If you want the short list, these are my top sleeping chair picks for seniors, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.

If a bed isn’t working for you, whether from back pain, sleep apnea, or plain comfort, sleeping in a recliner is a common and sensible answer. It might even allow them to sleep better and more deeply.

Good sleep matters for mood, clear thinking, and healing. Some studies have even linked it with a longer life.

This article helps you choose a sleeping chair for older adults.

Quick Picks: Power Recliners for Sleeping

There are many different sleeping chairs for the elderly available in the market. But how do you know which is the best recliner for the elderly to sleep in? Here are some of my top picks:

Golden Technologies EZ Sleeper Lift Chair

For utmost comfort and relaxation, the new EZ Sleeper with Twilight technology from Golden Technologies is designed with a stylish track arm and innovative Twilight technology.

The innovative features of the latest addition to the Twilight family are all packaged in a modern, stylish, and well-designed lift recliner.

The EZ Sleeper is designed to comfortably accommodate users who weigh up to 375 pounds, with an average height of between 5’4” and 5’10”.

To provide the most relaxing and health-boosting experience to users at all times, this new tilt recliner is designed with the patented 5-motor system from Golden Technologies.

Features

• Twilight Cradle Technology: Thanks to the three-motor Twilight tilting system, this seat shifts your body into a weight-neutral state for utmost relaxation. With your body relaxed and in a comfortable position, falling asleep becomes less of a challenge. Furthermore, with your body cradled into the most relaxing position, your weight is evenly distributed, thus relieving pressure points and any associated pain or discomfort.
• PowerPillow and Lumbar Support: This tilt recliner also comes with a power headrest and power lumbar support feature. These innovative features, together with the Twilight Cradle Technology work in tandem to support proper posture by ensuring that the natural S-shape of the backbone is well supported.
• Elevate Feet Above Heart: This tilt recliner is capable of lifting the user’s feet to a level that is above the heart. This feature helps improve the user’s circulation, boosting their health as a result.

Golden Technologies Power Lift Chair

Golden Technologies Cloud PR-510 with MaxiComfort offers a very good balance of comfort, support, and features.

The chair itself can be comfortable to sit in for long periods of time due to it being packed full of features specifically to enhance comfort in all positions.

Not only does it feature Golden’s one-of-a-kind Zero Gravity positioning, but it also offers features that improve the comfort you experience even when reclined.

The seat is designed to simultaneously raise while the chair reclines to help you get an effective lower back stretch in.

It also allows for a high enough foot raise that will allow you to ensure that your feet can rest above your heart to keep your feet from swelling.

The chair features an overstuffed biscuit back design to offer plenty of support for your upper back. The chair’s chaise pad design cradles your entire lower body.

The armrests are purposefully positioned in a way that allows you to position them comfortably while fully reclined or seated upright.

Simply put, you will be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable chair. The Zero Gravity positioning can help you rest your entire body, unlike any other chair on the market.

Each position was well thought out with the design, which can keep you comfortable for a long time. The thickness of the padding is perfect, and the pressure on your upper and lower back is evenly distributed throughout.

Implementing the programmable hand controls makes it very easy to save your favorite position, and swapping positions is very accessible.

This chair’s superb comfort and quality-of-life features come at a cost. There is no denying that this chair is expensive. However, you do get a lot of value for your money.

This is one of the best chairs on the market if you want something comfortable and easy to use. Anyone who has back problems or even circulatory issues should consider this chair.

MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair

The MCombo Power Lift Recliner 7040 is a different kind of sleeping chair. It lifts as well as reclines, so it helps with getting up as much as with settling in.

A lift mechanism with a TUV certified actuator pushes the whole chair up to help you stand. The idea is to take stress off the back and knees. Two buttons on the remote control move the chair between the lift and recline positions you want.

Vibration and lumbar heat

The chair has 8 vibrating points around it and 1 lumbar heating point. Both can be set to shut off after 15, 30, or 60 minutes, so you can drift off without leaving them running. The heat works separately from the vibration, so you can use one without the other.

Setup and everyday use

Assembly needs no tools. It takes about 15 minutes for a first-timer. The remote has two lighted buttons, which keeps the controls simple.

The chair also has a USB and Type C charging port, cup holders, and side pockets. That puts your phone, glasses, and a drink within reach. It comes in multiple sizes, and the one listed here is Medium in Light Brown. The upholstery is faux leather, which is easy to wipe clean.

What to watch for

This chair is built around lift assistance, so it suits someone who has trouble standing up from a seat. It needs to be near an outlet, since the lift runs on power. Faux leather can feel warm in summer. Check the size against your height and weight before you order.

If your main goal is full-body positioning for pain relief, this is a comfort chair with heat and vibration. It is not a specialty positioning chair.

MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair

The MCombo Power Lift Recliner is a simple chair that does two main jobs: it helps you stand up, and it lets you lean back to rest.

The lift mechanism is counter-balanced. You press a button and the chair raises or reclines smoothly to the position you want. It reclines as far as 140°, which is a deep lean-back but not lay-flat.

That matters if you plan to sleep in it full time. A chair that stops at 140° suits naps and long evenings in front of the TV better than a whole night’s sleep.

1. Extended Footrest

The footrest has an extra 4.7 inches of length, so you can stretch out more fully and your feet are supported. The recommended height range is 5’1″ to 5’9″. If you are taller or shorter than that, the fit may not be right.

2. Everyday Conveniences

There is a 3.9-inch deep cup holder, two charge ports (USB and Type-C), and several storage pockets.

Your drink, phone and glasses stay within reach, so you are not trying to get up for them.

3. Soft Fabric That Wipes Clean

The fabric is soft against the skin. You can clean it with a dry or damp lint-free cloth, which is handy when a cup of coffee tips over.

4. No Massage, No Heating

This chair leaves out massage and heat on purpose. Fewer parts means less to go wrong, and it suits both homes and care settings.

The trade-off is plain: if you want a heated or massaging chair, look elsewhere.

The MCombo is a good fit for someone who wants help standing and a comfortable place to recline, without extra gadgets. It is a medium size, so check the height range before you decide.

Golden Technologies Zero Gravity Lift Chair

The Comforter PR-535 with MaxiComfort is one of the newest lift recliners from Golden Technologies, featuring a host of upgrades on an earlier but highly popular seat design.

For unrivaled comfort, the PR-535 with MaxiComfort features patented MaxiComfort Zero-Gravity Positioning Technology from Golden Technologies packaged in one of their most sought-after seats.

The chair is available in Small, Medium and Tall sizes capable of comfortably accommodating a weight of 375 pounds. The Medium-Wide variant is designed to hold up to 500 pounds.

Features:

• MaxiComfort Zero-Gravity Positioning: To provide utmost comfort, relaxation, and pain relief, MaxiComfort technology allows you to recline your seating position to the NASA-developed zero gravity position. This not only helps relieve muscle tension but also relieves back pain. With your feet above your heart, while in this position, circulation is boosted, helping alleviate any associated swelling in your feet.
• Plush Backrest and Armrest with Extra Padding: For the best comfort, this chair is also designed with extra padding in the armrest and backrest. The new placement of the seams on the backrest, combined with the plush padding, provides better support for the spine, further enhancing your comfort level. Falling asleep is much easier at this level of comfort.

While the Comforter PR-535 with MaxiComfort appears to have all the upgrades needed to make it the best lift recliner out there, the lack of heat and massage functions leaves some room for improvement.

Pride Mobility Viva Lift Metro Chair

Designed to offer unmatched comfort levels, the VivaLift Metro is exactly what you need if you are in the market for a comfortable chair to watch TV, nap, or just sit and relax in.

The Metro not only comes with an overstuffed backrest but also supports multiple positions for utmost comfort for users. The chair’s back, with its split seam, practically has two backrest pillows that support your head and lower back.

Your legs, from the knee down to the toes, are also supported by the full chaise leg rest. The chair has a 375-pound weight capacity and can comfortably accommodate users with a height of 5’4” to 6’0”.

Features

• Lay Flat Infinite Positioning: To ensure that you can find your preferred position, whether you are interested in taking a nap or sitting upright, the Metro has a lay flat infinite positioning feature.
• Power Headrest and Lumbar: While the above feature ensures that you find your preferred position on the Metro, the power lumbar and headrest functions help you adjust the backrest to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible while on the chair.
• Easy-to-Use Hand Controls: The VivaLift Metro also comes with an easy-to-use hand control that you can use to adjust the chair’s settings to your liking. The USB charging port included in the hand control unit ensures that charging your phone or tablet is also simple and convenient.

The VivaLift Metro is built for comfort; and is a great choice for those looking for an affordable but comfy chair to relax or even nap in simply.

MCombo Heat And Massage Lift Recliner

The MCombo Power Lift Recliner (model 7040, Medium) is a lift chair with heat and massage, upholstered in dark brown faux leather. A lift chair raises the whole seat to help you stand, which can take strain off the back and knees. This one uses a counter-balanced lift mechanism with a TUV certified actuator.

Two lighted buttons on the remote handle the lift and recline. Pressing them moves you smoothly to the position you want. A simple remote control like this is easier to learn than one with a dozen buttons.

The massage has 8 vibrating points around the chair. The heat is a single point in the lower back. Each one can be set to switch off after 15, 30 or 60 minutes, and the heat works separately from the vibration. So you can have warmth without the buzzing when you are settling in to rest. For some people that makes a chair a pleasant alternative to a bed with an electric blanket.

Assembly needs no tools, and the maker says a first-timer can finish in about 15 minutes. The chair also has a USB and Type C charging port, cup holders and side pockets, so your phone, glasses and a drink stay within reach.

This listing is for the Medium size, and the chair comes in multiple sizes. Check the measurements against your height and build before ordering, because a chair that is too big or too small will not support you well, especially if you plan to sleep in it.

The trade-off is that a chair is not a bed. If you need to lie fully flat, or you have circulation trouble and need your legs raised high, ask your doctor what position is right for you before you rely on any recliner for nightly sleep. If you sleep in it, a small neck pillow may help.

Sleeping Recliner Chair Buying Guide

Recliner chairs are popular with senior citizens and those with mobility issues. For someone who struggles to get in and out of a normal chair or bed, a recliner can be a good option.

A good recliner chair can be comfortable to sleep in, too, but not everyone should sleep in a recliner.

Talk it over with your doctor before making a switch. And before you start routinely sleeping in a recliner, you should learn the benefits and downsides of doing so.

What Are Sleeping Recliners?

Put simply, sleeping recliners are designed to allow you to place the different parts of the chair in a reclining position. They are usually made from plush materials and are heavily stuffed to make sleep more comfortable.

Why Sleep in a Reclining Chair?

There are many reasons to sleep in a recliner. Many illnesses can make it difficult for you to sleep flat on your back. A recliner chair can allow you to sleep in a different position which will alleviate your symptoms.

It is important to remember that good, deep sleep has many health benefits. Sleep is essential for our bodies to be able to function properly.

When sleeping in a bed becomes cumbersome, using a recliner can be the best option to let your body rest and heal. It also allows muscles to relax, and gravity makes it easier for fluids to return to your heart.

This decreases fluid retention and cardiac stress. People with mobility issues can also get a greater sense of independence from being able to change positions easily.

Of course, it’s important to choose the proper recliner. To help you out with this, I listed some of the best sleeping chairs for the elderly at the beginning of this article. An uncomfortable recliner with insufficient support can actually hinder mobility

The Pros and Cons of Sleeping in a Recliner

A lot of people love to relax in recliners. After all, they are conducive to relaxation and comfort. Being able to rest and lift your legs up can be very comfortable if you are someone who typically stands on your feet all day.

Now, you might be wondering whether or not it is good to sleep in a recliner. Below, I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of sleeping in one.

Pros of Sleeping in a Recliner:

1. Back Pain. For those who suffer from back pain, sleeping on a recliner might be a good way to limit the pain you are experiencing. The reason a recliner is a good option for those who suffer from back pain has to do with the kind of support that you will get with a recliner. Typically, a recliner is going to offer greater support than what you would be able to get from a regular bed.
2. Sleep Apnea. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you might find it beneficial to sleep on a recliner simply because it forces you to sleep in a position where your airways are much more open.
3. Pregnant. Another good reason to consider sleeping in a recliner is if you are pregnant. Sleeping in a traditional bed can be difficult while pregnant if you are not used to sleeping on your back. By sleeping in a recliner, it forces you to sleep on your back, and it provides a lot more support.

Cons of Sleeping in a Recliner:

1. Positional Flexibility. The primary con associated with sleeping in one of these chairs is the inability to move around and choose your optimal position. You are pretty much going to be stuck in a specific sleeping position, no matter what.
2. Lower Back Pain. While it can be good for your back pain if you are suffering from a lack of support and your recliner offers it, this type of sleeping can be disastrous for your back pain if your chair doesn’t offer optimal support.

As you can see, some pros and cons can sway either way, largely depending on the quality of the recliner you end up getting. With proper support, you can sleep in a recliner comfortably and safely here and there.

However, if your recliner doesn’t offer the proper support or comfort, it could contribute to poor sleep and even back or joint pain, as a result.

Types of Sleeper Recliners for Elderly People

Once you decide to buy a sleeper recliner for an elderly person, you’ll be able to find many options available. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the huge variety of recliners and different features.

You might even find it complicated to settle on the right one. Keep in mind that there are different types of recliners, and they all have their own advantages:

• Manual vs. Electric Mechanisms: like their name suggests, you’ll have to change the position of a manual recliner, well, manually. Electric-powered recliners come with a motor that does all the work for you –but of course, they’re usually pricier.
• Rockers: some recliners allow for a soft rocking motion that users might find soothing.
• Wall Huggers: these chairs can be placed near a wall and still fully recline. This makes them ideal if you have a limited amount of space.
• Lift Chairs: these recliners have a mechanism at their base that pushes this portion of the chair up to allow the user to get up from the seat. These chairs are usually among the best sleeping chairs for the elderly. You can read my lift chair recommendations by clicking here.
• Massage Recliners: these are usually the priciest recliners on the market, incorporating rollers or vibration mechanisms that can massage your back and legs. Many of these recliners also feature heating pads.

Features to Look for in a Sleeping Chair for Elderly Loved Ones:

• Comfort: look for plush materials and a heavily stuffed design to maximize comfort.
• Manual vs. Electric Recline: this decision will depend on your budget and the needs of the person who will use the chair. An electric chair will be pricier, making it much easier for an elderly or disabled person to change positions.
• Lift Option: this is probably the best feature for those with mobility issues. It will allow them to get on their feet safely and give them greater independence.
• Weight Limit: keeping the weight of the person who will use the recliner in mind, look for a chair that specifies how much it is made to hold.
• Heat: this feature can be an amazing way to help muscles relax and ease chronic pain. Look for heating pads with adjustable temperature settings.
• Vibrating Massager: what could be better than getting a massage whenever you want one? Although these recliners tend to be pricier, they are great for sore muscles and will usually last you many years.
• Easy to Use: features such as remote controls and battery backups will make it easier for you to use your new sleeping recliner.
• Easy to Clean: durable fabrics that are easy to clean will help you prolong the life of your recliner chair and make your day much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Are There Health Benefits of Sleeping in a Recliner?

If you’re like most folks, you’ve been trained to think that getting a good night’s sleep should only happen in a bed.

However, there are actually times or circumstances where sleeper recliners for elderly people can offer health benefits. (sources: OnMogul.com – ThriveGlobal.com)

Better Circulation

Admit it. It feels good to put your feet up after a long day. Whether you stand up for a long time or sit at a desk, blood rushes down to your feet and legs.

If you can elevate your feet above your heart, your lower body gets relief. Also, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.

Relief from Back Pain

This common ailment hits everyone sooner or later. Your core and back muscles always struggle to balance your lower body with your upper one. Reclining takes the pressure off your spine.

It’s a chance for your core muscles to take a badly needed break. Sleeping in a recliner actually gives them a chance to recover and grow stronger. Who would have thought that time in a recliner could make you stronger?

Deeper Breathing

Some people suffer from sleep apnea. That can be a result of obesity or just sleeping on flat surfaces. A recliner helps your body avoid tissues putting pressure and even restrictions on airways since you’ll always be at an angle.

Stress Reduction

This might be the biggest and best one. Stress never does any good. It poisons everything that it touches, including other health issues.

Recliners are the opposite since they’re just comfortable. Not only that, you can adjust them for perfect sleeping positions. That helps you avoid tossing and turning and constantly fluffing your pillows.

Recliners might actually be better places to sleep than your own bed!

Are There Dangers of Sleeping in a Recliner Chair?

Harvard Women’s Health Watch notes that sleeping upright for long periods could increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis.

This condition is caused by blood clots in the limbs and can occur if you spend a long time in a cramped position without moving.

Most recliners will allow you to get into a comfortable position with the body slightly tilted, so this should not be a concern.

Sleeping in a tilted position in an overly padded chair, with your legs flat, could put undue pressure on your spine. You can reduce this, though, if you use the recliner’s footrest and elevate your legs slightly.

By raising the legs, you improve the alignment of the spine. This means that a good recliner, properly set up, could actually be a better choice than an overly soft bed.

Some recliners have a PVC/faux leather outer, which may be quite slippy. If you plan to sleep in a recliner, choose one with fabric coverings instead to ensure that you do not slip or fall out of it.

If you are recovering from an operation or have a specific health condition, be sure to discuss your sleeping arrangements with your doctor.

They can advise you if there is anything specific that you should be worried about or any special support your neck or back may need.

Is Sleeping in a Recliner Bad for Your Back?

Is sleeping in a recliner bad for your back? If you suffer from back pain, you’ll likely do anything to get some relief.

Since you probably feel better when you spend time sitting in a recliner, you are probably thinking about spending the night in one. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of this. (source: Healthy Living News – WebMD)

The Upside

Recliners aren’t complicated. They help you relieve your back pressure and weight by distributing more broadly than a normal chair. On top of this, your spinal cord gets rest, which a regular chair won’t ever do.

When you sit, there’s tension in your spine and contraction in your lower back muscles. Sit that way long enough, and lower back stress becomes back pain.

Recliner chairs also help since they elevate your legs. That reduces the stress on the spinal cord. Also, elevated legs improve circulation, minimizing inflammation everywhere in your body.

The Downside

Sleeping too long in a recliner might result in contractures of the knees and hips. This is when muscles tighten up over their joints, which will limit upright walking and posture.

Both of those will negatively impact your back over time, as well as risk your chances of falls due to an improper center of gravity.

Finding the Right Recliner

What you need is good lumbar support. That means there’s no gap between the chair and your lower back if you put up your legs. Your lower back needs support in all positions so you can relax fully.

If any gap forms around the middle of the recliner as you put up your feet, then your body sinks down, and you slouch. That will strain the muscles and ligaments of your lower back.

Is sleeping in a recliner actually bad for your back? Obviously, there are benefits and risks alike. Finding the right lumbar support is what tilts the odds in your favor, though.

Will Medicare Pay for a Sleep Chair for Elderly People?

I work with Medicare every day at the home medical equipment store where I work, And, unfortunately, no, Medicare will not pay for a sleep chair for elderly people.

They do not consider an item like this medically necessary. For people who have trouble moving around in bed, they will buy a hospital bed for home use if the beneficiary meets certain criteria.

Can You Really Buy Sleeper Recliners for Elderly People Online?

Of course! Most sleeper recliners offer free shipping. Regarding assembly, many sellers offer a White Glove delivery for an additional fee; if you use this service, the chair will be delivered to you by someone qualified to install it in the place of your preference.

How to Clean and Care for a Sleeping Chair

Making sure your sleeping chair is clean and well cared for will ensure that it will be in top shape for many years. After all, recliner chairs usually represent an important expense, and taking proper care of them will maximize the benefits of your investment.

First of all, you should be aware of the materials your sleeping recliner is made from. The upholstery on your recliner can be made of leather, faux leather, cloth, microfiber, amongst other types of fabric.

Keeping this in mind, look for a cleaning agent that is specifically made to clean the material your chair is made of.

Clean your recliner chair with the appropriate products at least once a week. Make sure you are vigorous enough to really clean the chair but not so rough on the fabric that you damage it.

You can also vacuum your chair before or after cleaning it to eliminate any small bits that might get lost between the folds of the chair.

You should also ensure that sharp objects don’t come anywhere near your chair since they can puncture the upholstery and leave nasty holes that will be difficult to repair.

Summary and Final Recommendations

This guide will hopefully help you choose the perfect recliner for you or your loved one. These are some of the best sleeping chairs for the elderly on the market, but there are many more options out there.

Keep looking until you find your perfect fit! Now you know which features you should keep in mind when shopping and how each one can help you or your loved one get better and more comfortable sleep.

In my opinion, Relaxonchair when it comes to a great price-quality relationship. It is well made, sturdy, comfortable, and comes with many additional features that will make it feel like you have a spa in the comfort of your own home!

Have you tried sleeping in a recliner chair? What tips and advice do you have? Please share in the comments below! Also, please share this on your favorite socials if you found it helpful!