Pressure Relief for Rise Recliner Chairs

5 January 2023

Pressure relief cushions are ideal for making seating safer for patients, but selecting the right one might not be as simple as you think. While most pressure relief cushions are designed for use in a wheelchair or conventional seating surface, they often won't be suitable for rise recliner chairs or other popular seating options.

What is the Best Pressure Cushion for a Recliner Chair?

In today's blog, we'll give you a rundown of the best pressure cushions for recliner chairs. We will categorise them in the following ways:

Best Inflatable Recliner Pressure Relief Cushion
Best Traditional Recliner Pressure Relief Cushion
Best Static Pressure Cushion for Recliners
Best Dynamic Pressure Cushion for Recliners
Best Portable Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion for Recliners

Best Inflatable Recliner Pressure Relief Cushion

Winner: The Repose Contur Rise Recliner Pressure Relief Overlay (Very High Risk)

Why We Love It...

✔ One piece design makes it super easy to fit
✔ Provides pressure distribution for the entire body
✔ Uses inflatable air cell and smart valve technologies for comfort

Ideal For...

✔ High risk patients
✔ A low-maintenance recliner pressure cushion
✔ Lightweight pressure relief for easy patient transfer

Not the Best For...

✘ Portable pressure relief (see our solution)
✘ Dynamic pressure relief (see our solution)

Our Verdict: Perhaps our most advanced pressure relief system for rise recliner chairs, our first option uses inflatable air cells and smart valve technology to provide relief, even for very high risk users. The Repose Contur Rise Recliner Pressure Relief Overlay is an easy-to-use system that provides whole-body pressure distribution, relieving the sacrum, buttocks, scapulae, vertebrae, shoulders and head with a single one-piece cushion. Securing easily to the chair with straps, this is an ideal option for those at severe pressure sore risk.

We spoke to Ultimate Healthcare, who said: "Offering pressure care to the entire back and leg sections, this cover is a brilliantly supportive cushion. Using inflatable air cells and 'smart valve' technologies, this offers complete pressure redistribution to High Risk Users in a simple yet effective design".

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Best Traditional Recliner Pressure Relief Cushion

Harvest Ultra-Thin Pressure Relief Cushion, Leg and Lumbar System (High Risk)

Why We Love It...

✔ One piece design makes it super easy to fit
✔ Provides pressure distribution for the entire body
✔ Simple design can be used and installed by anyone

Ideal For...

✔ High Risk patients
✔ Robust, day-long pressure relief
✔ A traditional recliner cushion

Not the Best For...

✘ Portable pressure relief (see our solution)
✘ Very High Risk Recliner Cushion (see our solution)

Our Verdict: Another option is the Harvest Ultra-Thin Pressure Relief Cushion, Leg and Lumbar System, designed much like the above choice to provide a high level of comfort and pressure reduction suitable for those at high risk of pressure sore development. Redesigned with 35mm foam for extra comfort, this system features:

We spoke to Harvest, who said: "We noticed a gap in the market for pressure cushions for recliners. Now, patients don't need to buy a new chair – they can just use the Harvest Ultra-Thin! This cushion raises the legs just the right amount to perfect the customer's posture, distributing weight evenly across the lower body, and eliminating pressure ulcers."

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Best Static Gel Pressure Relief Cushion

Alerta GelCube Air-Gel Pressure Relief Cushion (High Risk)

Why We Love It:

✔ Two layers of air-gel cells react to the smallest movements
✔ Prevents 'hot spots' on skin surface, reducing pressure ulceration
✔ Non-slip design keeps patients in recliners a safe

Perfect For:

✔ Wheelchairs, chairs, recliners, most seats
✔ Bariatric users, with a weight limit of 200kg
✔ People wanting a low-maintenance, intuitive pressure cushion

Not the Best For:

✘ Transportability (see our solution)
✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Alerta GelCube Air-Gel Pressure Relief Cushion provides maximum comfort to people in wheelchairs, standard chairs and recliners. As a gel cushion, it prevents 'hot spots' on the skin to reduce ulceration. As a static cushion, this is a great option for easy transfer of patients - making this as convenient as it is effective!

We spoke to Alerta Medical, who said: "This is an ideal cushion for anyone needing pressure relief on the go or in various seating styles. It's also lightweight - meaning you can take it pretty much anywhere and you'll always have somewhere comfortable to sit!"

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Best Dynamic Pressure Relief Cushion

Viola II Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion System (Very High Risk)

Why We Love It:

✔ Lower interface provides maximise pressure reduction
✔ Offers round the clock pressure relief when sitting
✔ Foam cushion with dynamic pump comforts and supports

Perfect For:

✔ Bariatric patients up to 220kg
✔ Use by patients and carers, with audio and visual alarms
✔ Use in chairs, wheelchairs and recliners

Not the Best For:

✘ On the go support; needs to be plugged in (see our solution)
✘ Technophobes (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Viola II Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion System is a plug-in cushion designed for use with a seat. This foam cushion is perfect for people wanting dynamic pressure relief all-day long. In addition, it's a strong option for people wanting to customise their pressure treatment to allow for bespoke pressure ulcer treatment.

Customer Verdict: "Does the job, alternates the pressure points with clever pneumatics. Just what I needed and worth the money anytime." Phil ★★★★★

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Best Portable Alternating Pressure Relief Cushion for Recliners

Apex Sedens 500 Portable Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion (High Risk)

Why We Love It:

✔ 12 hour battery life gives patients all day pressure relief
✔ 30 decibel inflation is quiet and discreet
✔ Adjustable cycle time offers patients bespoke treatment

Perfect For:

✔ Chairs, wheelchairs, recliners, most seats
✔ Customising treatment, with adjustable cycle time
✔ Use by patients and carers, with audio and visual alarms

Not the Best For:

✘ Very High Risk patients (see our solution)
✘ Traditional recliner style cushion (see our solution)

Our Verdict: The Apex Sedens 500 Portable Pressure Relief Wheelchair Cushion targets all areas of the body to prevent pressure ulcers and treat existing ones. This makes it a brilliant option for recliner chairs and wheelchairs, since people restricted to these chairs are at highest risk of developing ulcers. It alternates pressure around the surface area to ensure no part of the body is at risk, making it both effective and convenient for on the go pressure relief.

Customer Verdict: "Absolutely brilliant, I've tried so many cushions this is the best yet." Shaun ★★★★★

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Who Needs a Pressure Relief Cushion?

If you're wondering if you might need a pressure relief or pressure reducing cushion, there are some key risk factors to look out for. In most cases, you'll be in need of a pressure relief cushion if any of the following apply to you:

You suffer from low mobility due to suffering from an injury or sickness, and remain seated for long periods of time.
You cannot reposition yourself, leading to slumping to one side or sliding forward, and you require assistance to gain a proper position in your chair.
You are deemed by a medical professional to have thin skin and/or high pressure sore risk.
You require a hoist to be transferred between sitting and lying positions.

What's Wrong with Standard Pressure Relief Cushions?

Pressure relief cushions are best used in wheelchairs, or chairs that are designed to provide a good level of support to the user. These chairs will allow weight to be distributed along the patient's body, as true pressure reduction can only take place by maximising the surface area in contact with the user. When a standard pressure relief or reducing cushion is placed on a rise recliner chair, it will often raise the user so that leg rests, armrests, headrests and back supports lose partial or complete contact with the user, placing the entirety of their weight on their buttocks. Even with a high quality pressure relief cushion, this kind of localised pressure can be a recipe for disaster.

We've Got You Covered

We have a huge range of pressure ulcer products for you and your needs. Why not check out our blog on Understanding Pressure Sore Risk Scales. This covers the two main pressure relief scales, while giving you plenty of options for the best suitable treatment.

Alternatively, check out our definitive guide on Choosing the Right Pressure Relief Cushion, which categorises our top products by risk level.People at risk of pressure ulcers are usually at risk of heel pressure ulcers, too. Check out our blog on the Best Pressure Relief for Heels in Bed.

Boost the Comfort and Safety of Your Recliner

These options are quite similar in nature, and are all excellent pressure relief options for rise recliner chairs. Since these systems are specifically designed for rise recliners, they won't present the same pitfalls as standard wheelchair or chair pressure relief cushions, and can be a useful part of a larger pressure care strategy.

Do you have any questions, or would you like a recommendation? Alternatively, find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Tags: Health and Care Expert Series, Pressure Relief