Help and advice

Many of the higher capacity riser recliner chairs have 3 or more motors. This is to provide the flexibility of independent movements of the chairs but also to provide additional strength.

See more information on riser and recliner chairs.

For the heavier person, their weight distribution will vary and there tends to be a variation between males and females. This means a person does not necessarily need a wider chair but may need a deeper chair with additional features. Pressure care needs are often essential and there are chairs with integral pressure relief available.

It is important to know your weight before purchase of one of these type of chairs. If not, particularly if you haven't weighed yourself for a while, you may not be aware of your current weight which means there could be safety implications especially if you are using a chair near its maximum weight capacity.

It is advisable to either have an individual assessment with an Occupational therapist or by a Physiotherapist is very important. These chairs are usually customised by a bariatric/heavy duty chair specialist and OT or physiotherapist may be able to attend the visit. Your safety is important and there may be individual and environmental factors which determine which chair best suits your needs in the short and longer term. The information on this site is not a substitute for individual assessment.

If you are eligible, the equipment will be provided on a long-term loan basis. Alternatively, you may be eligible for a direct payment from your local authority to purchase something suitable. View more information on equipment provision via your local authority and the direct payments scheme.

Many of the products listed are CE marked as a 'medical device' which means they should be used only in accordance with the manufacturer's intended purpose. The manufacturer's of these chairs intend them to be used for sitting, they are not sold as sleeping systems. Consequently it is not advisable for these riser recliners to be used for sleeping unless a decision is made as part of a risk assessment by an Occupational therapist or a Physiotherapist. There are chair beds available which are designed for sitting and sleeping. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the government agency responsible for ensuring CE marked products are fit for purpose and safe.

There is potential danger of entrapment for children and pets when some models of powered recliner chairs are in use. Some powered models have a key or detachable handset that can be removed when the chair is not in use, and some have sensors which stop the movement of the chair to prevent entrapment. Some of the sensors are standard and for other suppliers it would be an option when purchasing.

For further information you may wish to read our:
- Choosing equipment for the heavier person factsheet

Ricability have a useful guide about choosing a riser recliner chair. It includes a table of different lifting options available, including tilt, high, low and vertical lift. They are an independent consumer research charity providing free, practical and unbiased reports for older and disabled people.