Help and advice

These riser recliners with two motors or more increase the number of independent movements that a person can control within the chair. This gives much more flexible use of the chair but means the hand controls have at least four alternative actions usually controlled by four buttons. So this is an important consideration in determining a person's ability to use this type of chair independently and safely, although the design varies between manufacturers. It is worth trying out one of these chairs before purchase.

Assist UK is the national network for advice on independent living equipment and has a network of Disabled Living Centres. You could contact Assist UK.

You normally require about 460mm (18") to 600mm (24") behind both recliner and riser recliner chairs so the chair can fully recline, otherwise the motors could burn out pushing against an obstruction. There are now some compact versions available called 'wall huggers' which have reduced the space required to about 100mm (4") and chairs for shorter people so the chairs are proportional to the persons height. Many of these are customised.

Some powered models have a key or handset that can be removed when the chair is not in use, and an option of removable handsets or sensors. These stop the movement of the chair to prevent entrapment of children or pets.

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.

Users who experience back pain may find that an alternative choice of backrest style or different style of headrest may improve their comfort.

It may be important that you have an individual assessment as there are many factors that may affect what is appropriate for you. You may be eligible for an assessment and equipment from your local authority. 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.

For further information you may wish to read our:
- Choosing a chair and chair accessories fact sheet or our ...
- Choosing pressure relief equipment factsheet

Ricability have a useful guide about choosing a riser recliner chair. It includes a table of chairs with 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.