Life with Chronic Conditions: Buying/Borrowing or Modifying a Recliner

It feels great to kick back in a comfy chair after a long day, watch a little TV, read a book or take a nap. The bane of interior designers, many people have recliners in their homes for just that purpose. Hospitals, same day surgery centers and other medical facilities find them very useful in helping patients to relax and even recover from procedures.

Recliners are generally considered chairs that slide back with a footrest and a headrest. These can include “zero gravity chairs.” Glide rockers (great for nursing moms and colicky babies) come with separate ottomans that also glide and there are plenty of lounge chairs with ottomans that are quite comfortable.

Prices vary significantly based on materials and features. You can certainly pick one up at your local thrift store, or may even know someone who wants to get rid of one. If this is something you wont be using for a long time-e.g. recovering from surgery-you’d do well to check around to see if someone has one that fits and that you can borrow. Don’t borrow a chair that doesn’t fit you as in the long run it could cause you more problems.

 Before buying, loaning or modifying a recliner consider the following:

Types of recliners: There are a lot of different designs of recliners that can fit your needs, wallet as well as decor. Check out Wall Hugger Recliners  for the pros and cons of lift recliner, zero gravity and many other types.

Note that zero gravity chairs are very popular for their sleek design but also because they are comfortable. I’ve known a number of patients, particularly those with pain issues, who prefer them to the conventional recliner as they take pressure off the body and are excellent for circulation issues. During the summer months you’ll often see them advertised as the outdoor chair of choice for as low as $50. These can be modified with cushions and blankets for indoor use. However, they can be hard for some people as they require that you lean back in order to achieve the zero gravity position. Also, the cheaper the chair the more likely it will “slip” so it’s important to get one that locks and has a variety of position options. The outdoor varieties are good for traveling, sitting by the pool etc. If you want this to be a more permanent feature, it’s worth spending the money to get one that fits properly and is made of more durable fabrics.

Proper Fit: There are two “proper fits” you need to consider. The first is where the recliner will sit in your house. Measure carefully and understand how much space the chair will take when it’s in the recline position. A standard or basic recliner typically requires at least 1 foot of travel space in front of the wall to open completely. Give a little more room so when the chair is in fully reclined position it’s not almost toughing the wall.

The second is how it fits your body. You don’t want a chair that is too high where your feet dangle or too low, where your knees rise above the seat. Feet should fit flat on the ground.
While it’s recommended that you try out a chair before you purchase it, it may not be possible and/or if you are purchasing a chair for someone else, measure carefully before shopping. In order to get the best fit, use a tape measure and write down the distance:
• from the back of your knee to your heel
• from your tailbone to the back of your knee
• from your elbow to the end of the palm of your hand, where your fingers attach
• from your right hip to the left hip.

For the correct back support, no gap should exist from your tailbone or lower back when seated against the back and seat cushions, so the measurements from your tailbone to your knees should equal the length of the recliner's seat cushion. When seated -- not reclined -- your feet should rest flat on the floor and not dangle or extend to where your heels are resting on the ground. This will create ample knee and back support as well as allow circulation in your legs and feet. The armrest should extend from your elbow to your hand resting at the end of your palm for wrist support -- so the armrest equals your arm length from your elbow to hand -- and the width of your chair should have at least a small gap -- about 1 inch -- from the armrest to both hips. Finally, when the chair is reclined, the heels of your feet should fit comfortably at the edge of the footrest, not dangling over or stopping in the middle; otherwise, the chair will not provide the correct support for your back and legs.
If it’s possible to test out the recliner do so. Sit on the recliner. Raise the leg platform. Press the back to its most reclining position. If it’s comfortable and you find yourself snuggling into the seat, then consider purchasing the recliner. In a sitting position, be sure your thighs are supported completely, and when sitting and reclined, note the lumbar support. Make sure you can’t feel the frame when your arm presses on the armrest. 

Ask the sales person for the “foam density rating,” meaning the density of the filler. You want a recliner with a rating greater than 1.9 for a long-lasting and comfortable seat.

Manual vs. Motorized: Clearly motorized are more expensive and you can have more mechanical issues with them. However, if it’s going to be hard to operate a side lever or you don’t have the strength to push back into a reclining position, it will be worth the money to get a motorized chair.

Modifying a Recliner: This is a very common practice when a person has a recliner to modify it while they recover from hip or other type of surgery. Watch the video below to learn about modifying one as well as additional tips on selecting a chair that fits your body.