Lift Chairs Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Lift Chair

When you’re experiencing a mobility challenges, many of the normal everyday actions become painful, even terrifying and in some cases, no longer possible. But wherever you are on the spectrum, more than likely you may be doing a lot of sitting and it’s so difficult or painful to rise out of, or sit down in, a chair.

So let’s introduce you to …lift chairs. they look just like your typical reclining chair, the difference is that the Lift Chair contains a powered lifting mechanism which can be triggered with a push of a button you can control your level of comfort. What’s great is that lift chairs are capable of gently raising you to a standing position.

How to Choose the Best Lit Chair for You

Selecting the best lift chair depends on your specific needs, your height, weight, the expected amount of time you will be spending in the chair and the type of activities you will be doing while sitting in the lift chair.

Types of Lift Chairs

Standard Lift Chairs

With standard lift chairs the seat is the only moving piece. The backrest doesn’t recline but it will lift you to a standing position. They take up much less space and can be placed closer to the wall since the chair back does not recline.

2 – Position Lift Chairs

If you will be using the lift chair while reading, writing, eating or watching TV, then a two-position chair will fit the bill. You can keep the back upright for writing and eating or it can be tilted back 45 degrees for reading or watching TV. but it’s not ideal for napping.

The footrest flips up as the chair reclines but does not operate independently of the backrest.

3 – Position Lift Chairs

Three-position chairs are the most popular model. You can recline the 3-position to an “almost” flat position making them a better selection if you’re expecting to spend more time in the chair, especially to catch naps.

As with the two-position lift chair, the footrest flips up as the chair reclines but does not operate independently of the backrest

Infinite Position Lift Chairs

Infinite position lift chairs are the top of the line – it’s the all inclusive, complete with heat and massage.

If you have a challenge with poor circulation, the infinite lift chair is the one for you since it can reach the Trendelenburg position, in which the feet are positioned higher than the head.

Want your feet lifted while in the seated in an upright position? Well, this is only achievable by the infinite lift chair since it has separate motors for the backrest and the footrest so you can adjust each one individually just the way you like it.

Other considerations

Fit

Don’t get one that’s too big or your feet won’t reach the floor when the chair is in the “lifted” position. Don’t get one that’s too small or the lower back may not be supported properly.

Not to worry, every lift chair model will have a listed range of heights that it can accommodate and most will have various sizes available such as petite, medium and large.

Spacing

The reclining ones are going to need more space when the footrest is raised and when the chair is helping you to stand. Two- position lift chairs don’t require as much space as the other types.

Upholstery

The fabric covering the lift chair is an important consideration and there’s more to it than simple aesthetics.

Some fabrics are softer, more durable or more stain resistant than others. The breathability of a fabric is also significant as it facilitates comfort when you are sitting in the chair for longer periods.

The best manufacturers use special fabrics beyond the standard vinyl, leather, suede and cloth.

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