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Lift Recliners
Recliner Size & Suitability Guide
Choosing the right recliner is about more than overall size. A well fitted chair should feel comfortable, support the body properly, and suit how the chair will be used day to day. This guide helps OTs, clients and families understand what a good recliner fit looks like, and which options may be worth considering.
Where to start
Finding the right fit
Five things shape the right chair. We work through these with you, and with your OT, before recommending anything.
Functional goals
What does the user need the chair to support each day? Comfort, positioning, leg elevation, easier transfers, or simply being able to sit comfortably for longer periods.
Body size and safe working load
Height, weight and body proportions all influence how the chair feels and performs. The chair must also stay within its safe working load.
Motor configuration
Consider whether a single, dual, triple, quad or five motor chair suits the user's needs, and how much adjustment they are likely to use.
Transfers and independence
Think about how the user gets in and out of the chair, whether lift assistance may help, and whether the controls can be used safely and confidently.
Home environment
Consider the space around the chair, including wall clearance, walking areas, and how the chair fits into the room.
A good fit looks like
What to look for, and what to watch for
A recliner that is not quite right can affect comfort, posture, pressure, and how easy it is to sit, reposition or stand. Here is what a good fit looks like across each part of the chair.
Backrest height
- Good fit
The backrest supports the user’s back and provides comfortable head support, including when the chair is reclined.
- Watch for
If the backrest is too low, the user may not feel properly supported through the upper back or head.
Armrest height
- Good fit
The shoulders stay relaxed, with the elbows resting comfortably on the armrests.
- Watch for
If the armrests are too high, the shoulders may lift. If they are too low, the user may lean or rely more on one side.
Legrest and heel clearance
- Good fit
When the legs are elevated, the legrest supports the lower leg while avoiding pressure through the heels. It should reach the back of the ankle so the heel sits just past the edge, rather than resting on the legrest.
- Watch for
Heels pressing into the legrest, poor support under the calf, or a legrest length that places pressure directly through the heel.
Seat height
- Good fit
With the user sitting fully back, the thighs are supported and the feet rest flat on the floor, helping with stability and easier transfers.
- Watch for
Feet not reaching the floor, too much bend at the hips or knees, or a seat height that makes standing feel harder.
Seat depth
- Good fit
The user can sit with their bottom fully back in the chair while keeping the feet flat on the floor and avoiding pressure behind the knees.
- Watch for
If the seat is too deep, the user may slide forward, lose positioning, or experience increased pressure.
Seat width
- Good fit
The chair provides enough room for comfort, while still allowing the armrests to support the arms naturally.
- Watch for
If the chair is too narrow, it may feel restrictive. If it is too wide, the user may lean to one side to find support.
Clinical note. This guide supports initial product selection and trial. Clinical assessment and trial remain essential to confirm suitability, particularly where posture, pressure care or transfer needs are present.
Understanding motor options
How much adjustment do you need?
Motor configuration affects how much the chair can adjust, and how easily the user can change positions through the day.
| Chair | What moves | Suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Single motor | Backrest and legrest move together, for simpler control. | Users with cognitive or usability considerations. |
| Dual motor | Backrest and legrest adjust independently. | Users needing flexibility between sitting, leg elevation and reclining. |
| Triple motor | Backrest and legrest, plus one additional comfort function. | Users needing more tailored positioning or added support. |
| Quad motor | Backrest, legrest, lumbar and head support all adjust independently. | Users needing more precise positioning and comfort over longer periods. |
| Five motor | All quad motor functions, plus tilt in space. | Users needing pressure redistribution, full positioning and the most support. |
Understanding motor options
How much adjustment do you need?
Motor configuration affects how much the chair can adjust, and how easily the user can change positions through the day.
- How much adjustment the user actually needs.
- Whether simpler or more advanced controls are more suitable.
- Whether lift assistance would make transfers easier.
- How long the user spends sitting each day.
- Whether leg elevation or tilt in space may be helpful.
Need help confirming the right fit or trial options?
We fit the chair to the person, in our homely Cheltenham showroom or in your own home. Bring your OT or family, take your time, and try it properly before you decide.
