The 6 Best Sleeping Chairs For The Elderly (+Buying Guide)

Sleeping on recliner chairs has plenty of health and comfort benefits, especially for the elderly. It can help alleviate back pain, improve blood circulation, and increase productivity. Withal, it helps with conditions such as acid reflux, sleep apnea, and heartburn.

Picking a sleeping chair for the elderly, however, isn’t as easy as it may seem, as there are a lot of factors that come into play. Additionally, the sheer number of products on the market can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for exactly.

In this article, we’ll help narrow down your options because we’re about to shed light on some of the best sleeping chairs for the elderly on the market today. Thereafter, we’ll go over how to pick the sleeping chair that meets your requirements, so stick around.

In a Hurry? Here Are Our Finest Choices:

1 – Irene House Dual Motor Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair

Starting off our list is the highly popular Irene House Dual Motor Recliner. Upholstered in quality breath leather, this chair feels more like a throne. It’s remarkably breathable, so you won’t have to worry about getting hot and sweaty while sitting on it for an extended period of time. It’s filled with high-density sponge that’s pretty soft and comfortable, allowing for long hours of sleep.

The overall construction of the chair feels pretty rugged as it’s built from solid, which ensures an incredible lifespan. The chair offers two different functionalities. Firstly, you can use its power lift function to accommodate an elderly who usually has a hard time standing up. And secondly, it’s used for sleeping as it can recline gently with a simple push of a button.

As far as it’s weight capacity, the Irene House Dual Motor Recliner can handle up to 300 pounds worth of weight. With the average weight of the American man being 197.9 pounds, we’re pretty certain that this chair can accommodate almost everyone. Both the footrest and back’s functions can be controlled separately with the aid of different buttons for convenience.

There are plenty of activities that we can think of where this chair is extremely helpful aside from sleeping. It’s great for things such as watching TV and reading. As an alternative, you can use it to relax. All you really have to do is extend the footrest and recline the chair itself in order to get a fully-stretched surface to lay on while sipping on your favorite drink.

The chair features side pockets that you can use to put some of your belongings inside such as a remote control or mobile device. It’s also commodious enough to accommodate larger objects.  The assembly process is pretty straightforward and all the necessary accessories are included in the package. Lastly, the product is backed by a solid warranty covering all of its components.

Pros:

• A highly versatile chair as it offers both power-lifting and reclining functionalities
• The high-density sponge stuffing makes it an extremely comfortable sleeping chair
• The chair features side pockets that you can use to store a wide range of objects
• It can handle almost anyone as it has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
• The warranty covers its electronic components, cover, and reclining mechanism

Cons:

• This may not be the best chair for taller individuals as it suffers from short seat depth
• The mechanism of the chair won’t allow you to lift the legs while the back is straight

2 – Ashley Furniture Signature Design Yandel Power Lift Recliner

While your main focus while shopping for a sleeping chair for the elderly should be functionality and comfort, this doesn’t mean that you end up with a chair that isn’t aesthetically pleasing. The Yandel Power Lift Recliner from Ashley Furniture Signature Design is arguably the best-looking recliner chair on our list. This stylish chair will integrate perfectly into almost all indoor interiors.

With a simple push of a button, this dual-motor recliner will fall back and lift your legs up for an incredibly comfortable sleep. The whole reclining mechanism happens very gently, so you don’t have to worry about being on the chair and fearing that it reclines too quickly, giving your body a hard time. Definitely, something to consider when testing out power-lift recliner chairs.

The chair is upholstered in saddle brown faux leather, which gives it a very premium and stylish look. Now, you need to understand that faux leather isn’t real leather. Units that are upholstered in real leather tend to come at a very steep price tag, we’re trying to keep it attainable here. And if you have kids or pets in your house, you certainly don’t want to have a leather chair around.

The construction of the frame is remarkably sturdy without being too stiff on the body. It features a high back, meaning that taller individuals won’t have a hard time resting their backs on it. Also, the thick cushioning helps grant the person sitting on it maximum comfort. The metal reinforced seat and the corner-blocked frame of this chair guarantee that it lasts for many years to come.

This chair can comfortably accommodate larger people as it measures at 35 x 40 x 42.5 inches. The height of the seat is 20 inches and it spans 69 inches when it’s completely reclined. Further, the height of the footrest is 19.50 inches when reclined. As far as the assembly, it’s pretty simple to pull off using the instructional manual and all the tools required are included in the package.

Pros:

• The faux leather upholstery grants this chair a durable surface and a luxurious look
• This one of the larger models on our list which can accommodate almost all sizes
• It features one of the most rugged constructions out of all the recliners on this list
• Everything necessary for the assembly in terms of tools and hardware is included
• The reclining mechanism happens slowly and gently so that it doesn’t hurt your body

Cons:

• We’re not quite fond of the remote because the labels aren’t clear and it’s not backlit
• The remote isn’t built-in, so you need to be careful not to drop it so that it doesn’t break

3 – MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair with Massage and Heat

The MCombo Electric Power Lift Recliner is one of the most popular recliners on the market. It’s one of those chairs that can do it all without being a costly investment. The chair features a TUV motor that helps grant it its counterbalanced lift mechanism. Basically, it lifts the chair up so that the elderly sitting on it can stand up without stressing the knees or back.

The chair features two buttons that allow you to adjust the reclination and lifting of the chair. The TUV-approved motor operates very quietly, so it won’t disturb you as it adjusts the recliner to your liking. The chair is upholstered in faux leather for affordability. And apart from the aesthetics and comfort that faux leather provides, it’s an extremely easy material to clean using a damp cloth.

Now, let’s discuss the two features that make this chair stand out from the competition. Firstly, it features 8 vibrating nodes for massaging. And secondly, it’s equipped with a heating unit around the waist area to provide heat in colder weather conditions. Both features have 5 intensities and 9 modes available for convenience. Also, you can turn them off in fixed times of 10/20/30 mins.

To make this an even more tempting product to have, the chair features USB charging ports that allow you to charge your low-power devices while you’re sitting on it. Additionally, it features cup holders to keep your drink from spilling while watching TV. One thing you need to be aware of is that this chair cannot recline until it’s flat. The maximum reclining angle is 140 degrees.

The weight limit of this recliner is 300 pounds, which we already know by now that that’s enough to accommodate almost anyone. And while you’d expect that a chair with this many features will be a hassle to assemble, the MCombo Power Lift Recliner is the complete opposite. Also, if you don’t like sleeping on leather, the chair is available in a fabric-upholstered model.

Pros:

• The chair houses a TUV-certified motor that provides a reliable and quiet performance
• It’s upholstered in faux leather which grants it great aesthetics and it’s easy to clean
• The recliner is equipped with both massage and heat functions for your convenience
• It features dual USB outlets for low-power devices, cupholders, and two side pockets
• Considering the number of features and its price, this chair is a great bang for your buck

Cons:

• While it’s not difficult to assemble this chair, it can be a pretty time-consuming affair
• The maximum reclining angle that this recliner can accomplish is only 140 degrees

4 – CANMOV Heavy Duty Overstuffed Power Lift Recliner Chair

This overstuffed recliner from CANMOV is an ideal choice for the elderly or anyone who suffers from limited mobility. The stuffing is basically comprised of foam cushions filled with high-density sponge that’s soft and free of odor for maximum comfort. The measurements of the chair are 39 x 37 x 40 inches and the seat height is 20.5 inches, with a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds.

The chair is upholstered in resilient, anti-skid microfiber that’s designed to maintain traction on the chair. It’s also pretty durable, so it will hold its own beautiful with regular use. The great thing about this chair is that the overstuffing on the seat and back provide great comfort for sleeping, meaning that you won’t need to use any additional pillows whatsoever.

The overall metal construction of the chair offers great sturdiness and longevity. It also houses an electric motor that’s responsible for the lift mechanism that helps lift you up gently when trying to stand up from you sitting position without putting too much stress on your back or knees. What’s more, the motion happens slowly so that it doesn’t cause you any back pain if you’re injured.

The chair also offers customizable positioning. Whether you want to be lifted up or to lay back, it allows you to adjust its position to your liking so you can enjoy your ideal lounging position. One thing you need to be aware of is that this chair is smaller than it looks. The footrest can certainly use a bit of extension and the back isn’t as high as it’s advertised. Not great for tall individuals.

The installation process is fairly simple. If you have any trouble assembling this chair, click here for a helpful instructional video. As far as control, all the functions that this chair has to offer can be controlled with the aid of the included two-button remote control. Last but not least, the chair is backed by a 1-year warranty against any material or workmanship flaws under regular use.

Pros:

• The overstuffed design makes this chair one of the most comfortable chairs on our list
• It boasts a metallic construction that grants it great strength for a long-lasting lifespan
• There’s an instructions video provided by the company to aid you through its assembly
• All the features this chair has to offer can be controlled using a two-button remote control
• The chair comes with a 1-year warranty that covers any material or workmanship defects

Cons:

• We wouldn’t recommend this chair for taller individuals as it’s not as large as it seems
• Again, we’re not fond of controllers that aren’t built-in because they can fall and break

5 – Esright Massage Recliner Heated PU Leather Ergonomic Lounge

With the Esright Massage Recliner Chair, we enter an entirely different price point, a much more affordable one. While this chair is among the most affordable recliners on our list, it doesn’t hold back as far as providing you with a wide range of features that you’d only find in costlier models. The chair offers reclining, rocking, vibrating, and also heating capabilities at under $300.

Just like most chairs in its price point, the Esright recliner is upholstered in synthetic leather for affordability purposes. While not as durable as real leather, PU leather is still highly durable and can handle intensive use. In addition, it’s one of the easiest materials to clean. With a piece of damp cloth, you can clean the entire chair within a matter of minutes.

What’s more, the chair’s back and armrests are padded with dense sponge to ensure comfort. The footrest is on the inside of the recliner, which isn’t really a big deal but for someone who has wide hips, it can be quite inconvenient. However, putting back down the footrest is challenging, so if you’re a senior with weak legs, you may want to go with an electric-powered model instead.

For the massaging function, the chair comes with a remote controller that helps you pick between 5 modes and 2 intensity levels. In order to get the most out of the massage function, you’ll need to put your head in the center of the headrest. Otherwise, it will feel like a beatdown rather than a massage. Also, keep in mind that the massage pattern is more like a pulse, not a wave.

As far as accessories, the Esright Massage Recliner features side pockets that are well-sewn. It also features cupholders to keep your drinks from spilling. The cupholders aren’t big, though. It’s enough to accommodate a beer can or a basic wine glass, but coffee mugs won’t really fit. All in all, the Esright Massage Recliner has plenty to offer at a very affordable price tag.

Pros:

• One of the most affordable recliners on this list without compromising on features
• The chair allows for reclining, rocking, vibrating, and heating for your convenience
• The chair can recline manually up to 140 degrees and features 360-degree swivel
• It features 4 large storage bags for you to keep your belongings and 2 cupholders
• The assembly process is extremely easy as it’s simply putting two pieces together

Cons:

• The footrest is hard to put back down so it’s not ideal for seniors with weaker legs
• Customer reports state that you can’t recline the chair without the footrest being up

 

6 – Homall Padded Seat PU Leather Living Room Sofa Recliner

Who said that you need to shell out $500 to get a quality recliner chair? This Homall recliner is one of the most affordable recliner chairs on the market today at under $150. Yes, you read that correctly, $150! Of course, you shouldn’t expect advanced features like motor-lifting, heating, or vibration. However, expect a sturdy construction, plenty of padding, and curved armrests.

The chair is upholstered in soft PU leather that does a good job of keeping your body cool and comfortable. The chair features a push-back reclining feature that allows you to lean back into 3 different angles. The seat is very well-padded for maximum comfort as well. However, this chair doesn’t have the ability to recline until it’s flat, but it’s still good enough for sleeping.

The thing that distinguishes the Homall Recliner from a lot of models in its price point is that it’s equipped with an upgraded, double-thick footrest that’s very well-padded to keep your legs and feet comfortable. Also, for a chair that costs less than $150, the build-quality is nothing short of impressive. This chair doesn’t yield no matter how intensively you use it.

While the chair is remarkably sturdy, you can’t expect it to live long if you go beyond its limits in terms of weight. The chair can handle a maximum weight of 265 pounds, which is less than the capacity of the rest of the models on our list, but you can’t have everything at such an affordable price. The dimensions of the chair are 27.6 x 35.8 x 38.6 inches and it’s featured in 3 colors.

The Homall Recliner is a perfect sleeping chair for the elderly. However, if you’re suffering from any pain in your lower back region, this may not be the chair for you because it lacks dedicated lumbar support. Also, for someone with lower back pain, you should be looking for a chair that provides massage and heat functions to help relieve the pain you might be feeling.

Pros:

• This recliner offers 3 different reclining positions: upright, laid-back, and lying down
• The steel frame and PU leather upholstery grant the chair great sturdiness and durability
• The chair is padded with thick cushions that offer a good blend of comfort and support
• Equipped with an upgraded footrest with extra foam padding for maximum leg comfort
• The chair is backed by a sweet lifetime exchange warranty for damaged or missing parts

Cons:

• Not an ideal pick for someone who suffers from back pain as it lacks lumbar support
• Not a perfect choice for taller individuals because the back of the chair is a little short

Selecting the Right Sleeping Chair for the Elderly

Sleeping chairs come in a variety of types with different shapes and sizes, which makes it a little challenging to pinpoint the perfect chair for you. However, the following buying guide will aid you in the process of picking a perfect chair that meets your requirements and budget.

Which Type Of Recliners Do You Prefer?

Recliners come in different types, namely standard recliners, high-leg recliners, and lift recliners.

Standard recliners provide both great aesthetics and the feel of casual comfort. Such chairs are often affordable and they have a lot of features to offer. Next, you have high-leg recliners, which are more geared towards style than they’re towards comfort. Ideal picks for aesthetic purposes.

The third and final type is lift recliners, which is the perfect type of recliners for the elderly in our opinion. All of the 3 types offer reclining abilities, but lift recliners add to that by offering you the ability to raise up off your seat without putting too much stress on your knees or back, thanks to their power lift mechanism. A lift recliner is ideal for someone who needs help standing up.

How Much Room Space Is Available?

Before you head out to buy a new recliner, you need to take a few measurements. Firstly, you’ll need to measure your entryway to ensure that the chair you’re going to buy can fit through it. Use a tape measure to find out the width and height of your entryway. Also, you need to do the same for the hallways and doors that the chair will need to pass through.

Next, you check the measurements of the chair itself. Generally, you’ll find the measurements of the product provided by the manufacturer in the product’s details tab. The measurements you’ve taken should reveal to you whether the chair can get through your entryway and whether there’s enough room for it inside your house. If not, you can always go for a smaller chair.

Can It Accommodate Your Body Size?

Determining whether the chair is the right size for your body or not doesn’t need measuring tape or anything. Just sit in the chair with your feet touching the floor and your head lying comfortably on the headrest. Further, you want to make sure that the gap between the footrest and the seat does not exceed 5 inches for safety purposes.

Does the Chair Have a Durable Construction?

If you’ve read our mini-reviews, you already know by now how expensive recliner chairs can be, and the last thing you want happening is for the chair to have poor construction that will quit on you over time. Make sure that the chair’s construction is rugged enough to handle a few good years of intensive use. In addition, it’s always a plus if the chair comes with a product warranty.

Another thing you should inspect in a recliner, especially electric-powered lift recliners, is that it features a reliable and quiet motor. There are models on the market that house motors that put out a lot of noise when adjusting positions, and no one wants that. Further, make sure that the reclining mechanism happens gently and not too sudden to avoid injuries.

What Kind of Upholstery Do You Prefer?

Recliners, or any sort of furniture for that matter, come in a wide range of upholstery. Some are covered with natural fabrics such as cotton and some have synthetic fabrics such as microfiber. You also have recliners that are upholstered in leather, with some being real and some artificial. At the end of the day, there’s no wrong choice as it all boils down to personal preference.

What Are the Features You Require?

Recliner chairs have a lot to offer in terms of features and it’s important to consider which ones you need and which ones you don’t because the more features a chair has the more expensive it will be. The first thing you should consider is whether you want a motor-powered or a manual recliner. The former reclines with the press of a button, while the latter reclines using a lever.

Another thing you need to consider is the base of the chair. You’ll find models that have rocker or glider bases, which are great for people who tend to have a hard time falling asleep. Another option you’ll find is swivel-base recliners, which allow you to change directions without having to get off the chair. No matter which type you get, make sure that they have a locking mechanism.

The things mentioned above are what we call features. Now, it’s time to talk about accessories. Do you like to browse the internet before you sleep? Well, you may want to consider a recliner that has USB ports so that you can charge your phone before you sleep. Also, you may want a chair that has cupholders so that you can enjoy TV while sipping on your favorite drink.

Conclusion

For elderly people who suffer from mobility issues, sleeping in a recliner chair can grant them a great sense of independence because they’ll be able to get up without needing help. In addition, the benefits that the elderly can reap from sleeping in a recliner can vastly improve the quality of their lives and relieve them from a lot of pain and health issues.

If we were to pick a winner out of the above-mentioned products, we’ll have to pick the Ashley Furniture Signature Design Yandel Power Lift Recliner. Aside from being a very comfortable recliner, this chair just looks like a million bucks. It’s so luxurious and aesthetically pleasing that you just can’t say no to it. It’s also commodious, durable, and fairly easy to assemble.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a recliner that offers heat and massage functions, we’d highly recommend the MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair with Massage and Heat. It has a pretty quiet, TUV-approved motor that’s extremely reliable and it comes with cupholders and dual USB ports. What do you think? Which one of the above-mentioned products you think is the best?