One of the main issues with using modern recliners is safety. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing one, especially if an elderly person will use the chair. But how can you ensure safety? Are modern recliners really safe?
In this article, learn more about why many people continue to use modern recliners despite safety concerns. Most importantly, discover the safety features commonly found in modern recliners and the potential risks you still need to take note of. Use this to determine whether and how these chairs are actually safe for you and your loved one’s use.
Reasons People Use a Modern Recliner Chair
Many people use modern recliners for the following reasons:
- For Comfort and Support
Modern recliners are great for relaxation. Most of them have innovative designs and features that provide adequate comfort and support for all types of people. These include well-padded seats, backrests, armrests, and footrests.
These not only provide comfort but also ensure even weight distribution when sitting or lying down. Plus, they benefit users with mobility challenges and elderly individuals who want to enjoy prolonged sitting periods. Some models even have lumbar supports to help with posture and relieve lower back pain.
- For Sleeping
In recent years, the practice of sleeping in recliners has gained popularity. Modern reclining chairs are ideal for this purpose. They are especially helpful for people who struggle with various issues that affect their sleep. For example, sleeping in a recliner elevates the head and torso slightly, which helps mitigate acid reflux and heartburn.
Moreover, it can also help control snoring because your upper body is raised when the chair is reclined. The adjusted position keeps the airway free. Plus, for many older users and injured people, getting in and out of a recliner can be easier than getting into and out of a bed.
Safety Features of Modern Recliners

The following common safety features of modern reclining chairs help ensure safety:
Durable Build and Design
The safety of a modern recliner significantly depends on its build and structure, specifically its frame and base. These two are essential for the support and longevity of recliners. Remember that the frame also affects how much weight the chair can comfortably support. Most modern recliners are made with durable materials, like solid hardwood and robust metal. This design allows them to be durable enough for daily use.
In addition, the design of modern recliners ensures that your weight is evenly distributed across the chair. They’re made with well-thought-out and calculated designs to ensure balance, stability, and security when lying down, especially in recliner positions.
Rigorous Testings
Modern recliners undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality and durability. These tests often include determining the specific weight they can withstand. Most of them can safely support 250 to 350 pounds. They also often go through balancing tests. This is to determine whether the chair will tip over or not.
Versatile Material Options
The material of a recliner can also impact user safety, especially for people with allergies. For example, fabric can trap pet hair and other allergens, which isn’t ideal for allergic people. Using fabric recliners will just result in attacks and issues.
But leather recliners can solve this problem. Their versatility ensures that you can choose modern recliners that are the safest for your health.
Sensors
Many modern recliners, especially power recliners, are designed with sensors that allow them to detect obstructions. These make the chairs automatically stop the chair's movement to prevent fingers or other objects from becoming trapped or pinched.
Emergency Stop Function
Many modern power recliners are built with emergency stop buttons or switches. These will immediately stop the recliner’s movement in case of emergency or chair malfunction. With these, you can easily prevent more serious problems from happening.
Backup Power
Modern power recliners rely on electricity, so it can be a problem if the power suddenly goes out. Fortunately, many models come with emergency power backup systems. These are battery backup systems that you can utilize to continuously use the chair, even during power outages. These also ensure that you can safely use the chair during such situations.
Child Lock
Modern recliners have child lock mechanisms. These mechanisms prevent unauthorized use of the recliners and restrict access to their controls. Thus, you can prevent your children or pets from accidentally turning on the recliners and causing harm.
Comprehensive Manual
Manufacturers of modern recliners include clear and comprehensive instructions on how to operate them. These often include safety guidelines and precautions to remember. These will help you fully understand how to use the chair properly to ensure safety and avoid any mishaps.
Potential Limitations to Consider When Using Modern Recliners
Generally, the use of recliners is considered safe. However, there can be some risks or limitations when using it that can affect the overall safety of the users. It would be best to consider these and the best tips on how to potentially deal with them:
- Limited Sleeping Positions
If you plan to use the recliner for sleeping, the size of the chair can limit the sleeping positions you can try. This can also restrict your movements—there’s less chance for you to shift around. If you like to do this, it can disrupt your sleep. In such cases, it would be best to buy a large or wide recliner.
- Hard Headrests
Some padding of headrests can be hard and some recliners may not even have well-cushioned headrests. To deal with this, you can use a pillow to ensure your head is supported and comfortable.
- Tripping Hazard
When raised, the footrests of recliners can cause people to trip over. This can cause serious accidents and injuries. To prevent this, make sure to place the recliner in a location where people won’t pass in front of it all the time. At the same time, make sure to fully close the footrest when you’re not using the recliner.
Conclusion
Modern recliners are extremely safe to use. They’re designed to support and withstand different user weights and have various features. These features can ensure that you can safely operate the chair and that your kids and pets can be safe around it.
If you want to check out some quality options, go visit our modern recliner chair collection. We offer recliners in different designs and with different features that ensure both comfort and safety!