How to Choose a Lift Chair

A lift chair is a power recliner with a motor that tilts the whole chair up and forward, so you can stand up without pushing hard on the armrests or your knees. Press a button and it lowers you back down just as gently. It also reclines like a regular recliner, and many models go nearly flat.

Lift chairs help people with arthritis, weak legs, back or hip pain, Parkinson's, or anyone recovering from surgery who finds getting out of a regular chair hard. They're also a big help for caregivers, who no longer have to help lift someone out of a chair several times a day.

The right lift chair depends on three things: how far you want it to recline, your size, and the features you'll actually use. This guide walks through each. It's written by the team at Healthgear Medical & Safety in Sault Ste. Marie, where you can try lift chairs in our showroom.

Two-position, three-position or infinite-position?

This is the biggest choice, because it decides how far the chair reclines and how much you can adjust it.

Who should choose infinite-position? People who sleep in their chair, have back or breathing problems that make lying flat in bed hard, or have been told to keep their legs raised above the heart. Being able to recline the back and raise the legs separately lets you find a position that suits you.

Getting the size right

A lift chair that's the wrong size is uncomfortable and can be less safe. Most models come in several sizes, usually matched to your height.

1. Your height. Sitting back in the chair, your feet should rest flat on the floor and your head should reach the headrest. Taller people need a longer back and seat; shorter people need a lower seat so their feet reach the floor. Some chairs, like the Pride Tranquil, come in sizes by height: 5′3″ and under, 5′4″ to 5′9″, and 5′10″ and over.
2. Your weight. Check the weight capacity. Many standard chairs are rated around 300 to 375 lb, and heavy-duty models are available.
3. Seat width. You should fit comfortably between the arms without being squeezed, with a little room on each side.
4. Seat depth. With your back against the backrest, there should be about two or three fingers' width between the front of the seat and the back of your knees.
5. Room space. A lift chair needs room to tilt forward and to recline. Many are "wall-huggers" that slide forward as they recline, so they can sit a few inches from the wall. Measure the space, including the doorways it needs to come through.
6. An outlet nearby. Lift chairs plug into a regular wall outlet, so plan where the cord will run.

The easiest way to get the size right is to sit in a few. Our showroom has several models to try.

Features worth paying for

• Battery backup. If the power goes out while the chair is reclined, a backup battery lets you raise it and stand up. In Northern Ontario, where winter outages happen, this matters. All the chairs Healthgear sells have one.
• Power headrest. Tilts your head forward so you can read or watch TV while reclined, without straining your neck.
• Power lumbar. Adjustable lower-back support, helpful for back pain.
• Footrest extension. Gives full support under your legs and feet, so taller people aren't left with their heels hanging off the end.
• Heat. Built-in heat in the back or seat. The Pride Radiance has heat you can adjust from the remote.
• Memory buttons. Save your favourite positions and go back to them with one button. Handy if more than one person uses the chair.
• USB charging. A port in the remote or armrest for your phone or tablet.
• Fabric. Look for fabric that's easy to clean. If incontinence is a concern, ask about a fluid-resistant fabric or a chair cover.

You don't need every feature. Choose the type of recline first, then add the features you'll use every day.

Lift chairs at Healthgear

Healthgear carries lift chairs from Pride Mobility. All of these have battery backup.

Not sure where to start? The Evolution is a good value if you mainly need help standing and like to nap in your chair. If you'll sleep in it or want to raise your legs while sitting up, look at an infinite-position model like the Perfecta or Metro 2. The Radiance adds heat and memory buttons.

Using a lift chair safely

• Wait until the chair stops before you stand up or sit down, and keep your feet flat on the floor as it lifts.
• Keep the space clear. Children, pets and objects should be kept away from under the chair and the footrest, because the lift mechanism needs room to move.
• Keep the remote within reach. Most remotes clip to the side of the chair. If you have trouble with small buttons, ask about larger or simpler remotes.
• Don't stand on the footrest or sit on the arms.
• Use the battery backup. Check now and then that the backup battery is charged, especially before winter storms.
• Use a walker or cane nearby if you normally use one, so it's within reach once the chair lifts you.

When to talk to your doctor or OT

A lift chair is a comfortable way to sit and stand, but it doesn't replace staying active. Ask your doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist before buying if:

• you plan to sleep in the chair most nights
• you have swelling in your legs, breathing problems or a heart condition, and want to know which positions are best for you
• you have very limited strength or need help from another person to stand, since you may need a different transfer aid
• you're recovering from hip surgery and have been told to avoid bending your hip past a certain angle

Try one at Healthgear, with free delivery in Algoma

Try before you buy: Visit our showroom at 262 Queen St. E in Sault Ste. Marie. Sit in a few chairs, try the recline and the lift, and we'll help you find the right size.

Free delivery and setup in the Algoma District: We deliver lift chairs free from Wawa to Elliot Lake, bring them into your home and set them up.

Anywhere else in Canada: We ship lift chairs by freight. Call (705) 949-4327 or email info@healthgearmedical.com for a delivery quote and to check sizes before you order.

Help paying for it: Some private health plans may cover part of a lift chair with a doctor's prescription. We can bill many insurance companies directly where permitted, or give you the paperwork to submit yourself. We're a WSIB preferred vendor, and we also bill Veterans Affairs Canada, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), ODSP and Ontario Works directly.

Shop lift chairs

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a lift chair and a recliner?

A regular recliner only reclines. A lift chair also has a motor that tilts the whole chair up and forward to help you stand, and lowers you gently when you sit.

What does "infinite-position" mean?

The backrest and footrest have separate motors, so you can recline the back without raising your legs, or raise your legs while sitting up. Most infinite-position chairs can also lie fully flat.

Can I sleep in a lift chair?

Many people do, especially those who find lying flat in bed uncomfortable. An infinite-position chair is the best choice for sleeping. If you'll sleep in it most nights, ask your doctor which position is best for you.

What happens if the power goes out?

All the lift chairs Healthgear sells have battery backup, so you can still raise the chair and stand up during a power outage.

What size lift chair do I need?

When you sit back, your feet should rest flat on the floor and your head should reach the headrest. Many models come in sizes based on height. The easiest way to check is to sit in one.

How much space does a lift chair need?

You need room in front for the footrest and lift, and some space behind to recline. Wall-hugger designs slide forward as they recline, so they can sit just a few inches from the wall.

Do you deliver lift chairs?

Yes. Delivery and setup are free in the Algoma District, from Wawa to Elliot Lake, and we ship by freight anywhere else in Canada.