A recliner chair is an armchair that is used to reposition the user by tilting the backrest and raising the footrest.
What is the purpose of a recliner chair?
Recliner chairs are used for a variety of reasons. Some people like to have one in their lounge or sitting room to relax in after a busy day, and elderly people find them useful for relieving stress and strain on the joints. They are also used widely in residential care homes, and have many health benefits for older people such as relieving joint pain, improving circulation and reducing swelling in the lower limbs.
Some people with reduced mobility will even sleep in recliner chairs rather than transfer into a bed, which can be beneficial depending on their overall health condition.
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How do Recliner Chairs Work?
Recliner chairs can be operated manually by a lever, or electrically with a handset, to recline the backrest and raise the footrest at the same time. This moves the user into a recumbent position where they can rest, sleep, read or watch TV, with the ability to adjust the angle of the backrest and footrest to their desired position.
A lot of recliner chairs use a feature called tilt-in-space, which tilts the user back in the chair but keeps the angle of the seat to backrest the same. This has many health benefits, and is an excellent way of redistributing pressure without the risk of shear.
Tilt-in-space functionality
Some chairs with dual motor tilt-in-space have an extra motor that can be used to fully recline the backrest and footrest into a lie-flat position, which is great for sleeping or resting.
By raising the footrest in combination with tilt-in-space, the user can achieve a zero-gravity position, which spreads pressure evenly across the body and relieves muscle and joint pain with improved blood circulation.
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Rise Functions
Most recliner chairs sold in healthcare settings will have a rise function, which helps the user transfer from a sitting to a standing position. The electric motors raise the chair whilst tilting it forward at a slight angle, to gently help the user to their feet.
What Should You Know Before Buying a Recliner?
Before buying a recliner chair, it’s important to get advice from a recommended retailer as to what you will be using the chair for. If it’s to chill out in or watch TV, a standard recliner from a furniture showroom should be fine as long as it’s the right size and you have a range of fabrics to choose from.
If you or a loved one have mobility issues and need to sit out in a recliner for longer periods of time, it’s best to get advice from a seating specialist as to what pressure relief and specific features you many need in the chair. It’s also important that the chair is the correct size for you, otherwise pressure problems and posture can be made worse by the wrong sized chair. A seating specialist can take your measurements to make sure the seat width, depth, height and armrest are the right size for you.
Some chairs like the Brecon recliner chair can be made-to-measure, ordered and manufactured to your specific size, or chairs like the Lento Mobile riser recliner are completely adjustable so can be set to the right size without using any tools.
Manual or Electric?
Manual recliners have a lever below the armrest that lifts the footrest and reclines the backrest. They are best for more active users with more upper body strength, as they don’t have a locking mechanism to vary the angle of recline.
Electric recliners come with a slightly higher price tag, but operate easily at the touch of a handset button, allowing the user to set the angle of recline to what is most comfortable for them.
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Conclusion
A recliner chair is a comfortable and supportive armchair that allows the backrest to recline and the footrest to raise, helping the user relax or rest in different positions. Recliner chairs are used both in the home and in healthcare settings, offering benefits such as improved comfort, better circulation, and reduced pressure on joints. With features like tilt-in-space, rise functions, and fully reclining recliner options, a recliner chair can be tailored to suit relaxation, mobility support, or long-term sitting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a recliner chair?
The purpose of a recliner chair is to provide comfort and support by allowing the user to recline and elevate their legs. Recliner chairs are commonly used for relaxation but also help relieve joint pain, improve circulation, and support people with reduced mobility.
Is it healthy to sit in a recliner?
Yes, sitting in a recliner can be healthy when the chair is the correct size and properly adjusted. Recliner chairs can reduce pressure on the body, improve posture, and help with circulation, especially when used for longer periods.
How do recliner chairs work?
Recliner chairs work using either a manual lever or electric motors to recline the backrest and raise the footrest. Some models include tilt-in-space or dual motors for greater positioning options, including a fully reclining recliner.
Is it okay to sleep in a recliner instead of a bed?
For some people, sleeping in a recliner can be suitable, particularly if they have mobility or health issues. A fully reclining recliner can provide a supportive resting position, but long-term use should be guided by professional advice.
Ralph has many years' experience in the healthcare sector. In a previous life he worked in finance, and his spreadsheet skills come in handy for all the analysis and research he does as he investigates topics and solutions for some of the world's most complex healthcare conditions and challenges. Aside from writing in-depth articles and organising webinars and interviews with top healthcare professionals, Ralph also administrates Vivid's "Healthcare Pioneers Board", a large group of healthcare specialists with multiple disciplines, who are working together to improve care for years to come.
