For those living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), severe asthma, or congestive heart failure, the “horizontal” position is often the enemy. When lying flat, gravity allows fluid to put pressure on the lungs, leading to a frightening sensation of breathlessness known as orthopnea.
A Dual Motor riser recliner is a critical tool for respiratory management. Unlike standard chairs, it allows you to find the “High-Fowler’s” position—sitting nearly upright with the legs elevated—which opens the chest cavity and reduces the workload on the heart. Here are the top UK models on Amazon designed to help you breathe easier.
At a Glance: Best Chairs for Respiratory Relief
| Model | Best For | Motor Type | Key Respiratory Feature | Price Range |
| MCombo 7890 | Chest Opening | Dual Motor | 165° Infinite Posture | £700 – £850 |
| More4Homes Barnsley | Small Spaces | Dual Motor | Upright Independent Lift | £450 – £550 |
| MCombo 7634 | Sleep Apnea | Triple Motor | Powered Head/Neck Support | £850 – £950 |
| Morris Living Winchester | Lumbar Support | Dual Motor | Waterfall Back Breathing | £600 – £700 |
| Elite Care Hainworth | Circulation | Dual Motor | Heat/Massage for Chest Wall | £600 – £750 |
1. The Respiratory Specialist: MCombo Dual Motor (7890)
The 7890 is the premier choice for COPD sufferers because of its “Infinite Positioning.” You can raise the footrest to reduce leg swelling (common in heart patients) while keeping the backrest at a steep 80-degree angle to keep the airways open.
- Technical Details:
- Fit: Medium to Large; provides a wide chest-opening seated area.
- Dimensions: 91cm Width x 94cm Depth x 110cm Height.
- Weight Capacity: 150kg (approx. 24 stone).
- UK Logistics: Delivered in two boxes; fits standard 30-inch UK doorways.
Pros:
- Independent motors allow for the “High-Fowler” position (90° upright with legs up).
- Single-press “Home” button returns the chair to upright if the user feels a sudden bout of breathlessness.
- Extended footrest helps with venous return, taking the strain off a struggling heart.
- 8-point vibration massage can help relax the intercostal muscles used for heavy breathing.
- Sturdy side arms provide a stable base to lean on during “pursed-lip” breathing exercises.
Keep in Mind:
- The remote features more buttons than a single motor; may take a day to master.
- Requires a 50cm clearance from the wall for full recline.
- Firm cushioning is designed for support, not “sinking in.”
2. The Simple Relief: More4Homes Barnsley Dual Motor
If space is tight, the Barnsley offers the essential “upright recline” needed for asthma and COPD without the massive footprint of other medical chairs. Its simple 4-button interface is perfect for users who don’t want to navigate complex menus during a flare-up.
- Technical Details:
- Fit: Compact UK profile; ideal for smaller flats or bedrooms.
- Dimensions: 82cm Width x 90cm Depth x 105cm Height.
- Weight Capacity: 125kg (approx. 19.5 stone).
- Ease of Movement: Lightweight frame; easiest to move for cleaning.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to operate under stress—only four buttons to remember.
- Soft fabric is breathable, preventing the “overheating” that can trigger asthma attacks.
- The rise-to-stand function is incredibly smooth, preventing the “huffing” strain of manual standing.
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a dual-motor system.
- Fast, tool-free assembly (approx. 10 minutes).
Keep in Mind:
- No heat or massage functions.
- Not suitable for users over 6ft tall.
- Fabric is not wipe-clean (unlike leather).
3. Best for Sleep Apnea: MCombo 7634 (Triple Motor)
Many people with heart conditions or COPD also struggle with Sleep Apnea. The 7634 is unique because of its powered headrest. This allows the user to micro-adjust their neck angle to keep the airway as clear as possible while the rest of the body is reclined for rest.
- Technical Details:
- Fit: High-back design; provides full head and neck support.
- Dimensions: 95cm Width x 96cm Depth x 112cm Height.
- Weight Capacity: 160kg (approx. 25 stone).
- UK Delivery: Heavy-duty item; requires two people to unbox and position.
Pros:
- Powered headrest motor helps find the perfect “chin-up” position for better airflow.
- USB-C charging ports mean the user can keep emergency phones or tablets powered up.
- Zero Gravity positioning takes 100% of the weight off the heart and lungs.
- Deep side pockets are perfect for keeping inhalers and GTN sprays within reach.
- High-density sponge padding provides orthopedic-grade stability.
Keep in Mind:
- The most expensive chair in the range.
- Larger footprint—measure your living space carefully.
- Higher power draw due to the three independent motors.
4. The Posture Choice: Morris Living Winchester
The Winchester features a “Waterfall” back, consisting of three tiered cushions. For those with breathing difficulties, this allows the spine to remain perfectly aligned, preventing the “slumped” posture that compresses the diaphragm and limits lung capacity.
- Technical Details:
- Fit: Medium build; looks like a high-end traditional armchair.
- Dimensions: 87cm Width x 92cm Depth x 104cm Height.
- Weight Capacity: 120kg (approx. 19 stone).
- Construction: Solid UK-designed frame with whisper-quiet motors.
Pros:
- Waterfall cushions provide excellent “thoracic” support for easier breathing.
- The brushstroke fabric is soft and non-irritating for those with respiratory allergies.
- Dual motors allow the backrest to stay 100% vertical while the legs are raised.
- Extremely quiet operation—won’t interfere with the sound of a portable oxygen concentrator.
- Traditional design doesn’t make the home feel like a hospital ward.
Keep in Mind:
- No vibrational massage or heat functions.
- Fabric is not waterproof; consider a protector if using nebulizers nearby.
- Lower weight limit than the MCombo bariatric models.
5. The Easy-Clean Choice: Elite Care Hainworth Leather
If the user requires regular nebulizer treatments or oxygen, the Hainworth in bonded leather is the most hygienic choice. It can be wiped clean of any moisture or spills instantly and features a lumbar heat pad to help relax the “accessory muscles” used during difficult breathing.
- Technical Details:
- Fit: Wide seat width; good for those who feel “trapped” in narrow chairs.
- Dimensions: 88cm Width x 92cm Depth x 106cm Height.
- Weight Capacity: 130kg (approx. 21 stone).
- Mobility: Features rear wheels for slight adjustments in position.
Pros:
- Wipe-clean leather surface is ideal for maintaining a sterile environment.
- Lumbar heat function helps relax the lower back muscles used when struggling for breath.
- 8-point massage helps stimulate circulation throughout the torso and legs.
- Simple 4-button remote with a safety-lock feature.
- High leg-lift capability aids heart patients suffering from congestive edema.
Keep in Mind:
- Leather can feel cold initially; the heat function takes a few minutes to warm up.
- Vibration massage can be felt through the floor in some UK flats.
- Bonded leather is durable but not as breathable as fabric.
Specialist Guide: Breathing & Heart Health
The “High-Fowler’s” Position
Medical professionals often recommend the High-Fowler’s position (sitting up at 60–90 degrees) for anyone with respiratory distress. A Dual Motor chair is the only way to achieve this comfortably while still allowing the legs to be elevated to prevent “pooling” of blood in the ankles, which is common in heart failure.
Energy Conservation
For COPD patients, “standing up” is a high-energy activity that can leave them breathless for minutes. The Electric Rise function does the work for you, saving your oxygen and energy for more important tasks like walking to the kitchen or engaging with family.
0% VAT for Chronic Conditions
COPD, Heart Disease, and Chronic Asthma all qualify for VAT Relief in the UK. This will save you 20% on the cost of the chair. Most Amazon sellers will provide a refund of the VAT portion once you submit a simple digital declaration form after your purchase.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.