Riser recliners make a significant difference in the lives of people who need additional comfort and mobility support at home. There’s a wealth of different types of riser recliner chairs to choose from, all of which provide slightly different seating positions at a quick touch of a button. However, it’s important to choose the right one for you or the person you’re looking after. This is to ensure that not only mobility and comfort needs are met, but also that it’s suitable for the space you intend it to go in.
Do I Need a Riser Recliner Chair?
There are a couple of questions to ask when considering if a riser recliner is required. For instance:
- Do you have difficulty sitting down and standing up from a standard chair?
- Do you need to keep your legs up when sitting down, either for comfort or to improve circulation?
- Do you like to change the position you’re sitting in to keep comfortable?
If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of the above, we recommend considering a riser recliner chair. A doctor or healthcare professional may also suggest investing in a riser recliner for medical and/or mobility reasons.
Benefits of Riser Recliner Chairs
Electric riser recliner chairs can greatly improve daily living for seniors and individuals with mobility issues. Firstly, they prioritise comfort. Riser recliners can slowly and gently move into different positions. As their name suggests, they recline so users can lean backwards. The footrest also lifts up so that legs can be elevated.
Riser recliners can be adjusted into specific positions that suit the person sitting in them, helping them feel more comfortable. The different positions can also provide more support to different parts of the body, which also alleviates pain.
Secondly, their lifting mechanisms help with mobility, allowing more independence for individuals getting in and out of their chair. The tilting riser motion helps users stand up, and the reclining motion helps users sit down.
Types of Riser Recliners
There is a wide range of different riser recliners on the market. Not only do they come in different designs, prints, and fabrics but they can operate a little differently too. There really is an option for everyone. One of the most important factors in figuring out the right riser recliner for you is deciding which movement option to go for. Let’s take a look.
Movement Options
Riser recliner models move differently when operated. This largely depends on how many motors they have, but some are specifically designed with certain movements in mind. Here are some of the most common movement options you’ll come across.
Single Motor
A single motor riser recliner has one electric motor that operates the movement functions of the chair. This single motor moves the back of the chair and the footrest at the same time. So, as the back reclines, the footrest moves up. Another important thing to note is that single motor chairs can’t recline beyond 45 degrees.
What are the benefits of a single motor riser recliner chair?
- A 45-degree angle is ideal for watching television and having a conversation
- They’re often at a lower price point
- They use a simple remote control, which only has two buttons
What are the drawbacks of a single motor riser recliner chair?
- They offer less flexibility in movement positioning, as the backrest and footrest have to be moved at the same time.
- As they don’t fully recline, they may not be suitable to sleep in.
Tilt-in-Space
Tilt-in-space is an additional option that can be incorporated into any riser recliner. Tilt in Space moves the seating position without adjusting the angle of the Hip thus ensuring that the user remains in the most comfortable seating position whilst tilting the whole chair back to enable the ankles to come level with the heart. This position greatly improves circulation and helps to prevent build-up of fluid and swelling of the legs and ankles. This can be hugely beneficial to reducing strain on the back, as well as providing pressure relief.
Wall-Hugger
A wall-hugger operates on a solo motor. The difference here is that the seat moves forward whilst the chair is reclining. This means that the backrest is less likely to hit anything behind it, making it particularly suitable for smaller spaces. However, being a solo motor, the wall-hugger doesn’t have a wide range of position flexibility.
Dual Motor
A dual motor is a riser recliner chair that has two motors, which operate the back of the chair and footrest independently. This means that users can have full control over the positioning of these separate sections of the chair. Plus, dual motor chairs can fully recline. If you’re inclined to have a dose in your chair, you can adjust the chair to be in a lying position.
One of the key benefits of a dual motor chair is that you can adjust it exactly to your comfort and mobility needs. This can come in very handy if you need to focus on elevating your legs, either due to leg swelling or to improve circulation.
Chair Control Options
As we’ve just touched upon, understanding different chair control options can make a big difference in how suitable a particular model is. Riser recliner chairs are usually operated by remote control. Typically, the more movement options a riser recliner chair has, the more operational features it’ll have on the remote. Some individuals might have difficulty using more complex controls, especially if they have conditions like arthritis. Considering whether the intended user can comfortably use the chair control on a chair will make a big difference in the impact a riser recliner chair can have.
Pressure Relief
Recliner riser chairs usually have well-padded designs for extra comfort. However, there are additional pressure relief options for riser recliner chairs. These include specialist inserts for the back of the chair, seat pad, and footrest. These tend to be made out of materials like Memory foam and Latex to help support the body and alleviate pressure.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Riser Recliner Chair
When choosing a riser recliner chair, whether for yourself or someone else, it’s important to make a well-informed decision that prioritise the needs of the user. Here are a few questions to ask yourself ahead of making a purchase:
- How much available space is there in the room intended for the chair?
- What budget are you working with?
- Does the riser recliner offer the required neck, back, and knee support?
- Is there an electrical socket nearby the plug the chair into?
- Does the individual who is going to use the chair have particular preferences?
Correct Sizing
Finding the correct size chair is crucial, we would always recommend that you have one of our experts size you up, if you are unable to get into one of our stores give us a call as we may have someone close enough to come and measure you at home alternatively we can run through with you over the phone exactly how and where to measure.
Whilst many chairs come in a variety of sizes enabling you to get the correct size we also offer a complete range of fully bespoke chairs made to measure so that whatever your requirements we can make it exactly to fit.
Alternatives to Riser Recliner Chairs
If you don’t quite have enough room for a riser recliner chair, there are a number of alternatives you can choose from to help you feel more comfortable when sitting. These include fireside chairs, ring cushions, and wedge cushions.
How to Choose the Right Riser Recliner
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to riser recliners, so knowing how to choose the right one can feel a little overwhelming. We recommend narrowing down the options by asking yourself the following questions as well as researching the following:
- Think about logistical requirements, especially when it comes to the space designated for the chair.
- Think about personal preferences, like fabrics, patterns, and styles.
- How much chair movement does the user require?
- Read reviews on models you are interested in.
- The most useful tip of all – go to a showroom and try one out! Understanding how it feels to sit in and operate a riser recliner chair is the best indicator of knowing which model is best for the user.
Maintenance and Care for your Riser Recliner Chair
Looking after your riser recliner chair will prolong its lifespan, and will mean it can be used for a long time. Here are a couple of easy tips to keep your riser recliner in good condition:
- Avoid eating or drinking in the chair
- Clear up spillages as soon as possible
- Put a throw or a lining over the chair to protect it from wear and tear
- Make sure you get the motor serviced regularly
How Can I Clean My Riser Recliner?
Some parts of a riser recliner, like seat and arm covers, can be taken off and popped into the washing machine to wash. However, before doing so do read the manufacturer’s care instructions. You don’t want to accidentally cause any damage! You might also be able to spot-clean some models with warm water, but again check the care instructions first.
Are There Any Specific Weight Capacity Considerations for Riser Recliner Chairs?
Standard riser recliner chairs are typically designed with a weight limit of 21 stone. This includes the seat and the leg lift. However, there are models available that are designed for weight up to 75 stone. We recommend looking at the product specifications when choosing your chair to check any weight capacity requirements.
When it comes to buying a riser recliner chair, there’s quite a bit to consider. The good news is that with all this choice comes the option of finding something specific to your needs and requirements To begin your journey, take a browse at our Risers and Recliners to see which model is best for you.