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How Do I Choose the Best Zero Gravity Chair?
Zero gravity refers to a sense of weightlessness, and thus a zero gravity chair is a type of chair that promotes that weightless feeling. Different kinds of chairs abound from the luxurious recliner to the gaming chair to the portable zero gravity lawn chair. When looking for the best zero gravity chair, take into consideration a few basic characteristics. The chair must be well padded or at least constructed of durable materials on a durable frame that will gently cradle your body without producing tension spots. Some manufacturers tout their products as a zero gravity chair, but these chairs simply mimic the zero gravity tilt and do not create the sensation of weightlessness as true zero gravity chairs do.
Look for a chair that positions the body in a true 90/90 angle. In this position, your hips and knees are in 90 degree angles, and the spine is cradled in a neutral, or weightless, position. A chair that does not recline the user in this position is not a true zero gravity chair. Consider your budget, but also consider that more expensive materials may last longer.
Different manufacturers produce different zero gravity chairs, depending on the preferences and budgets of consumers. The most expensive ergonomic chairs are the zero gravity recliner chairs, featuring exotic woods, premium leather upholstery and remote-controlled electronics. These chairs may simply tilt back manually or may come equipped with multiple pressure point massagers and heaters for the most discriminating of tastes. While these chairs are extremely expensive, they provide exceptional comfort.
If you are interested in a leather recliner chair, check the manufacturer's label for the type of leather material. The highest quality leather for the zero gravity chair is premium leather. Premium leather is much more durable than the inferior bonded leather and resists scratches and wear. Of course, premium leather comes at a premium price, so consider your budget as well. Other chairs may come in a faux suede or upholstered fabric material, too.
A more affordable choice is the zero gravity lawn chair. This chair is constructed of metal tubing and a durable canvas material. It is very lightweight and can be folded up for storage or carried to a beach or camp site. These chairs do not offer the supreme stability of the solid zero gravity recliner, but they do encourage the relaxing zero gravity position. The zero gravity lawn chair is not mechanized, but the user can adjust the chair position with levers.
The least expensive and simplest type of zero gravity is the gaming chair. Placed on the floor, this chair sports two short curved legs. The user can rock the chair back into the zero gravity position while playing video games or simply reading a book or socializing. These chairs are largely touted for younger people who can squat low and get in and out of the chair comfortably. Some of these chairs feature integrated headphone jacks, speakers and power supply receptacles.
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![A zero gravity chair may be upholstered in suede.]()
By: PRILL MediendesignA zero gravity chair may be upholstered in suede. -
![A zero gravity chair elevates the user's feet above their heart.]()
By: bezidroglioA zero gravity chair elevates the user's feet above their heart.
Discussion Comments
I bought my zero gravity chair without having any idea what it was. I bought it because the woman who worked at the store (K-mart, in fact) told me it was awesome, I should try it and that the one she was having me sit in was 50 percent off because the strap of one of them was torn. It was only $35! I didn't bother trying it. It looked like a fun thing my kids would enjoy and man, do I love 50 percent off.
When I got home, my life changed. The kids were trying to figure it out and I realized what was going on, what it really was and what it might do for me. I sat in it, pushed my legs so the chair would go back and just like that, I knew there was a chance things might finally change.
I've had 12 surgeries on my back -- six diagnostic, six corrective, but nothing was ever corrected. I can't take painkillers because I weigh 100 pounds and am only 5'2" -- the least potent painkiller makes me so ill.
I had just been waiting for technology to catch up and hoped it would be soon as I was almost 40 and feeling pretty dismal at how much my entire family's life had been revolving around my back. I don't just mean my hubby and kids either. I'm talking going back to when I was living with my dear old parents and sibs. I broke my tailbone for the first time when I was seven, and was a very accident prone child. The muscles in my back never developed properly because I was always falling and inducing trauma to my back. My whole life was back pain and I when I was 39, I was feeling pretty bad thinking it might never get better for me and that it would probably only get worse. I was dreading the age when everyone's back started to hurt. If mine felt like that now, what kind of hell would I be in by the time I reached whatever age that was?
Anyway, I slept in the chair. I was scared when I woke up because normally, when I get out of bed, I have to turn to the side, hoist my butt over, push up with my arms, swivel my feet out, turn my body again so it looks like I'm about to start praying, I slide half way down, stretch my spine outwards then pull myself up. Crazy as that sounds, it was the least painful way. But now, I was in the chair, with nothing to so but sit up, nothing to it but to do it and I did it. And it didn't hurt.
I said out loud "get outta here." I couldn't believe it. People, I am not kidding. Relationships have been ruined because of my back pain, and this crappy 50 percent off chair from K-mart is going to change my entire life? You bet.
It didn't hurt. Better still, when I stood up, that only hurt a little. And then, I got through the day just fine. I slept on it again, this time with a pillow under my butt and it was even better the next morning.
I am sorry to see my husband go, but he knows what my life was like. If he can't be happy for me and the pain I no longer feel, then see ya, bucko!
I mean it, folks. This chair works so well and does such wonders for me that I most certainly will get divorced for it!
@ocelot60- I have back pain too, and the more pressure you put on your back, the worse the pain becomes. The idea of the zero gravity chair is to relieve this type of pressure. Because these chairs are made to benefit an individual's back, legs, and posture, they are great for people with all kinds of pain issues.
Since you are new to zero gravity chairs you should purchase the least expensive model available in your area to make sure it works for you. Purchasing a zero gravity folding chair is a good start because they are typically not too costly.
If you find that you get some relief from your back pain, you can then invest in other types of chairs such as a zero gravity lounge chair.
This article provides good information about a type of chair that I had not heard of before. I have back pain, and am always looking for a new, comfortable chair. Does anyone have thoughts about whether or not zero gravity chairs are good for people with back problems?
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