Riser Recliner Chairs

As we age, actions we used to take for granted—such as standing up from a sitting position—can become problematic—especially when attempting to rise from a comfortable easy chair. For those of us with mobility issues, including bad knees, bad backs or arthritis, these actions can become near overwhelming and highly discouraging with an incredible impact on our quality of life.

Recliner chairs have evolved in recent years to address this problem without the need for heavy, cumbersome and expensive medical lift equipment to be introduced into a home environment. The riser recliner, sometimes referred to as a lift chair is an unobtrusive addition to any living room. In appearance it is identical to an ordinary recliner or easy chair but features either a manual mechanism or electrically powered system of motors which tilt the chair forward and raise it up, transferring the user from a fully seated position to an almost completely upright standing position.

The most effective and user friendly models are powered by electrical motors controlled by a remote handset. They may also include other optional features, such as heat and massage functions and battery backup. The most versatile models provide a range of positions, from fully reclined to upright in the seated mode and are available with and without risible foot rests.

There are a number of factors to consider before investing in a riser recliner chair and a careful consideration of which of the available options will best suit the end user is recommended.

Riser recliner chairs are available in two, three, infinite position recline and Zero gravity models. The Two position model has only two back rest positions: fully upright and an approximate 30 degree recline with a footrest that rises up to keep the legs horizontal. The three position model includes the upright and 30 degree angles position but can also be reclined to a 90 degree angle which allows for the footrest to raise the feet slightly higher than heart level. The infinite position model incorporates these backrest options with a separate motor regulating the footrest, which allows it to be raised in a variety of angles independent of the backrest position. Zero gravity models offer additional positional options that arrange the spine, hip, and knee joints are on or close to the balanced midpoint of the muscles and distribute body weight evenly for a virtually “weightless” experience.

Most of all of the electrically powered riser recliner chairss are available in a variety of styles and fabric choices to complement existing home décor. Weight capacity can vary, with one (maximum weight 375 lbs), two (max weight 500 lbs) and three (max weight 700 lbs) motor options available in some models, with seats up to 33 inches wide.

Prices for riser recliners are dependent on the features and the number of motors required. Amazon.com offers the serious buyer with a platform for researching various features and comparing prices. A recent Amazon search under the riser recliner tag revealed a price spread between $520 for a basic two position model to just under $2000 for the most fully featured, multi-motored versions.