Our Top Recommendations
1
Back & Footrest
Lane Boss Big Man Extra-Large Lift Chair
2
Pain-relieve
Mecor Power Lift Lay Flat Sleeper Chair
3
Pressure Sores
Irene House Lay Flat Sleeper Lift Chair
Sleeper lift chairs are a wonderful way for seniors to relax, relieve pressure and pain, and sleep safely despite medical concerns. They’re an excellent alternative or even companion to hospital beds, and they can help you improve your quality of life.
Check out our list of the best lifting sleeper to find a model that will help you sleep safer and more comfortably!
What is a Sleeping Lift Chair?
Lift chairs are designed to look and feel like normal recliner chairs but add medical benefits for people who need them. They have electric motors on the inside that will raise or lower the user into a standing/sitting position. As such, they are perfect for people who have mobility issues that make standing up and sitting down difficult, painful, or dangerous.
Lift chairs also have motors that will automatically recline the chair, so that the user doesn’t risk straining their muscles. There are three types of lift chairs, according to how far they recline. Two-position lift chairs will recline to about 45 degrees; three-position chairs will go nearly flat. Infinite position lift chairs also called sleeping lift chairs, will recline completely flat and are therefore ideal for taking naps or sleeping.
Many lift chairs also include massage motors and heating pads that are built into the back and seat. These add extra comfort, pain reduction, and pressure relief to the already useful design of a lift chair.
What are the Benefits of a Sleeping Lift Chair?
Alternative/Companion to Hospital Beds
Sleeping lift chairs are very convenient and easy to use in the home. They’re also much better for sitting up/reclining during the day than hospital beds are, and they can be used for sleeping with similar effectiveness. If you are confined to a bed for most or all of the day, using a sleeping lift chair might be a good alternative to a hospital bed for you.
Sleeping chairs, if they are of high enough quality, can also replace an uncomfortable hospital bed if your medical needs don’t necessitate one. More than that, they are easier to get in/out of, because most hospital beds don’t have any sort of lifting function. If you have balance or mobility issues that make it dangerous to sit or stand unassisted, sleeper lift chairs may actually be a much better option for you.
Similarly, if you are in a hospital bed most of the time, getting a sleeping lift chair to go alongside your hospital bed gives you more options during the day, helping you feel a bit less “stuck”. It won’t be the same as having full mobility, but you at least have more than one place to be that is safe!
Pressure, Swelling, and Pain
Pressure and swelling relief is another major benefit of lift chairs. They allow you to put your feet up and shift your center of gravity. This lets your body’s major joints get some much-needed rest that you may not get from a sofa or side chair. If you have arthritis, chronic pain, or have recently had an injury or surgery, lift chairs are ideal for you. You can relax and even sleep in the Zero Gravity Position, which has been proven to be beneficial for pain and swelling because it allows the body to decompress.
Sleeper lift chairs are ideal for recoveries, too. If you have had a surgery or accident, you may not be able to use your bed while you recover. Yet, since recoveries only last a few weeks or months, you may not want to ditch your traditional bed in favor of a hospital bed. Using a sleeper lift chair gives you exactly what you need to recline safely during the day and sleep at night.
Pressure sores are a common problem for seniors who spend more time sitting or in bed than they do standing or walking. The best method of treatment and prevention for pressure sores is to provide light stimulation to the muscles and tissue, which simulates light exercise. If you think that you may be at risk of developing pressure sores, getting a lifting sleeper chair with massage and heat is a great way to mitigate that risk!
Mobility and Balance
While this article focuses mostly on lift chairs that are also good for sleeping, it’s no secret that many seniors find sitting and standing to be more difficult as they get older. This is especially true when sitting on a plush couch or recliner; they put too much strain on the knees and hips, potentially causing or aggravating injuries. If you have medical conditions that make sitting down difficult or dangerous- or you have simply noticed difficulty increase over the years- you should give heavy consideration to purchasing a lift chair!
11 Best Sleeper Lift Chairs for 2021
1. Best Sleeping Lift Chair (Overall):The Perfect Sleep Chair
The name just about says it all: this is the best sleeper lift chair around. Built by hand in the USA with premium materials, this chair has everything you’d need in a sleeper lift chair. It’s extremely comfortable, performs as well as any other chair, and is incredibly stylish. It also includes heating and massage, all controlled by a very simple and sleek remote.
This chair is the most well-constructed and comfortable chair on our list. It is perfect for use in the Zero-Gravity position, sleeping flat, or simply relaxing in front of the TV. The Perfect Sleep Chair is also great for taller users; many lift chairs aren’t great for tall people, but this chair can accommodate people up to 6’5”.
The Perfect Sleep Chair is expensive but well worth it. If you have a higher budget, spending $2,000+ on a chair like this one will be a purchase you won’t regret!
2. Best Full Sleeper Lift Chair:Lane Boss Big Man Extra-Large Lift Chair
If you’re a larger person or simply need more room to spread out, this is the chair for you. It’s 49 inches wide and ideal for seniors who need the room- just make sure that you have lots of space in your living room to fit the chair in!
The width of this chair isn’t the only feature worth mentioning, however. The armrests flip up to reveal power outlets and storage compartments that make using the chair a bit less complex. It also has three different massage zones and a 30-minute heating pad timer.
This chair is a bit on the pricey side, and it won’t fit into small rooms very well. However, if you’re a larger person or someone who lives by the mantra, “bigger is better”, this chair is for you!
3. Best Sleeper Lift Chair With Heat: Mecor Power Lift Lay Flat Sleeper Chair
This recliner has a unique feature, in addition to its soothing lumbar heating pad. It has a “dual motor” design that allows you to control the backrest and leg rest separately. This makes it one of the most versatile lift chairs on the market in terms of positioning. You can customize your reclining and sleeping position any way you like it, ideal for seniors with different aches, pains, and medical concerns. The only downside is that the chair reclines to just 170 degrees, not a full 180.
The heating element itself is simple yet effective. Press one button and, within 90 seconds, you’ll be treated to a soothing, pain-relieving heat session. The heating element, combined with the ability to adjust your position however you like, makes this chair incredibly effective- and it comes at a great price!
4. Best Infinite Position Lift Chair Sleeper Recliner:Irene House Lay Flat Sleeper Lift Chair
The Irene House sleeper lift chair has a lot in common with the Mecor we just looked at, but it lays truly flat at 180 degrees. If you are looking for a lift recliner that can double as a bed, this might be the one for you. It uses a dual motor as well, giving you complete control over your reclining and seating position. This lift chair also includes four different massage zones, helping you relax, relieve pain, and even treat pressure sores.
The chair also has a very stylish design, more closely resembling a premium leather recliner from a furniture maker than a cheap recliner from a big box store. The chair does lack battery backup, which can be frustrating when the power goes out. Outside of that, though, this is a great recliner lift chair for any senior’s needs!
5. Best La-Z-Boy Sleeper Lift Chair:Margaret Bronze Power Lift Recliner
La-Z-Boy makes great chairs, even lift chairs for seniors. They don’t, however, make many lift chairs that will lay completely flat. The Margaret Bronze is one such chair that will be perfect for sleeping, relaxing, and more. It’s designed for shorter people, so it won’t be a perfect fit for everyone, although it does have a 300-pounds weight limit.
La-Z-Boy furniture comes with a great warranty- lifetime coverage for the upholstery and construction, and 3 years of coverage for the electronics. These chairs also come with La-Z-Boy’s famous and highly sought-after comfort and softness. If you’re under 5’6” and need a lifting sleeper chair, this is the one for you! It’s made from premium materials, comes with massage and heat, and will keep you cozy 24/7!
6. Catnapper Sleeper Lift Chair:Catnapper 45” Wide Power Lift Recliner
Catnapper is a company, just like La-Z-Boy, that has a long-standing reputation for quality, durability, and comfort. They’ve been in business since the 1880s and have been industry leaders the entire time. This chair is 45 inches wide, nearly as wide as a Full-sized mattress, and is stuffed with soft, supportive foam.
The best part about this chair is the plush, ultra-comfortable upholstery. It’s supportive enough to work as a great recliner, but it truly excels as a sleeping surface. Sleeping on this chair will feel just as good, if not better, than your old mattress!
Finally, this chair has a 450-pound weight capacity, perfect for heavier users. Most other sleeper lift chairs have a weight capacity of around 300 pounds, making this Catnapper chair the clear choice for heavy users.
7. Best Faux Leather Sleeper Lift Chair:Pulaski Faux Leather Dual Motor Lift Chair
Features & Benefits:
If style is what you’re looking for, this faux leather chair is for you. It’s cheaper than real leather and just as soft- and the warm brown color will bring a sense of calm and light without betraying a neutral color scheme.
This chair lays completely flat, holds a user up to 350 pounds, and can be assembled in a matter of minutes. It’s also incredibly easy to use: 3 different sets of 2 buttons control the stand/sit function, the leg recline, and the back recline.
It doesn’t have any heat or massage capability, which is a bit of a bummer. If you’re not the type of person who enjoys a massage, though, there’s a lot to love about the Pulaski chair. It’s simple, affordable, and very comfortable to sleep on.
Specs:
- Product Width: 41 Inches
- Product Length: 34.5 Inches
- Product Height: 34.5 Inches
- Product Weight: 121 Pounds
- Massage Included: No
- Heat Included: No
- Recline Depth: 180 Degrees
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish, soft faux leather
- Lays completely flat
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Lacks heat or massage
- More of a firm chair; may not suit people who like plush beds/couches
Who It’s Best For?
This lift chair is best suited to people who want simplicity. The remote is easy to use, the chair itself is easy to put together, and it’s as dependable as can be. It’s a great fit for any senior who wants a solid, dependable chair and doesn’t care about heat/massage functions.
8. Best Ergonomic Sleeper Lift Chair:Esright Sleeper Chair With Heat and Massage
Features & Benefits:
First things first: this chair doesn’t lay completely flat. While that might convince some people that it’s not good for sleeping, that may not actually be the case. 150 degrees of reclining puts your body at an angle that’s close to the Zero-Gravity position, making this a great chair for sleeping.
It may take some getting used to, but sleeping in this position is very good for the spine, hips, and knees. After you’ve slept at this angle for a while, you’ll notice that you wake up feeling more refreshed and your joints don’t feel quite as old as they used to.
This chair comes with 8 different massage nodes, covering your entire body; there is also a heating pad in the lumbar area. If you are worried about getting pressure sores from sitting and sleeping in the same chair, the massage and heat will- quite literally- soothe that worry away.
Specs:
- Product Width: 35 Inches
- Product Length: 36.25 Inches
- Product Height: 41.75 Inches
- Product Weight: 121 Pounds
- Massage Included: Yes, 8 nodes
- Heat Included: Yes, Lumbar Area
- Recline Depth: 150 degrees
Pros
- Reclines to Zero-Gravity Position
- Inexpensive
- Includes heat and massage
Cons
- Won’t recline completely flat
- Heavy, can be tough to assemble without help
Who It’s Best For?
This is an excellent lift chair for anyone at risk for pressure sores; the heat and massage mean that a senior with limited mobility can sit in it all day long without developing pressure sores.
Similarly, it’s a great choice for seniors who want to treat back and hip pain while in their chairs. Reclining at the zero-gravity position and getting a full-body massage means that your joints will decompress and you’ll be experiencing less pain, almost overnight!
9. Best Sleeper Lift Chair with Massage:Best Choice Products Electric Lift Chair
Features & Benefits:
This is far from the only chair that can lay flat and deliver a massage, but it is the best one due to its incredible combination of affordability and effectiveness. There are three different massage zones and a lumbar heating pad, each powerful enough to soothe and relieve all sorts of pain.
The motors on the Best Choice Products chair work extremely well, with no loud creaking or jostling at all. It will lift you gently into a standing position, dependably, for years to come. When you’re ready to sleep, all it takes is the touch of a button on the side of the chair to lay completely flat.
The button that controls the reclining on this chair isn’t located on the remote; reclining is only controlled by the buttons on the side. At first, this may seem strange, but it actually provides a unique safety benefit. Think about it: if you had severely limited mobility and woke up in a flat position but couldn’t find the remote, you’d be in life-threatening danger! Having these buttons on the side of the chair makes sure no senior ever finds themselves in that scenario.
Specs:
- Product Width: 38 Inches
- Product Length: 33 Inches
- Product Height: 40 Inches
- Product Weight: 113 Pounds
- Massage Included: Yes, three zones
- Heat Included: Yes, lumbar area
- Recline Depth: 170 Degrees
Pros
- Very affordable
- Effective heat and massage functions
- Safe to use even with severe mobility issues
Cons
- Not well suited for people taller than 6 feet
- Massage can be rough for people with higher sensitivities
Who It’s Best For?
This is an excellent chair for seniors with severe mobility limitations, because it can be reclined without the remote by using the side buttons. It’s also great for people who suffer from chronic pain or are concerned about getting pressure sores because of the heat and massage. Finally, it’s an excellent choice for people looking to get a budget deal on their lift chair: it costs less than $500!
10. Most Stylish Sleeper Lift Chair:Signature By Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner
Features & Benefits:
This lift chair feels just as good to lay on as it does to look at! It comes from a premium line of furniture made by Ashley, and the designer touches are obvious: premium stitching and upholstery, a gorgeous chocolate color, and the general sense of quality.
Beyond that, though, this is an excellent lift chair. It lays completely flat, is filled to the brim with extra-soft yet supportive foam, and is even large enough for people taller than 6 feet to use. The motors are designed to work slowly for safety purposes; if you have trouble standing or sitting, the 1-minute cycle on this chair is exactly what you need.
The Yandel Signature’s motors are exceptionally quiet, too. They won’t drown out the sound of the TV, disrupt your conversations, or scare your pets. All they do is what they’re supposed to do: move you safely and smoothly from a completely flat position up to a standing position and everywhere in between.
Specs:
- Product Width: 35 Inches
- Product Length: 40 Inches
- Product Height: 42.5 Inches
- Product Weight: 121 Pounds
- Massage Included: No
- Heat Included: No
- Recline Depth: 180 Degrees
Pros
- Lays completely flat
- Safe 1-minute recline-to-stand cycle
- Stylish and soft
- Good for taller users
Cons
- No massage or heat
- Hard to assemble
Who It’s Best For?
The Ashley Signature Yandel lift chair is a great choice for anyone who takes their home decor seriously, as well as people up to 6’ tall who might be too big for other chairs. Alongside those groups, it’s a great option for people who will sleep in their chair every night because of its high level of comfort and safety!
11. Best Sleeper Lift Chair for Heavier Users:Flamaker Power Lift Recliner Chair
Features & Benefits:
With a weight limit of 360 pounds, the Flamaker power lift recliner chair has the second-highest weight limit on our list and one of the highest on the market. If you weigh more than 275 pounds, it can be hard to find a chair that can safely hold you, especially in the completely flat position, but this one gets the job done and then some.
The other great thing about the Flamaker Power Lift Chair is the price- coming in at just under $400, this chair is a deal that almost nobody can match. It’s got heat, nearly flat reclining, massage- everything a good lift chair should have.
Each of the 4 massage zones has 5 different intensity settings, giving you exceptional control over the way your massage feels. If you come home with aches and pains every day, this chair has the necessary technology to help you out- but it won’t cost you as much as a new cell phone like other chairs do.
Specs:
- Product Width: 31 Inches
- Product Length: 32 Inches
- Product Height: 43 Inches
- Massage Included: Yes, four zones and 5 intensity settings
- Heat Included: Yes, lumbar area
- Recline Depth: 160 Degrees
Pros
- Great for taller and heavier users
- Excellent and comfortable massage
- Very low price
Cons
- Warranty isn’t very useful
- The power cord is a bit short; not easy to place in the right spot without an extension
Who It’s Best For?
If you’re working with a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice on features or comfort, this is the chair for you. For less than $400, you get a chair that does all the things that other chairs charging 2 or 3 times as much will do.
It’s also great for tall and heavy users; the weight limit and comfortable height range are higher on this chair than most. It’s a great deal on a chair that is a comfortable fit for more people- what’s not to love about that?
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Sleeper Lift Chair
What are the Best Brands of Sleeping Lift Chair?
- La-Z-Boy: One of the country’s most recognizable furniture brands, La-Z-Boy has an excellent line of lift chairs. If you are looking for comfort, durability, and the ability to choose between hundreds of fabrics, this is the company for you. The chairs they make, though, are usually some of the most expensive.
- Catnapper: This brand makes all of their furniture in the United States and is well-known for delivering the most comfortable products around. Catnapper lift chairs are perfect for people who are interested in a luxurious, cozy chair that will have them, well, napping like a cat!
What is the Price Range of Sleeping Lift Chair?
Sleeping lift chairs are a bit more expensive on the whole than other types of lift chairs. This is because they need to be able to recline to a fully flat position; other types of lift chairs stop short of 180 degree-recline, which makes them cheaper.
The cheapest sleeper lift chairs will typically set you back about $500-$700. The most expensive models, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $1,700. What accounts for this wide price difference? Often, the difference-maker isn’t performance or medical benefit- it’s actually the material the chair is made from, as well as the warranty and brand name.
Lower-priced sleeper lift chairs work just as well as expensive ones, but the upholstery, stuffing, and overall appearance may be lacking. Additionally, they may not have the kind of warranty length you are looking for.
When you pay a premium price for a sleeper lift chair, you’ll get a product made with premium fabrics or leather, as well as a long-lasting warranty. It’s up to you to decide which route to take- no matter what, you’ll get the same amount of relaxation and relief!
Are Sleeping Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare?
Lift chairs are covered by Medicare Part B, as they are considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME). This means that Medicare considers sleeping lift chairs to be medically necessary devices for seniors. If you think that you may need a sleeper lift chair for your home, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
If your doctor agrees that you need a chair, they will write you a prescription that you can use to purchase the chair. Medicare will put up 80% of the cost; the remaining 20% will be covered out of pocket, by Medicaid (if you qualify), or by private supplemental insurance.
What to Look for in a Sleeping Lift Chair
- Heat and Massage: Not every chair offers these features, but those that do can go a long way toward pain reduction and overall comfort. If you think that you could benefit from a nice massage at the end of the day (which can actually help you sleep better), make sure heat and massage are included in your choice of chair!
- Recline Angle: 180 degrees of recline is completely flat, but not every sleeper lift chair goes that far. Many models only recline to 170 degrees; when laying down, this difference is hard to notice but may not be suitable for some users. Before buying, make sure you know the exact recline angle of the model you’re considering!
- Width: Most of the time, it’s fine to simply say, “a chair is a chair”. However, when you are going to be sleeping on it, you need to make sure it’s wide enough for you to spread out comfortably. If you’re a wider person, this is especially important. Before you purchase a chair, make sure you know how wide it is and whether or not that width works for you.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal on a Sleeping Lift Chair
- Name Brand vs Generic Brand: Just like with groceries and other products, you can save a good bit of money by staying away from well-known brands. The good news is, with most lift chairs, there is no noticeable drop in benefit when you go with cheaper brands. The things you lose are quality of materials and sometimes durability, but you will still get a sleeper lift chair that helps you live more comfortably!
- Unnecessary Features: Heat, massage, and power outlets are great, but they aren’t an absolute necessity for many seniors. If you don’t think you’ll get much use out of these features, you can typically save a few hundred dollars by getting a simpler lift chair.
Conclusion
Sleeper lift chairs are a great way for seniors to recover from injuries or live day-to-day in a safe, medically beneficial manner. In the right situation, a lifting sleeper chair can even be a suitable replacement for a hospital bed! If you have arthritis, balance issues, or other medical concerns that make using traditional furniture difficult, you can benefit greatly by getting a sleeper lift chair.
Which model on our list do you think will suit you best? Do you have any questions about one of the chairs, or the technology in general? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
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I don’t know how to go forward. I have a prescription for a chair , yet can’t find a provider or source to get the chair. Purchase or rent. Can you guide me to the right place. We live in georgetown sc. area code w9440
Hi Teresa – have you asked your doctor (or whoever gave you the prescription) for a recommended retailer in Georgetown?