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Geri Chairs, Clinical Recliners and Treatment Chairs: What to Compare Before You Buy

Geri chairs and clinical recliners are rolling, reclining chairs used in care facilities, clinics and at home. A 3-position geri chair sets to fixed positions, a clinical recliner moves through a continuous range, drop-arm and swing-away models move the arm aside for transfers, and tilt-in-space chairs tilt the seat and back together.

Lumex Clinical Care Recliner

Key takeaways

  • Geri chairs with 3 positions stop at set points, while clinical recliners move smoothly and often include Trendelenburg.
  • Drop-arm and swing-away arms move out of the way for sideways transfers.
  • Tilt-in-space tilts the seat and back together; recline opens the angle between them.
  • Weight capacity varies by model, from 250 lb on the Drive 3-Position Recliner to 700 lb on the Lumex Bariatric Recliner.
  • Measure seat width, depth and height, plus the overall width for doorways.

Geri chairs and clinical recliners are the rolling, reclining chairs used in care facilities, hospitals and clinics, and also at home. Treatment chairs such as blood drawing chairs are built for a single task. They all look similar in photos, but the way they recline, how the arms move, the seat size and the weight capacity differ a lot. This guide covers the main styles we carry and the measurements to check before you choose.

This is product information rather than medical advice. If the chair is for someone who needs help with transfers, has trouble sitting upright or will sit for long periods, ask their nurse or therapist which positions and features they need, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for transfers and positioning.

What is a 3-position geri chair?

A 3-position geri chair sets to a few fixed positions rather than a smooth range. The Invacare 3-Position Reclining Geri Chair sets upright, upright with the leg rest raised, or fully reclined. It has a push bar on the back, four casters with two locking steering casters at the rear, footrests that fold under the seat, side panels that come off for cleaning, and an included tray and headrest. Its seat is 19 inches wide and 19.5 inches deep. The Drive 3-Position Recliner is similar, with a tray that locks in five positions and a listed capacity of 250 lb.

What is a clinical recliner?

Clinical recliners usually recline through a continuous range and often include a Trendelenburg position, which tilts the whole chair back with the feet higher than the head. The Lumex Clinical Care Recliner has a welded round steel tube frame, LiquiCell padding in the seat and back, and a gas cylinder that moves it into Trendelenburg. It has two side tables that sit flush with the arms, pop-out side panels and four Tente swivel casters with rear locks and a directional lock. The seat is 21.5 inches wide. Winco's Caremor recliner uses a gas spring with web suspension and comes with a removable tray.

What are drop-arm and swing-away arm chairs?

For lateral transfers, such as sliding to or from a bed or wheelchair, the arm needs to get out of the way. On the Winco Drop Arm Clinical Recliner, a one-touch release lowers each arm level with the seat. It also has fold-down side trays with cup recesses, a Trendelenburg release reachable from either side and 5 inch casters. The Winco Swingaway Arm CareCliner takes another approach: its arms swing out to the side. Ask the care team which transfer method they use before choosing between them.

What is a tilt-in-space chair?

A tilt-in-space chair tilts the whole seat and back together, so the angle between them stays the same. The Lumex Preferred Care Tilt-in-Space Recliner tilts but does not recline. It has a separate leg rest worked from the side, a height-adjustable drop arm that stores itself, extra-wide padded arms and quick-release upholstery. Tilt and recline are different motions, so check which one the care plan calls for.

What is a bariatric clinical recliner?

Bariatric models have wider seats and higher weight ratings. The Lumex Bariatric Recliner, for example, is rated for 700 lb, has powered recline controlled by a hand pendant with four functions and has a rechargeable battery backup for power failures. Winco and Lumex both list extra-wide and bariatric versions of their recliners. Compare the listed capacity with the person's weight, allowing some headroom, and check that doorways are wide enough for the chair.

Blood drawing and phlebotomy chairs

Blood drawing chairs are upright treatment chairs for clinics and labs. The Winco Blood Drawing Chair has a plastic resin seat and back on a powder-coated steel frame, a contoured armrest that adjusts from 28.25 to 34.25 inches and flips up, and a laminated cabinet with a storage drawer under the seat. It is rated for 300 lb. UMF's phlebotomy chair has two fully adjustable armboards that rotate 360 degrees.

How do the chair styles compare?

Chair styles at a glance
Style How it moves Example from our range
3-position geri chair Sets to a few fixed positions Invacare 3-Position Reclining Geri Chair: upright, leg rest raised or fully reclined
Clinical recliner Reclines through a continuous range, often with a Trendelenburg position Lumex Clinical Care Recliner
Drop-arm or swing-away arm chair The arm lowers level with the seat or swings out to the side for lateral transfers Winco Drop Arm Clinical Recliner; Winco Swingaway Arm CareCliner
Tilt-in-space chair Seat and back tilt together, keeping the same angle Lumex Preferred Care Tilt-in-Space Recliner (tilts, does not recline)
Bariatric clinical recliner Wider seat and higher weight rating Lumex Bariatric Recliner, rated for 700 lb
Blood drawing chair Upright treatment chair for clinics and labs Winco Blood Drawing Chair, rated for 300 lb

Ask the care team which positions and transfer method they use before choosing a style.

Overlays and accessories

Geri chair overlays are padded covers that lie over the seat and back. The plaid overlay we list is 75 inches long and is described as meeting CAL 117 standards. Check the length against the chair and confirm how the overlay attaches.

Geri chair or lift chair?

A geri chair rolls on casters and is moved by a caregiver. A lift chair recliner looks like living room furniture and tilts forward to help someone stand. If the user mostly needs help getting up from a chair at home, see our lift chair recliners instead.

Cleaning and upkeep

Clinical seating is cleaned often, so look at how the chair comes apart. Pop-off or press-pin side panels, seamless upholstery and removable trays make wiping down easier. Check the upholstery material on the listing and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, because some cleaners can dry out or crack vinyl over time. It also helps to inspect casters, locks and recline handles regularly and to keep the manual with the chair.

Which measurements should you check?

  • Seat width, depth and height from the floor.
  • Width between the arms and overall chair width for doorways.
  • Weight capacity, with a margin.
  • Recline range, Trendelenburg and tilt features.
  • Arm style for transfers: fixed, drop-arm or swing-away.
  • Caster size and which casters lock.
  • Tray, side tables and cleaning access.

Talk to us

Comparing two chairs, or furnishing several rooms? Call 1-877-861-8000, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Pacific, or email contactus@medsupplynow.com. There is no shipping charge on US orders totaling $50 or more. Browse our chairs, bariatric equipment and lift chair recliners.

You may also find these useful: choosing a lift chair recliner, exam room and clinic equipment and positioning pillows, wedges and cushions. For every topic we cover, see the buyer's guide hub.

Frequently asked questions

What is a geri chair?

It is a rolling, reclining chair used in care facilities and at home. Many, like the Invacare 3-Position Reclining Geri Chair, set to a few fixed positions and include a tray.

What does Trendelenburg mean on a recliner?

It is a position where the whole chair tilts back with the feet higher than the head. Several clinical recliners, including Lumex and Winco models, have a Trendelenburg release.

How is tilt-in-space different from recline?

A tilt-in-space chair tilts the seat and back together and keeps the angle between them the same. A recliner opens that angle. The Lumex Preferred Care chair tilts but does not recline.

What is a drop-arm recliner used for?

A drop arm lowers out of the way for sideways transfers to or from a bed or wheelchair. Ask the care team which transfer method they use.

How much weight can a clinical recliner hold?

It depends on the model. For example, the Winco Caremor lists 300 lb, the Drive 3-Position Recliner 250 lb and the Lumex Bariatric Recliner 700 lb. Check each listing.

Can I return a clinical recliner?

Returns are accepted on most items for 30 days, less a 20% restocking fee; hospital beds and lifts cannot be returned. Call 1-877-861-8000 with questions before you order.

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Filed in: Buyer's Guide, Clinical Seating, Geri Chairs
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