How to Properly Size and Fit a Lift Chair

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People come in different shapes and sizes and each has their own unique comfort level. Wayne Holmes Health’s challenge is to provide you with a chair that closely matches your needs. The closer we get in providing the proper size, the more comfortable you will be.

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There are four fundamental measurements that determine which chair will properly suit you:

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 Weight Capacity

 Floor to Top of Seat Height

 Seat Width

 Seat Depth

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Consider Weight

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Lift chairs have different weight capacities due to the size and style of our lift chair models. The first step is to obtain your weight to determine which model is capable of lifting you safely. If you are near one of these limits, we highly recommend the larger capacity chair. You do not want to exceed these limits. Not only is it unsafe, but it will also void all warranties.

 

Measure

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There are three basic measurements that you will want when choosing the properly sized lift chair.  To obtain the next three measurements, you must think of yourself in a seated position. Your body will be flexed at the knee and at the base of your back. Your hips will spread wider across the seat. To provide the most comfort, we recommend these measurements be made accordingly.

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1. Chair (Seat) Height From Ground

Different lift chairs sit at different heights. A chair which is too high will be difficult to get into and out of, and will leave your feet dangling. However, a chair which is too close to the ground will be uncomfortable, too.

You should be able to comfortably place your feet on the floor while in a seated position. While sitting with your knees at a right angle, measure from the base of your foot up the back of your leg to the inside of your knee. This is the height from the ground that your lift chair should sit.

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2. Width of the Seat

If you buy a lift chair which is too narrow, it will cause pressure and discomfort. On the other hand, a lift chair which is too wide will offer you little support.

To determine the width of the seat that you need, sit down and measure across the widest part of your bottom or hips. Add two inches to this measurement – this is the width of the seat that you should look for in a lift chair.

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3. Depth of the Seat

The depth of the lift chair is another very important measurement. If a seat is too deep, you won’t be able to comfortably sit back against the chair’s back. But if the seat is too shallow, your legs will hang off the front of the seat.

While seated, measure from the bottom of your back straight forward to the back of your knee. This measurement identifies how deep the seat should be.

Once you have these measurements, you’re well prepared to find the right size of lift chair. To ensure that you are buying the perfect lift chair for your size, check the specific size chart provided for the model chair that you are considering buying.