Thoughts on exam chairs

I am pondering getting an exam chair for my play room.

I have been looking at 3.

The Midmark 413. Kind of generic, but has stirrups that retract.

The Midmark 415, this has built in knee rests. This looks really fun.

The Ritter 111 which is sort of like the 413.

What do you think? Which one would you go for?

Ritter, any day of the week.

Ritter

Hi folks,

Thank you for your input. I was kind of leaning towards the 415 with the knee rests. Can you elaborate on why the Ritter is a nicer chair? I wish I had pix of women in them.

The one concern about the 415 is it does only seem to do the lithotomy position and it seems to not be adjustable as far as the height of the knee rests or the spread.

It would be really helpful if you could tell me *why* one is nicer than the other.

Thank you again for your input so far!

--Reg

I would point out that Midmark is a newer trade name for Ritter, and you may find the two names used almost interchangeably.

I would suggest the 111 as the best general purpose table because it may be configured for a number of different positions. The 413 and 415 have also been labeled as FPC - Female Procedures Chair, and are designed for use in the lithotomy position only. The 111 has a swivel base allowing 360 degree rotation, while the FPC chairs do not. Some 415 have built in lighting which may be an advantage. Personally I would love to have a 413, if I had space to accommodate one. The 415 looks more like a converted Lazy-Boy recliner in my opinion, although it is likely more comfortable for the patient as it supports the calves rather than the feet.

You will likely find that a used 111 fetches a higher price than a FPC. The 111 appeals to a broader user including tatoo and esthetics, so they also retain their resale value better than a FPC.

A final suggestion is to know how much one of these tables weighs. Overall they are in the >200lb range without a pallet and most of the weight is lower in the base, which is great for stability once installed but also very difficult to move with equipment such as an appliance dolly. The shipping cost may be enough to scare you but you may also consider how you move it into your location. Unless you have easy access with no stairs between the delivery truck and your exam room, you should expect to partially dis-assemble it in order to make it manageable. Dis-assembly is not a bad thing since it gives you a chance to clean and re-lubricate the main wear points during re-assembly.

If you have a university nearby, see if they have a salvage/surplus store open to the public. The one near me always has exam tables with stirrups that pull out of the table, usually for about $100.

DrJ58,

You are right about the weight of moving one of them. I have a MidMark

#104 that was quite a chore getting moved to the basement. It had to go

through the garage, family room, and then down the narrow steps to the

basement. Got it wedged on the steps when it slipped off the dolly, and

thought it was going to land on top of me. It now sits with a bunch of stuff

piled on top of it and have considered selling it. A few years later, I got

a Hamilton table and got it down here easier, and then put locking wheels

on it so it can be moved into place when I want to use it.

Advice: DON'T try to move one by yourself!

Dan

Hey Kids,

If you are in the chicago area...

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/zip/3489767975.html

--Reg

Yes I missed a Ritter with Dr.s rolling chair for 400 bucks

I wound up getting a 415 BTW. Semi locally, and for the princely sum of $50. No shit. The chair did not go back. I took the motor/actuator apart and the motor spun freely in my hand, and did not smell bad, and the actuator was not seized up. It wound up being the motor start cap. $40 for a new one and a few hours tear down and re-assembly and she is like new again.

That one in Chicago was a freebie. I do hope someone got it.

Best of luck with your new table!

I have two Midmark 415 lithotomy chairs in my basement. They have not been used since 1999. Both very functional. Nice for med-fet.

A friend delivered a used Dental chair to me, i am working on adding stirrups and some other devices ..going to local scrap junk yard for parts ...

if this works i will try to sell it he can get me 2-3 chairs per week. (My new Business Maybe).....

If you want a chair find a Dental Service Company in your area, My friend told me he trashes 2-3 a week in the dumpster

it's called my imagination chair,, anything in your mind. will post picts when done....

if this works i will try to sell it he can get me 2-3 chairs per week. (My new Business Maybe).....

If you want a chair find a Dental Service Company in your area, My friend told me he trashes 2-3 a week in the dumpster

This is actually a project I was wondering about myself but not for "play" reasons. Several years ago back in 2016 I saw some articles on a new office chair by Altwork.com (see https://altwork.com). It has been refined since 2016. USD$7650 for a chair that is quite similar to a dental chair. Some example pictures at:

https://www.insidehook.com/article/home-goods/altwork-station-ergonomic-office-dentist-chair

https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/10/altwork-station-lets-you-sit-stand-or-lie-down-at-your-desk.html

I wondered what would be involved in taking a surplus dental chair and adding basically a monitor and keyboard mount to the standard dental tray mounting hole. Granted the dental chair is larger but I would think it could be done for less than half the price of the Altwork station if the surplus prices are right. Start with a USD$1000 chair. Add some custom mountings and sell for USD$3000.

Unfortunately I do not have the facilities to launch such an endeavor.

Just my suggestion but have you thought about a Knee Crutch system? There is a Midmark Standard Knee Crutch System on sale right now at E-Bay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Midmark-Standard-Knee-Crutch-System/352422214919

For $647.00 that's a great deal! I'd jump on that in a minute! Knee Crutch systems are very nice. I have one here at home that was up-graded from a older table. The one on sale is much more comfortable! I'd kiss you a million times if I were your lady and that Midmark Standard Knee Crutch System was going to have me adorning in it!

That would be like heaven for any girl! Hey, the GyneDoll knows her way around inside and out when it comes to having exam table fun. Golly, would you not like to be kissed a million times in a million places?

See my little icon in the upper left corner! Can you imagine your lady or lover being examined "Or Made Love To In Many Ways" in something similar?!

Just this old girls suggestion!