Which Companies Make the Best Lift Chairs?

Looking for the best lift chairs on the market? Below we’ll cover tips for choosing the right lift chair recliners and look at the top brands of lift chairs available online.

Overview of Lift Chair Recliners

Lift chairs may also be called rise and recline chairs, electric lift chairs and power lift recliners. These are comfy chairs that recline like a normal recliner. However, they also go in the other direction to help people stand up and get out of the chair more easily.

These lift chairs gently raise you to a standing position. This makes it easier to get up and get a drink, use the bathroom, etc. without someone else helping. It also reduces the strain on your back, shoulders, hips and arms.

Who Should Get a Lift Chair Recliner?

Lift chairs are particularly popular with seniors. Especially those who have joint problems or other issues that restrict mobility. For people who have issues getting up from a seated position, these chairs can be a huge help.

Some of the benefits of having a chair lift recliner include:

• Help prevent falls
• Increase independence
• Less stress on joints and muscles
• Reduce the risk of pressure sores
• Improve circulation

A Brief Buying Guide For Finding the Best Chair Lifts For You

There are A LOT of options available on chair lifts. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand these options and pick the ones that are the best ones for you.

Reclining Positions

There are 4 main options for reclining when it comes to chair lift recliners. Let’s take a look at them below.

2 Position

A 2 position lift chair basically has – wait for it! – 2 positions. Sitting straight up or reclining backward (generally at up to a 45 degree angle).

This option is good for someone who mainly uses chair for watching TV or reading/relaxing for fairly short periods of time. Also, you should still be pretty well mobile and just want that extra help getting in and out of the chair.

3 Position

In a 3 position chair lift recliner, you can sit straight up, be slightly reclined or go all the way back so you’re nearly flat on your back. If you expect to be taking some naps in your chair, this would be a better option.

Infinite Position

Infinite position chair lifts can recline all the way back so you can lie down. What makes them different from 3 position is that the footrest on these can be adjusted as well. The leg rest moves independently of the back of the chair (the leg rest moves only when the backrest is reclined in 2 and 3 position recliners).

If you expect to be sleeping in your chair regularly and for long periods of time, this is the best option.

Zero Gravity

In a zero gravity chair the seat cushion drops back and rises in the front. This helps align the hips to reduce pressure on your spine as well as reduce muscle tension. Doing this puts the heart lower than the legs which may be recommended for some medical conditions.

Single vs Dual Motors

In chairs that have a single motor, the footrest and back of the chair move together. The footrest goes up when the back reclines.

In dual motors lift chairs, the footrest and back work independently so you have more flexibility in how you position yourself.

Chair Size

There are a few considerations when it comes to the size of your chair.

One is the seat width. You want to have a seat that’s wide enough so your hips can fit comfortably between the armrests.

Another is the back height of the chair. When you’re seated, the back of the chair should be a few inches above the top of your head.

Also, when seated, your feet should be able to touch the floor when you’re in a seated position.

Check with manufacturer recommendations for size if can’t test the chair out yourself.

Lastly, take into account the space where you plan to put the lift chair recliner in your home. You’ll want to make sure the chair fits well when both in a sitting position and when fully reclined.

Fabric Material

There are a lot of options here. There’s leather, faux leather, suede, fabric and more. Consider a material that’s easy to clean if you plan to eat/drink often in your chair. There are also a lot of options so you can find a chair that matches the décor of your home.

Other options

There are a number of features that are available on lift chair recliners these days. Here’s a list of some of the common ones to consider

• Remote control – Remotes can come on either the left or right side of your chair. If you have limited mobility on one side of your body more than the other, take this into consideration.
• Lumbar pillow support
• Heat
• Massage function
• Cup holder/snack trays
• Storage pockets
• Cooling gel cushion
• Battery back up – Nice to have in case of a power outage
• USB connection – Allows you to charge a phone, tablet, etc. while in your chair
• Wheels – Makes it easier to move the chair if necessary

Ease of assembly

Some chair lift recliners require assembly. You’ll want to know this ahead of time so you can factor in any costs there may be to have someone put the chair together for you.

Warranty

Understand what the warranty covers. Which parts are covered and for how long. Does it cover any labor that may be involved in fixing the chair?

Best Chair Lift Brands

Now that you have the basics on the features of chair lifts, let’s look at some of the best chair lift brands the make these chairs. As you can see, there are plenty of options out there so you’re sure to find a chair lift that’s right for you.

Catnapper

Ameriglide

Ultra Comfort

Mega Motion

Prolounger

Esright

Mcombo

Pulaski

Canmov

Pride Mobility