Whether it’s for you or someone you love, investing in a high-quality, and comfortable recliner can provide tremendous benefits to someone who may have mobility limitations. There are many reasons why you or a family member is in need of a recliner chair for sleeping, whether it be a medical condition or just natural aging, finding a comfy sleeping recliner is important.
Day-to-day tasks can become difficult for those in need, being there for assistance is great, however, what if they need to get up when you aren’t around? A bathroom emergency? A recliner with lifts and other great functions is key, let’s look at the important considerations below.
What to Consider When Buying a Recliner for the Elderly?
Maximum Comfort
This is a necessity for anyone who uses a sleeper recliner, but it becomes even more essential for elderly people. The truth of the matter is that elderly people spend the majority of their time indoors, or sitting down. So, when trying to consider what’s important when buying a recliner for the elderly, debatably the most crucial aspect to think about is which item will provide the most comfort.
The Power Lift and Why It’s Important
The power lift feature that comes with electric recliners is a nice touch for the average person. But for elderly people, it becomes essential. Having the ability to get in and out of your seat with the press of a button is huge. Plus, it allows them to remain independent, as they will be able to operate every function with remote control. Sleep-to-stand features are extremely important for the elderly, especially those with mobility issues.
Recently I had a very ill family member that ended up having a slipped disc as well, being weak from his illness and now having serious back pain we found a powerlifting recliner chair and it truly changed things for him. It enabled independent movement, he didn’t need help to get up to do essential things. I highly recommend a comfortable chair for someone in such pain, even if you can’t afford a brand new one see if a local marketplace has one available at a discount.
Other Power Features
Obviously, with age comes decreased mobility, which means that some of the certain power features that come with electric recliners are vital. Some of these include the remote control, the heating functions, and the massage functions. Keep in mind that some of these are going to be more important than others, depending on the individual. And some of the products mentioned on this list will have all of these features, while others may only have 1 or 2. All in all, take the time to understand the environment you want to create and realize that your main objective is to make things as easy/convenient as possible.
Ask the user of the chair if any feature is important to them and then you can shop based on preference. Now let’s get into our list!
Top 10 Sleeper Recliners for the Elderly
1. Pulaski Dark Brown Dual Motor Fabric Lift Chair
The Pulaski Dark Brown Dual Motor Fabric Lift Chair is unquestionably one of the best sleeper recliners on the market for the money. This exceptional model offers extremely comfortable padding, and a luxurious fabric aesthetic. The Pulaski Lift Chair is the ultimate solution because it carries all of the features anyone would need (old or young), it is extremely easy to operate, and has world-class customer reviews. It perfectly blends the modern aesthetic, with toughness, and a durable base to provide for a long-lasting experience.
This unit’s weight capacity is larger than the average (350 lbs) and carries two motors for separate foot and back positioning. By adding in an additional motor, the performance features for all angles are top-notch. So, whether you want to sit straight up, and read your favorite book, or you’d prefer to doze off to catch up on some much-needed sleep. This chair has you covered.
Also, this is one of the few high-quality/modern designs that have drop-in pocket coils, which are ideal to prevent sagging and to increase the longevity of the product. The Pulaski Lift Chair is built to fully accommodate any person no matter their individual specifications and it can be purchased at a very reasonable price (given the market). All in all, there really aren’t a whole lot of negatives with this recliner.
2. Esright Power Lift Chair
Another astounding option is the Esright Power Lift Chair, illustrating one of the most convenient, comfortable, and durable designs on the market. One of the glowing features of this model is its use of non-toxic materials during the manufacturing process. Esright prioritizes using environmentally friendly timber and formaldehyde-free wood in all of their designs.
Also, their Power Lift Chair carries a powerful silent lift motor, helping to list the entire chair forward using the control buttons on the right arm. It can recline up to 150 degrees, with both the footrest and backrest carrying the ability to retract simultaneously. All of which vastly improves the performance of the chair, making it a great choice for elderly people.
This design helps seniors stand up easily without needing to add unnecessary stress to their back, or knees. The Esright Power Lift Chair is one of the more innovative builds on the market as well, with heated vibration massage features, and a USB outlet for quick and convenient charging. Now your grandparents will have a charged iPad to facetime you!
This power lift chair comes with 4 different massage areas (shin, thigh, lumbar, head), and the additional USB port means that you will never run out of charging ports. The comfortability of this design is not to be questioned either, with an amazingly soft fabric material, an overstuffed backrest, and treated fabric surface to add additional warmth, softness, and anti-felting, and anti-pilling features. This is also one of the easier models to assemble (10-15 minutes) and comes with an unbelievable customer support team to assist you throughout the entire process. All in all, there are too many tremendous benefits, and features with the Esright Power Lift Chair to fit it all into this article. But you really can’t go wrong with this power lift chair, regardless of who it’s for.
3. CANMOV Power Lift Recliner Chair
The Canmov Power Lift Recliner is the perfect option for any elderly person, as it provides world-class support, while still supplying modern-style functionality and premium durability. This stylish design exudes comfort, with a soft pillow design on the back, seat, and armrest, as well as a high back with thick cushions, and high-grade antiskid upholstery. The Canmov Power Lift Recliner is also remarkably easy to use, and install. With a single motor and heavy-duty mechanism, anyone can lay back comfortably, or lift, and tilt the chair to stand easily, providing the optimal lounging experience.
With a 10-minute install time, and a weight capacity of 300 lbs, the convenience, and durability aspects of this unit are not to be questioned. It also comes with a safety-motion reclining mechanism and an incredibly soft high-density sponge padding. The Canmov Power is a multi-faceted chair that is guaranteed to work for anyone but is the ideal choice for any elderly person.
4. Irene House Power Lift Chair
Sliding into our 4th spot on the list we have the Irene House Power Lift Chair, which is stylish, efficient, and reliable. The recliner is powered by German Brand “Okin Motor”, offering up both a power lift function (ideal for seniors), as well as a reclining sofa chair for the average person to sprawl out on “lazy Sundays”. The Irene Power Lift Chair comes with a number of amazing benefits, including a conveniently placed side pocket, and an overstuffed pillow design across the back, seat, and armrests. Due to this design’s innovative power lift function, it’s ideal for elderly individuals who have difficulty getting up from a sitting position, or those who have leg/back problems.
In fact, this doesn’t just apply to older people, but with this model’s exceptional support structure, it’s also perfect for anyone who’s recovering from an injury, or surgery. Plus, the Irene House Power Lift chair comes in 5 different colors (blue, brown, grey, light brown, and sage), as well as a relatively inexpensive brown leather option. For such a compact design, this power recliner is surprisingly comfortable and affordable. The perfect choice for anyone entering their elder years.
5. ANJ Power Massage Lift Recliner Chair
The ANJ Power Massage Lift Recliner is another spectacular choice for elderly people, as well as the average consumer. It’s one of the best products on the market because it can do it all; recline, massage, and heat. It comes with 10 different massage modes, with the ability to focus on 4 areas specifically; shins, thighs, lumbar, and shoulders. Plus, this model carries the function for you to freely choose the intensity, and location of the massage.
The durability of this chair is tremendous as well, with an overstuffed pillow design on the back, seat, and armrest, and a high back with thick cushioning. The ANJ Power Massage Lift Recliner is also made with high-grade antiskid upholstery, helping to provide an exceptionally comfortable, and safe environment. This power massage recliner also features a side pouch to hold your phone, remote, books, or magazines, as well as a smooth and convenient lift function. The ANJ Power Massage Lift Recliner is the perfect “do-it-all” recliner, and you don’t have to “break the bank” for it either.
6. Merax Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair
The Merax Electric Power Lift Recliner is a powerful electric recliner that provides a smooth reclining function, and a heavy-duty build that can hold up to 330 lbs. The chair is upholstered in smooth high-grade PU leather and then filled with an extremely soft deep foam pillow-top polyester material. The Merax Electric Power Lift Recliner’s double padding focuses on certain pressure points, and regions that are more susceptible to aches and pains (arms, back, butt, head, neck).
It also features specialized angled padded armrests which help to provide world-class support when sitting for large periods of time. This design is specifically crafted for a customized seating experience, as it is not pre-determined to certain positions, or angles. Allowing the user to recline, or lift at any angle, or position with tremendous ease. The Merax Electric Power Lift Recliner is also one of the more durable designs on the market, with quality tested heavy-duty steel support frame that’s built to last.
This chair comes in either a black or smoky brown PU leather option, or a more luxurious (and expensive) beige option. The Merax Electric Power Lift Recliner is another exceptional choice for any elderly person (and it’s also one of the most affordable!).
7. OT QOMOTOP Lift Chair
The OT QOMOTOP Lift Chair is the perfect sleeper recliner for the elderly because of it’s comfortable feel and heavy-duty/durable build. With a weight limit of up to 360 lbs, and a skid-proof fabric exterior, this is one of the more premium models on the market. This lift chair is made with a wear-resistant material, as well as overstuffed padded areas with high-density soft memory foam. It also features a counter-balanced lift mechanism that (using the CE-certified motor) pushes the chair up into position.
This lift chair is also one of the easier to set up, with a quick and easy install time of 10-15 minutes. Plus, it features the ability to stop the recliner in any position when lifting, or reclining. The OT QOMOTOP Lift Chair is super comfy, and easy to operate, making it an ideal choice for the average person, let alone an elderly person.
8. Windermere Burton NM1650 Power Lift Chair
Another amazing option is the Windermere Burton NM1650 Power Lift Chair, illustrating a classic design that’s built to last. This lift chair carries the ability to recline all the way back to the “Trendelenburg Position”, where your body is laid flat (on your back), with your feet higher than your head (15-30 degrees). The Windermere Burton Power Lift Chair is also one of the more durable designs on this list with intricate coil seating, and a weight capacity of up to 375 lbs!
This unique chair also features infinite reclining angles, including Zero-G seating, and Trendelenburg Position, both of which have proven to provide immense health benefits. The Windermere customer support services are world-renowned as well, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re purchasing from a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction. All in all, this is one of the best lift chairs on the market, however, it is (unfortunately) one of the more expensive as well.
9. MEGA MOTION Power Recline with Lift
The Mega Motion Power Recline with Lift is a well-reviewed lift chair that is ideal for the elderly. It comes fully equipped with one of the comfiest designs and carries the highest weight capacity on this list (500 lbs!). This is the ultimate heavy-duty option, that also carries a fairly hefty price tag. The Mega Motion Power Recliner is perfect for elderly people because it provides amazing comfort and smooth (and quiet) performance with the simple push of a button. It also comes with an integrated emergency backup battery, and an easy-to-reach side pocket on both sides to store your books, newspapers, magazines, or remote controls.
The durability of this high-ticket item is top-notch as well, with a furniture grade hardwood plywood construction, and a heavy-duty steel lift mechanism. Plus, this lift chair comes loaded with other features including a USB port in Handwand to charge your tablet, phone, or other small devices, without having to get up and find an outlet. The Mega Motion Power Recline is an exceptional option for the elderly, and one of the more premium items on our list.
10. Catnapper Power Lift
Our final pick for the top 10 sleeper recliners for the elderly is the Catnapper Power Lift. This incredible power lift chair is another premium item that carries a slightly lower weight limit (300 lbs), but a more sleek design. The chair is made with an intricate tufted back, channeled chaise padding, and a printed, padded faux leather fabric. The Catnapper Power Lift chair is made with incredibly comfortable coil seating featuring “comfort gel”.
Plus, this model is designed to help relieve body pressure and features a variety of massage/heating functions. Due to the gel-infused foam (comfort gel), when the chair lifts up to assist you with getting out of the chair. You’re going to feel a noticeable improvement in overall comfortability. This provides us with our last recommended sleeper recliners for the elderly, but one should not sleep on the value of this exceptional product.
Sleeper Recliner Chairs FAQs
Can Your Purchase a Sleeper Recliner Online?
Absolutely! There are a ton of amazing choices online, and many sites now offer free shipping as well. Plus, many of them also offer what is called a “white glove service”, which is when professionals wearing “white gloves” inspect the delivery process, and ensure that the product is delivered on time, and intact. These professionals pay extra close attention to delivering premium service and prioritize handling these sorts of items with extreme care.
What are the Pros of Sleeping in a Recliner?
Contrary to popular belief, there are actually a wide variety of benefits for sleeping in a recliner. Countless health counselors and researchers have found that sleeping in a recliner can help provide back support, better breathing, and better overall health. A high-quality recliner will give you proper lumbar support, taking unnecessary pressure away from your back.
Plus, if you have minor breathing problems then sleeping in a recliner will enable you to take deeper breaths, opening up your diaphragm, and breathe far easier. Slow/deep breathing can help with your digestive system as well, as sleeping with your head upright has proven to help with heartburn, sleep apnea, and other health problems.
What are the Cons of Sleeping in a Recliner?
Although sleeping in a recliner can come with some pros, it does also come with a few notable cons as well. Many of the primary health concerns revolve around blood clotting, and leg swelling, since potential upright sleeping, the blood in your body can’t move upwards, and can instead collect in the veins. Sleeping in a recliner can also become problematic for those who move around a lot in their sleep, as the lack of space could cause you to wake up multiple times in the middle of the night. It can also cause leg cramps from sitting in a single position for a longer time.
However, keep in mind there is a time when choosing a recliner is necessary, especially for the elderly. At times it can become difficult to get in and out of a chair, this is due to health conditions or just natural aging. A powerlifting recliner may be the only comfortable and practical option available in these circumstances.
Final Thoughts
There are so many things to consider when looking for a high-quality sleeper recliner for an elderly person. Obviously, you want it to be comfortable, durable, and easy to operate, but you also would rather not have to spend a fortune on it either if you don’t have to.
The good news is that the market is loaded with impressive (and affordable) lift chairs, only some of which have been mentioned in our top 10. These options will make a perfect choice for an elderly user looking for comfort, but most importantly assistance.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.