A rise-and-recline chair is designed to lend a helping hand to those with mobility problems and joint pain. They rise up to meet you and then lift you back up, reducing the strain on your body. However, not all rise-and-recline chairs are equal, and a score of benefits come with opting for a made-to-measure chair that has been designed and crafted with your specific size and shape in mind.

Here are just a few measurements that make those made-to-measure chairs so comfortable and effective.

The Right Height

Getting the right height is more important than most people think. You want to be able to keep your legs properly supported to improve circulation and maximise comfort, and you’ll want the chair to rise up to a height that suits you. If it stops too high or too low, it won’t be performing its role effectively.

The Right Width

Width is something you’ll probably have already thought about, but it can be devilishly hard to get things quite right. You need to make sure your arms are supported by properly spaced armrests, so they can’t be too far apart. At the same time, you’ll want to avoid the chafing that can result from too narrow a chair – that can inhibit circulation and even lead to the development of sores.

The Right Depth

Back support is tough. You need to make sure your back lines up perfectly and feels comfortable if proper pain relief is to take place. This is often hard to judge using the eye alone – you really need to have specific measurements taken.

The Right Firmness

Firmness is more of a personal matter for most people. Some like their chairs to be very firm; others like to sink right down. Getting the firmness right for a rise-and-recliner is even more important since you’ll be sitting in it for extended periods. You’ll also need a chair that’s firm enough to provide support across your body but not firm enough to create pressure points.