Lift Seats are a little known, but excellent product for anyone who needs a little help standing up.
They often are grouped together with “Lift Chairs” on websites but differ in key areas, for example: Cost, whereas a “Standard” liftchair will run around $600+, a pneumatic Lift Seat can be purchased for around $100!
Another great advantage is the fact that they may be used in an existing “normal” chair by being placed on top of the cushion, (this can really come in handy if you travel often or like to go out for entertainment, etc…
A pneumatic device uses your own body weight to compress a hydraulic piston, when you wish to stand back up you just shift your body weight to trigger the seat to start lifting. A pneumatic lift seat may be able to lift up to 80% of the weight placed on it depending on factors such as: total body weight, height, balance, etc.
There are also electric models that can be stronger and provide a smooth lifting action but will cost in the area of $200+ along with needing an electrical outlet very close by.
For a temporary fix or to take on trips, either type are a good investment, but they obviously have drawbacks also.
They are designed primarily for people of an average height and weight, users that are on the high or low end of either may get much less use from one.
Dedicated lift chairs may be more comfortable for extended periods of time.
A certain degree of strength and agility may be needed to operate the pneumatic lift seat models.
All in all they offer yet another option for folks who are looking for ways to maintain their mobility and independence at minimum cost.
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