Mobility Furniture Buying Guide

Published: November 4, 2024
Mobility Furniture Buying Guide

Please Note: This is not medical advice, and you should seek the advice of a doctor or a qualified medical professional.

Disclaimer* Please note that some of this page’s links are affiliate links. Meaning if you click on them, we receive a small commission.

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If you’re looking for a guide to mobility furniture, you’ve come to the correct place! If you or a loved one are dealing with mobility issues, having the right furniture will make a huge difference in day-to-day living. Learn more in our Mobility Furniture Buying Guide.

From adjustable beds and recliners to lift chairs and grab bars, a wide variety of furniture and fittings is available to make everyday living less difficult or dangerous. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the features to look for and the available selection of mobility furniture. 

We will also discuss the best practices for maximising your furniture’s useful life and maintaining its attractive appearance over time. 

Whether you’re looking to improve accessibility in your home or want to make life a little bit easier, we hope this guide will help you choose the right furniture for your needs.

Can I Get A Power Chair On The NHS?

In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) may provide you with a motorised wheelchair if your condition meets certain criteria (NHS). Those with demonstrated medical needs are provided with electric wheelchairs and other assistive devices by the National Health Service (NHS). Depending on your location and personal circumstances, the NHS  may be able to offer mobility aids like electric wheelchairs.

Before the NHS would consider paying for a power chair, a medical professional, such as an occupational therapist, must determine that you need one. They’ll think about your mobility, functional abilities, overall health, and the power chair’s suitability for usage in your home. If it is determined that you would benefit from using a motorised wheelchair, the NHS may pay for all or a part of the cost.

If you need a power wheelchair but the NHS won’t pay for one, discuss your options with your doctor or an occupational therapist. If you have questions about power wheelchair eligibility or availability via the NHS, you may ask them directly.

Is It Ok For The Elderly To Sleep In A Recliner?

Having the option to sleep on a chair may comfort some elderly folks. A reclining chair may provide a comfortable and supportive alternative for some older adults with problems sleeping on a bed due to limited movement or other health issues.

However, consider several factors before concluding that an older adult may sleep soundly and pleasantly on a chair. The following are some considerations:

  • While making your decision, consider the recliner’s lumbar and head support. Memory foam and high-density foam cushions may be more comfortable and supportive than their lower-density foam or spring counterparts.
  • Adjusting the recliner’s seat position is typically done using a series of knobs and levers. A chair with many reclining positions and adjustable leg rests allows you to find the perfect sleeping position.
  • Assurance of security in the reclined chair: Before using it for sleep, ensure the chair provides enough support and is comfortable. Avoid using a recliner that wobbles or has other structural issues.
  • Consider the older adult’s health and mobility when deciding whether a chair is a decent option for sleeping. Because of physical limitations or medical conditions, some individuals may find that sleeping on a bed provides a sense of safety and comfort they cannot find anywhere else.

If you are considering sleeping on a chair but are still deciding whether it is a good idea, consult an occupational therapist or doctor. Once you meet with them, they can point you toward the best options, helping you make an informed decision.

How Is A Recliner Made?

A recliner is an adjustable seat that allows the user to sit upright, lean back, or recline fully. Most recliners have several components, such as wood, metal, foam, and upholstery. Different brands and models of recliners may employ various materials and construction techniques.

Several distinct components make up a recliner:

  • The recliner’s mainstay is its frame, which is often made of metal or wood. The chair’s frame and other mechanical components must support the user’s weight.
  • The recliner mechanism enables users to adjust the chair’s back and footrest to their preferred position. Several types of recliner mechanisms exist, including the rocker, wall hugger, and motorised.
  • Pads made from foam and padding provide the user with comfort and support. Both the density and the kind of foam used in its construction affect the comfort and durability of a chair.
  • This padding: The upholstery of a recliner is the exterior covering of the chair and may be made of fabric or leather. The upholstery does more than make the chair seem nice; it also shields its workings from wear and tear.
  • When the individual chair components are finished being manufactured, they are sent to a central assembly facility. Once the mechanism is fastened to the frame, the fabric, padding, and foam may adhere.

The time and effort spent building a recliner are well worth it, as the final result is a comfortable, supportive chair that can be positioned in several ways to maximise ergonomic benefits.

What Is The Average Life Span Of A Recliner?

How long a recliner typically lasts depends on its construction quality, how often and how well it is used, and how well it is maintained. Long-lasting chairs may cost up to three times as much but typically last five to fifteen years. While most reclining chairs are constructed to last for at least 10 years, the longevity of individual models varies widely.

Is It Good To Sit In A Recliner All Day?

However, one should consider the positive effects of lounging in a recliner on one’s health. Research suggests that sitting for lengthy periods in any chair, even recliners, may harm one’s health. It may contribute to the development or worsening of various health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

If you’re going to be sitting for more than 30 minutes, you should get up and move about at least once. It is advised that individuals get up from their seats every hour or so to stretch and walk about to lessen the negative effects of sitting for long periods. Muscle stiffness and soreness are possible side effects of sitting in one position for long periods; changing postures every so often might help.

What Is The Most Comfortable Material For Recliners?

Everyone has their own opinion on what chair fabric they like most. Soft and malleable leather quickly conforms to the shape of the user’s body, making leather recliners a popular choice. Some individuals like fabric recliners because they are cosier and more inviting during the colder months.

Recliners made of memory foam are also common because the material can contour to the body. They may also be upholstered in microfiber, which is soft and easy to clean, or polyester, which is durable and economical. The most comfortable chair fabric is the one the user chooses to sit in.

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author avatar
Jacob Whitmore
Jacob is a seasoned wordsmith with a passion for exploring and evaluating the world of mobility. Jacobs work has been providing insightful and well-researched reviews that help consumers make informed choices when it comes to their mobility needs.

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Please Note: This is not medical advice, and you should seek the advice of a doctor or a qualified medical professional.

Disclaimer* Please note that some of this page’s links are affiliate links. Meaning if you click on them, we receive a small commission.