Medical and hospital recliners are used extensively in hospitals, day surgeries, and clinical healthcare settings.
Medical recliners are specialised chairs designed to provide patient support and comfort during recovery, treatment or when seated for extended periods. They offer features designed specifically for different clinical uses.
The most important features of medical and hospital recliners for patients are a design to enhance comfort, safety, mobility, and clinical effectiveness.
This article summarises the types of medical recliners, their uses and essential features to consider when purchasing.
Types of Medical Recliners
Medical recliners come in several configurations, each tailored to specific clinical needs:
- General Purpose Recliners include at least adjustable back and leg rests, which are ideal for general patient seating.
- Bariatric Recliners are built with reinforced frames and wider seats to accommodate heavier patients safely.
- Tilt-in-Space Recliners maintain a consistent hip angle while tilting the entire chair, reducing pressure and improving posture.
- Overnight Recliners recline to a fully flat position, making them suitable for overnight stays by a patient's family or primary carer.
- Home Recliners provided by medical recliner brands offer clinical-grade features with comfort for home treatment, recovery and people with chronic conditions.
Clinical Applications
Medical recliners are used across a wide range of clinical scenarios:
- Recliners help patients rest comfortably for post-operative recovery while enhancing circulation and healing.
- For infusion therapy, such as extended chemotherapy or IV sessions, recliners provide extra comfort.
- Patients undergoing dialysis benefit from ergonomic support and adjustable positioning.
- Recliners enhance the quality of life of patients undergoing palliative and long-term care.
- Recliners support mobility and reduce the risk of falls for nursing home residents with impaired mobility.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting a medical recliner, several features should be considered:
Adjustable Reclining Positions
Patients need to easily shift positions for comfort, circulation, and treatment. Consider the range of available adjustments that suit the required clinical uses.
- Multiple adjustments - upright, semi-recline, or full recline.
- Trendelenburg positioning allows the legs to be elevated above the heart. For example, the Champion Alo series recliner includes Trendelenburg positioning as standard.
- Tilt-in-space functionality allows the seat's reclining position to be adjusted while maintaining a constant hip angle.
High-Density Foam and Ergonomic Design
Sitting for long periods can cause discomfort and pressure sores, so cushions should contour to the body, reduce pressure points, and support posture.
Adjustable Footrests
Elevating the legs may reduce swelling and improve circulation, so footrests that move independently and support the legs in multiple positions are advantageous.
Swing-Away or Removable Arms
Patient access and facilitating easier patient transfers from wheelchairs or beds is a significant consideration for patients and carers. Look for arms that lock securely in place but can be moved or removed when needed.
Lockable Casters and Mobility
Casters allow caregivers to reposition the chair safely and easily. Smooth-rolling wheels with secure locking mechanisms help carers to reorient patients safely.
Infection Control and Easy Cleaning
Non-porous, antimicrobial, and mildew-resistant upholstery that withstands hospital-grade disinfectants is essential to prevent the spread of germs in clinical environments.
Weight Capacity and Durability
Bariatric recliners feature larger and stronger frames to ensure the safety and comfort of larger patients.
Integrated Accessories
Features or options such as fold-away trays, IV pole holders, cup holders, and storage compartments enhance patients' and caregivers' convenience and functionality.
Aesthetics and Comfort
Being comfortable reduces anxiety and promotes healing in a more relaxed environment. Look for soft-touch fabrics, modern designs, and colour options that complement interior design.
Powered Controls
Powered controls make it easy for patients with limited strength or movement to adjust their chair independently.
Midmed’s Popular Recliners
Champion 59-Series Recliner
The Champion 59 Series Recliner is a cost-effective medical recliner designed for comfort and flexibility in clinical settings. It features a wall-hugger mechanism for infinite recline, a quick-release seat, and durable 3" steel casters, making it ideal for petite patients and paediatrics.
Built on a powder-coated steel frame, it supports up to 135 kg. Options include power or manual control, Trendelenburg positioning, heat and massage, USB ports, and fold-away tables.
The Stargazer Overnight Bed Chair is a comfortable recliner suitable for various clinical and home care environments. It converts easily into a fully flat bed for accommodating overnight stays by family members. It's ideal for maternity and paediatric wards, aged care homes and relative rooms.
Stylish and functional, the Stargazer is available in an extensive range of colours, fabrics and vinyl coverings to suit every clinical and design requirement.
Marina Sofia Automatic Recliner
The Sofia Automatic Recliner chair combines comfort, versatility, and functionality. It's more than a patient recliner; it's a transportation chair, a sleep recliner, and a treatment chair in one.
The chair provides four position options: recline, upright, sleeping, and lifting.
Sofia's fabric is designed specifically to meet the strictest requirements of the healthcare environment by creating effective barriers against germs, abrasions, and stains. It is also available in standard and wider seat options.
Conclusion
Medical recliners are more than just chairs. They are vital for patient care and recovery. Healthcare providers can choose the right recliner to meet their facility's needs by understanding the different types, clinical applications, and essential features. Whether enhancing comfort during treatment or supporting mobility in long-term care, the right recliner can significantly improve patient outcomes and caregiver efficiency.
Midmed has a wide range of medical recliners from brands such as:
Contact us for more information and advice on recliners that will best fit your requirements.