Whether you like it or not, there comes a stage in life when getting out of a chair becomes harder, often due to health issues such as arthritis, limited mobility after surgery or other medical problems. In such situations, a lift chair, also known as a recliner, offers valuable support and makes daily life easier.
What Is a Lift Recliner?
This is a motorised chair, an ideal tool for helping people easily move from a sitting to a standing position. Thanks to a remote control, a person can easily control the chair, making it easier to get up from it.
Benefits
The greatest thing above all is that lift recliners aid mobility while providing comfort and support. Thanks to the remote that allows the chair to lift and tilt, people can easily go from lying to a standing position without putting any additional strain on their joints. Adjusting to find the right position can improve blood circulation, ease pain, and enhance overall comfort.
Depending on the patient’s condition, some models can be carefully adjusted to a desired position to help reduce leg swelling and ease fatigue in the hips and shoulders that comes from sitting for long periods. For instance, those who struggle with leg swelling and pain should choose one that also has an option for footrest elevation.
Types
Generally speaking, there are three types of such chairs available on the market:
- Two-position Chair: As you can assume, this chair has two positions only, meaning that it doesn’t recline fully.
- Three-position Chair: Having three positions means that this chair can recline fully. Keep in mind that the footrest of these chairs usually extends while the backrest reclines, as they share the same controller and don’t have separate functions.
- Infinite-position Chair: As the name suggests, this chair allows full control. It features separate remote controls for the backrest and footrest, allowing the backrest to recline fully. These features make this chair one of the most convenient, popular and effective options so far, so it is no wonder why people prefer this type of chair instead of the other two.
How to Choose a Lift Recliner?
Focus on Their Features
This is one of the most important things you should pay attention to because not all of them provide the same features. While some of these chairs can lift a person high enough for them to stand up with ease and without putting any strain, others might not offer this option, which can be a problem. The same goes for the footrest. While some of these chairs allow for a lifted footrest, others don’t. Before selecting the first one that catches your eye, make sure to go over its features so you can make a well-informed choice.
Consider Their Size
Just like any other type of chair, these are also available in a selection of sizes, which is why you should try and test several of them to find the right fit. In case you plan on buying online, you can compare your height to the chair’s seat measurements to find a good fit. Alternatively, you can give your measurements to some of the store’s personnel so they can help you choose the most suitable size.
Take Into Account the Chair’s Fabric
If you are someone who intends to spend a lot of their time using this chair, considering a comfortable and soft material is crucial. However, you shouldn’t overlook how easy it is to keep the chair clean. The chosen material should be easy to clean and wipe down. The most commonly used options are leather, leather-like materials and fabrics that are water-resistant, dirt- and oil-proof.
Look for Extra Features
To get the most out of this chair, consider one with extra features that enhance your overall comfort. In light of this, you should look for models with cup holders, USB ports, speed variations and more.
Do They Take Up More Space Than Any Other Recliner?
The truth is that lift recliners can take up a lot of space, just like any recliner, especially when the chair is in a reclined position. When set in a seating position, the chair looks pretty normal, just like any other bulky chair. So, when searching for the right one, make sure to consider where you plan to install the chair and the available free space. There should be enough room for the chair in both the fully reclined and seated positions.
