The IBIS is a fully modular tilt-in-space wheelchair designed for situations where comfort, postural control and adjustability matter just as much as tilt itself. It uses a modular base combined with Sunrise Medical’s SEDEO Pro seating system, allowing the chair to be configured in far more detail than most standard tilt-in-space designs.
That modularity is what sets the IBIS apart. It can be built for people who simply need a much more comfortable chair for long daily use, as well as for those who require higher levels of postural support that may change over time. The seating can be adjusted, reconfigured or expanded as needs develop, rather than locking the user into a fixed setup.
The IBIS provides 30 degrees of tilt as standard, which is particularly useful for pressure management when independent weight shifting isn’t possible. The backrest reclines up to 30 degrees, and when combined with elevating leg support, allows a genuinely relaxed, laid-back position. Many people use this reclined posture for rest or daytime sleep, as it is noticeably less upright than a standard seated position.
Leg support is an area where the IBIS is especially well thought through. In addition to traditional swing-away elevating legrests, a centre-mount elevating legrest is available. This creates more space for foot movement, improves manoeuvrability, and can be combined with lateral leg supports where needed. On comparable chairs this type of legrest is often unavailable or only offered as a costly upgrade.
The SEDEO Pro seating system will be familiar to some users from high-end powered wheelchairs, and it brings that same level of refinement to a manual tilt-in-space frame. Backrest options range from relatively simple through to deeply contoured designs with flexible side supports that gently hold the torso in position. These side supports can be set symmetrically for mid-line seating or offset where asymmetrical support is required. Tension-adjustable straps then allow the backrest to accommodate spinal curvature, helping the seating work with the body rather than forcing it into shape.
A wide ecosystem of compatible components is available, including alternative backrests, pressure cushions, armrests, headrests and positioning accessories. Where needed, the IBIS can also accept third-party seating systems, allowing existing setups to be transferred across or more specialised seating to be retained.
Transfers are well supported by the chair’s design. Swing-away legrests provide clear access from the front, while optional negative (forward) tilt can assist with forward transfers. A wide range of armrest styles supports side transfers, and the IBIS can be configured with low seat heights, which also helps with access under desks and tables. Tilt can be used to achieve a more stable seating position when hoisting into the chair.
The IBIS is available in several configurations. It can be supplied as a manual chair with transit wheels for attendant use, or with larger rear wheels for self-propelling. A Powerdrive version is also available, which integrates powered movement directly into the chair rather than relying on an add-on unit. This creates a neater, more cohesive solution and allows longer distances to be covered without physical strain. All versions are fully crash-tested for occupied transport when used in a suitably adapted vehicle.
Overall, the IBIS suits people who need more refinement, discretion and seating control than standard tilt-in-space chairs provide, and who want a chair that can be adapted as circumstances change. It is larger and heavier than simpler designs, and its strengths only really show when its adjustability is used properly — but when that matters, it offers a level of control and comfort that sits clearly above baseline tilt-in-space options.
The Rea Azalea is often the starting point for tilt-in-space wheelchairs, valued for its stability, familiarity and broad range of configurations. The IBIS builds on the same core principles but focuses more heavily on refinement, seating adjustability and visual discretion. Where the Azalea prioritises robustness and standardisation, the IBIS places greater emphasis on modular seating, backrest control and long-term adaptability. Both fulfil the same fundamental role, but the IBIS is designed for situations where seating detail, comfort and future flexibility are higher priorities.
