Lift Chairs
Lift Chairs
As someone suffering from mobility issues, you may be accustomed to using power wheelchairs and electric scooters from time to time. However, those are not the only kinds of mobility products you can use to improve your quality of life and wellbeing.
Even though you may not have heard of the term “lift chair”, chances are you have more than likely seen one at some point – a power lift chair looks almost the same as a regular reclining chair or La-Z-Boy – with the added benefit of having many more features to help the mobility impaired.
Getting familiar with a Lift Chair
A lift chair may be seen as a piece of medical equipment that bears a striking resemblance to a regular reclining chair. You can use it either in an upright position or a reclined one at the touch of a button. Perhaps the main distinction between a lift chair and a regular reclining chair is that the former offers a powerful lifting mechanism which can be manipulated to tilt the base and back of the chair in a forward direction – allowing users to return to a standing position without ever having to get off the chair.
Lift chairs are operated by pushing buttons on a remote control, instead of manually engaging a joystick, switch or lever, which is typically the case with power scooters and electric wheelchairs.
When you’re in the online marketplace to buy a lift chair, you might see them being sold as “three position recliners”, “infinite position recliners” or even “pop up chairs”. All these terms refer to the same type of medical equipment: a lift chair, which is what we like to call them here at Scooters ‘N Chairs. We offer a wide and varied collection of power lifts chairs priced between $600 and $1,500 to suit different budgets and user needs.
Our lift chairs are available in many different kinds of styles and sizes, with a number of innovative features, making them some of the best ones currently available from leading US manufacturers. These are also available in a variety of widths, heights, and vinyl, cloth or leather upholstery, as well as the option to have several positions, and even heating and massaging capabilities – allowing you to customize your lift chair according to your specific needs.
Can you benefit from a Lift Chair?
Even though many people overcome their mobility issues using a cane or walker, or even an electric wheelchair or power scooter, sometimes these are simply not enough. Because there are some among us who have certain physical handicaps and balance issues which make it very difficult for them to make the transition between a seated and standing position. In this case, lift chairs are the best solution.
In fact, along with the myriad of features for improving mobility, some lift chairs also come with optional massage and heat features, providing highly therapeutic benefits to those suffering from back pain, sore joints, stiff muscles, arthritis, or any number of mobility issues. They can especially be fantastic and affordable alternatives to ludicrously expensive bathtub modifications for users who regularly require heat and massage therapy.
It doesn’t end here though – lift chairs can prove very useful for a lot more than just reclining while snacking on some popcorn and soda and taking in your favorite TV shows. Whether you like to read books and magazines, use the computer or telephone for an extended duration, or engage in other recreational activities – the sheer variety of positions that a lift chair offers can easily accommodate you for all the above and more.
In fact, many users prefer to just sleep in their lift chairs instead of getting into bed, because of the number of positions available, and perhaps also because getting into bed requires a lot of extra effort, due to mobility and balance issues.
The majority of models that we offer here at Scooters ’N Chairs are capable of reclining in a completely flat 180° position, although they can also be customized to recline further, with additional angles for the highest comfort and relaxation levels. Furthermore, if you’re someone who needs to keep his/her legs elevated while sitting or sleeping, then lift chairs are an excellent solution.
Folks who have undergone surgery in their arms, shoulders, hips, lower back, knees or other areas, can also greatly benefit from a lift chair. In fact, one of our valued customers who underwent surgery had this to say after using a power lift chair from Scooters ’N Chairs:
“This reclining mechanical thingamajig as I like to call it, has worked out really, really well following my hip surgery. I simply cannot see myself recovering as well without having a ‘robotic’ chair like the one that I have now. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has had surgery of any kind, especially a replacement surgery like I did for my hip, where your movement has to be fairly restricted for an extended period of time. I would go as far as to say that it’s a must-have item, especially if you want to get quality rest at night, because trying to get into a bed and finding the right position to sleep can be extremely painful. The electric recliner will easily let you pick up a comfortable angle whether you want to sleep in a flat position or slightly reclined one. And when there are moments you need to get into a standing position such as going to the bathroom, all you need to do is find a button. There’s just so many positions and angles to choose from, it’s kind of ridiculous, really!”
Different kinds of lift chairs available at Scooters ’N Chairs
If you’re the kind of person who likes to transition between a standing and sitting position without having to ask for help, then you absolutely need a lift chair. These motorized contraptions have self-controlled mechanisms which can easily help you transition from a seated position to a standing one, no matter how steep the angle.
Using our lift chairs, you can easily get back into a seated position without having to ‘plop down’ into the chair. Despite the fact that they look almost entirely like any regular recliner, they can be amazing life savers and critical pieces of medical equipment for those who need to seamlessly transition between seated and standing positions without feeling any pain or discomfort. However, those are merely a lift chair’s basic functions, as most models come with a variety of additional value-added features.
Before we discuss those features and shed light on some of the lift chair models we offer, it’s important to understand the three main categories of lift chairs available with us:
2-position Lift Chair
This is what you might call the most basic type of lift chair. It offers two reclining positions – a regular 90° right angle and a 45° reclining angle, so that your legs are comfortably elevated, and your back is reclining or resting at a 45° angle. The leg elevator and reclining motor are all powered by a central motor – as your chair reclines, the leg support also elevates itself.
3-position Lift Chair
Somewhat similar to the above, the 3-position lift chair also features an upright angle and a reclined one. However, the reclining angle in this case can go into an almost flat position, as opposed to a maximum of 45° – allowing you to relieve even more pressure from your back muscles and joints. This can be a very cozy position to enjoy a nap, do some reading, and even watch your favorite shows and movies on a relatively large TV screen that requires you to tilt your neck slightly upwards. And, much like the former, all reclining and elevating attributes of the chair are powered by a single motor.
Infinite-position Lift Chair
This is what we call the “grand daddy” of them all: an infinite-position lift chair that does exactly what the name implies: allowing you to set your lift chair in virtually any position, as you deem appropriate.
At the touch of a button, you can sit upright, relax your back at a 45° angle with your legs elevated, lie completely flat if you like, or anything in between. Some infinite-position lift chairs let you raise your legs above your head while lying in a completely flat position. Many folks have dubbed these chairs “zero gravity chairs” – they can reach an unlimited number of positions because the leg elevator and back recliner are powered by two independent motors, providing for a higher degree of variation in angles or positions.
A ‘sneak peak’ at our Lift Chair Line-up
At Scooters ’N Chairs we have an exhaustive range of lift chairs from signature US mobility brands including Golden Technologies, Pride Mobility and Cozzia.
At just $771, the Golden Technologies Monarch PR-335L is one of our entry-level lift chairs, available in a classy suede green color. It can easily support a maximum weight of 375 lbs.
Take your relaxation to the next level with this lift chair’s seam-style back, luxurious upholstery and 3-position settings. The Monarch is ideal if you’re on a budget, and you also don’t need to worry about shipping anywhere in the US, because we’ll do it for free.
Moving a bit closer to the upper range, we have the Pride Mobility LC-525L Infinity Collection priced at $1,199 – featuring a lovely maroon leather upholstery, large dual pockets, and a level of comfort style and performance that is simply unmatched. You can order this infinite-position lift chair in a variety of styles and fabric selections. The heavy-duty lift actuator and scissor mechanism provides for unlimited positions, while the lift system works quietly and seamlessly. It also features a removable back along with an integrated battery system in case of a power failure.
The $1,999 MC-520 Zero Gravity Chair by Cozzia makes transitioning from a seated to standing position, and back, an absolute dream-like experience. The zero gravity lift chair features power retractable arms and a push of a button is all it takes to transition between a seated and full-standing position. The unique headrest articulates up/down and features wings that move inward or outward to provide for a more comfortable support around the head. It offers a relaxing air massage while the lumbar cushion also offers heat therapy.
The Pride Viva Lift Elegance is a mid-range lift chair priced at $1,199. The seamed pillowed backrest with blown fiber stuffing gives you the feeling of floating in the clouds. The power adjustable headrest lets you bring your head forward – perfect for watching TV – or recline it to fully relax and enjoy a nap. The contoured back ensures proper support for your entire back and you can even adjust your back support with the power adjustable lumbar pillow.
With fully padded leg support and a standard leg extension that is also well-padded, your feet and lower legs will truly get the pampering they deserve. A handy USB port is integrated in the hand control allowing you to easily juice up your electronic devices as you relax!
Choosing the right lift chair
There’s more to picking the right lift chair for yourself than just a color or décor that appeals to your tastes. Our customer support staff along with your physical therapist can help you choose one, while some generic questions should also point you in the right direction:
- Do I frequently eat/drink in my chair? If yes, then a leather or vinyl upholstery may be ideal.
- Do I sleep a lot in my chair? In that case, comfort is a top priority, so you should choose a 3-position lift chair or preferably an infinite position lift chair.
- What is my bodyweight? Lift chairs are designed to withstand a specific weight so it’s important to check yours before buying one.
Our friendly and accommodating customer support staff is merely a phone call away. Let us know if you have any questions before picking up your lift chair.
