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Buyer's Guide
What to look for when buying mobility products
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Buying A Recliner Chair
Many people with back problems can find sitting in a chair for any length of time uncomfortable. A recliner chair can be a good solution for people with back problems, or for those with muscle weakness or mobility problems.
How to look for a recliner chair
Over the past few years, recliner chairs have become much more stylish and it is now possible to buy leather recliner chairs, which can be a fashionable addition to your home.
Before buying a recliner chair, it is important to do some research. If any of your friends or family have recliner chairs, ask them for their advice and try out their seats to see if you have a preference for any particular style.
It is also beneficial to have a flick through a catalogue or visit a showroom as this will help give you a better idea of the types of recliner chairs available.
Mobility Compare can also help you find a suitable recliner chair. With the website, you just highlight your needs and Mobility Compare will provide you with a list of suitable chairs.
What sort of recliner chair would suit you?
Deciding what recliner chair will suit you will depend on your needs, budget and style.
It is possible to buy manual or electric recliner chairs. The first option is generally operated using a lever or wheel on the side of the chair. Electric recliner chairs tend to have a high seat and need to be located near to a power socket to ensure that they can work. Electric recliner chairs are generally controlled by a handset which may have push buttons or a rocker switch.
Other options include chair beds, which look like a bed but can be electronically changed to assume the shape of a chair, and riser recliner chairs. As well as reclining, these feature a seat lift. Often the whole chair rises which makes it much easier for the user to get in and out of a chair.
Recliner chairs generally feature leg rests, which help support your calves. On some recliners, the leg rest operates simultaneously with the backrest, while on others the two operate independently, which can be better for people who need to elevate their legs while sitting up.
What to expect from a sales visit?
Arranging a sales visit can help you get a clearer idea of what recliner chair would suit you and your needs best.
Before the visit takes place it's important that you clearly assess your needs and wants. For example, do you need to be able to adjust the back and footrest separately or would you like a style option like a leather recliner chair?
Make a list of any questions you might have before the visit takes place. This will help ensure that you don't forget to ask any important questions while the sales representative is there. As the sales visit takes place, the representative should make a full assessment of your needs and talk to you about your options. He or she could also take measurements to ensure that the company supplies a chair with the correct seat height, width and length and may also factor in where the chair could be located, especially if you plan on buying an electric recliner chair.
By the end of the visit, the representative should be able to provide you with an idea of what products the company has which might suit you and the cost of each item. It's important to take your time and not rush into a purchase. Take a few days to think about it and consider asking other recliner chair companies to speak to you about their products.
Buying tips?
As a recliner chair can be an expensive product, it is important to carefully consider each of the options available:
1. The first thing to consider is the seat height. People with mobility problems may find that a higher seat is easier to get out of. Riser recliner chairs can also be a good option as these lift people up, which makes it easier to get out of the seat.
2. Another factor is the seat width. It should be wide enough to allow you to sit comfortably and narrow enough to ensure you can use the armrests. A good guide is that the seat should be the width of your hips plus two clenched fists on either side.
3. If you have weak hands, consider investing in an electric recliner chair with a rocket switch as these can be easier to use.
4. Make sure the recliner chair suppliers are factoring in your current needs and how these might change. This will help ensure you get the best device for you.
5. Find out about call-out services and the warranty on the recliner chair. A longer warranty is best and can offer peace of mind.
And finally, never buy a recliner chair without first trying it out! To find a recliner chair that suit your needs, use the Mobility Compare site to compare recliner chairs
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