Comet 332 HD w/ Removable Armrests Transport Wheelchair

The Nova Comet 332 HD Transport Chair is built for users who need more than a standard transport chair offers. The extra-wide 22" seat and 400 lb capacity handle larger users comfortably, while removable desk-length armrests allow easy side transfers without repositioning the chair. Paired with 12" rear wheels and hand brakes for caregiver control, the 332 HD is the most capable chair in Nova's transport line. Seat belt and heel loops included. HCPCS E1039. FSA eligible. Lifetime Limited warranty. Available in Blue (332B) and Red (332R).

Nova Comet 332 HD Transport Chair — 400 lb Capacity, 22" Seat, Removable Armrests

The Comet 332 HD occupies the top of Nova's transport chair line — it's the heavy-duty model designed for users whose weight, body width, or transfer needs aren't met by standard transport chairs. Three features set it apart from every other Nova transport chair: a 400 lb weight capacity, a 22" extra-wide seating area, and removable desk-length armrests that swing away to enable full side-access transfers.

Like the Comet 330, the 332 HD uses 12" rear wheels and hand brakes for superior outdoor control and caregiver safety on inclines. At 27 lbs with footrests, it's heavier than standard transport chairs but exceptional for its class — the lightweight aluminum frame keeps it manageable despite the added capacity and width. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 117 verified customer reviews with a 96% recommendation rate.

Key Features

• 400 lb weight capacity — heavy duty, suitable for bariatric users
• 22" extra-wide seat (21.5" usable width) — accommodates larger body frames
• Removable desk-length padded armrests — enables full side-access transfers
• 12" rear wheels — superior control on uneven surfaces, inclines, and longer distances
• Hand brakes on push handles — caregiver speed control and stopping on slopes
• Secondary rear wheel locks for parking
• Lightweight aluminum frame — 27 lbs with footrests
• Padded backrest — 18" back height
• Swing-away removable footrests with heel loops
• Adjustable footplate height (5"–9" from floor)
• Seat belt included
• Folding frame for vehicle transport and storage
• HCPCS E1039 — heavy duty transport chair billing code
• FSA eligible
• Lifetime Limited warranty (frame) | 1 year (all other parts)
• Available in Blue (332B) and Red (332R)

Nova Comet 330 vs. 332 HD — When to Choose the Heavy Duty

Who Is the Nova Comet 332 HD Best For?

• Users requiring a 400 lb weight capacity transport chair
• Larger or bariatric users who need a 22" seat for proper fit and comfort
• Users who require side-access transfers — removable armrests enable caregivers to assist without obstacles
• Active daily users pushed in mixed indoor/outdoor environments
• Patients whose insurance covers HCPCS E1039 (heavy duty transport chair)

How to Size the Nova Comet 332 HD

1. Measure Hip Width

   Measure the widest point across both hips while the user is seated. Add 1"–2" for comfort clearance. The 332 HD provides 21.5" of usable seat width — appropriate for users with hip widths up to approximately 19.5". For users with narrower frames, the Comet 330 (19" seat) or Nova 329 may be a better fit.

2. Measure Seat-to-Floor Height

   Measure from the back of the knee to the floor with the user seated and feet flat. The 332 HD seat height is 19.5". The 12" rear wheels position the seat slightly higher than 8" wheel chairs — factor this in for shorter users or those with limited lower leg length.

3. Measure Seat Depth

   Measure from the back of the buttocks to behind the knee. The 332 HD seat depth is 16". Allow 1"–2" clearance between the seat front edge and the back of the knee for circulation and comfort. Heavier users often benefit from slightly more seat depth support — if the user's thigh measurement exceeds 18", discuss with a clinician.

4. Check Doorway Clearance

   The 332 HD overall open width is approximately 28.5" — wider than standard transport chairs due to the 22" seat and 12" rear wheels. Measure doorways, hallways, and vehicle entry points before ordering. Standard exterior doorways (32"–36") typically clear, but interior narrow doorways in older homes may be tight.

5. Confirm Weight and Transfer Needs

   The 332 HD supports up to 400 lbs. The removable armrests are a clinical advantage for users who require side-access transfers — confirm with the caregiver or occupational therapist that the transfer method aligns with the chair's access points. For users above 400 lbs, a bariatric wheelchair with a higher-rated frame is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 332 HD "heavy duty" — is it just the weight capacity?

The heavy-duty designation reflects three combined upgrades over the standard 330: the 400 lb weight capacity, the extra-wide 22" seat, and the reinforced frame construction that supports both. The removable armrests are an additional clinical feature specific to the 332 HD that the 330 does not offer. The HCPCS code also changes — E1039 covers heavy duty transport chairs, while E1038 covers standard.

Why do removable armrests matter clinically?

Removable or swing-away armrests allow the caregiver to approach the user from the side for transfers — sliding the user laterally from a bed, toilet, or car seat into the wheelchair without needing to lift them over a fixed armrest. For heavier users, this is a significant safety improvement: lateral sliding transfers reduce fall risk and caregiver injury compared to front-lift transfers. The desk-length design also allows the user to roll directly up to a table or desk without the armrest blocking the surface.

What is HCPCS E1039 and how is it different from E1038?

E1038 covers standard transport wheelchairs. E1039 is the HCPCS code for heavy duty transport wheelchairs — those with a weight capacity exceeding 300 lbs. The Nova Comet 332 HD qualifies under E1039. If a patient's physician documents medical necessity for a heavy duty transport chair, this code is used for Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance billing. Coverage criteria and reimbursement rates vary by payer — contact your insurer with code E1039 to verify benefits.

Does this chair have a fold-down back for storage?

No. Unlike the Comet 330, the 332 HD does not have a quick-release fold-down back. The frame still folds for vehicle transport and storage, but the back does not fold flat independently. If a fold-down back is a priority, the Comet 330 (300 lb capacity) offers that feature.

Can I use this chair on inclines and outdoors?

Yes. The 12" rear wheels and hand brakes make the 332 HD well-suited for outdoor use on paved surfaces, moderate inclines, sidewalks, and mixed environments. The hand brakes give the caregiver active speed control — a critical safety feature when pushing a heavier user downhill or on ramps. Unpaved terrain, steep hills, gravel, and sand are not recommended.

How does the warranty differ between the frame and other parts?

Nova's Lifetime Limited Warranty covers the frame for defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the chair. All other parts — upholstery, footrests, armrests, brakes, wheels — are covered for 1 year from the purchase date. Retain your original purchase receipt for all warranty claims and contact Nova Medical Products directly for service.