How To Choose A Rise And Recline Chair?

Sitting comfortably? Or could you be more supported? If you or a loved one has issues sitting or standing, a rise and recline chair could make all the difference. These chairs come in many different shapes and sizes, with multiple features. So, it’s a great idea to research your options before making a decision.

Our guide outlines everything you need to know about choosing the perfect rise and recline chair for your needs and lifestyle.

What is a riser recliner mobility chair?

Riser recliner chairs are armchairs built to support people with limited mobility, helping them to stand or recline and relax with ease. These chairs have built-in electric motors that can rise and lift people up to their feet safely.

Key features of rise and recline chairs

Many chairs offer the following:

• Riser Function: To help you stand up, the chair gently lifts you to a near-upright position. This reduces strain on the legs and joints.
• Reclining Function: For laying back comfortably, many recliners come with back and foot rests that can be expanded to allow the sitter to ‘recline’.
• Electric Motor: An electric motor inside the chair powers its lifting and reclining motions. The sitter decides how they want to move with the push of a button.

Key benefits of rise and recline chairs

• Improved Independence: For anyone with mobility issues, riser recliners allow them to safely stand up or sit back at their choosing.
• Comfort and Support: Mobility issues can lead to back pain or other problems. If this is the case, a riser recliner can relieve pressure, improve posture, promote good circulation, and reduce pain.
• Customisation: Chairs can be custom-made to fit the user’s specific needs and size, by measuring for seat width, depth, and height. This offers the best possible comfort.

Who can benefit from a riser recliner?

There’s no one group of people the chairs cater to. Many will find a riser recliner helpful:

• Elderly individuals, who might worry about falling when sitting or standing
• People with limited mobility due to injury or disability
• Patients recovering from invasive surgery or long-term illness
• Anyone with back pain or other health conditions

Rise recliners are a mobility aid recommended by the NHS.

Types of rise and recline chairs

When it comes to choosing your riser recliner, here are the key terms you’ll hear and what they mean:

Two-Way Recliner: The back and foot rest move together, typically with two basic positions — ‘upright’ and ‘reclined’.

Three-Way Recliner: The back and foot rest also move together, but these chairs include a third, ‘full recline’ position (the chair can be extended to almost flat).

Single Motor Recliner: One motor controls both the back and foot rest — they move together.

Dual Motor Recliner: Two motors provide independent movement of the back and foot rest for maximum adjustability. For example, our range of mobility chairs.

This table provides further information about types of rise and recliners:

What are the different back rest styles?

Depending on the support you need, there are various backrest styles to choose from:

• Waterfall: Overlapping cushions (like a ‘waterfall’) form a soft surface, and the chair owner decides how to adjust these cushions. It’s a gentler back rest option, suited to people with back conditions or reduced muscle mass.
• Button back: Cushions sewn into this style of back rest create a ‘dimple’ effect, forming a firmer, flatter surface. More fixed support for the sitter is the result.
• Lateral support: Additional cushioning is built into the sides of the back rest. This helps to align and stabilise the torso of the person using the chair. Recommended for anyone with trouble staying upright.

Key considerations when choosing your chair

Your riser recliner needs to be tailored to your personal measurements for maximum comfort. Here are the different measurements an Oak Tree Mobility expert will come and take from you in person, if you decide to choose one of our chairs.

1. Seat dimensions

Seat height

The distance between the floor and the top of the seat surface, where the user sits.

Standard chair seat height: 43–48 cm

Seat depth

The distance from the front edge of the seat to the backrest.

Standard seat depth: 40–46 cm

Seat width

The space from one side of the seat to the other.

Standard seat width: 46–51 cm

2. Back rest height

Taken by measuring from the seat surface to the top of the backrest.

3. Leg rest length

The distance from the front edge of the seat to the end of the extended leg rest.

For more information on measuring for a riser recliner chair, see our guide.

Picking your material

Riser recliners come in many fabrics and materials. From smooth leather to cosy weaves, you can find a look that fits your home (and you). What’s more, there are different benefits to consider when choosing between leather and fabric.

Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Fabric: A popular choice for its breathability, warmth, and wide range of colours and patterns. Fabric chairs can offer a cosy and inviting feel. Different types of fabric, such as chenille, velvet, or woven blends, provide varying levels of softness and durability.

Leather: Known for its luxurious feel, durability, and ease of cleaning. Leather ages well and can be matched to existing leather furniture. It's also a good option for those with allergies, as it doesn't tend to trap dust mites.

Medical fabrics: For individuals with specific health needs or those in care environments, specialised medical fabrics are available. These often feature properties like water resistance, anti-bacterial treatments, and enhanced breathability, designed to promote hygiene and prevent skin issues.

Extra features to consider

Beyond providing a comfy seat, many rise and recliners offer customisable features and extras for added convenience. When selecting a model, here’s what to consider:

1. Lower back support and headrests:

Proper support for your lower back and neck is important. Many chairs come with adjustable lower back support for good alignment and comfort. Integrated or adjustable headrests also improve comfort and help reduce neck strain.

2. Heat and massage functions:

Some rise and recline chairs come equipped with heat and massage functions. Targeted heat therapy can help soothe aching muscles and improve circulation, while built-in massagers can smooth away tension. These features particularly benefit individuals with chronic pain, arthritis, or muscle stiffness.

3. Pockets, USB ports, and hand controls:

Convenience features, like side pockets, can be incredibly useful for keeping your possessions close by (e.g., a book, medications). While USB ports allow for charging your mobile phone or other electrical devices while in the chair.  Built-in hand controls for rising and reclining means you don’t have to worry about a remote control. Look for intuitive, easy-to-use hand controls that are accessible without straining or reaching. Some chairs offer simple button controls, while others may have more advanced options.

4. Battery backup:

In the event of a power outage, a battery backup system ensures that you can still operate your rise and recline chair, allowing you to safely stand up or recline. This feature provides peace of mind and is especially important for individuals who rely heavily on the chair for their mobility.

Custom-built options with Oak Tree Mobility

We pride ourselves on our custom-built rise and recline chairs. This means your chair isn't just a ‘one-size-fits-all’ product; it's meticulously crafted to your exact measurements and needs. By taking the made-to-measure route, we can ensure your chair is designed for you. To address your unique physical requirements and style preferences.

FAQs: Choosing a riser recliner

Still have questions about picking the right rise and recline chair? Explore frequently asked questions others have asked.

Can I get a rise and recline chair from the NHS?

You can get a rise and recline chair through NHS-funded services if  you meet a certain criteria and have completed various rounds of assessments by an occupational therapist or clinician. A rise and recliner is not available from the NHS simply for comfort or as a furniture upgrade.

What should I look for in a riser recliner?

The first step is choosing the power type (manual or motorised). If going motorised, you’ll then need to pick between a single or dual motor, depending on if you want to be able to control the back and foot rest separately. A ‘dual motor’ recliner means you can adjust either the back or the foot rest — you don’t have to move both at the same time.

Next on your agenda should be comfort. Maximise this by properly measuring for your rise and recline chair. You can also look for cushioned support, especially around the lower back, and consider features like memory foam or pressure relief. Optional extras like heat, massage, USB ports, or side pockets can add extra convenience and comfort.

The best way to select a rise and recline chair is via Oak Tree Mobility’s free home demonstration service. A mobility expert will be able to look through all the different options with you and see what would fit your preferences. You’ll also be able to try a chair before you buy to ensure it’s the right choice for you. You can book a home demonstration with no obligation to buy online today.