When choosing a lift recliner, there are a number of factors that must be considered in order to find a lifting device that is both well made and affordable. The device must also be fitted correctly to the user, to prevent injury and insure that it will remain in working condition, as well as finding a device that is visibly pleasing to the user.
Before describing what to look for in a lift chair, or lift recliner, it is essential to understand what service these devices offer. The lift chair is used to make it easier for a seated individual to rise to their feet. Using a lifting system, the chair frame is raised into the air, allowing the user to exit the device on their feet. They are also used to make it easier to sit down, as when the lift chair is fully raised, the user can back into the raised device, then lower it. These home medical tools also provide a fully functional chair, with reclining backrest and a footrest that can be used to prop up ones feet on.
While there are many considerations, such as compliance with California’s Fire Retardant Bulletin 117 (PDF), many of the factors that go into finding a quality lift recliner revolve around ensuring the device meets both the physical and mental requirements of the person who will be using it.
Tips for Selecting a Lift Chair
When selecting a lift recliner, there are a number of factors that should be taken into account. This includes the way the device looks and how comfortable it is, but before these issues can be addressed, there are several important safety concerns to take into account.
The most important factor is the weight that the lift recliner can support and its acceptable height limit. These are determined by the manufacturer and have a direct effect on who is able to safely use the device.
In the case of the weight rating of the device, it is a good idea to provide a little extra breathing room, as it were, to ensure that there is some padding between the users weight and the limit of the lift chair. This is important as the electric lifting system is only rated for a certain weight and exceeding this can damage the motor, as well as put too much strain on the chair’s frame. By making sure there is some extra space between the users weight and the weight limit of the chair, it is possible to ensure that other factors, such as a little weight gain or holding objects, will not put the user over the weight rating. The weight rating varies, but most are able to support at minimum three hundred pounds and many much more.
A lift recliner’s height rating is important, because it is determined by how high and at what angle the device raises into the air. A device designed for someone who is relatively short will, as a result, not raise as high as one designed for someone who is very tall. This can present an increased risk of a fall and is why these ratings are so important.
The chair size is also a very important consideration, as this will determine how comfortable it is for the user. Generally, most lift recliner manufacturers will provide a variety of measurements to make understanding the size of the device easier. This will generally include the dimensions of the seat, as well as how far the seat is from the ground and other measurements. It is a good practice to measure these out on a traditional recliner, to get a better feel for how they will work with the user.
The recline degree is also important to take into account, which are classified as recline positions There are three basic types, explained above, which determine how far back the lift recliner can go.
Finally, the design and fabric should also be considered, so that the device matches the existing home design, as well as providing a comfortable place to sit. Most devices come with a number of fabric choices, including upgrades that are designed to be stain resistant or more breathable than traditional fabrics. Many of the economical models have much less padding, so this should be considered as well.