How to Choose a Special Needs Protective Helmet or Hat?
There are many different protective helmets and hats on the market that claim to protect from injuries from falls, seizures and other problems such as headbanging and self-harm. The choices can seem to be overwhelming, but here are some things to consider when choosing one that meets your needs:
Is there a pattern to the injuries?
If injuries tend to happen in one area, such as the face or the back of the head, you will need a helmet or hat that provides specific protection in that particular area. When you order a special needs head protector, ensure that any patterns of injury are highlighted, so that the helmet can be customised to your specific needs.
What type of impact or harm is most likely?
Think about what is the main risk and the reason for wanting head protection. If falls are a major concern, you will need a helmet or hat that is designed to protect against frontal, rear or both areas of impact. If headbanging is a problem, you will need a helmet or hat that has a closed top and additional padding.
A good fit?
The helmet or hat should fit snugly, but not too tightly. It should also have a chin strap to prevent it from coming off when it is needed the most – during an impact!
What is the material like?
Some helmets and hats are made of washable cotton, while others are made of leather, which can be cleaned using soap & water and a natural cleaner/conditioner. Cotton is more breathable, but leather is more durable and hardwearing. There are also “soft touch” special needs helmets that are very soft to the touch and tactile
Head protector style
There are many different styles of helmets and hats available, so you can find one that fits your personality and needs. Some manufacturers are now producing special needs protective hats & helmets that look like normal hats or caps. Which strives to remove any perceived stigma that is felt by individuals when wearing special needs head protection. These however generally only offer limited protection and are not suitable for those who are at medium to high risk of injury. If you are unsure which helmet or hat is right, talk to your doctor or therapist. They can help you assess your child’s needs and recommend a safe and effective option.
HP Base Head Protection
HP-S Head Protection for Sleep
Always have a chin strap!
It is always advisable to choose a head protector with a chin strap that can be adjusted so that it is secure on the head and a snug fit. To improve the protective qualities of a protective helmet a good fit is important. If a helmet is too loose then the chances of it falling off or moving when it is needed most are increased. If a helmet is too tight it will be uncomfortable and probably too hot, invariably the wearer will want to take it off at the first chance they have.
Measuring for head protection
When ordering a head protector, it is important to obtain the correct head circumference. As well as the correct measurement over the top of the head (normally measured from ear to ear) and from the occipital to the eyebrows, which many people do not appreciate. With some helmets, we also need to know the shape and size of the ears, so that the helmet can accommodate them. We have an order form that shows exactly which measurements are needed and illustrations to give guidance. If there is a space between the top of the head and the inside of the helmet then the impact resistance of the materials is reduced as empty space provides no protection at all!
Head scanning service
If a person who needs head protection has proximity issues, taking measurements can be a difficult task, from experience someone who does not want to be measured or have people close by or touching them, will become angry or agitated and distressed by the process. In these cases, we highly recommend a head scan which is perfect in these situations and is used to obtain exact measurements with minimal touching and distress.
Adapt A Home has a scanning system called Perfect Fit™. This is used to produce a millimeter-perfect 3D print of the head which is then used to produce a perfectly fitting head protector. This service is also recommended if there are any existing wounds or anomalies on the user’s head, these areas can then be accommodated when the helmet is made.
Link to our Perfect Fit Service.
Cycle helmets for special needs?
We have seen customers come to us in bicycle or skateboard helmets. While these will help to deflect some impacts, they will normally be no use in the event of frontal facial impacts as they generally have no face, nose, cheek or chin protection. These types of helmets are not made to protect people with medical needs who suffer multiple impacts from multiple directions. As well as having no or little shock-dampening or deflection properties, they can also be quite heavy and uncomfortable for users when worn for longer periods.
Hard or soft helmets?
If a person suffers from seizures or fits, then by wearing a hard helmet of the sort previously mentioned, they can unintentionally threaten those in close proximity due to the consequences of a hard helmet impacting other people during a seizure. This is one of the reasons we highly recommend soft helmets.
More about leather or cotton outer layers?
Most standard head protectors are available in a cotton or material finish, most of our cotton-finished head protectors are hand washable or at the very least can be spot-cleaned. Cotton promotes airflow and helps to keep the head protector cool when worn, however, if the helmet or hat is subjected to harsh treatment it can fray or split over time.
Leather outer models are generally used for helmets that offer long-lasting protection for more severe conditions as the leather itself acts as a barrier to impacts and is less likely to be damaged by impacts or harsh treatment. The leather can be cleaned using soap and water and can also be cleaned using non-toxic & hypo-allergenic cleaning agents that are readily available on the market. Our helmets with a leather outer generally also have a perforated inner liner which promotes cooling and regulates temperature. This inner liner can also be cleaned just like the outer layer
Help is here if you need it!
We offer help & advice regarding our head protection range, you can talk to our advisors who can help you decide on a model of Special needs head protection based on your individual needs. It is also advisable to include any doctors or therapists in the decision-making process, that are involved and who know the level of protection or features that are needed. We can work with them to provide an individual solution for you.
We are able to customise most models to incorporate the protective measures that you require. Contact us to request a callback and we will contact you to go through all the options available and help provide head protection that is perfect for your needs.
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