Purchasing a Lift Chair: Where to Start

When you are in need of a lift chair, the options may seem overwhelming. You might even think that it doesn’t really matter which lift chair model you choose. The truth is that your choice does matter and we are here to help you get the perfect chair for your needs. This blog addresses three concerns that most buyers have when they start the journey to find a lift chair.

What is a Lift Chair?

Lift chairs (also called power recliners or power lift recliners) are designed to help anyone who has difficulty getting out of a regular chair stand up.

Most lift chairs go unnoticed in a home. In fact, you may have seen one before and not even realized it. Lift chairs look nearly identical to normal recliners, but they have a few extra features that make them, well, lift chairs. Just like normal recliners, lift chairs are made in dozens of different materials and come in many different shapes and sizes. Power lift recliners often come with additional features only seen in luxury recliner models including heat & massage packages, adjustable back cushioning, footrest extensions and more. At this point you may be asking yourself “what does a chair position mean?” The next section has the anwers you are looking for!

View Our Lift Chair Selection

What Does a Lift Chair ‘Position’ Mean?

Power recliner options range from two- to infinite-position. The difference between the ‘positions’ in lift chairs is how many options you have to adjust the chair while reclining. More motors in a chair mean more reclining or sleep options for the user. Let’s go over the 3 most common ‘position’ features on chairs.

2-Position. A 2-position chair has one motor, which allows it to lift and recline. This sounds like what most people are looking for, however, the recline option only goes so far back and you cannot adjust the footrest or back independently. 2-position chairs are great for short term recoveries after a major surgery or those who don’t spend a lot of time in a chair.

2-Position. A 3-position chair has one motor but, unlike a 2-position model, they have more reclining options. 3-position chairs can recline back at a steeper angle than 2-position chairs. Recommended use for 3-position chairs is for short- to medium-length recovery periods or to put in a room where the chair is used fairly often.

Infinite-Position. An infinite-position chair has 3 motors, which allow the back and footrest to be controlled independently. Infinite-position chairs allow users to sit or sleep for long periods of time, adjusting for comfort as they see necessary. Anyone seriously looking at infinite-position chairs should know that they are looking for a long-term chair, a chair that can be used for long recovery periods or sat in for long periods every day.

Every chair model has a remote that controls the lifting and reclining. Chair manufacturers have made the remotes extremely user-friendly over the years. Lift chair buttons are large, backlit, and clearly labeled. Infinite-position chairs have customizable buttons, allowing users to preset their favorite positions.

Where Can I See Lift Chair Models in Person?

The Oswald’s Pharmacy Medical Equipment Showroom has over 20 lift chair models on the floor, plugged in and ready to test. We are open 7-days a week and always have trained team members on staff. We have swatches, fabric previews, over 10 different chair sizes, and chair accessories available for those who want to see all the options.

One important question our team members will ask is how soon you need the chair. We have dozens of models in stock, but certain color or fabric combinations need to be custom built. The process of custom building chairs takes 4-6 weeks. If you are set on a custom chair but also need a lift chair in-house as soon as possible, renting a chair while your new one is being built is a great option.

Oswald’s Pharmacy’s 140 years of healthcare experience makes us an easy choice when you have any pharmaceutical or medical equipment needs. We have the experience to assist you in purchasing a lift chair or any other accessories you may need. Contact us today and let us ease your mind. 

Contact Us

Written by Wil Anderson

Wil has been working for Oswald's since 1994. A 6th generation member of the Wickel-Oswald-Kester-Anderson family, Wil focuses on web development, inventory, and sales. With over 10 years of experience selling durable and home medical equipment, Wil is an expert on helping people find what they need to use after major surgery or an accident. Wil graduated with a BA in English Literature from Knox College in 2008, minoring in History. A graduate of Naperville North High School in 2004, Wil is a lifelong Naperville resident and is currently a columnist for Positively Naperville.