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Choosing a Rise and Recliner
Rise and recliner chairs – what you need to know
Are you sitting comfortably… For anyone who struggles to get up or sit down, an electric rise and recliner can make a great deal of difference.
They come in many different shapes and sizes, with different features, so it’s important to do some research before buying.
For anyone who has complex needs, very reduced mobility and/or postural difficulties, please view our specialist seating area
Keep reading for the essentials on choosing a rise and recliner. If you prefer, you can download the information for future reference (PDF file will open in a new browser window)
Single motor or dual motor?
The first big decision is whether to choose a single or dual motor rise and recliner.
Single motor chairs have the backrest and leg rest operating together – as the backrest reclines, the leg rest elevates.
Dual motor chairs allow you to adjust the backrest and leg rest separately. So you could sit relatively upright with your legs elevated, or slightly recline the backrest while keeping your feet on the floor. It is possible to achieve a much wider range of positions.
Bariatric rise and recliners – designed for the heaviest users – may have a third motor, to carry the load of the leg rest.
Two-way or three-way?
A three-way rise and recliner is the most standard operation. As the chair reclines, the angle between the seat and the backrest increases.
A two-way mechanism, also described as tilt in space, means that the angle between the seat and the backrest remains the same, as the leg rest elevates and the chair reclines.
This feature is useful particularly for people with delicate skin, at risk of damage from shearing, and those with painful hip or back conditions.
Tilt in space also enables you raise your legs higher than your hips, which can be beneficial for anyone with poor circulation or swelling (oedema) in their legs.
Riser action
The riser action is what helps you stand up, and in reverse, sit down while being supported all the way.
Most rise and recline chairs provide a combination of forward and upward movement for the riser action. Some rise very high, almost to a standing position. You can stop the operation at whatever level suits you.
Some people find the forward tilting action unsettling, as if they are going to be tipped out of the chair. In this case, a chair that provides a vertical lift could be more suitable.
Backrest styles
There are four basic variations of backrest.
Plain, which can either be soft or firm, depending on personal preference. Generally, the softer the backrest, the more supportive. It shouldn’t be so soft that you can feel the frame underneath. Plain backrests can give a stylish contemporary look to the rise and recliner.
Button-back is a style that provides a very traditional look, which goes well with a cosy domestic interior.
Waterfall, also known as “pillow” style, is adjustable, so that you can get the extra padding just where you need it, and is the most supportive style of backrest.
Wingback has additional side panels or wings to each side of the backrest. This style can provide extra side support, and is good for protecting you from drafts.
Horizontal chair bed
Sleeping in a chair is deprecated by health and social care professionals. However, it is sometimes the only option. For example, if someone is unable to get upstairs to bed, they may have to sleep in a chair until this problem is sorted out.
A carefully designed chair bed can resolve the problems associated with sleeping in a chair.
Reclining to an almost flat position means that there won’t be any lumbar support protruding into the user’s back when lying down.
Retracting armrests and a backrest without wings mean that the user can move freely on the sleeping surface, just as they would in a bed.
The chair bed has a removable topper filled with memory foam and covered in a waterproof fabric. This offers pressure-relieving properties and adds to comfort.
Armrest styles
You can choose between armrests that are completely fabric covered, in a variety of styles, both traditional and contemporary, or armrests with wooden “knuckles”.
Wooden knuckles give you a firm surface to grip, making it easier to hold on firmly as you stand up or sit down.
Fabric options
You can find riser recliners in a very wide range of fabrics, both plain and patterned, to suit traditional and contemporary homes.
Some manufacturers will provide a rise and recliner that matches the rest of your lounge furniture. Or a complete suite, including both static and rise and recline elements.
In addition to fabric-covered chairs, you can also have leather upholstery. Stain-resistant, waterproof and scratch-resistant fabrics can also be specified, depending on need.
More features to think about
There are a number of extra features available, depending on your choice of chair.
• “Wallhugger” or back to the wall recliners can be positioned close to the wall, as the name suggests. The reclining action also moves the seat forwards, so that full recline to a near horizontal position can be achieved without hitting the wall.
• Back-up battery. Rise and recliner chairs operate on mains power, but quite a number also offer a back-up battery which can be used to return the chair to resting position in a power cut. Sometimes, multiple-use battery back-up is available.
• Anti-crush technology is incorporated in chairs which meet BS8474. With an exposed mechanism, there is a potential for injury to pets or small children who get in the way while the chair is moving. Some manufacturers include an automatic stop feature if an obstacle of any kind is detected.
• Pressure relief. Anyone who spends much time sitting or lying down is at risk of pressure damage. Pressure injuries are very painful and slow to heal, so prevention is the best approach. Some chairs can be provided with pressure relieving inserts to the seat, backrest and legrest areas. These can be special foam, air or liquid filled cells, or a combination of materials.
• Lockable handsets – to prevent anyone operating the chair inappropriately, handsets can be provided with a key or other locking mechanism. Again, this could be particularly useful if there are children around.
• Swivel facility. It is now possible to combine the traditional rise and recliner with a swivel base. Useful for changing the viewpoint of the user, as well as providing a sharp, contemporary look.
• Chairs can be provided with a built-in massage facility. Some people find this helpful in easing muscular pain and stiffness, thus improving mobility.
Getting the size right
It is very important to get the size of any seating right, and rise and recliners are no exception.
Whether you have a chair custom-made for you, following an individual assessment, or you buy one off-the-shelf, you need to check measurements very carefully.
For comfort and stability, you should be able to sit with hip joints and knees bent at 90° and your feet resting flat on the floor. This will distribute weight evenly through the buttocks and thighs, rather than concentrating it all in the pelvic area.
If your feet don’t reach the ground, too much weight will be concentrated on the backs of your thighs.
The depth of the seat should be such that you are supported by the backrest without having to lean back. If it is too deep, it will be bad for your posture, and rub the back of your knees.
For the seat width, it should be wide enough for you to sit comfortably, without being squeezed or rubbed. But not too wide, otherwise you won’t be able to use the arm rests properly.
If the backrest includes an extra padded headrest area, make sure that it is in the right position behind your neck/head.
The overall length of the chair when reclined should also be checked. It is uncomfortable to spend any length of time with your feet dangling over the edge of the leg rest.
As well as checking the user’s measurements to ensure that the chair is suitable, you need to make sure that it fits the space available. Rise and recliners can be quite large, so if your rooms are small, look for a compact or petite model. And make sure it will go through any necessary doorways.
You can download a useful guide to measuring adaptive equipment here
Article ends – click to return to top or check out related resources below
Further reading and resources
We have an area dedicated to pressure management seating here
For paediatric seating, please visit the disabled children’s section
28 Replies to “Choosing a Rise and Recliner”
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Hello. What a great service.
Can you please suggest a chair suitable for someone with scoliosis?
Thanks very much.
Hello! The best way to get the answer you’re inquiring about is to get in contact directly with the suppliers listed in the right-hand sidebar of this page. I am sure they will be able to provide an in-depth information on your question.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
Thanks for your help. I was hoping for more of a pointer, but it’s a start.
At last, your website is the first one I have seen that doesn’t insist on me registering just to make a comment!
I am looking for a riser recliner chair for delivery to London. Ideally would like to hire one, but could also purchase if the cost is not too high, could you please suggest companies/websites that can provide this? I have tried directmobility.co.uk but they are out of stock of all riser-recliner chairs
Hello Ed
Thank you for contacting Independent Living.
Mobility Hire should be able to help you with this.
You can contact them by phone, Freephone 0800 111 6234 or email ilw@mobilityhire.com
Best wishes,
Frances
Do you know of recliners that have removable/adjustable arms to make transferring from a wheelchair possible?
I am looking to see if I can get some help with getting a rise and recliner because I am seviely disabled and need to elevate my legs with them all been badly swollen I know i got a bed from the social service and I was told i might be able to get help with a chair as i can’t afford to pay a lot of money for one thanks
Hello Sharron
I think it would be a good idea to go back to social services and ask if they can provide you with a riser recliner from Community stores.
If not, you could try the disability grants website, see if you are eligible for any financial help available: https://www.disability-grants.org (external link will open in a new browser window)
And if that is also unsuccessful, you should be able to buy one considerably more cheaply if you go for second-hand. Take a look on eBay and Gumtree, you will probably find a few.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
Do you get commission from the sellers you recommend?
Hello Peter
No. We provide independent information. The website is supported by advertising – it is our only income. But we don’t make specific recommendations or earn commission.
Best wishes,
Frances
Are you’re rep’s still visiting clients ?
Hello Pamela
We don’t have any reps – we just provide independent information and advice online. If you want to arrange an assessment, please contact one of the reputable suppliers featured on this page. Many offer virtual assessments while home visits are not practicable.
Best wishes,
Frances
Your information on choosing a chair was excellent. where is the nearest center where we could try out chairs. We live in Boston, Lincolnshire. I am a retired OT sharing a bungalow with a retired friend. Please can you tell me where the nearest independent Living Centre is to Boston, Lincolnshire
Hello Beatrice
I’m glad you found the information useful. I think that the great majority of DLCs and ILCs have sadly closed down – I certainly couldn’t find anything listed in your vicinity. We ourselves aren’t connected in any way with any bricks and mortar organisations.
A Google search brought up a couple of mobility retailers, where you should be able to try out riser recliners.
One is Town & Country Mobility Boston Ltd
Address: 30 a Market Pl, Boston PE21 6EH Phone: 01205 362444
And the other – Allied Care & Mobility Services
Address: 2 King St, Boston PE21 8UR Phone: 01205 365346
I must stress that I have no knowledge of them, but since DLFs closed or became retailers themselves, commercial outlets are generally the only option for trying out products.
Good luck and best wishes,
Frances
Hi, had conflicting information, can you use a riser recliner if you have a pacemaker? Thanks in advance
Hello Gwen
There shouldn’t be any problem about using an electric rise and recliner: the motor isn’t powerful enough to interfere with a pacemaker. Generally, you shouldn’t keep devices with a strong magnetic field close to the site of the pacemaker when they are switched on. This includes mobile phones and iPods. Similarly, it’s not a good idea to spend too long in close proximity to a microwave oven when it is operating. Industrial welders, electric generators and metal detectors can pose a risk, as can high tension wires. Maintain a distance of at least 2 feet, and keep the time of exposure to a minimum.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi
Do you sell a chair that rises and has an adjustable foot rest but where the back does not recline?
Hello Sue
We don’t actually sell any products here at Independent Living, but what you need is a dual motor chair. This means that you can adjust the backrest and legrest separately.
Any of the helpful suppliers listed on this page should be able to help – click on their name to get contact details and more information about their products.
Best wishes,
Frances
Is it possible to rent one of your riser chairs for a time?
Hello Eoghan
Thank you for contacting Independent Living. We don’t actually supply any products ourselves – information is our thing.
Mobility Hire should be able to help you with renting a chair.
You can contact them by phone, Freephone 0800 111 6234 or email ilw@mobilityhire.com
I hope this helps.
Best wishes, Frances
The chairs look so cozy. Thank you for the details shared on each of them. This helps a lot in choosing the right one.
I have swollen lower legs but cannot understand why riser recliner footrests don’t go higher than horizontal!
And with use they become lower. I have to put two cushions behind my legs before I sit back.
Any ideas how to improve this!
Hello Sarah
Thank you for asking your question on Independent Living. If you look for a chair that offers “tilt in space”, you can recline the seating position while keeping the angle between backrest and seat the same. This allows you to raise your legs higher than your hips, which can help with the swelling and discomfort you are experiencing.
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes,
Frances
Can you suggest one which does this?
Hello
You can get a tilt in space rise and recliner from any of the specialist suppliers featured on this page. You can get in contact with them directly by clicking on the names listed in the right hand side bar.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Frances
Thank you for your reply, I think I have a ’tilt in space’ chair, its dual motor, so I can move the back independently from the leg-rest, so maybe it isn’t! My old chair did tip back as the legs moved up above the horizontal, but I couldn’t do anything laying back!
With the new independently-moving chair, however, the leg-rest soon lost its ability to stay level. I’m only 57 kilos.
I need a chair that will raise my legs well above the horizontal or have a strong mechanism that won’t loose its effectiveness, under my weight, or over time.
Hi
My mom Miriam Barnes has received products from yourself for her limited mobility around our home. Would she be able to be assesed for a suitable living room chair as the chair she sits in at the moment does not allow her to sit back comfortably and is leaving her with back pain.
Many Thanks,
Monica Barnes
Replied by email – Independent Living doesn’t provide any products, we are purely an online information resource