A zero gravity chair, or zero gravity recliner, is a unique type of reclining chair that allows you to sit in a position where your body feels virtually weightless. While the name suggests you are completely free from gravity, these chairs put your body in a neutral reclining position that simulates zero gravity. This position, angled at 120-140 degrees, evenly distributes your weight and minimizes pressure points, providing many health benefits that you can't get from a normal reclining chair.
Let's explore the top 10 benefits of using a zero-gravity massage chair:
1. Improves Blood Circulation
One of the main benefits of a zero gravity massage chair is improved blood circulation throughout your entire body. When you sit in a regular chair, your heart has to work against gravity to pump blood to your brain and extremities. This causes pressure in your veins and capillaries. In a zero gravity position, your legs are elevated above your heart, allowing blood to easily flow back to your heart and lungs. This will minimize stress on your cardiovascular system and promote better circulation.
Studies have shown that being in a zero gravity position increases venous return and cardiac output, providing more oxygenated blood flow to tissues and organs. The improved circulation can help reduce swelling in your legs and feet as well as relieve general aches and pains.
2. Reduces Stress on Your Spine
When you sit in a normal chair, your spine is compressed by the weight of your upper body and gravity pulling you down. This can put up to 1.5 times your body weight of pressure on your spine, straining your vertebrae, disks, and muscles. Over time, this compression can contribute to low back pain, herniated disks, and poor posture.
By reclining in a zero gravity chair, you allow your spine to return to a neutral position so that your weight is evenly distributed and the pressure on your vertebrae is minimized. Your muscles can fully relax without having to strain against gravity. By reducing spinal load, zero gravity technology helps reduce pressure on your spine and relieve back pain.
3. Expands Your Lung Capacity
Lying flat distributes your weight evenly across your body, allowing your lungs to fully expand. In a zero gravity chair, your ribcage opens up, and your diaphragm has ample room to contract, allowing maximum expansion of the chest so you can take slow, full belly breaths.
Studies have found that spinal unloading in the zero gravity position may possibly increase lung volumes by up to 20%. Deeper breaths deliver more oxygen throughout your body, boosting energy, promoting healing, and increasing lung capacity. For those with respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, using a zero gravity chair may help open up airways and improve breathing efficiency.
4. Eases Pressure on Your Joints
From your neck to your ankles, the zero gravity position takes the pressure off your joints by keeping them suspended. Your body's weight is lifted from tense areas like your shoulders, hips, and knees, allowing the connective tissues, cartilage, and inflamed joints to recover. This makes zero gravity massage chairs excellent for anyone suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or general joint pain and stiffness.
By keeping your joints decompressed and muscles relaxed, a zero gravity chair may help increase flexibility and range of motion over time. The neutral body position also promotes proper alignment through your neck, hips, knees, and ankles, aiding in injury recovery.
5. Comforts During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding, and the zero gravity position offers a sense of weightlessness and relaxation. It allows pregnant women to take a break from the strain of carrying the baby and find a comfortable position to rest and unwind.
As with any pregnancy-related practices, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that the zero gravity position is safe and suitable for individual circumstances.
6. Reduces Swelling
Elevating your legs above heart level allows fluid pooled in your tissues to drain back into your circulatory system rather than being pulled down by gravity. This can relieve swelling and edema (fluid buildup) in your lower extremities caused by conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, pregnancy, heart failure, or kidney disease. The zero gravity position also minimizes any varicose veins from protruding.
Those suffering from swollen or painful legs and feet may find relief after a short session in a zero gravity recliner. However, it's important to continue moving your legs and vary your position to prevent new swelling. Your doctor can advise you on the proper usage of a zero gravity chair to manage edema.
7. Helps You Relax
An immediate benefit of sitting in a zero gravity chair is how quickly your body begins to release tension. Within seconds of reclining into the zero gravity position, your nervous system starts to calm, your muscles unwind, and your mind eases.
With less tension, your body's natural relaxation response can take over. Reclining at just the right angle eliminates any slouching or hunching, letting your muscles completely switch off. The zero gravity effect on your sympathetic nervous system yields stress relief and relaxation unattainable in a normal chair.
8. May Improve Sleep Quality
Preliminary studies suggest that using a zero gravity chair may improve the quality and duration of sleep you get at night. This is believed to be due to the relaxation response triggered in the zero gravity position. With regular use, your body may more easily drop into deep, restorative sleep.
Reclining before bed may also help those who suffer from acid reflux or nocturia (excessive urination). By keeping your head above your abdomen and knees higher than your hips, these chairs utilize gravity to your advantage to reduce nighttime symptoms that disrupt sleep.
Many people successfully use the chair to wind down before bed. However, your physician can provide an individualized recommendation based on their understanding of your medical history. They can assess whether a zero gravity chair is a suitable alternative or adjunct to your existing sleep setup.
9. Boosts Circulation to the Brain
Along with enhanced overall circulation in a zero gravity position, blood flow to the brain also improves significantly. This increased cerebral blood flow delivers oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients your brain needs to function at optimal levels. Studies using MRI imaging have documented a substantial boost in brain perfusion in the zero gravity position.
Many users of zero gravity chairs report improved mental clarity, focus, and creativity after a session. The circulation benefit may also help those recovering from concussions, strokes, or neurological disorders improve their cognitive functioning. Always consult your doctor before using a zero gravity chair for any medical condition.
10. May Ease Digestion Issues
The benefits of a zero gravity chair extend beyond mere comfort. When you recline in a zero gravity chair, your stomach is positioned above your intestines. This strategic positioning allows gravity to facilitate the movement of food through your digestive tract with less effort, promoting better digestion and improved blood circulation.
Instead of lying flat on a mattress, reclining in a zero gravity chair keeps your head elevated above your stomach. This can prevent the backflow of acid, a common issue for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many individuals with GERD often find their symptoms are significantly relieved when they adopt the zero gravity position in a zero gravity chair.
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How to Choose the Best Zero Gravity Chair
With many different zero gravity chair options on the market, it can be tricky to select the right one for your needs and budget. Here are some tips to help you choose:
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Adjustability: Look for a chair that offers adjustable positions and neck/lumbar support to customize comfort. Chairs with articulating headrests provide better spinal alignment.
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Space: If you are short on space, then look for a space-saving chair, as it will only need to be 3" from the wall. Otherwise, you may need up to 20" for the chair to recline.
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Size: By considering your height when purchasing a zero gravity chair, you can select a chair that fits your body properly, supports proper alignment, and provides optimal comfort and relaxation. Some chairs have an optional extra leg rest extension.
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Weight limit: Make sure to get a zero gravity chair rated to hold more than your weight. Average limits range from 300-350 lbs.
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Recline angle: Look for a chair that reclines 120-140 degrees to get the benefits of a zero gravity position.
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Portability: If you'll be moving your chair around, select a lightweight model with wheels.
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Extra features: Consider options like massage, Bluetooth speakers, USB ports, or heat therapy for optimal relaxation.
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Warranty: Aim for at least a 1-year warranty. Better chairs offer 2+ years of coverage.
No matter which zero gravity chair you choose, be sure to explore the collection at Airpuria ↗ to find the highest quality models backed by excellent customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zero Gravity Chairs
Are zero gravity chairs safe to use?
Yes, zero gravity chairs are safe for most people to use in moderation. Make sure to consult your doctor first if you have any medical conditions like glaucoma, pregnancy, or cerebral hypertension. Avoid prolonged use past 30 minutes and slowly ease in and out of the reclined position.
How is a zero gravity chair different than a normal recliner?
A zero gravity chair reclines to a specific 120-140 degree angle that mimics zero gravity conditions. A traditional recliner only tilts back about 45 degrees. The zero gravity position provides unique health benefits by decompressing your spine and enhancing circulation. Zero gravity recliners offered by Airpuria have features such as massage that can further enhance your overall health and well-being.
Can you sleep in a zero gravity chair?
Unless recommended by your doctor, limit reclining sessions to 30 minutes or less. Use the chair to relax before bed, and not as a sleeping surface.
Do zero gravity chairs help sciatica?
By decompressing the spine and taking pressure off compressed nerves, zero gravity chairs can help temporarily reduce sciatic nerve pain. Just make sure to slowly transition in and out of the reclined position. Regular use may aid recovery.
Can you sit upside down in a zero gravity chair?
No, zero gravity chairs are meant to put your body in a safe position - a specific neutral recline angle, not tip you upside down. Reclining past 140 degrees negates the benefits. Always follow manufacturer instructions for the proper settings.
Are zero gravity chairs good for circulation?
Yes! Studies show zero gravity chairs significantly improve circulation by allowing easier blood return to the heart. Increased overall blood flow plus reduced pressure on veins provides major circulatory benefits.
Can you exercise in a zero gravity chair?
You should not perform vigorous exercise in a zero gravity chair, as they are designed for relaxation. However, you can do gentle stretches or range of motion exercises while reclined to improve flexibility and mobility.
Contact Us to Learn More About Zero Gravity Massage Chairs
Why not experience a zero gravity massage chair for yourself? Browse the top-rated zero gravity massage chairs available at Airpuria ↗ and take advantage of our free shipping and financing options for approved individuals and businesses that make these innovative relaxation devices more affordable.
Investing in a high-quality zero gravity massage chair for your home or workplace is one of the best ways to relieve pain, ease tension, decompress your spine, boost circulation, enhance breathing, and create a personal oasis of wellness. Contact Airpuria today at 773.337.8822 or sales@airpuria.com so that we can help you choose the best zero gravity recliner to meet your needs.