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If you're looking for an adjustable or riser recliner chair, possibly because you're suffering from back pain or find your current seat difficult to get in and out of, you might have come across zero-gravity chairs.
These chairs might sound out of this world, and the technology was created by NASA, but they have several benefits that can improve your quality of life on Earth.
We put this guide together to help you make the right decision when buying a new chair and shed some light on the zero-gravity position.
Here, we explore the health benefits of zero gravity, what medical professionals think of it and how long you should spend in this weightless position.
What is the zero-gravity position?
Also known as the neutral position, the zero gravity position was created by NASA to reduce the stress on astronauts' bodies during space travel. This is also where it gets its name - from the way astronauts float in space.
In the zero gravity position, your body is reclined so that your:
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Legs are elevated above your heart
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Torso and thighs form a 120-degree angle
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Spine is in neutral, pressure-free alignment
What are the health benefits of zero gravity?
For people living with back pain, limited mobility, or circulatory issues, zero gravity chairs put you in the ideal position, unlocking a weightless, stress-free sitting position that reduces physical strain and offers a range of advantages, such as:
1. Reducing pressure on the spine
When you sit upright in most chairs, gravity places pressure on your vertebrae and lower back muscles, which can aggravate existing injuries and problems.
In the zero-gravity position, that load is redistributed, allowing the lumbar region and surrounding muscles to decompress and relax. If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, this can bring noticeable relief.
2. Improving circulation
By elevating your legs, you're helping blood return to the heart more efficiently. This can be particularly useful if you experience swelling in your legs or feet or sit for long periods, reducing discomfort and promoting healthy blood flow.
3. Easing muscle tension
With your body in a naturally supported recline, your muscles don’t have to work as hard to hold you upright, which can help ease tension in the shoulders, back and hips. If you or a loved one struggles to get fully comfortable in regular seating positions, you'll know how beneficial this can be.
4. Supporting a neutral spine
The zero-gravity posture supports the spine’s natural curvature by aligning the neck, back, and hips in a neutral position. This encourages good posture and reduces strain on joints and discs, helping to prevent pain from developing or worsening over time.
5. Promoting relaxation and better breathing
In the neutral position, your body is more open and less compressed, so taking deeper, more restorative breaths is easier. This can be calming for those with anxiety or sleep difficulties, especially if you're using the chair to unwind in the evening or before bed.
6. Enhancing comfort for long sitting periods
If you spend a lot of time sitting down, e.g. due to health conditions, recovery or suffering from limited mobility, the zero-gravity position reduces the buildup of pressure, promoting comfort and relieving pressure and soreness.
How long should you sit in the zero-gravity position?
Even 20 minutes a day of sitting in the zero-gravity position can alleviate back pain.
However, those suffering from chronic issues, swelling, heartburn, acid reflux or respiratory issues can benefit from sleeping in the neutral position all night to get the maximum effect.
Sleeping on your side in zero-gravity is not ideal, however, as this position places extra pressure on your hips and shoulders. For more information on this, read our guide to how zero gravity can help your sleep.
Is a sleeping in a riser recliner chair a good idea? Discover everything you need to know in our guide.
Should you get a zero-gravity chair?
For many people, the biggest benefit of a zero-gravity chair is how it makes you feel in the moment, reducing pressure and relieving tension.
If you or a loved one tends to sit for long periods, zero-gravity chairs can help promote good posture throughout the day.
That said, a chair may not always be the most suitable idea. Sometimes, an adjustable bed with a zero-gravity function could be the best option.
To help you make the right decision, an adjustable bed might be a better option if...
You're required to spend long periods in bed due to health needs
If someone is recovering from surgery, living with a long-term illness, or has limited mobility, a zero-gravity bed can provide essential pressure relief while supporting healthy posture, not just for short sitting sessions, but for many hours at a time, including overnight.
Beds designed with this feature allow users to elevate both the upper body and legs to mimic the zero-gravity position, which can:
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Relieve back and joint pressure
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Improve circulation and reduce swelling
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Support breathing and reduce symptoms of reflux during sleep
This can be especially helpful for people who may not be comfortable lying flat or who wake frequently due to pain or discomfort.
You want zero-gravity benefits while sleeping
While zero-gravity chairs are excellent for daytime comfort, they’re not designed for overnight use. If back pain, acid reflux, or breathing issues continue into the night, an adjustable bed allows you to manage your symptoms while getting more restful sleep.
Sleeping in a zero-gravity position can also reduce snoring, improve oxygen flow, and support spinal alignment, all of which contribute to better long-term health and well-being.
You require more advanced support features
Adjustable beds often include features that go beyond those found in chairs, such as:
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Lumbar adjustment to reduce pressure on the spine, hip and pelvis
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Neck pillow tilt for people who prefer to sleep in an upright position
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Adjustable firmness and mattress options tailored to pressure relief
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Auto regression to alleviate stomach compression
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Massage functions to help you relax and relieve tension before sleep.
Explore our adjustable beds with massage systems for more information.
These settings can be especially beneficial for older adults, people with chronic pain, or those needing orthopaedic or postural support around the clock.
You share your bed with a partner
Many modern zero-gravity beds are available in split models, allowing one person to elevate their side independently. This is ideal if one person benefits from a zero-gravity sleeping position while the other prefers a traditional flat bed.
Even if your partner doesn't suffer from a long-term illness or feel the need to use a zero-gravity bed, they could benefit from sleeping in this position. If they're interested in neutral body posture, buying a bed could be a good idea, so you can use it simultaneously. That's why we manufacture adjustable beds of all sizes, including:
Alternatively, we also offer twin adjustable beds, which enable you and a partner to control each side of your bed independently, so you can snooze in zero gravity while they're reading in a reclined position.
Things to consider before buying a zero-gravity chair
A zero-gravity riser recliner chair has many benefits, but it’s important to consider your space, needs, and lifestyle before buying one. So, make sure you consider these things before purchasing:
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Space and fit – riser recliner chairs often require a bit more room to recline fully. Be sure to measure your space and check the chair’s footprint when fully extended. Ease of use – We make our reclining chairs with simple, user-friendly handsets, but you should choose a chair that matches your or your loved one’s comfort with technology to make sure they get the best use out of it.
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Purpose – Are you looking for a chair to relax in during the day? Or one to help with a specific health need, like back pain or acid reflux? Understanding your main goals can help guide your decision.
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Mobility needs – If standing from a seated position is difficult, one of our riser recliner models will make getting up and sitting down less challenging.
Don't forget: For more guidance and advice on products, you can contact our friendly customer support team or read more about the benefits of riser recliner chairs in our guide.
Experience the feeling of zero gravity
Our leading range of riser recliner chairs is designed to alleviate health issues and help you live a happier, more comfortable life.
If you want to try the zero gravity position yourself, visit one of our showrooms in Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire. Or, why not try our virtual showroom visit? On a virtual showroom visit, one of our product experts walks you through the range via a video call, to help you make a decision.
Still researching? No problem. Our knowledge hub is full of helpful guides, including ‘how do riser recliner chairs work?’ and ‘what is the best riser recliner chair for you?’.
