Abstract: A portable, customizable support apparatus for a patient's torso is provided for maintaining the patient in a substantially upright sitting position. The apparatus includes a left side member, a right side member and a back member and assemblies for securing the apparatus to the patient and to a seating unit. The support apparatus also includes a device for interconnecting the left and right side members at the front of the torso such that the left and right side members and back member substantially surround the patient's torso. The assembled apparatus can be used with most conventional chairs and seats, including geriatric chairs and wheelchairs.

Abstract: A portable, customized patient support system is provided for maintaining a person in a substantially upright sitting position. The system has a seat cushion, a back cushion and left and right lateral trunk brace cushions. Each of the cushions is selected to conform to certain measured dimensions of the person. The cushions are secured to each other using interconnecting devices. The assembled system can be used with most conventional chairs and seats, including wheelchairs. A method of providing support for a person in a substantially upright sitting position is also provided which includes the steps of measuring certain dimensions of the patient, selecting appropriately sized cushions and securing the cushions together using the interconnecting devices.