What is a Zero Gravity Chair?

The term "zero gravity chair" occasionally stirs up a little confusion amongst some individuals, who aren't quite sure exactly what it means. Sometimes the assumption is that it refers to a chair which is itself weightless, and this is obviously not the case.

A zero gravity chair is simply a chair which has been designed from the ground up to do it all can to support a person so comfortably that one can experience a sense of weightlessness when sitting in it.

You may initially assume a chair bearing this name to be big, bulky and heavily padded, but in fact may be surprised to know that some of the most popular zero gravity chairs - including those manufactured by Lafuma - are very lightweight and compact recliners.

How do they work?

Zero gravity chairs work not so much by pampering the user with the most luxuriously thick padding, but by boasting a high level of adjustment potential to the point that the user is able to position themselves exactly in the way they need to, to distribute their weight to the floor via the most even or comfortable means, whilst placing as little pressure on any one particular area of ones anatomy as possible.

Whilst the user is still enduring some pressure due to the affects of gravity, the chair itself is much more capable of supporting and transferring the weight of the individual down to the ground than any average, standard chair.

Most adjustments to these chairs are faciliated with levers or knobs, and many have a locking or memory mechanism in order for the user to more easily retain their finely-tuned adjustments without having to redo them again each time the chair is to be used.

What are they good for?

Apart from offering an unparalleled level of comfort for most or all people who use them, zero gravity chairs can offer some real benefits to people with specific ailments.

Testament to this is the fact Lafuma in particular have had their zero gravity chairs adopted for use by physiotherapists. Not only do they offer a wonderfully comfortable sitting or laying experience for those undergoing treatment but they also offer a welcome relief from the discomfort of pain caused by back or spinal problems.