Choosing the right size recliner chair isn't just about comfort, it’s essential for safety, health, and dignity. For Occupational Therapists (OTs), ensuring a chair fits properly can make a major difference to posture, pressure management, and ease of mobility. Here’s why size matters and how adjustable chairs are changing the game.
The Science Behind a Perfect Fit
Correct recliner chair sizing is clinically proven to:
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Improve postural alignment.
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Minimize pressure injury risks.
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Reduce caregiver strain.
When seated, about 75% of body weight is supported by the buttocks and thighs. But if the chair is too wide, too deep, or too high, pressure shifts to vulnerable areas like the sacrum and heels, increasing the risk of pressure injuries and postural collapse.
A properly sized chair spreads weight evenly, reduces the need for frequent repositioning, and keeps users comfortable and supported longer.
What Happens When the Chair Doesn't Fit?
When recliner sizing is incorrect, it can cause:
Seat Width Problems
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Too wide: Users lean sideways, risking pressure injuries on one side.
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Too narrow: Restricts movement, causing poor posture (e.g., scoliosis) and hip pressure.
Seat Height Issues
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Too high: Feet dangle, causing sliding and pressure on the sacrum.
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Too low: Overloads the sitting bones and feet.
Seat Depth Misfits
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Too deep: Forces slouching, leading to shear forces on the lower back.
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Too shallow: Doesn't support thighs, concentrating pressure under the sitting bones.
Poor fit doesn't just hurt comfort, it increases falls risk, pressure injury development, and the workload for carers.
How Adjustable Features Make a Difference
Fixed-size chairs (Petite, Standard, Tall) work for "typical" body types. But let’s be real, many clients don’t fit the "standard" mold. Modular chairs adapt to the user, not the other way around.
Key adjustable features OTs should look for:
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Seat Width: Allow 2.5 cm (1") clearance on each side. Critical for clients with broad hips, swelling, or postural deviations.
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Armrest Positioning: Adjustable armrests support narrow shoulders or pear-shaped bodies, improving balance and trunk control.
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Seat Depth: Must support thighs without pressing behind the knees, vital for clients with joint stiffness or asymmetries.
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Seat Height: Tailoring height ensures feet are grounded, improving safe transfers and overall stability.
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Leg Rest Length: Correct support reduces heel pressure and supports calf muscles, crucial for clients with nerve or circulation issues.
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Backrest Height: Proper head and upper back support prevent neck strain, especially in reclined or tilted positions.
Modular chairs provide flexibility to meet changing needs over time, a win for both clients and carers.
Clinical Tips for Chair Prescription
When prescribing a recliner, consider:
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Leg length and mobility: For optimal seat depth and leg rest adjustment.
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Posture and stability: Watch for pelvic tilt or trunk asymmetry.
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Body shape: Tailor width and armrest spacing.
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Head control: Impacts backrest and headrest settings.
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Transfer method: Informs seat height and armrest design.
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Pressure injury risk: Guides selection of pressure relief surfaces.
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Foot positioning: Ensure stable foot support without plantar flexion risks.
Pro Tip: Always measure clients in their most neutral posture, using firm surfaces, and considering their usual footwear.
For complex cases, collaborate with physiotherapists and include a multidisciplinary team to ensure a thorough seating assessment.
Conclusion: Fit First, Comfort Always
Choosing the right recliner size is not a luxury, it’s clinical care. Fixed-size chairs often fall short for clients with unique needs. Modular chairs that allow adjustments to width, depth, height, and support features deliver better outcomes: improved posture, reduced pressure injury risk, safer transfers, and greater comfort.
Want the Full Clinical Guide?
Download our comprehensive whitepaper, “Why Size Matters with Recliner Chair Prescription,” for deeper insights into the clinical science, assessment tips, and detailed sizing considerations
