FAQs

Intended use of a Ribcap

Whether you’re suffering from a disorder like epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease, or simply want to enhance your quality of life, Ribcap was designed for everyone - including active children, young adults, and seniors facing all sorts of life challenges!

Adaptive clothing is changing the world, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this revolution. In the future, we hope to add additional products to our growing range, including hip, knee, and full body protection.

With Ribcap, you’ll enjoy reassurance and peace of mind during daily life. Will you join us as we make the world a better place - one Ribcap at a time? Let’s change the globe’s perception of disability - together.

RIBCAP® head protector models serve to protect from head injuries caused by uncontrolled falls or sequences of movements, they cover fall hazards with minor or medium potential for injury through the protective effect of the shock-absorbing foam padding.The top of the head is almost completely enclosed by pads. The head protector comes in different sizes in a range from 47cm to 65cm. (18.5” to 25.6”).

Note: RIBCAP® is not certified as a sports or riding helmet (such as skiing, skating, cycling, ... etc.).

General FAQ

1. Who benefits from a Ribcap?

Ribcap was specially-designed for individuals with special needs, specifically, those who are more likely to fall over, have seizures, bang their head or may get TBIs (traumatic brain injuries). That means, if you have a form of Epilepsy, Autism, Parkinson’s Disease or are elderly, then Ribcap is perfect for you. We’ve also made Ribcap, to be suitable for daily-life, for those times that you want to ensure freedom when you’re out and about, or simply at home - Ribcap can offer impact prevention anytime, any place, with many of our customers saying how they use their Ribcap on a day-to-day basis.

2. What size ranges are Ribcaps?

For a clear answer to this, you can check out our Sizing Guide page here, but here’s a brief rundown.

We have sizes for children, aged 5 and up, all way up to adults. We have 3 different sizing guides, according to the product or age you are - for example, we have sizes for children, adults and specific to our baseball caps, as they’re a little different from your average baseball cap. Our sizes for children are: Mini - Midi - Maxi, whereas for teens or adults, we have: Small, Medium, Large and Extra-large. Check it out on our sizing page.

3. Can my Ribcap be custom made?

We know that we’re all different, in all shapes and sizes, but unfortunately, due to our focus on giving everyone access to Ribcap, we want to ensure that no one is left out, so we cater for the majority of users, as we’ve found that our sizes fit practically everyone. Check out our sizing guide to see which is most suitable for you.

4. Do we need to use the strap?

Some people use the strap, and some people don’t, however we’d recommend that you always use it to ensure that you have that extra protection. Our caps fit snuggly on most heads, but if you fall suddenly or the cap comes loose, this may not protect you 100%. Our ‘Bieber’ caps come with a safety cord, rather than a chin strap.

5. How can I keep Ribcap clean?

We spent a lot of time, sourcing the right materials to ensure that you can easily wash your Ribcap. We recommend that you use a mild soap and warm water in a basin or sink to wash your Ribcap - it’s made from high-quality materials, so your hat will stay in great condition, even after multiple washes.

6. What color can I choose for my Ribcap?

Ribcap comes in a wide range of color, depending on the type of Ribcap that you select. Our baseball-style hats come in two colors; red, grey (Platin) and navy blue. Our Lenny kids, comes in two options - Anthracite and Grey. We ensure that style and fashion, are always considered when giving you 100% head protection.

7. How long will my Ribcap last?

Its hard to say exactly how long a Ribcap will last. We typically say that the hat, with moderate to daily use, will be in great condition for at least 2-3 years. If the helmet is used daily, and it is washed regularly, then you may find the condition reducing over time, however, the unique-foam inside the hat will still be just as protective as the day that you bought it. Whilst other helmets, such as Football helmets, bicycle helmets or other sporting helmets, are designed for one-time impact protection, whereas Ribcap has been created specifically for long-term use that can sustain multiple impacts, as the foam does not crack or diminish its ability to protect the head after one impact.

8. Does Ribcap protect a front fall?

Our Ribcap's, all kinds, are made to offer 360 degree protection, meaning if you fall face forwards, then you can be sure that Ribcap will protect you. We tested all Ribcaps rigorously, using BSI ‘s internationally-recognized standards, it is an independent, leading test facility. We didn’t stop there, we went the extra mile and tested all of our helmets according to the Rugby Association’s headgear standards to put our Ribcaps through the stressors, falls and bumps that a typical Rugby player would go through. Daily helmets such as Ribcap, do not have a formal certification, however we’re recognized not only by Neuro-scientific institutions around the world, as well as health care organizations such as the UK’S NHS, but we’re also recommend by doctors and nurses all over the world. That’s the sort of trust that is being placed in us, at Ribcap, so you’ll have nothing to worry about in terms of the impact protection. For more information, click here.

9. Is Ribcap comfortable to wear?

For those that use their Ribcap on a daily basis, throughout the entire-day, we had you in mind when designing the Ribcap, selecting breathable materials that are not only comfortable, but they are soft and light too. Wearing Ribcaps, means you’ll have peace of mind wherever you go, whenever you go. 

10. What age can a child begin wearing a Ribcap?

Our smallest kids helmet, the ‘Mini’, can fit children with a head circumference of 47-49cm / 18.5-19.3 inches. This is typically suitable for children aged 5 years and up. We always recommend that you measure your child’s head first, to ensure the best possible fit. Check here for further sizes that we have available.

11. Are soft helmets, such as Ribcap, suitable for me?

Organisations such as Epilepsy.org, explain how that whilst there are many kinds of helmets out there to buy, be it bicycle helmets, skiing helmets or specially-made special needs helmets, most are hard-helmets, whereas Ribcaps are soft. We make soft, yet protective helmets that have been tested to high-impact standards, meaning that any high-level impact, such as those from a trip or fall, will dissipate the energy from the fall, protecting the head from any damage. Lastly, hard-helmets, such as those that cyclists use, are designed to sustain one impact - whereas Soft-helmets, such as ours, are designed to withstand multiple impacts. See here for more information from Epilepsy.org . 

12. I have a hard-helmet, but it causes people to stare, what can I do?

We completely understand the frustration that can come from wearing a hard-helmet, as it may be bulky or particularly obvious to other people, be it in or outside of the home. We aim to reduce stigmatizing helmets, without sacrificing the protective nature of helmets for people that need them. Our soft-helmets, provide people with freedom, peace of mind and a sense of style, as the caps come in a variety of colors to suit your personality, as well as a variety of weather - be it summer, or winter, we’ve got you covered with our wide range of styles, shapes and sizes.

13. Can I remove the cover of the helmet, and wash it individually?

Unfortunately not, we’ve made Ribcaps in such a way, that the covers are not removable. This is to make sure that the fit is not only comfortable for all users, but its safer. 

14. Is Ribcap designed for just special needs or people with developmental disabilities?

Yes, we have taken our time to consider many kinds of people, in terms of their needs. Many people need to wear a helmet daily, for long-periods of time, even all-day, whereas some people require them only in certain situations. We’ve made Ribcap specifically for everyday, all-day use, helping people who have sudden seizures, to protect themselves, as well as users who may only need them for certain occasions. See below for a summary of what types of helmets are suitable for what kind of people or activities:

• Bicycle Helmet - Comfortable, sporty, stylish / poor protection for seizures and falls / can crack after repeated falls and will need replacing
• Boxing Helmets - Soft, comfortable, but little to no protection for seizures or falls, with poor ventilation.
• Football Helmets - Good protection, but are large, bulky, heavy and uncomfortable. Not suitable for long-term use or daily use as they’re impractical.
• Hockey / Baseball Helmets - Large, bulky, suitable for high-impact, but will look strange when going about your daily life.
• Custom-made Helmets - Offer good protection, yet are sometimes bulky, heavy and not stylish. Can also be extremely expensive.
• Ribcap Helmets - Light, breathable, washable, offer high-level of protection from falls or seizures, stylish - coming in many shapes, sizes and colors for all seasons, relatively low-cost whilst being able to be worn all-day or for long-term use, indoors or outdoors.

15. Does Medicare cover the cost of a protective helmet?
    Typically, as long as it is prescribed by a physician, Medicare Part B will cover protective and preventative equipment such as a protective helmet. However, it is recommended that customers check their Medicare coverage to be sure that they are covered first.

16. Does private insurance cover the cost of a protective helmet?
    Every private insurance policy is different. While many private insurance policies follow the lead of Medicare, it’s not always the case. Before pursuing the purchase of a protective helmet, such as one from Ribcap, customers are encouraged to check their individual policy to make sure the equipment is covered before purchasing.
    Fortunately, protective helmets are relatively inexpensive pieces of medical equipment. Therefore, if your policy does not cover the cost of a helmet, it is still considerably affordable to pay for out-of-pocket, providing not only cost-savings if an accident were to occur, but also the peace of mind knowing that you’re protected whilst wearing a protective helmet.

CE | Safety Guidelines

A registered medical device trusted by many neuro associations and protective foam panels BSI tested.

93/42/EEC for Class I medical use - (EU) 2017/745

RIBCAP® head protectors have an adjustable chinstrap and side-releasing safety buckle. Except: Bieber series (Non-exhaustive list

The RIBCAP® head protector may only be used for the indications listed and must not be used for any other purposes (for example as a helmet in general, or for a helmet used for bike riding, horseback riding and other sports)!

• Ensure the head protector is always handy, so that it can be put on quickly and properly!
• The label inside the RIBCAP® must be at the back when placed on the head.
• When the product is not being used, store it in normal indoor conditions.
• When disposing of the packaging and the product, comply strictly with the legal norms of your community.