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Rise and Recline Chair Buying Checklist

Our trusted assessor qualified team are here to help in your choice of your product. Make sure you get the one that best suits you and your needs.

Fit & Sizing

  • Our trusted assessor qualified team are here to provide the right chair in the right size to suite your needs.
  • They will measure seat width, depth, height, consider pressure care and check weight capacity

Rise & Recline Functions

  • Rise function — gently tilts forward to assist standing; check the angle is sufficient
  • Recline function — reclines back smoothly; check maximum recline angle (ideally 180° flat for sleeping/resting)
  • Leg rest / footrest — rises in sync with the recline (linked vs. independent movement)
  • Tilt-in-space option — entire seat tilts without changing posture (better for pressure relief)
  • Dual motor vs. single motor — dual allows backrest and footrest to move independently
  • Do you require any other functions e.g. pressure care, heat or massage?

Controls & Ease of Use

  • Handset / remote control — large, clearly labelled buttons
  • One-touch operation — rises/reclines with a single button hold
  • Battery backup — can operate during a power cut (essential for safety)
  • Carer override control — secondary handset for an attendant if needed
  • Wireless vs. wired handset — wireless reduces trip hazard

Environment & Placement

  • Room space — enough clearance behind and in front for full recline
  • Wall clearance — some chairs need 30–50 cm from the wall to recline fully; “wall-hugger” models need less
  • Doorway access — can the chair be delivered and moved through the home?
  • Flooring — suitable for carpet, wood, or hard floors (consider non-slip feet)
  • Proximity to plug socket — chair requires a mains power supply

Comfort & Pressure Care

  • Consider cushion and foam density — high-density foam for long sitting periods
  • Review pressure relief — important for those at risk of pressure sores
  • What lumbar support do you need — adequate lower back support
  • Do you need head/neck support — padded headrest or adjustable head pillow
  • Are armrest padding and height suitable— supports safe transfers in and out
  • Consider wish/need for heat and massage function — optional but often beneficial

Upholstery & Hygiene

  • Review fabric options — fabric (comfortable) vs. leather/faux leather (easier to clean)
  • Waterproof or wipe-clean covers — essential for incontinence needs
  • Removable, washable covers — for hygiene and maintenance
  • Colour and style — blends into the home environment

Health & Clinical Needs

  • Check with healthcare professionals— especially for complex needs
  • Ensure suitable for specific conditions — e.g. COPD, heart conditions, arthritis, Parkinson’s, dementia
  • Contracture or spasticity considerations — may need specialist positioning
  • Oedema / swollen legs — elevated leg rest can assist with circulation
  • Post-operative use — check suitability after hip or knee surgery

Build Quality & Safety

  • Sturdy frame — steel frame preferred for durability
  • Stability during rise — no tipping or wobbling during movement
  • Safety cut-off — motor stops if obstruction detected
  • CE marked / safety certified — meets UK/EU safety standards
  • Anti-entrapment features — mechanisms to prevent limbs getting caught

Cost & Funding

  • Budget range — entry level (£500–£800) to premium (£1,500+)
  • VAT exemption — those with a chronic illness or disability are zero rated for VAT
  • Consider hire before you buy
  • Attendance Allowance or PIP — may help fund the purchase
  • Local authority or OT referral — may access funded provision
  • Consider if required finance or payment plans
  • Second-hand / refurbished options — check condition and hygiene thoroughly

Supplier & After-Sales

  • Home demonstration — is one available if required?
  • Check warranty — minimum 1–2 years on motor and frame
  • Ensure adequate aftercare and servicing — local engineer available for repairs
  • Return and exchange policy — often not available on made to measure chairs
  • Check delivery and installation included — check what’s included in the price
  • Reputable retailer — look for BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) members

This checklist covers the key decision points, but an assessment from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or trusted assessor is always the best first step — we offer free no obligation assessments.

To view our selected range of chairs, please click here.