How do Recliner Chairs Work?
Recliner chairs aren’t one size fits all. That means it’s important to get the right size for you, to ensure the perfect fit and support levels, as well as making sure it fits in your home. We’ll help you to decide whether you need a small, medium or large recliner chair, looking at key factors to make sure you’re well-informed to make the best choice for your lifestyle and home.
Introduction to Recliner Chairs
Recliner chairs are specifically designed to combine comfort and support, offering adjustable seating positions. They’re chairs that can be reclined, with the backrest extending backwards and the footrest raised up. Some chairs allow the backrest and footrest to be controlled independently, while other chairs only allow the two elements to be controlled together – so when the backrest is reclined, the footrest must also be raised.
Recliner chairs are popular for users seeking ergonomic solutions that alleviate discomfort and support the back, head, neck, and hips, while also offering high levels of comfort. We’ve conducted research in partnership with Dr Andrea Utley at the University of Leeds, to look into the physiological impacts of sitting in a HSL chair that fits you.
The study found that the right chair not only contributes to your comfort, but also looks after your health and wellbeing for many years to come. Our chairs come in a range of sizes to suit every body – and to ensure you choose a chair that fits you perfectly, we offer an exclusive Chair Fitting Service carried out by our expert Comfort Specialists.
Basic Mechanism of Recliner Chairs
At a very basic level, recliner chairs function using a combination of levers, springs and motors that work together to adjust the chair’s position, reclining it backwards into a more comfortable position or raising the footrest:
Levers: Manual recliners use levers push-back systems to control the reclining mechanism.
Motors: Motorised models, on the other hand, use electric motors for smooth adjustments at the touch of a button.
Springs: Springs are a crucial component of any chair, as they absorb and distribute pressure, making the chair more comfortable to sit in.
Understanding these components offers a glimpse into how recliner chairs work, so you can start to understand what type of chair you’d prefer, whether that’s a manual or motorised model.
Electric Recliner Mechanism
Electric recliners are powered by motors, controlled either via a remote or a built-in panel. They make it quick and easy to adjust the chair’s position so users can find the most comfortable and supportive seating position for them.
Electric recliners come with a choice of either a single or dual motor. Single motor recliners adjust the backrest and footrest simultaneously, so the footrest rises at the same time as the back reclines. Dual motors allow the user to adjust the back- and footrests separately, allowing greater personalisation.
Both dual and single motor recliners use quiet, smooth motors, while some include additional features like heated backrests, massage functions and USB charging points.
Types of Recliner Chairs
Recliner chairs come in a variety of styles to suit different needs, including single motor, dual motor, manual, and riser recliners.
Single Motor Recliners
Single motor recliners are designed to be simple to use, with a straightforward design that uses one button to adjust the backrest and footrest simultaneously. This simplicity makes single motor recliners an excellent choice for users who value ease of use and a basic design.
Dual Motor Recliners
Dual motor recliner chairs offer more flexibility, as they allow independent adjustment of the backrest and footrest. Each can be adjusted on its own, giving users more flexibility in their seating position, whether they want to fully recline with their feet up, recline the back only, or simply raise the footrest. They’re a good choice for those who need more control and the option to personalise their seating arrangement.
Manual Recliners
Manual recliners aren’t operated by a button, like single and dual motor recliners. Instead, they’re operated by a catch or lever. When the user pulls the catch, the backrest smoothly reclines, while the footrest rises up to support the legs. This simple system is easy to use, without needing any electricity. Find out more about different types of recliners in our reclining chair buying guide.
Riser Recliners
Riser recliners assist users to stand up by gently tilting and lifting the seat, meaning they’re beneficial for individuals with mobility issues. And the reclining function allows you to sit back and relax, with a reclining backrest and footrest that can be raised. These chairs are comfortable and supportive, making them ideal for anyone who needs a little extra assistance with sitting or standing. Discover our range of riser recliners here at HSL.
Reclining Positions and Adjustments
Recliner chairs give you the opportunity to sit in a variety of positions to suit your needs. Users can easily transition between an upright position (ideal for reading and chatting with friends and family), a fully reclined position (perfect for relaxing), or raising your feet up (great for watching TV). Riser recliners also feature a stand position, which gently tilts and lifts the chair to help users rise to their feet.
These customisable positions allow individuals to find the most comfortable angle for sitting, reclining, or standing, making recliner chairs a versatile option to accommodate users’ every need.
Upright Position
The upright position is perfect for activities like reading and watching TV. Sitting in an upright position offers high levels of lumbar support, promoting good posture while reducing pressure on your lower back. It’s the perfect position for everyday use, giving you comfort and support for extended periods of time.
Reclining Position
The reclining position allows users to lean back and elevate their legs. This reduces body weight pressure on the spine and joints, offering relief from discomfort. The reclined position is ideal for unwinding after a long day, while still supporting the back for better posture and overall comfort
Stand Position
Riser recliners offer a standing position. These chairs gently lift the seat forward, helping users to transition from sitting to standing. This reduces strain on the knees and back, making the standing position (and riser recliners more generally) especially beneficial for people with mobility challenges.
Benefits of Recliner Chairs
There are multiple benefits to recliner chairs. They’re a great option for everyone, but are particularly beneficial for people who experience aches and pains, as the adjustable positions offer targeted pressure relief. This can help to reduce strain on the spine, joints and muscles, to reduce discomfort and offer support where you need it most.
Reclining can also help to improve your circulation. Sitting upright for extended periods can restrict blood flow in your legs and feet, but elevating your legs can improve circulation and reduce the risk of conditions like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.
As well as the physical benefits, reclining can also help to promote better mental health. When you’re in a reclined position, it’s easier to relax – which means these chairs can be especially good for those who suffer from conditions like anxiety, stress and depression.
Lumbar Support
Sitting down, especially for long periods of time, can increase the load on your spine, something which can be increased by slouching or leaning forward. Recliners offer excellent lumbar support, by supporting the natural curve of your spine, aligning the spine correctly, and encouraging a healthier sitting position. Our recliners are occupational therapist approved, so you can guarantee that they’re supporting you in the best way possible.
Pressure Relief
Recliners reduce pressure points, particularly around your back, hips and legs. This is achieved because when you’re in a reclining position, your body weight is distributed more evenly across the chair, reducing pressure you might feel when sitting upright. By reclining, you can be more comfortable, reduce discomfort and promote better circulation, especially during periods of extended use.
Considerations When Choosing a Recliner Chair
When choosing a recliner chair, it’s important to consider several factors to make sure it fits all of your needs. Some of the key things to think about include:
Size: Think about both the size of your room and your own body frame to help you decide whether you need a small, medium or large recliner.
Weight capacity: Carefully check how much weight your chosen chair can support, and choose the right size to suit you.
Motor power: Do you want an electric chair? And if so, would you prefer a single or dual motor? Or are you happier with a manual reclining chair?
Size and Weight
Your chair needs to fit in your space while also supporting your body weight comfortably. That’s why we offer our chairs in a range of sizes, to suit every frame, and our Comfort Specialists will guide you through a personalised fitting to make sure that you choose a chair that properly supports your body.
Motor Power and Range
One of the biggest decisions you need to make is whether to opt for an electric or manual recliner – and if you choose a motor recliner, you need to consider whether to choose a single or dual motor. It’s also important to look at the motor’s power and range of motion to make sure the chair reclines smoothly and reliably.
Choose the right recliner for you
Understanding how recliner chairs work can help you to choose the right model for your needs, ensuring that you have both comfort and support. Whether you opt for a manual or electric recliner, both types offer a wide variety of features to enhance relaxation and alleviate discomfort, including lumbar support and pressure relief.
If you’re still not sure, or simply want to make sure that you choose the perfect chair for you, you can book a home demonstration with one of our Comfort Specialists. They’ll expertly guide and advise on the perfect size and style for you – all from the comfort of your own home.
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