How to Choose a Lift Chair Recliner: 2-Position, 3-Position or Infinite-Position

A lift chair recliner looks like an ordinary living room recliner, but a motorized base tilts the whole chair forward to help the person in it move between sitting and standing. Choosing one comes down to three things: how far it reclines, how well it fits the person's body and how it will fit into the room. This guide covers each in turn, with a checklist at the end.

We sell equipment, not medical advice. If you are buying a lift chair for someone recovering from surgery or managing a health condition, ask their physician or therapist which positions and features suit them.

What is the difference between 2-position, 3-position and infinite-position lift chairs?

"Position" describes how the backrest and footrest move and how far back the chair can go. There are three common styles.

2-position lift chairs

The backrest and footrest are linked and the chair reclines only slightly, about enough to watch TV or read with the feet up. These chairs are usually compact and straightforward to operate. They suit people who mostly sit upright and want help standing.

3-position lift chairs

A 3-position chair still links the backrest and footrest on one motor, but it reclines further, into a napping position. The Pride Essential Collection LC-105 is an example: a two-button control moves it between upright, standing and full recline, and the chair can be stopped at any point in between. Because the back and feet move together, you cannot raise the footrest without leaning back as well.

Infinite-position lift chairs

Infinite-position chairs use separate motors for the backrest and the footrest, so each can be adjusted on its own. You can sit upright with the legs raised, or lean back with the feet down. Many of these chairs can recline close to flat, and some offer a zero-gravity style position. The Pride VivaLift! Ultra, for example, has an independently adjustable backrest and footrest, plus a power headrest and lumbar adjustment. Golden Technologies uses its own positioning system on chairs such as the Golden Cloud, where the seat shifts as the chair reclines.

How do the three lift chair styles compare?

How do you size a lift chair?

Lift chairs come in sizes such as petite, small, medium, large and extra-large, and the right one depends on the person, not on the room. A chair that is too deep leaves the feet dangling, while one that is too small can feel cramped and makes standing harder. Manufacturers usually list a recommended height range for each size. The VivaLift! Ultra Medium, for example, lists a user height range of roughly 5'5" to 6'1", and the LC-105 for users about 5'3" or shorter.

When you compare chairs, look at these numbers on the product page:

• Recommended user height. Match it first.
• Weight capacity. Compare it with the user's weight and leave a margin. For higher capacities, browse our bariatric equipment.
• Seat width and depth. The user should sit with their back against the backrest and their knees just past the seat edge.
• Seat height. Feet should rest flat on the floor when the chair is upright.

A practical tip: measure a chair the person already finds comfortable and compare those numbers with the listing.

How much room does a lift chair need?

Recliners need space behind and in front of them. Check the product page for the clearance the chair needs from the wall when fully reclined and the space in front when it lifts. Also consider:

• Doorways. Many lift chairs ship with a removable back so the chair is easier to move. Measure doorways and hallways anyway.
• Power. The chair needs an outlet nearby. Route the cord where it will not be pinched or tripped over.
• Floor. Place the chair on a level surface, away from rugs that could bunch under the base as it moves.

Which features are worth comparing?

• Backup battery. Many chairs, including the LC-105 and the Golden Cloud, include a battery backup that lets the chair finish moving if the power goes out.
• Hand control. Look for large, clearly labeled buttons and a pocket to keep the control handy.
• Heat and massage. Some chairs add heat or massage. These are comfort features; ask the care team if you have any doubts about using them.
• Fabric. Options range from upholstery fabrics to easy-wipe materials. Pick what fits your cleaning routine.
• Headrest and lumbar adjustment. Power headrest and lumbar controls let the user fine-tune support without cushions.

Brands in our lift chair collection

Our lift chair recliners come from Pride Mobility and Golden Technologies. Pride's range runs from the Essential Collection, which keeps the controls simple, through the Heritage Collection to the VivaLift! line, which includes several infinite-position models in multiple sizes. Golden Technologies offers chairs such as the Comforter and Cloud in sizes from junior petite up to medium-large and wide. Because each model is offered in several sizes, it is worth comparing the same chair in two sizes before you settle on one. If you see a model you like but are not sure which size to pick, send us the user's height and weight and we will point you to the listed size range.

Lift chair or patient lift?

A lift chair helps someone who can bear weight and stand with a little help. It is not a substitute for a patient lift for someone who cannot stand. If you are unsure which one fits the situation, ask a nurse or therapist.

What should you check before you buy?

• Choose the position style: 2-position, 3-position or infinite-position.
• Match the size to the user's height using the manufacturer's recommended range.
• Confirm the weight capacity, with a margin.
• Measure the seat width, depth and height against a chair that already feels comfortable.
• Check wall clearance and the space in front of the chair.
• Measure doorways and the path to the room.
• Pick a fabric and color you can live with, and check the return terms on our returns policy page before ordering.

Talk to us

Not sure which size or style to choose? Call 1-877-861-8000, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-6 PM Pacific, or email contactus@medsupplynow.com. You can browse every model in our lift chair recliner collection.

Related guides

You may also find these useful: geri chairs and clinical recliners, positioning pillows, wedges and cushions and hospital beds for home care. For every topic we cover, see the buyer's guide hub.

Frequently asked questions