Different chair types – quick reference

Here are some brief summaries (with links to more information) about the different types of health, ergonomic and orthopedic chair covered in this website.

Orthopedic chair – A universal term used to describe all kinds of chair designed with good posture and support as priorities. Further information can be found here Orthopedic chair.



Riser recliner (also known as lift and tilt, rise and recline etc) – A powered chair that lifts and tilts to facilitate sitting and standing for older or physically challenged people. Further information can be found here tilt and rise chair and lift chair.



Ergonomic chair – Also known as a task chair, this is a chair for a specific purpose, normally related to a working environment like an office. Further information can be found here ergonomic chair and on the other pages that are referenced from it.



High seat and high backed chair – A chair that is easier to get in to and out of than a regular low seated easy chair or sitting room chair. Further information can be found here high chair, high seat chair and chairs for the aged.



Massage chair – A special relaxation chair that provides massage functions (and possibly heat). Further information can be found here massage chair.



Orthopedic kneeling chair – A chair whose design is intended to promote a good seated posture, particularly for the back and spine. Further information can be found here kneeling chair.



Evac chair – A special chair used to evacuate a disabled or physically challenged person from a building in an emergency situation. Further information can be found here evac chair (evacuation chair).



Therapy chair – A chair used by a practitioner to position a patient in the most desired posture for the necessary treatment. Further information can be found here Therapy chair.



Gaming chair – An ergonomic chair used to play interactive video games using platforms like Xbox, Playstation etc. Further information can be found here gaming chair.



Car seat products – Padded bolsters, lumbar rolls, anti sweat back supports etc intended for use with a car seat. Further information can be found here car seating.



Medical dependency chairs – Used priomarily in hospitals and care homes for patients with very limited mobility. Further information can be found here Medical dependency chair



Bathroom chairs can be general purpose waterproof chairs, fixed shower seats, or bath lift-chairs that help a mobility challenged individual get in and out of a bath. Further information can be found here Bathroom chairs and Shower seat.



Chesterfield chair is a traditionally styled British chair that is characterised by its large leather clad frame and studded appearance. To find out more about this type of chair go to this page Chesterfield chair.


This page will also give an indication of what different descriptive terms for health, task and activity chairs may mean - Different chair classifications.