Choosing The Best Uplift Seats

Knee arthritis, spinal stenosis, Parkinson's, ALS, degenerative joint disease or post-operative conditions can make it excruciating if not downright impossible to get up and down from a sitting position. To maintain your independence, an assistive device called an uplift seat can literally give you the push you need without straining.

An uplift power seat can assist you both in lowering yourself and standing back up. Some uplift seats are powered by electricity; others are “self-powered” and use air compressors and pneumatic technology. Most uplift seats will work with any chair, lounger or recliner. To use it with a sofa or loveseat, place it up against one of the armrests.

Uplift seat assists are usually in the 9 to 12 lb range making them portable—they can go from room to room or on trips away from home. Some fold quite easily and can even fit in a suitcase. Self-powered models may come with different weight limitations, so be sure to choose the one able to accommodate your weight.

Another popular feature in uplift seats is memory foam cushioning, thick padding that helps you avoid the pressure sores that can come from prolonged sitting and add comfort by conforming to your body’s contours.

Many models of uplift seats offer almost all of these features. For instance,  the Uplift Seat Assist by Uplift Tech, Inc., is a self-powered lifting cushion that provides gentle assistance up and down from armchairs and sofas. The patented LeveLift technology and flexible seat that curves to a flat surface provide a safe lift, with no forward dumping motion. It’s also portable thanks to a built-in carrying handle. The coated memory foam cushion adjusts to weight, shape and temperature. The waterproof, fire retardant cover is removable and machine washable.

An alternative to an uplift seat assist is a higher chair, like the Deluxe Hip Chair  designed to help you sit better after a partial or total hip replacement or knee surgery or if you have severe arthritis. The chair features brown vein frame with brown naugahyde thick-padded cushions footrest and plastic arm rests. Getting in and out of the chair is made easier with the increased height of the seat to minimize movement of hips and knees.