Riser / Recliner Armchair Buying Guides

Useful Information: Choosing the right chair

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The following points should be considered when choosing a chair, preferably in conjunction with the advice of an Occupational Therapist or other qualified professional.

 

1. User weight - check the weight of each person who is likely to be using the chair. The maximum user weight of our standard chairs is 19 stone.

 

2. Type of "Mechanism" required - rise & recline, recline only, rise only, vertical lift, tilt-in-space, manual recliner or static chair.

 

3. The number of motors required - 1, 2 or 3

 

4. Measurements - you need to have the correct measurements of your chosen chair to give you the maximum comfort and benefit and don’t forget the overall size of the chair in relation to your room. The critical measurements are as follows:

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• Seat to floor height

• Seat depth

• Seat width

• Back height

• Arm to seat height

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5. Style - you will need to consider the most suitable style of chair which will include:

• Back design - 5 designs to choose from

• Arm style - choose from – slim, wide, round, flat, wood knuckles, full length, fall back and flat saddle arm on The Cambridge which can be replaced.

• Pressure Care - foam type to seat, footboard & armrests, Gel pad to seat & footboard, Seat cut-out to enable a pressure relief cushion to be used for transferring in and out of the chair – removable or swingaway arms

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6. Choice of fabric - take into account any incontinence issues and when using pressure relief foam and or a Gel pad this will require a multi-way stretch fabric such as Panvelle Stretch.

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7. Safety - Anti-entrapment system when there are concerns about small children and pets.

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When castors are required consider having braked castors on the rear to stop the chair moving when the user is getting in or out of the chair.

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A Battery Back-up System if your home is at risk of having power cuts.

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Firstly, check the weight of each person who is likely to use the chair. Our standard maximum user weight is 19 stone / 120kg.

Measurement

 

How to measure

Seat to floor (14" to 22")   9 choices

 

The correct seat height can be calculated by measuring the distance from the floor to the crease at the back of the knees. When seated, the hips and knees should be at right angles whilst the person’s feet are flat on the floor (remember to wear usual footwear).

Seat Depth (17" to 22")   6 choices

 

To calculate the correct seat depth, measure the distance from the back of the hips, along the thighs to approximately 1½” behind the back of the knees. When seated you should be able to place two fingers between the edge of the seat and the back of the knee.

Seat WidthThe correct seat width should be the width of the person’s hips plus a clenched fist on either side (approximately 3").

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Back Height (27" to 33")   7 choicesOur standard back height is 30".