Regal Furniture worked with leading NZ furniture designer, Helen Jones to develop an elite recliner chair - The Prime Recliner.
The brief was to develop a recliner chair for the Aged Care sector, particularly suited for dementia patients, surgical centres and dialysis situations. Central to the requirements were superior ergonomics and musculoskeletal benefits, improved aesthetics, quality finishes and hardware, and guaranteed robustness and longevity.
The design process drew on the following key research findings to ensure exceptional postural support and pressure relief:
Maintain an Upright position
Maintaining upright position and supporting curves in the back maximises respiratory function, oxygenation, and assists integration of vestibular input [coordination of head, eye and body]
Postural Support
Failure to provide adequate postural support creates discomfort which results in increased patient agitation - especially in dementia patients
Shoulder Support
Good lateral thoracic [shoulder] support improves balance and feeling of security
Sloping Seat
Seat sloping slightly backwards provides maximum thigh support and prevents bottom slipping forwards which results in poor spinal alignment and weight distribution
Cervical Support
Entire length of the back and cervical curve must be supported. Inadequate support results in slumping and sinking, and a convex spine
Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting creates pressure on the buttocks, sacrum, greater trochanter [protrusion at top of femur]
Never too wide
Armrests that are too wide and soft encourage slumping to the side. A too wide seat inhibits use of armrests and also encourages poor spinal alignment
Pressure relief
Some form of pressure relief should be incorporated into the seat, especially for relatively immobile patients
Tilt in space
‘Tilt in space’ function allows redistribution of pressure and improved sitting posture and tolerance
The Symphony Recliner has been developed from an existing chair within Regal’s range to provide a recliner chair for the Aged Care sector that is suited for use as a lounge / care room chair for infirm or aged patients. It is also suitable for residential in-home care.
The Symphony delivers comfort and style within a small footprint allowing it to fit into more confined spaces, whilst still retaining features such as a generous padded footrest that protects from skin tears and bruising.
Incorporating a two-stage push action recline mechanism for comfort and superior support, The Symphony offers updated aesthetics and industry tested performance.
