With such a wide range of specialist seating now available, there is a lot to think about when picking the one that will best suit your needs. To help you make this decision, here are five points to consider when choosing a recliner.
Get a personal assessment
The best way to make sure you choose the right recliner for you is to have an expert come to your home and carry out a private assessment. They will be able to talk to you about your needs and make recommendations according to your size, weight and any medical conditions you may have. One way of getting a personal assessment is through a registered occupational therapist. Alternatively, many recliner manufacturers now offer their own bespoke service which will be able to gauge your unique requirements and find you the chair that best fits your needs.
Standard or custom made?
If you really want peace of mind, a handmade recliner could be a good idea. This will guarantee the best possible comfort and posture control, and could be especially advantageous if you suffer from a specific physical condition. Selecting a standard chair from a shop or online store is a cheaper, faster option, with most custom orders taking at least six weeks to be made and delivered.
Try before you buy
Regardless of whether you want a standard chair or custom built recliner, it’s a good idea to try as many different styles as possible. This will give you an overview of what’s available and an idea of which designs suit you best. As well as high street retailers and outlets, Disabled Living Centres across the UK are a great place to get a feel for the recliners that are on the market. Remember that most recliners will feel comfortable when you first sit in them, for an accurate impression of whether it could be the right one you will need to sit in it for at least 30 minutes.
Additional features
With so many options and extras to choose from, it’s important to have a clear idea of what features you want your recliner to have. This could be something as simple as an attached side table, or an addition like adjustable foot pedals, which can be vital to preventing pressure ulcers and bad posture. Other aspects you may want to consider include a choice of headrests, interchangeable cushions, and systems that allow some chairs to be either fully reclined or raised to a standing position.
Mechanical or electric?
An increasing number of recliners are now electrically powered, with motors to adjust the angle of the seat, position of the footrests and even internal heating and massage systems. Mechanically operated chairs meanwhile, are available and do offer certain advantages. They are usually cheaper as well as lighter and easier to move, and will likely be less trouble to repair if something breaks.
Electric recliners on the other hand often come with higher prices but offer more features and a greater level of luxury. The Tilt In Space System used in many modern designs encourage the best possible posture. With little or no physical exertion needed, powered recliners are better suited to the elderly and those with serious impairments. One final advantage of electric recliners is that the efficient, motorized systems that many use means they will often have a greater lifespan than similar manually operated models.
In conclusion, when choosing a recliner it is important to remember that it will likely be a long term investment, with good quality recliners lasting upwards of twenty years. A more expensive option may at first be less appealing but if it provides the comfort and support your body needs, over time it will likely prove to be an excellent purchase.
If you are looking for further advice on selecting the right recliner chair for you, don’t hesitate to call our friendly team on 01443 431 000
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