How Lift Chair Positions Work
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What is a Lift Chair?
Lift chairs are devices that help make standing and sitting easier. An electric lifting system is located in the base of the chair and this physically raises the chair and its occupant up and into a position that is conducive to standing. In addition to having a motorized lifting system in the base, the backrest and footrest of a lift chair are controlled electronically.
Most lift chairs are operated by a simple hand control that is physically wired to the chair. This way, there it can not be lost easily and it does not require batteries, so there is little maintenance. Some lift chairs, however, provide a battery backup, which consists of a single 9 volt battery. This battery will need replacing if the battery backup has been used or annually if it is not used.
The Different Lift Chair Positions
There are several ways to categorize lift chairs, such as by manufacturer, weight capacity, or special features, but they are often grouped by the degree that they can be reclined. The distance that the lift chair can recline is usually referred to as its position and there are 2, 3, and infinite position lift chairs available.
The 2 Position Lift Chair often offers the most economic option, however, a 2 position lift chair does not fully recline. Instead, the backrest can be reclined about 45 degrees, which is great for watching the television or perhaps reading, but might not be as well suited for sleeping.
The 3 Position Lift Chair can fully recline, which makes it a great place for taking a nap, watching TV, or reading. Some even provide a removable padded mattress that can be added onto the lift chair to make it an even more comfortable bed.
The Infinite Position Lift Chair can also be reclined fully and actually recline a little bit farther than a 3 position lift chair would. However, the major difference is that the footrest and backrest operates differently than the other two types of lift chairs. Infinite position lift chairs allow for ultimate customization, because the backrest and footrest can be operated separately. This means the backrest can be fully reclined, without extending the footrest, or the footrest can be extended without reclining the backrest. Usually, an infinite position lift chair can also be operated like a 3 position lift chair, where the backrest and footrest move concurrently.
