From childhood, we are taught that sitting in a chair is a comfortable and natural way to live. For some people, however, this position may not offer the best comfort. For people with back pain or joint pain, sitting up straight for long periods of time can be painful.
Research shows that prolonged sitting up can cause weight-bearing problems for the spine. These same studies also showed that a simple adjustment to the angle of your seated position, at a 135 degree inclined, can quickly solve your back problems.
Many people with mobility problems choose to sit in non-reclining chairs rather than reclining. Recliners offer a wide range of motion, including raising and lowering the backrest to allow the user to take advantage of a variety of sitting positions.
There are two types of recliners on the market: electric or manual. We will be discussing electric and manual recliners below to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Power recliners
Power recliners (also known as electric recliners) run on electricity, just like their name. The motor, either single or dual motor, moves the adjustable parts of your chair via an attached remote controller. This allows you to find the ideal position with just a few clicks. Because the footrest and backrest can be independently moved, recliners with multiple motors offer more flexibility. This makes it easier to find the perfect seating position.
A power recliner comes with a backup battery that allows you to return the seat to its original position if there is no power.
As the motor does all the moving, power recliners can’t be operated manually.
The pros and cons of power recliners
Longevity. The average electric recliner sofa lasts a lot longer than a manual one. Because of their gentle and controlled movements, power recliners are less susceptible to wear.
Precision. Power recliners have inbuilt motors that can be controlled remotely. This allows for precise movements which makes it easy to find the right position.
It is easy to use. The touch of a button allows you to control the power recliners. This means that anyone can adjust their ideal inclines without having to exert any force.
Electric recliners: The cons
Requires power outlets. Some electric recliners include a battery pack. However, the chair must be within reach of a plug socket. Manual recliners can be used anywhere, as they don’t need to be plugged into.
Higher price. Electric recliners are more expensive than manual ones because of their moving parts. This may be offset by their long-term durability, as we have discussed. A warranty should be offered by reputable furniture companies for mechanized furniture. Electric recliners must also be considered when considering the cost of electricity. An electric recliner consumes approximately 5p per day while it is on standby.
Manual recliners
Manual recliners can be operated manually, as opposed to power recliners. The legrest and backrest are operated by a manual lever. The user can return to a sitting position by pressing down on the legrest, for example, until it locks into place.
The pros and cons of manual recliners
Simplicity. Manual recliners can be operated with minimal motorised moving parts.
Lower prices. These recliners often cost less than power recliners because they don’t have motorised parts. They don’t require electricity.
Lighter. Manual recliners are lighter than electric ones because they don’t have a motor or motors. This is a great advantage if you need to move or reposition them. Manual recliners do not need to be located near a power source to function. They can be placed wherever you like.
Cons of manual recliners
User strength required. These chairs are not suitable for people who lack the strength or mobility to apply force to the moving parts of the manual recliner. A “stressless” recliner can solve this problem. It uses a mechanism that minimizes resistance. To make the reclining features of the chair work, you will need to be strong enough to pull the lever.
There are limitations in movement. Manual recliners have a much smaller number of positions, generally “reclined” or “not reclined”. While these positions may be suitable for some, they are not ideal for all people.
Conclusion: Is power recliner more comfortable than manual?
Both manual and power recliners have their pros and cons. There is no one perfect seat. Your personal situation, your taste, and your budget will determine the best option for you. Talking to our experts is the first step in finding the right recliner for your needs.
