Millions of people suffer from mobility issues in the United States and getting up from a recliner or chair is a problem for a lot of us. The solution to this problem for some will be a lift chair. A powered lift chair has the ability to ease you up into a standing position and set you back down as well. The best power lift chairs do this easily, safely, and with style. We review the top lift chairs and go over in-depth what to look for when making a purchase.
These type of medical chairs are excellent for seniors or anyone with a disability that needs a little help getting in and out of a recliner-style chair. Americans according to the United States Census Bureau over 65 have at least one disability they are dealing with. These powered lift chairs can make your life or a loved one’s life much easier.
- What is a lift chair?
- Who should use a lift chair?
- What are the benefits of using a lift chair?
- Different types of power lift chairs
- Our Ranking of the best Power Lift chairs
- Top Power Lift chairs Comparisons Chart
- 1. Pride Heritage Lift Chair – Extra Wide
- 2. Pride Heritage Lift Chair – Petite Wide Size
- 3. Pride Atlas VivaLift
- 4. Pride Oasis Collection Infinite Position Lift Chair – Large Size
- 5. Pride Infinite Position Lift Chair Petite Wide Size
- Best Powered lift chair buying guide
- Type of reclining chair makes a different
- Know what height the power lift chair can support
What is a lift chair?
A Lift Chair is a piece of equipment that looks equivalent to a basic reclining chair. The distinction is that the Lift Chair includes a powered system that can be activated to lift the base up and forward in order to help the person back into a standing position.
Raise Chairs are supplied in a selection of dimensions as well as also styles, with a lot of optional features. Supplied in smaller to large sizes, little too high elevations, and they come in different types of fabrics. Some seats even have heating and messaging technology. Lift chairs can be customized to match your specific demands.
Who should use a lift chair?
This is a simple question to answer. If you or a loved one need help to get out or into a chair then you can benefit from using a power lift chair. This can be someone who is elderly and needs help or someone who has suffered an injury and get move properly on their own.
Even someone with a caretaker can use a powered lift chair to make things safer and easier for the caretaker and the person that requires the help to get in and out of a chair. The type of reclining chair will also depend on the amount of time spent in a chair and how far back you want the reclining chair to go.
There may be a misconception that only seniors need a reclining power chair, but that s not the case. Surgeries, joint pains, and sores can all be a reason that anyone of any age could benefit from a power lift chair.
What are the benefits of using a lift chair?
- Independence: Having to have someone help you in and out of a chair every time can be very depressing. A power lift chair can change this. By allowing you to press a button you can easily and safely lift yourself out of a reclining chair and also help bring you back to a seated position all on your own. Being able to do this task can even help with anxiety and or depression.
- Makes sitting and getting up safer: USing a power lift recliner reduces the risk of injury to both the person using the chair and for caregivers. It helps tremendously anyone that has mobility issues to get up or sit safely.
- Reduces the chance of injury: With a power chair’s smooth ability to slowly lift at the proper angle anyone can safely and with less chance of injury get up and sit down.
- Safer for caregivers: Caregivers may need to help someone get in and out of a recliner and this can be dangerous for both the person needing help and for the caregiver especially if they lose their balance making it dangerous for both individuals. A power lift chair makes the transfer of getting up much after and easier.
Different types of power lift chairs
Did you know that there is more than one type of power lift chair you can purchase? When you start to look at purchasing a lift chair you will find 3 main types of chairs you can choose from. They are:
- Two Position Power Lift Chairs: This chair would be recommended for the more casual user and not someone that would need heavy use from a lift chair. This chair is ideal for those looking for total reclining capabilities. But don’t be fooled by the name. This chair will recline technically more than just two positions. The recline however in this style of chair is limited to 45 degrees, but still can be adjusted within any position between the maximum angle and non-recline.
- Three-position lift chairs: These types of chairs offer more choices than two-position power lift chairs. But still, you cannot achieve a perfect horizontal recline. But still, they will recline within any position between the max and recline and straight back position.
- Infinite Position Lift Chairs: These chairs offer the most choices in recline and can achieve a full 180-degree recline and beyond. They have dual motors that control the back and one for the leg portion. Those who suffer from certain thypes of circulation issues or need their feet position higher than their chest would like this chair. These are ideal for anyone who would need to spend a lot of time in a reclining power lift chair.
Our Ranking of the best Power Lift chairs
Our Rank | Power Lift Recliner | Our Score |
---|---|---|
1. | Pride Heritage Lift Chair – Extra Wide | 4.8/5 |
2. | Pride Heritage Lift Chair – Petite Wide Size | 4.6/5 |
3. | Pride Atlas VivaLift Chair | 4.5/5 |
4. | Pride Oasis Collection Infinite Position Lift Chair – Large Size | 4.6/5 |
5. | Pride Infinite Position Lift Chair – Petite Wide Size | 4.7/5 |
Top Power Lift chairs Comparisons Chart
Pride Heritage Lift Chair – Extra Wide Size | Pride Heritage Lift Chair | Pride Atlas VivaLift | Pride Oasis Collection Infinite Position Lift Chair – Large Size | Pride Infinite Position Lift Chair – Petite Wide Size | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight capacity: | 600 lbs | 375 lbs. | 375 lbs. | 375 lbs. | 375 lbs. |
Product weight: | 168 lbs. | 130 lbs. | 161 lbs. | 132 lbs. | 130 lbs. |
Seat width: | 30″ | 24″ | 22″ | 21″ | 24″ |
Recline type: | two position | Three position | Infinite position | Infinite position | Infinite position |
Recommended user height: | 5’6″ -6’1″ | 4′ -5’3″ | 5’4″ – 5’9″ | 5’9″ -6’2″ | 4′ – 5’2″ |
1. Pride Heritage Lift Chair – Extra Wide
The lift chair products offered by Pride Mobility offer the best comfort possible. They are created for larger individuals. The Pride Heritage LC-358XXL is an excellent choice to offer safety and overall comfort. It has a capacity of up to 600 pounds.
The seat is made from REFLEX foam, offering a comfortable place for the individual to sit. The wider heavy-duty frame ensures they don’t feel cramped in that space. It gives additional overall support.
To help ensure someone can still use it during a power outage, a regular 9-volt battery can be installed as a backup. It is a good idea to have the battery in place to ensure the person isn’t at risk of not being able to use the lift chair if they don’t have electricity for a period of time.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
- Recommended User Height: 5’6 – 6’1″
- Seat Width: 30″
- Reclining Type: Two-Position
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Excellent weight capacity
- Warranty on frame: Lifetime limited
- Good height recommended lengths
- large seat width
Cons
- Not full reclining could make sleeping more difficult
2. Pride Heritage Lift Chair – Petite Wide Size
This lift chair is both comfortable and stylish, a great choice from the Heritage Collection this brand name offers. The fabric is plush, giving plenty of support but also a softness that is hard to beat.
There are plenty of colors offered, allowing the buyer to select one that fits their preferences. The frame is very strong, and it will look like new even years after the purchase. This product has plenty to offer including:
- Arm and head covers
- Battery backup for power outages
- Durable furniture-grade frame
- Fire retardant
- Hand control with USB charger
- Heavy-duty life system
- Large pockets on each side
- Removable back
- Self-diagnostic electronics (includes a 9-foot cord)
- The quiet and smooth lift system makes everyone happy
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
- Recommended User Height: 5’6 – 6’1″
- Seat Width: 30″
- Reclining Type: Two-Position
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Ideal for smaller height individuals
- Three positions
- Good weight capacity for chair size
- Durable all-steel frame
Cons
- Cannot lay flat
- Hydraulics can be slow from some reviews
3. Pride Atlas VivaLift
The Atlas collection has outstanding reviews, VivaLift isn’t going to be a disappointment! This lift chair is ideal for relaxing and overall comfort. Each armrest has a built-in cup holder for convenience. They can be concealed when they aren’t being used. The remote offers easy-to-use buttons to get the perfect adjustment you want!
Everyone has their own preferences for chair positioning, and these stand-alone options help you find that sweet spot!
This product is offered in a variety of colors and different fabrics. This ensures you can find the one you like the look of, it will blend in nicely with your surroundings, and it will deliver the highest level of comfort possible.
The extension for the leg rest and the USB charging port are nice perks consumers are thrilled with!
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Recommended User Height: 5’4 – 5’9″
- Seat Width: 22″
- Reclining Type: Infinite Position
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Infinite Position chair
- Comfortable chair
- USB Port in teh hand control
- 7-Year Pro-rated Waranty
Cons
- Not for anyone over 6 foot
- Seat width is narrow for some larger users
4. Pride Oasis Collection Infinite Position Lift Chair – Large Size
The Oasis LC 580iL lift is an exceptional recliner. It offers more support than other similar products and a lumbar pillow for additional comfort.
There are four pockets on the lift chair, giving you an easy way to store items you use often. The padding is plentiful, contributing to the lovely design and additional comfort.
The seating is contoured to ensure it fits the body well. It is wider than your typical lift chair, offering more space and comfort. This is a great chair for relaxing for any length of time.
The remote offers several positions to find the location you enjoy the most. This includes a sleep position for those that find it easier to sleep in the recliner than lying down on a bed.
It features the Trendelenburg positions and zero gravity options consumers fall in love with fast!
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Recommended User Height: 5’9 – 6’2″
- Seat Width: 21″
- Reclining Type: Infinite Position
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Infinite Position Cair
- Good for taller people
- Overstuffed biscuit back design
- No-sag back springs
Cons
- Smaller seat width for some taller larger users
5. Pride Infinite Position Lift Chair Petite Wide Size
The lift system is quiet and very smooth, giving the user a way to get into and out of the chair without difficulties.
It can hold up to 375 pounds and it is offered in a variety of colors. It has a durable frame, ensuring this lift chair is going to last a long time!
This chair comes with some great add-on accessories like a cleaning kit, heat and massage, head pillow, and a lithium battery backup pack for those that choose to upgrade to these features.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Recommended user height: 4′-5’2″
- Seat width: 24″
- Reclining Type: Infinite position
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Quiet and smooth lift system
- Fire retardant
- Removable back
- large dual pockets
Cons
- Not for anyone over 5’3
Best Powered lift chair buying guide
Knowing what type of chair you need will help in making your decision easier. Follow these simple buying steps to get the most out of your power lift chair.
Type of reclining chair makes a different
We explained above the different types of power reclining chairs you can choose from. The best power lift chair will be determined by your individual needs. if you feel like you will only use a reclining chair sparingly then you may want to look for a two-way reclining chair.
Those that will spend considerable time reclining will probably want to look for an infinite position chair so you can comfortably sleep and recline back. This will also help with pressure sores having the ability to move different angles.
Know what height the power lift chair can support
When it comes to a recliner you want to make sure your feet are not hanging off the footrests or if you are too small you have no support. Each of the best power lift chairs offers what the proper height should be in terms of a foot or so.
For those who are small opt for smaller chairs that are more fitted to your height. Same for someone that is tall. There are chairs that can accommodate someone that is over 6 foot properly making for a more comfortable sitting experience.