need greater postural support in a vehicle than the standard 3-point seat belt alone can provide.
Designed for users between approximately 130 and 190 cm tall and 30 to 80 kg, the Octopus uses an adjustable 7-point padded seat waistcoat to support the shoulders, upper body and pelvis, helping the user maintain a more stable, upright sitting position during car journeys.
The system can be particularly helpful for individuals with muscular functional limitations, postural instability, reduced muscle tone, high levels of motor activity, perceptual difficulties or autism, as well as users who may unintentionally release conventional buckles.
Important: The Octopus is a medical device for positioning and is not a vehicle safety harness or replacement for the vehicle seat belt. The vehicle's own 3-point safety belt must always be correctly fitted over the occupant and the Octopus harness.
Small
Medium
Supplied as standard:
Size guidance: User height and weight ranges are provided as guidance. The correct size must be selected according to the individual user's measurements, positioning requirements and fit.
Manufacturer's booster guidance: THOMASHILFEN states that a seat shell or booster seat should always be used for Octopus users with a height of up to 150 cm. This manufacturer requirement should be followed even where the user is above the minimum height at which UK legislation may no longer require a child restraint.
Fledglings fitting note: The Octopus cannot be fitted to a high-back booster. Where an additional booster is required, a suitable basic booster cushion must therefore be used, subject to the user's requirements, current legislation and the manufacturer's fitting instructions.
Vehicle compatibility: The Octopus must be used with a vehicle seat fitted with a 3-point safety belt. The vehicle's own safety belt must always be worn correctly over the user and the Octopus positioning system.
Belt Extension Set: If the vehicle has a bucket-style seat without an accessible opening between the seat base and backrest, an additional Octopus Belt Extension Set may be required. Fledglings has been advised that this is rarely necessary in modern vehicles. Customers should read the Octopus brochure for full details.
The THOMASHILFEN Octopus may be suitable for children, teenagers and adults weighing approximately 30–80 kg and measuring 130–190 cm in height who require additional positioning support when travelling by car.
It may be particularly suitable for individuals with:
It can help bridge the transition between specialist supportive car seating and travelling using the vehicle's standard seating and 3-point safety belt where additional postural positioning is still required.
The Octopus will not physically prevent a determined individual from attempting to leave the harness or vehicle seat. Suitability should therefore be carefully assessed for users where deliberate escape from restraints is a significant concern.
A completed suitability questionnaire is required when ordering. Customers should download the Octopus Questionnaire, complete it and email it to enquiries@fledglings.org.uk.
Octopus Fitting Instructions & User Manual
Important: The THOMASHILFEN Octopus is classified as a Class I medical device for positioning. It is not classified as a vehicle safety harness and does not replace the vehicle's restraint system.
The vehicle's own 3-point safety belt must always be correctly positioned over the occupant and the Octopus harness whenever the system is in use.
The Octopus should always be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's fitting instructions. Vehicle compatibility and the individual user's positioning requirements should be confirmed before use.
Please allow approximately 4–5 weeks for delivery.
The THOMASHILFEN Octopus may be suitable for children, teenagers and adults weighing approximately 30–80 kg and measuring 130–190 cm in height who require additional positioning support when travelling by car.
It may be particularly suitable for individuals with:
| Dimensions & Weights | THOMASHILFEN Octopus S | THOMASHILFEN Octopus M |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Point Seat Waistcoat (W x H) | 33 x 41 cm / 13.0 x 16.1" | 42 x 42 cm / 16.5 x 16.5" |
| Base Back Cushion (W x H) | 37 x 82 cm / 14.6 x 32.3" | 37 x 82 cm / 14.6 x 32.3" |
| User Height | 130–160 cm / 51.2–63" | 150–190 cm / 59.1–74.8" |
| User Weight | 30–50 kg / 66.1–110.2 lbs | 50–80 kg / 110.2–176.3 lbs |
Important: THOMASHILFEN states that a seat shell or booster seat should always be used for users up to 150 cm / 59.1" in height.
If there are any supporting files or resources, they will be listed below.
This item is made to order and can take up to 6 weeks. The 6 weeks starts when we receive the completed questionnaire. We cannot proceed without the questionnaire being emailed to us.
Some suppliers may not ship large items to areas such as Northern Ireland, the Shetland Islands, Isle of Man, Jersey, or Guernsey. If they do, there may be an additional cost. Please contact us before placing your order.
It has made our car journey safe
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for providing feedback on the octopus harness we are pleased to hear that this has made car journeys safer for your family. Thank you for shopping with us at Fledglings
Best Regards
Sophie
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