12 Best Recliners for Sleeping

Nothing feels better than chilling after a long day at work in your soft recliner. If you pick it correctly, you might even prefer it over your bed for a cozy sleep. So what might be the best recliners for sleeping?

Nevertheless, the market is full of low-quality products that can turn your night into a nightmare. Since they’re not that cheap, you have to pay extra attention before you press the “add to cart” button.

In this article, I’ll review the 12 best recliners for sleeping. I’ll also discuss the top factors you need to consider before making a purchase. Let’s see!

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The 12 Best Recliners for Sleeping

For each of the following recliners, I’ll review things like upholstery, features, comfiness, and possible shortcomings.

Ashley Furniture Power-Lift Oversized Recliner – Best Overall Recliners for Sleeping

Instead of the classic lever design, this recliner operates via two motors controlled by a wired controller.

The first motor moves the backrest and footrest back and forth. The second one lifts and tilts the whole chair forward so that you can get up almost effortlessly. This is especially beneficial for seniors suffering from joint problems.

I absolutely love how this recliner looks. Although it’s upholstered with polyurethane, it’s given a worn-brown tone that resembles leather.

On the downside, some customers had a negative experience with customer support while contacting about a defective product.

Specs

• Dimensions: 40 x 35 x 42 inches
• Weight: 139 pounds
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds

Pros

• Equipped with brown, leather-like polyurethane upholstery
• Has two motors for reclining and lifting
• Generously-sized

Cons

• Poor customer support

Irene House Power-Lift Recliner – Runner-Up Recliners for Sleeping

This recliner closely resembles my top pick except for some minor details. Just like the Ashley’s, it functions via two motors, one for reclining and one for lifting. However, these motors are capable of lifting up to 300 pounds while the other model is capped at 250 pounds only.

Moreover, this chair has a side pocket to have your belongings comfortably at your reach. To make you even more comfortable, it can fully recline to a lay-flat position in case you want a bed-like sleep.

The only reason that stopped this recliner from making it to the top pick is the upholstery. It’s not bad, but the brown upholstery of Ashley’s is way more beautiful. For more amazing products that will help you relax, check out our guide to the best twin air mattresses.

Specs

• Dimensions: 31 x 36 x 42 inches
• Weight: 126 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Equipped with a side pocket
• Can go into a lay-flat position
• Cooperative customer support

Cons

• A bit boring upholstery

Flash Furniture Deluxe Heavily Padded Recliner – Best for Kids

Yes, you read that right! This recliner is specially made to fit young kids. They’ll have unmatched fun if they watch TV or play video games while seated in this recliner.

For safety, this recliner doesn’t operate with a lever. The backrest only reclines when the footrest is pulled by 1 inch. This could only be down when the child is fully seated. The regular lever design, on the other hand, might cause injuries by suddenly moving.

To make sure your kids are completely comfortable, this recliner is equipped with flip-up storage arms. This is where they can store small items like console controllers, books, toys, etc.

Although this recliner supports up to 90 pounds, it’ll probably be too tight for kids weighing over 70 pounds. This means that your kids will probably outgrow it after 6 years of age. Until then it will be your kids favorite recliners for sleeping!

Specs

• Dimensions: 39 x 25 x 28 inches
• Weight: 28 pounds
• Weight capacity: 90 pounds

Pros

• Equipped with flip-up storage arms
• Safe for young kids
• Soft microfiber upholstery

Cons

• Kids will outgrow it pretty soon

Domesis Renu Leather Power-Lift Chair Recliner – Best for Limited Areas

Recliners are well known for occupying a large footprint, depriving people who have a constricted space from its heavenly feel. If you suffer from this problem, this recliner from Domesis would be your best bet.

With a height of 29 inches, it falls 10 inches shorter than most recliners. This means that it only needs 4-inch wall clearance to fully recline.

The small size doesn’t mean compromised function, though. It operates by a 2-button controller that activates its reclining and power-lift motors.

I don’t like its upholstery, though. Domesis used polyurethane, claiming that it looks and feels like leather, but it actually doesn’t.

Specs

• Dimensions: 33 x 30 x 29 inches
• Weight: N/A
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Small size
• Equipped with a side pocket
• Notably Affordable

Cons

• The upholstery isn’t that good

Canmov Heavy Duty Power-Lift Recliner – The Widest Recliners for Sleeping

Since I recommended a recliner for restricted areas, I figured I should also do the opposite. If you have extra space to spare, you should consider the Canmov recliner. With 39 and 37 inches for the width and length, it’s bigger than the average by about 3 inches.

I absolutely like its pillows’ design. The armrests are connected to the seat and footrest. Due to their generous stuffing, you’ll literally feel as if you’re being hugged by this recliner.

I only wish it was upholstered with leather. But frankly, its non-skid microfiber upholstery definitely fits its price. It also has the classic weathered look of leather. You may also like some of the best body pillows for side sleepers from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Specs

• Dimensions: 39 x 37 x 40 inches
• Weight: 108 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Extra-wide comfort
• Single, powerful motor for reclining and lifting
• Fairly-priced

Cons

• Some products were shipped missing some parts

NHI Express Aiden Champion & PU Recliner – Best with Lever Handle

Purchasing a recliner with an electric motor is surely more comfortable than pulling on a physical lever. However, the latter option is way cheaper. If you’re tight on budget, consider this recliner from NHI Express.

Instead of the long unfashionable lever arm, NHI equipped this recliner with a small lever handle that’s equally-easy to pull.

In spite of the low price, this recliner provides a comfortable experience because of its pocket coil springs embedded in the high-density foam. This is covered with ultimately soft polyurethane upholstery with an interesting texture.

The Amazon description clearly states that this recliner has cup holders and storage pockets. But it actually doesn’t.

Specs

• Dimensions: 37 x 39 x 38 inches
• Weight: 66 pounds
• Weight capacity: N/A

Pros

• Thick padding and soft upholstery
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t require power

Cons

• Misleading Amazon description

Ashley Furniture Rocker Recliner – Best Classic Recliners for Sleeping

Although the lever-arm recliners are practically outdated, some people still value them. If this applies to you, you’ll probably love this classic option from Ashley Furniture.

I don’t like the mechanics, but I love the upholstery. This recliner is covered with a thick, soft plush textured in a twill pattern. Sleeping over this would feel extra cozy and comfortable.

Comfort is enhanced even more by its generous size. It measures around 40 by 43 inches for width and height, which makes it bigger than the regular by around 5 inches.

On the downside, I think it’s overly-priced considering its limited mechanics.

Specs

• Dimensions: 40 x 43 x 43 inches
• Weight: 94 pounds
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds

Pros

• Soft plush upholstery
• Large size
• Wide weight capacity

Cons

• Overly-priced
• Doesn’t have storage pockets

Ravenna Home Oakesdale Contemporary Recliner – Best Design

I absolutely love the round, plump padding featured in this recliner. When you sleep over it, your body will literally sink inside. Its microfiber upholstery enhances the experience more by unmatched softness.

But bear in mind that it works via a mechanical handle. If you prefer an electric motor, you should opt for a different model.

Specs

• Dimensions: 35 x 37 x 40 inches
• Weight: 85 pounds
• Weight capacity: N/A

Pros

• Plump, soft upholstery
• Affordable
• Wide measurements

Cons

• Doesn’t have storage pockets
• Works via a manual handle

Esright Heated Massage Recliner – Best Value

Relaxing on your recliner after an 8-hour workday surely feels good, but being simultaneously massaged is a way more soothing. If you’d like to try this experience, you should opt for the Esright recliner.

It comes with a wired remote controller with which you can choose between 5 massage modes for your entire body except for your arms.

Although the massaging feature works with power, you still have to pull an internal handle to recline this chair. I don’t think that this works well with the overall experience. Still, this places it at a slightly more affordable cost.

I love how you’re able to swivel this recliner 360 degrees around itself. This can get handy in restricted areas where you’d need to constantly relocate the recliner.

Specs

• Dimensions: 33 x 35 x 43.2 inches
• Weight: N/A
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Quite affordable
• Equipped with massaging features
• Has two cup holders and storage pockets

Cons

• Reclines via a mechanical lever

Homall PU Leather Recliner – The Most Affordable

A restricted budget shouldn’t stand between you and your comfort! The Homall recliner offers good performance for a notably affordable price.

First of all, the padding is made from high-density sponge. Although it’s generally comfortable, it can feel quite unpleasant after sitting over it for a long time. Homall covered this padding with a soft and easy-to-clean polyurethane leather.

The biggest disadvantage of this chair lies in its reclining mechanism. It doesn’t have a motor or even a mechanical lever. You’ll have to manually push the backrest and pull the footrest to your preferred level.

Specs

• Dimensions: 29 x 21 x 28 inches
• Weight: 61 pounds
• Weight capacity: 265 pounds

Pros

• Highly-affordable
• Soft polyurethane upholstery.
• Supports a wide weight range

Cons

• You’ll have to manually recline it

Jummico Fabric Recliner – The Lightest

Recliners shouldn’t be placed permanently in one spot in your home. But pushing a 100-pound chair might not be the best thing you can do for your back. For this matter, I definitely recommend this recliner from Jummico.

At 60 pounds, it’ll be a lot easier to push around. Moreover, its plastic feet will typically slide over most floorings.

I only wish it was equipped with electric motors. With the current design, you’ll have to manually push the backrest to go into the reclined posture.

Specs

• Dimensions: 36 x 31 x 38 inches
• Weight: 60 pounds
• Weight capacity: 265 pounds

Pros

• Lightweight
• Equipped with sturdy plastic feet
• Upholstered with smooth, breathable fabric

Cons

• It doesn’t have a lever or electric motor.

Canmov Manual Recliner – Best with Leather Upholstery

However advanced polyurethane gets, leather will always be better. If this is what you prefer, you should consider this recliner from Canmov.

Thanks to its leather upholstery, it offers the best sleeping experience in summer and winter alike. Moreover, you won’t be frustrated by any spillage because it’s incredibly easy to clean. And above all, nothing would look more luxurious!

Specs

• Dimensions: 41 x 30 x 26 inches
• Weight: 91 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Luxurious
• High-end leather upholstery
• Wide weight capacity.

Cons

• Reclines via a manual lever handle

What to Consider When Buying a Recliners for Sleeping

Comfort is relative. The best product in the market might be rubbish for you if it doesn’t satisfy your needs.

Here are the top factors you should consider to buy a recliner that truly fits you.

Pick a Suitable Size

Seems obvious, right? Well, most people focus only on measuring the basic length and width. They forget about the most important one, the fully-reclined length.

Recliners generally double on size when fully reclined. If you don’t plan your space beforehand, you won’t be able to use the full range of your recliner, which would affect the quality of your sleep.

Select a Proper Weight Capacity

Manufacturers always specify the maximum weight that can be supported by their recliners. If you load them with extra weight, their metallic frame will be more likely to fail during use.

The good news is, the majority of recliners are capable of supporting up to 300 pounds, which covers the average. You can still find bigger capacities, but they’ll definitely cost you more.

Consider the Reclining Mechanics

Picking suitable reclining mechanics is mainly a personal preference, but it also has other factors to consider.

Passive Recliners

These chairs require you to manually pull the footrest and push the backrest. They don’t have any form of levers or electric motors.

The absence of these technologies places them well into the affordable category. However, I don’t recommend them unless you’re buying a recliner for your kids. If so, this will be the safest option to decrease the likelihood of involuntary movements.

Mechanical Levers

Do you remember the recliners used by Joey and Chandler in Friends? They worked via a mechanical arm located on the right side. Some people still favor this design because of its classic nostalgia.

Since they’re quite cheaper than electric models, some brands have renovated the lever arm into a fashionable small handle.

Electric Recliners

These are by far the most advanced models. You can shift into the reclined position by effortlessly pressing a button. Most models are also equipped with a second motor to tilt the whole chair forward to help you stand up.

If you’re buying the recliner for one of your family’s seniors, this design is definitely the best. This way, they won’t have to overwork their already-fatigued joints with mechanical levers.

Search for Extra Perks

Brands have been competing in making products that take your comfort to a whole new level. Surely, the more features, the more expensive.

Some models are equipped with storage pockets on their sides. These are great for storing your glasses, controller, and phone before you go to sleep. You might also find cupholders on the armrests. Nothing beats a good drink while you’re chilling in front of the TV!

But my most favorite perk among all is the massaging feature. Some recliners are equipped with a bunch of massage points for the neck, back, legs and feet. I think that it’s super awesome to have a 2-in-1 product, especially that massaging chairs typically cost over $1,000!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ok to sleep in a recliner every night?

It depends. People suffering from respiratory problems, like sleep apnea, would definitely sleep better in a recliner. By keeping the head slightly upright, the recliner maintains an open airway.

Respiratory ailments are only the first on the list, though. Recliners are recommended for a bunch of other conditions like heartburn, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.

If you don’t have any of these conditions, you shouldn’t sleep in a recliner on a daily basis. Otherwise, you’ll be increasing the likelihood of kees and hip contractures.

Does sleeping in a recliner cause back pain?

Not by default. If your back is properly supported by the recliner, it won’t cause any pain. If this condition isn’t met, the recliner might actually mess up different body parts, not just the back.

Is a recliner bad for sciatica?

No, recliners are actually perfect for sciatica. Sleeping in the reclined position would lift pressure off herniated disks, inflamed nerves, or whatever culprit causing the pain.

The Verdict

After reviewing the 12 best recliners for sleeping, I can confidently say that Ashley Furniture Power-Lift Oversized Recliner is my favorite. It has two motors that power its reclining and lifting features. Its polyurethane astonishingly resembles leather, which is a huge plus.

Remember, never buy a recliner before planning your space. You might end up purchasing one that doesn’t have enough wall clearance to fully recline.

If you want to opt for the classic design with a mechanical lever, go for the minimalistic handle rather than the arm.

I wish you the most peaceful nights in your new recliner!