The 10 Best Zero Gravity Chairs
This wiki has been updated 36 times since it was first published in June of 2015. If you're looking to relieve pressure on your body or simply want to enjoy the comfortable feeling of weightlessness, one of these zero gravity chairs can help you. It is claimed that these can improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and even minimize stress on the heart in some individuals. Whatever the case, they make for a good place to recline and relax both indoors or out. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Human Touch PC-420
2. Belleze Recliner
3. Real Relax Shiatsu Electric
Editor's Notes
July 16, 2021:
Generally speaking, there are two types of zero-gravity chairs. The most common is the relatively portable folding type, like the Belleze Recliner for one person or the Caravan Canopy Sports Loveseat for two. Then there are some ultra-premium options meant for indoor or stationary use. If you can afford it, the Human Touch PC-420 might be one of the most comfortable recliners on the planet, and the Real Relax Shiatsu Electric the most plush. The Real Relax Shiatsu is noteworthy also because of its electric massager. All of our selections are notable for the fact that they're still available, still awesome choices, and unchanged since our last round of updates.
July 31, 2020:
In selecting our zero gravity chairs, we looked for durability, as well as features that enhance overall comfort and convenience when in a recliner, especially when relaxing outdoors, away from indoor luxuries.
We appreciate that the Caravan Canopy Sports Loveseat, in addition to offering plenty of space and a strong frame, has smartly-placed adjustment levers at the armrests. With that in mind, we decided the Le Papillon All Season was no longer worthy of inclusion as it proves difficult to adjust to the desired position. In its place came the Portal Oversized Recliner, which is easy to adjust from zero to 170 degrees.
Some models stood out because of their bonus features, like the AmazonBasics JC088, which includes a foldable tray table, and the Belleze Recliner, with its large accessories holder that has space for two drinks and a phone. We also like that the Best Choice Products SKY4506 has a canopy, so you can have shade, even when you aren't sitting directly under an umbrella.
As far as durability goes, we liked the sturdy steel frame and stain-resistant Oxford fabric of the Timber Ridge Camping Recliner. We also think users will appreciate the 500-pound weight capacity of the Caravan Canopy Sports Loveseat, and the stability of the Phi Villa XL Lounge.
Though many of these chairs are for outdoor use, we wanted to some plush and attractive indoor options. In this category we have the extremely stylish Human Touch PC-420, which boasts leather upholstery, a wood frame, and a modern design, as well as the Real Relax Shiatsu Electric, which is technically a massage chair but offers a zero-gravity position.
April 12, 2019:
Most shoppers interested in this product are already sold on the benefits of a zero gravity chair, so our aim was to include models that had features that went above and beyond just reducing pressure on one's body. We thought of several scenarios for which consumers might want such a piece of furniture, and found models for each one. Those who want a zero-gravity chair that is also a stylish statement piece for an entertainment room will love the elegant Human Touch Perfect Premium. The Real Relax Shiatsu Electric is also impressive enough in aesthetic to remain in a living room, and then it packs the amazing perks of shiatsu massage. Of course, it's still incredibly comfortable to sit in when the massaging elements are turned off. Having a comfortable chair for the great outdoors is also important, especially if you'll be camping, since sleeping on the ground isn't doing your skeleton any favors. The Best Choice Products Oversized is a nice outdoor option, since it has a sun canopy and side tray with enough slots for two drinks, a phone, and a magazine. The Belleze Lounger is another excellent outdoor pick, with its breathable mesh that's also UV-resistant and dries quickly. Love birds who hate to sit separately will enjoy the double-wide Best Choice Products SKY1879, which can accommodate two people. But for those pairs who simply want matching furniture, but their own individual seats, the Outsunny 01-99120 and Belleze Lounger two packs are a good choice.
Special Honors
Frontgate XL Dura Dore Mesh Zero Gravity The Frontgate XL Dura Dore Mesh Zero Gravity has curved armrests, an adjustable memory foam pillow, and is made with a quick-drying mesh fabric. Its powder-coated aluminum frame should stand the test of time, and its lockable design lets you secure it at your preferred angle. frontgate.com
Svago ZGR Zero Gravity Recliner The Svago ZGR Zero Gravity Recliner has a hand-stained wood base and is upholstered with vegan-friendly synthetic leather, making it elegant and cruelty-free. It offers vibration massage action, as well as heating, to help your muscles relax, and has a large pillow. Available in multiple colors, it should be easy to match to a living room. svago.com
4. Portal Oversized
5. Caravan Canopy Sports Loveseat
6. AmazonBasics JC088
7. Best Choice Products SKY4506
8. Timber Ridge Camping
9. Best Choice Products Double Lounger
10. Phi Villa XL Lounge
Enjoying Creature Comforts In The Outdoors
While too much exposure to sunlight is a serious health hazard, getting too little exposure to sunshine also has negative impacts on your health.
There are myriad benefits to spending time outdoors, and these can be quantified both physiologically as well as emotionally. Unless you live in a busy city, it's likely that the indoor air quality (abbreviated as IAQ by the Environmental Protection Agency) to which you are regularly exposed is inferior to the cleaner, fresher air you'll find outside. Thus the more time you spend outdoors, the better for your pulmonary and cardiovascular health. Fresh air not only cleans your lungs, but improves circulation and helps optimize your heart rate.
While too much exposure to sunlight is a serious health hazard, getting too little exposure to sunshine also has negative impacts on your health. Your skin is naturally disposed to produce healthy, beneficial vitamin D when exposed to direct sunlight; as little as 15 to 20 minutes of daily sun exposure is sufficient for the fair skinned person to produce their daily quota of vitamin D, while darker skinned individuals should try for longer exposure.
And it is clinically proven that insufficient exposure to natural light can have a severe impact on a human's happiness and sense of well-being. Especially in those prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, going outside can make a difference between satisfaction in life and depression.
Getting plenty of exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle, but many of the benefits the outdoors has to offer can be enjoyed even without the need for a hike, a jog, or a bike ride. Even if you can alter your routine in the littlest ways, such as by reading the morning paper or checking your emails on the patio instead of on the couch, you will do yourself good in both mind and body.
In order to help encourage yourself to spend more time outdoors, create an outdoor space you will find comfortable and inviting. This means elements to help keep pesky insects at bay in the summer and a heat source in the winter. It means the option for relaxing in the sunshine and in the shade when you've taken in enough rays. And, arguably above all else, it means making sure you have a comfortable place to sit and relax. This is where zero gravity chairs come into play.
Why Zero Gravity Chairs Are A Fine Selection For Seating
A zero gravity chair is a specialized recliner that elevates the legs to approximately the same level as the chest. It allows the sitter to assume a gently curved supine position that minimizes the pressure placed on the spine, especially reducing the pressure exerted on the lower back's lumbar region, which tends to be the locus of back pain for most who suffer from the affliction.
This is true whether the pain is chronic or acute, brought on by anything from injury to surgery to the aging process.
Zero gravity chairs are comfortable for people of all ages, fitness levels, and health conditions, but they are an exceptionally good seating choice for older, infirm individuals or for those who suffer from back or spine issues. This is true whether the pain is chronic or acute, brought on by anything from injury to surgery to the aging process.
By minimizing the pressure put on the body through this ideal curvature and recline angle, a zero gravity chair does the best possible job of relieving physical stresses, and that can in turn help alleviate emotional distress as well. The simple act of sitting down (or practically lying down, as the case is with these chairs) for a few moments spent in total comfort can do wonders for the psyche.
Pairing this physical comfort with the benefits of the outdoors only increases the physiological and emotional benefits you can reap. While many chairs that allow a sitter to assume the zero gravity position are decidedly designed for indoor use (the Herman-Miller Eames Chair comes readily to mind for many), there are plenty of zero gravity recliners that are specifically designed to be used outside. And just such a chair might be the element missing as you relax on the deck, fish from the pier, or enjoy your poolside patio.
How To Choose A Zero Gravity Chair
When selecting an outdoor zero gravity chair, you will want to first consider your needs. For the larger adult, it's important to select a chair that can support his or her weight and size. Most zero gravity chairs can support up to three hundred pounds, but some are too short for proper enjoyment by taller people, for example. And you need to be seated comfortably not only to enjoy the benefits of these chairs, but to avoid actually creating an issue.
When selecting an outdoor zero gravity chair, you will want to first consider your needs.
Price will also need to factor into the decision-making process. While you'll obviously want to get something that falls within your budget, there will be a notable difference in quality between the cheapest options and the mid- or upper-tier models. That being said, you can certainly find some great deals on well-made chairs that will last for a long time.
Beyond the basics of size and price, consider the extras that come with various zero gravity chairs. Some feature pillows that can be used to cradle the head or which can be lowered for additional lumbar support. Others have built in beverage holders or tray tables. There are even outdoor zero gravity chairs that can accommodate two people, perfect for the couple that wants to relax together.
Finally, consider where the chair will be when not in use. Some zero gravity chairs easily fold away for storage, while others are designed to resist sun and weather damage and might not even need to be stowed when not being enjoyed.
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.