6 Best Expert-Approved Recliners For Back Pain (2024)
Dr. Christopher R. Sforzo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in hand and upper extremity surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures and has appointments and admitting privileges at various medical facilities.
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Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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rajeshwari das Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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In This Article
This article will take you through the best recliners for back pain. After a tiring day of work, sinking into a large and ultra-comfortable chair sounds like heaven to us. Recliners have seen a considerable amount of popularity over time, given that they provide comfort while you sit on them and prevent you from experiencing backaches. They provide the necessary support to the body and ease strain and pain on the muscles. Some recliners provide so much comfort that you can even sleep in them. They are the perfect choice for your home and office. They can be used for sleeping, lounging, rest, entertainment, and relaxation. They come in a multitude of colors and in a variety of fabrics and patterns. This allows you to pick the one that suits your interests and home decor. Below, we shall discuss the 6 best options and provide additional information about them so that you can make the right decision while purchasing one. So, scroll down.
[table “1024” not found /]What Is A Recliner?
A recliner, also known as a lounger or the armchair, is a chair or sofa that allows you to lean back at different angles. The backrest of the recliner can be tilted back, and the footrest can be extended with the help of a lever placed on the side of the chair.
Recliners today feature an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, and footstool that gets adjusted according to the weight and angle of the user’s leg to provide you ultimate comfort. These chairs are equipped with a motor and provide heat massage. They help to relieve body tension and ensure that your muscles are well supported.
It is essential to know how a recliner works to understand the functionality, features, mechanisms, and how the pricing is done for different types of recliners.
How Do Recliners Work?
- Frame: The frame of the recliner will determine its durability. Recliner frames are made from hardwood or plywood. When you sit on the recliner and pull the lever, the bodyweight moves back. The frame should be strong enough to be able to support the weight and the motion with which it is carried. When making a purchase decision for recliners, opt for hardwood options as they work much better than plywood frames. Hands-on experience from users often highlights the importance of opting for hardwood frames, as they tend to outperform plywood alternatives.
- Arms: The arms of the chair are made of multiple panels that help the user while they are reclining. The arms of a recliner are a separate component, and they are constructed to operate independently from the rest of the recliner. The multiple panels of the arms are bolted together to ensure their stability and complete immovability. It is very important to have secure and sturdy arms as they are frequently used to push off when reclining. Practical insights from those who frequently use recliners underscore the importance of stable arms, particularly when pushing off during the reclining process.
- Springs And Levers: When the user applies pressure, the springs of the recliner tend to absorb the pressure and compress while easing the recliner backward. This is how recliners work without levers. When you lean forward or rise from the chair, the spring expands and thus allows the recliner to get back to its original position. The insights of a healthcare specialist can shed light on how these mechanisms cater to users’ needs, especially those with specific health considerations.
- Manual And Automatic Recliners: The reclining mechanism can be either manual or automatic. You can find both types of recliners on the market. In manual recliners, a lever and handle help to move the chair backward. In the case of automatic recliners, this function is accomplished with the help of remote control or operating touch system on the recliner to activate the recline function.
6 Best Recliners For Back Pain
1. Best Adjustable:Homall Single Recliner Chair
Homall Recliner sofa chair is made from high-quality polyurethane leather that is comfortable, skin-friendly, and can be easily cleaned. This attractive recliner will be a perfect choice for your living area, bedrooms, and even your recreational area. The thick padded seat and back offer utmost comfort to the user and hence it is the best recliner for back pain and it comes with a durable frame and body construction. This comfortable recliner is made with high-density fabric that provides the best support.
The maximum capacity of this recliner is 265 lbs. It comes with a one-month money back policy. The company also provides free exchange for installation problems, damage, and missing parts within one year. The living room recliner has garnered numerous positive reviews for its innovative design, with multiple reviewers highlighting the flexible seating arrangements that enhance overall comfort.
Features
- High density thicker sponge that has high resilience and high permeability
- Highly durable steel frame
- Features adjustable footrest, large-sized seat cushions, wider armrests for utmost comfort
- Easily adjustable modes as per the user’s requirement
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to operate
- Retractable footrest
- Exquisite stitching design
Cons
- None
"This adjustable recliner is ideal for multipurpose use. It has a durable construction, and the PU leather material does not irritate my skin. The material is waterproof, and I can relax on it after a sweaty gym session. I like that it provides good support for my aching back. However, I would have liked more room on the armrests."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,636 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best For Elderly people:MCombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa
The MCombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa features a counter-balanced lift system with a TUV-certified controller that pushes up the chair to help the user stand easily without putting strain on the back or knees. You can seamlessly adjust towards the lift or resting position by pushing two keys on the remote control. This chair is made of high-quality imitation leather that is easy to maintain. It is the best recliner for hip pain as there is plenty of space to add cushion support near the hip. It also has a resting table for your legs. It is simple to install and requires no tools due to its distinctive structure and wiring arrangement. This chair offers dual USB ports for charging your gadgets, dual side storage pockets for small things, and two cup holders on both sides of the armrests to satisfy your demands. This supportive recliner is great for anyone with movement limitations, those who are recuperating from surgery, and people with back issues who do not feel comfortable in a regular chair.
Features
- Reclines up to 140°
- 8 vibrating points
- Cup holders and side pockets
Pros
- Power lift assistance
- USB charging ports
- Easy to assemble and operate
- Comes with a remote control
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not suitable for tall people
"This recliner is very easy to assemble. The power lift technology lifts the recliner, allowing me to stand up easily without straining my knees. The chair features vibrating points that massage my strained muscles. I like that its faux leather is easy to clean and maintain. It has two cup holders and side pockets, which are very convenient."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,302 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best With Headrest:Flash Furniture Recliner Chair
Flash Furniture Recliner Chair is made of leather and faux leather materials with a solid mahogany wood base. This beige recliner comes with an adjustable headrest and a matching ottoman. The durable material of the recliner chair is easily cleanable with a damp cloth to prevent stains and soak up any spills. Its plush upholstered arms provide ultimate comfort while you relax. It has a comfortable design, making it the best recliner for lower back pain.
The reclining lever is conveniently located under the right arm and helps you adjust the chair to a full reclining position which gives you multiple reclining positions. The ottoman, as well as the chair, has a wood base with a ball bearing construction. This feature gives both the ottoman and the chair an effortless swivel movement. The floor glides to protect your flooring by sliding smoothly when you move the chair and so it is the best chair for back pain sufferers. Reviewers testing the product have praised the product’s flexible seating options, which provides a comfortable experience for users.
Features
- Swivel movement allows you to turn around easily
- Integrated headrest
- Floor guides help to protect your floor from damage.
- The compact design makes the chair ideal for smaller rooms.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Strong, durable construction
- Ball-bearing swiveling motion allows for easy movement
- Easy to adjust the recliner
Cons
- Sits lower to the ground.
"This chair has a plush cushion, which is comfortable to sit on. Its padded handles add to my relaxing experience. I love its floor protector feature that prevents scratching my floors. The chair glides easily on my floor without making squeaky noises. It has an easy-to-use lever with which I can adjust its reclining angle."
Pro TipHomall Single Recliner Chair Best Adjustable | MCombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa Best For Elderly people | Flash Furniture Recliner Chair Best With Headrest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | - | 30.7"D x 34.6"W x 41"H | 34"D x 33"W x 41.25"H |
| Material | - | Faux Leather | Leather |
| Color | - | Dark Brown | Beige |
| Weight | - | 105 pounds | 54 pounds |
| Shape | - | Square | Square |
| Frame Material | - | Alloy Steel | Wood |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,470 | 1,302 | 907 |
| Price | $115.99 | $569 | $388.08 |
4. Best Soft Fabric:Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner
Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner is designed to be used in a nursery. The stylish design options make it a perfect choice for other rooms of the house as well. It is the best recliner chair for back pain as it is easy to clean and has a soft and comfortable upholstery made of microfiber material.
Its coil seat with thick foam comfortable padding provides a supportive sitting experience for an extended period. The button tufting detail on the backrest adds to the beauty of this medium-soft recliner. The track arm design of this supportive recliner provides the user with a place to comfortably rest their arm.
Features
- Maximum weight capacity of 225 pounds
- Made of sturdy material with a durable frame
- Swivel base ensures smooth gliding motion
Pros
- Softcover
- Durable
- Easy to assemble
- Ball-bearing swiveling motion allows for easy movement.
Cons
- Not thickly padded
"This chair is plush and comfortable. I like its padded armrests where I can rest my arms conveniently. It is easy to assemble and clean. The chair swivels 360 degrees and reclines easily. Its polyester fabric is stain- and spill-resistant."
5. Best Durable:Esright Massage Recliner
Esright Massage Recliner Chair is made of polyurethane leather and has reclining, massaging heating, and vibrating features. The soft yet sturdy PU leather is suitable for intensive use. It features two cup holders and four storage bags to rest your drinks and store magazines. This firmer recliner is the best for after back surgery. You can use this chair not only at home, but also in pubs and business places for its sophisticated look and excellent sunlight resistance.
This is a manually controlled recliner and has a 360 degrees swivel and 140-degree gentle recline feature. The chair is huge and ideal for people of all sizes. It is equipped with a massage function that allows you to adjust and control the intensity with its five control modes and two intensity levels. Also, online reviewers who have tested this manual recliner praise it for its thoughtfully crafted seating options, noting the exceptional comfort achieved due to its flexible and accommodating features.
Features
- Reclines up to 140 degrees for maximum comfort
- Features cup holders and storage bags
- Padded with extra thick sponge for back cushion and armrest
Pros
- Durable construction
- Extra thick padding for utmost comfort
- 360-degree swivel movement
- Comes with a remote control
Cons
- Not ideal for tall individuals.
"This chair is soft and sturdy at the same time. Assembling it was a piece of cake. The wide seat enhances my experience. I love its 8 massage modes that provide intense relaxation to my muscles. The chair features two cup holders and storage bags for convenience."
6. Best Comfortable:Yaheetech Reclining Chair
The Yaheetech Reclining Chair is an adjustable reclining chair with a sturdy composite wooden base, a squishy seat supported by a pocket spring, and extra-thick deep cushioning and rayon fibers in the backrest and footrest. In this adjustable recliner, you can enjoy sitting in any position you like. The ergonomic design of the reclining chair’s footrest provides optimum comfort. It raises and rests at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees with a simple press on the backrest. This single reclining chair is supported by four sturdy feet with non-marking pads, efficiently making the chair stable in its position. Versatility and comfort go hand in hand with this affordable recliner, as highlighted by numerous reviewers who commend its flexible seating arrangements for their ergonomic and relaxing qualities.
Features
- Maximum weight capacity of 120 kg/265 lb
- Easy-to-clean PU & PVC leather
- Sturdy hardwood frame
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable
- Ideal for small rooms
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"This recliner relieves fatigue from my muscles. It has a robust construction and can accommodate heavy weights. I could assemble it quickly. Its small structure is ideal for my small space. The four feet of the chair have cushioned pads that do not mark my wooden floor. I love how soft and comfortable the cushion feels."
Incorporating a recliner into your room is a simple and portable way to address your comfort needs, along with enhancing the aesthetics of your house. We have prepared the above list of top 6 recliners after thorough research and analysis of all the products available on the market.
Keep scrolling down to know more about recliners. Also, don’t forget to check our buying guide that will help you understand the main factors to consider while buying a recliner.
Benefits Of Recliners
Recliners may look like a luxury tool, but they have many tangible benefits. Here are a few benefits of using recliners:
- Sitting or standing for long hours negatively affects the blood flow. This can lead to medical complications. A recliner allows the user to recline their seat and rest their back and feet. It is a perfect way to keep you healthy while at work.
- Recliners provide the utmost comfort and relax your body. They give you relief from back pain. Recliners help to remove the pressure on your spine and relax your core muscles. This provides the overworked muscles a chance to relax. Keeping the feet in an elevated position lets gravity send the blood to the tendons and muscles of your lower back. This aids the recovery and strengthening of your back.
- Sleeping on a recliner opens up your diaphragm and helps you breathe easier. Sleeping in a recliner can help people with conditions like sleep apnea, snoring, heartburn, acid reflux, etc.
- Deep and slow breathing while you recline aids digestion. This is significantly beneficial before going to bed.
Side-effects Of Recliners
Recliners offer tons of benefits, but they are not a good choice for those who tend to sit too much. People with a sedentary lifestyle spend hours sitting in recliners and watching television or relaxing. That’s not the recliner’s fault, though! Recliners, as such, do not have any side effects; the only thing is they are not the correct choice for people with little or no physical activity.
Let’s now look at the types of recliners.
Types Of Recliners
- The Classic Recliners: The classic recliners are perfect for those who are looking for comfort but don’t want to compromise on aesthetics. These recliners that are also known as wingback chairs are available in a variety of fabrics and colors. You can find them in both classical and contemporary styles.
- The Rocker Recliners: This recliner is ideal for those with insomnia as the rocking motion induces nodding off. Several reclining angles and the rocking motion makes this recliner an excellent buy for people who struggle to fall asleep and mothers with babies. This recliner occupies less space and hence is ideal for small rooms. Rocker recliners are almost like a two-position recliner, the only difference being the rocking motion when upright.
- The Wall Hugger Recliners: The wall hugger or saver recliner is perfect if you have space constraints as it requires very little space to fit in. Unlike other recliners, where you sink into the chair, in a wall hugger recliner, you tend to sit up straight. It is a good option for people with weak knees and limited mobility, enabling them to get up more easily. Wall hugger recliners are a little expensive but are a perfect choice for smaller rooms.
- The Push-Back Recliner: The push-back recliner has a mobile back. You can push the back, like in an airplane, but with added comfort and support to your back. Push-back recliners are also a good option for smaller spaces. These recliners have a mobile backrest but do not feature a footrest. If you feel the need for a footrest, you can pair them up with an ottoman to give you almost the same comfort without a huge expense.
- Powered Recliners: Powered recliners offer ease of operation and more rest positions that the traditional recliner options. Some of these electrically operated recliners also come with USB outlets for portable devices, such as mobile phones and tablets. Some models are available with massage options for the headrest, lumbar support, and other areas.
Knowing about the different types of recliners is not enough to make the right purchase decision. There are several other factors that you need to pay attention to, like the design, fabric, color, cost-effectiveness, electricity usage, and how useful it will be in your house. We have listed the most important factors that you should look for when shopping for a recliner. Scroll down to read our detailed buying guide that will help you make an informed purchase decision.
Buying Guide
- Fabric: The fabric of the recliner should be your foremost concern. The choice of the recliner fabric will depend on whether you are buying the recliner for your living area or bedroom, frequency of cleaning it, kids or pets in the house, etc. If you have kids or pets at home, it is better to go for expensive yet durable and easy to clean material like microfiber.
- Frame: Recliners are available in wood, hardwood, and metal. If you are looking for durable ones, consider going for the metal frame instead of plastic frames. Solid wood frames made of hardwood are better options.
- Style: The style of the recliner you purchase should be determined by a few key factors like where you plan to keep the recliner and the size of the room where you plan to keep the recliner. Most importantly, the target users of the recliner and their health profile will be the key determinants of the style you settle for.
- Safety: Ensure that you go for a recliner that is safe and will not lead to any injury. For example, check the gap between the footrest and recliner seat. It should never be more than 5 inches.
- Motorized Variants: These recliners offer the user additional comfort and convenient usage as they are less stressful on the arms and hands. Though motorized recliners are more expensive than the other recliners, because of the comfort and convenience they provide, their popularity is increasing among the masses.
- Evaluate How It Fits Your Body: Once you have found a recliner of your choice, make sure to sit in it and evaluate how it fits your body in the seated and reclined position. While you test the recliner on your comfort parameter, make sure to check the following boxes:
- The footrest provides adequate support to your feet.
- Is the lumbar support to a firm or too soft?
- There should be no gap between your lower back and seat when you recline. If the gap exists, it can lead to back pain in the future.
- Your head is well supported, and the neck is in a natural position while you rest your head.
Infographic: Tips To Maintain Recliners
Recliner sofas are a little dose of luxury that make lounging sessions oh-so comfortable! We all love to relax and watch a movie or read a book on the recliners. These non-traditional sofas are quite an investment and last quite a few years, if maintained well. Given below is an infographic with some tips to maintain recliners and prolong their durability. Check it out! Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
The Bottom Line
After a tiresome day, your body needs good support at pressure points to destress itself and feel comfortable, and the best recliner for back pain helps you with that. The Homall Single Recliner Chair comes in a durable frame and offers plenty of cushioned support. The Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner is perfect for your nursery, and if you’ve had a recent back surgery, the Esright Massage Recliner is the one to go for. The recliners listed in our article are versatile and are excellent for resting, lounging, and relaxing.However, it is good to invest in ergonomic recliners with wide armrests as they provide great support to rest the arms. Another point to consider before buying is cushioning – recliners with great cushioning offer superior comfort. Additionally, invest in a perfect recliner after going through customer reviews to make the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recliner good for back pain?
Recliners that comes with good lumbar support and don’t leave a gap between your back and the seat when you recline can be good for your back. Radiological research determined that sitting in a reclined position is better than sitting in an upright position.
How to clean an upholstered recliner?
You need to check what type of upholstery is used in your recliner. Whether it is water safe upholstery or solvent safe upholstery, you need to plan your cleaning method according to the type.
How long does a recliner last?
With regular use, the average life of a recliner can be somewhere around 10 years. The life of the chair will also depend on the quality and the chaos to which it is exposed.
Is a recliner bad for sciatica patients?
Recliners with excellent lumbar support are known to provide relief from the pain and symptoms of sciatica.
How to maintain your recliner?
If you are having issues with your recliner, check whether it is still in warranty or not. Make sure to read the owner’s manual carefully for any troubleshooting issues. You can also go online to check for solutions to your chair model. If your chair is having lubrication issues, you can use penetrating oils to deal with any squeaky noises or rusting that happens over time.
Why does my recliner hurt my back?
Sitting on a recliner without sufficient lumbar support creates pain in your lower back.
Is it good to sit on a recliner all day?
No, sitting on a recliner all day can create knee and hip contractures, affecting flexibility and posture.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Experts recommend using orthopedically designed recliners to reduce and prevent back pain. We have thoroughly researched multiple recliners and looked closely at their design, features, and level of adjustability to shortlist the best products available on the market. We further investigated user reviews of the products to consider user experience and noted down the pros and cons of each of the shortlisted recliners. The products on this list are designed to support the body and ease muscle strain and pain.
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