Lift chairs are designed to help those who have mobility issues and may need the assistance of a cane or walker for everyday life. Lift chairs allow these individuals to get up from a chair without needing help from another person. Different needs affect what are the types of lift chairs to look for. They are mechanically powered armchairs with buttons that change the angle of the chair so that the seated person can get up by themselves easily and safely.
What are the Types of Lift Chairs?
The Three Types of Lift Chairs
There are three main types of lift chairs: two-position, three-position, and infinite position. Each type of lift chair has a different reclining capacity and can come with additional, more luxurious features like position programming, heat, and massage functions.
Two-position lift chairs are the most simple style of lift chair. They can recline a few inches to a 45-degree angle. This reclined position is comfortable to read a book or to watch television in. The two-position style is most similar to the style of a Lazy-Boy recliner chair.
Three-position lift chairs recline farther than two-position chairs to a nearly flat or 180-degree position. They can stop at any point in between, making them ideal for anything from watching television to taking a nap. The majority of three-position chairs have no gap between the ottoman and the seat with a single motor that powers the recline. Some heavy-duty three-position chairs may have double motors for extra power and higher weight capacities.
Infinite Lift Chair- Also known as full-recline or zero-gravity chairs, infinite lift chairs can recline fully to a 180-degree or flat position. In this case, the backrest is parallel to the floor. Just like three-position lift chairs, they can stop anywhere in between the two extremes. Additionally, on certain infinite models, the footrest can be lifted so that the user’s feet will be positioned above their head or their heart. This position, called the Trendelenburg position, can relieve spinal pressure so this style of chair is ideal for people with neck or back pain.
What to Look For in a Lift Chair
There are a few different styles of backrests, mostly varying in aesthetic, that should be chosen on how well they will look with your home design. A button-back backrest, a style that is most commonly associated with couches, is usually the firmest of these options. A pillow-back style is usually the plushest option. There is also the split-back style, which usually falls in between the button-back and the pillow-back in terms of firmness and plushness.
Most lift chairs operate by a hand control near the armrests of the chair, usually on the right side. More simplistic controls only have an up and down button. Some chairs have heat and massage features controlled by the buttons, and some can even remember the user’s preferred position and revert to that pre-preferred position with the simple press of a button.
There are also certain accessories that can make relaxing in a lift chair even more comfortable. Lumbar and head pillows can help individuals align your body in a more comfortable or beneficial position to your bodily needs. Neck pillows and massagers would work great with a lift chair.
When taking care of your lift chair and ensuring it is as long-lasting as possible, it is best to consult the user manual on maintenance and cleaning. With continual use, make sure to check for any kinds of rips, tears, or damage in the wiring. Always unplug your chair when cleaning or servicing.
Price
The average price of a lift chair can vary significantly. Two-position and simple lift chairs (ones with no extra features like heat or massage) are generally the least expensive. Two-position lift chairs can start at around $600, with three-position chairs starting at around $650. Infinite lift chairs can be nearly double that. Additional features or higher quality upholstery like leather and microfiber will also increase the price of a particular model. Heavy-duty models are also usually more expensive.
Conclusion
Lift chairs are a great way to provide individuals with limited mobility more comfort and independence in their lives. With a variety of styles and features to choose from, they can blend in nicely with your existing home furniture. With the help of this article, you should now be able to find the best lift chair within the best price range for you.
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