Which feature may be used to provide more aggressive support with curved headrest?

• A. Side panels
• B. Armrests
• C. Footrests
• D. Head stabilizer

Answer: (A)

Providing more aggressive head stabilization with a curved headrest relies on lateral containment. Side panels sit along the sides of the head and neck region, matching the curvature of the headrest to create a firmer envelope around the head. This lateral contact reduces side-to-side movement and helps maintain midline alignment, especially when the headrest itself is curved and may not fully prevent movement on its own.

Armrests and footrests mainly support the arms and legs, not the head, so they don’t enhance head stabilization. A head stabilizer might offer some anterior-posterior control, but it doesn’t address the need for lateral containment provided by the side panels. By adding side panels, you gain that added stability wherever the curvature of the headrest could otherwise allow slip or rotation, resulting in more secure, consistent support.