Lift Chair Buying Guide
Two of the most trusted names in power lift recliners, compared side by side. Learn the difference between 2-position, 3-position, infinite-position, and zero-gravity chairs, then see how Pride VivaLift and Golden MaxiComfort stack up so you can pick the right chair with confidence.
Shop Lift Chairs Call 801-906-3900Both brands build excellent, reliable lift chairs. Choose Pride VivaLift if you want lifestyle features and a lifetime lift-mechanism warranty in a wide range of styles. Choose Golden MaxiComfort if you want true zero-gravity positioning, the widest size and weight range including heavy-duty options, and built-in diagnostics. Your body size, how far you want to recline, and whether you plan to sleep in the chair matter more than the brand name. Visit our Salt Lake City showroom to try both in person.
The recline style is the single biggest decision, and it drives price more than the brand does. Here is what each one means in plain terms.
Reclines slightly from upright to a gentle TV-watching angle. The backrest and footrest move together on one motor.
Best for: Reading, watching TV, and easy sit-to-stand help. Not designed for lying flat or sleeping.
Adds a further, near-flat recline on top of the upright and TV positions. Still one motor, so the back and legs move together.
Best for: Longer relaxing and napping. A popular value choice for most living rooms.
Two motors let the backrest and footrest move independently, so you can stop at any angle, including fully flat like a bed.
Best for: Sleeping in the chair, finding a custom comfort angle, and longer daily use.
A type of infinite-position chair that reclines into a posture where the legs rest at or above heart level, a concept modeled on NASA seating to distribute body weight evenly.
Best for: Maximum pressure relief and a weightless-feeling recline. The premium tier.
Both are top-tier American lift-chair brands. Here is how their flagship lines differ.
Two popular infinite-position, zero-gravity models we carry. Specs shown are for common sizes and can vary by size and options.
| Specification | Pride VivaLift Radiance (PLR-3955) | Golden MaxiComfort (PR-535) |
|---|---|---|
| Recline type | Infinite position, true-infinite chaise, zero-gravity capable | Infinite position, zero-gravity, up to 178 degree recline |
| Weight capacity | 400 lb (all sizes) | 400 lb standard; 500 lb and 600 lb on extra-wide sizes |
| Size options | Small, Petite-Wide, Medium, Large or Tall | Petite, Small, Medium, Large, Tall, plus Medium and Large Extra Wide |
| Seat width by size | 20 in (Small) to 24 in (Petite-Wide) to 23.5 in (Large/Tall) | About 20 in on the Medium; wider on extra-wide sizes |
| Seat depth | 18 in to 22 in depending on size | About 19 in on the Medium |
| Massage and heat | Available on higher trims (triple heat zones, air massage) | Heat and vibration available as an add-on option |
| Standout tech | VivaLift Tilt third-axis pivot; lifestyle add-ons on premium trims | SmartTek diagnostics; quick-release removable back |
| Warranty highlight | Lifetime lift and scissor mechanism, then prorated | Lifetime lift mechanism, frame, and recline mechanism |
Try any of these in our Salt Lake City showroom, or call for help matching a chair to your height, weight, and space.
Pride
Infinite-position chaise lounger with a true-infinite recline, biscuit back, and a 400 lb capacity across four sizes.
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Golden
Zero-gravity infinite-position chair with a wide size range and heavy-duty options up to 600 lb on extra-wide models.
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Golden
Zero-gravity recliner with Twilight Tilt that tilts the chair as one unit, plus MaxiComfort positioning for full-body support.
View chairFive questions settle almost every decision.
Measure height and hip width. A chair that is too big or too small will not support you well or help you stand comfortably. Both brands offer petite through tall sizes.
Standard models are rated to 400 lb. If you need more, Golden offers extra-wide and heavy-duty chairs rated to 500 and 600 lb, and higher on select bariatric models.
For TV and reading, a 2 or 3-position chair is plenty. If you want to lie flat, sleep in the chair, or use a zero-gravity position, choose an infinite-position model.
Infinite and zero-gravity chairs need clearance to recline. Check the distance from the wall the chair requires and the path to your outlet.
Heat, massage, fabric, and a battery backup for power outages are options, not necessities. Choose what you will actually use so you are not paying for features you do not need.
A lift chair is a chair you will use every day. Sitting in a few models in our showroom is the fastest way to know which one fits. If mobility needs may change, ask us about renting first.
Affinity Home Medical is a locally owned medical equipment showroom serving Salt Lake City and surrounding Utah communities. You can sit in Pride and Golden lift chairs in person, get help matching a chair to your size and space, and arrange local delivery and setup so the chair arrives ready to use.
Prefer to try before you commit? Ask about our lift chair rentals. Already own a chair that needs attention? We also handle lift chair repair.
Shop Lift Chairs Call 801-906-3900Infinite position means the backrest and footrest move independently, so you can stop at any angle including fully flat. Zero gravity is a specific infinite-position recline where your legs rest at or above heart level to spread body weight evenly. Every zero-gravity chair is infinite position, but not every infinite-position chair reaches a zero-gravity angle.
Both are top-tier and highly reliable. Pride VivaLift is known for lifestyle features and a wide style range. Golden MaxiComfort is known for true zero-gravity positioning, the broadest size and weight range including heavy-duty options, and SmartTek diagnostics. The best brand for you depends on your body size, how far you want to recline, and which features you will use. Trying both is the surest way to decide.
Standard Pride and Golden lift chairs are rated to 400 lb. Golden also builds extra-wide and heavy-duty models rated to 500 and 600 lb, with higher capacities on select bariatric chairs. Always match the chair rating to the user and confirm the exact figure on the model and size you choose.
Yes, if it is an infinite-position or zero-gravity model, because the back reclines fully flat and the footrest raises independently. Two and three-position chairs recline for resting but are not designed for full-time sleeping. If sleeping in the chair is a priority, talk with your healthcare provider about what positioning is right for you.
Coverage varies. Medicare may help with the lifting mechanism portion of a lift chair for people who meet specific medical criteria, but the chair, fabric, and comfort features are typically not covered. Requirements and coverage change and depend on your plan, so check directly with your insurer or Medicare and your physician before you buy.
Size is based on your height and hip width, not just personal preference. A chair that is too large will not support your back, and one that is too small will be cramped and harder to stand from. Both brands offer petite through tall sizing. We can measure and match you in the showroom.
Affinity Home Medical has a Salt Lake City showroom where you can try Pride and Golden lift chairs in person, with local delivery, setup, and service. Call 801-906-3900 or browse our lift chair collection online.
Sit in Pride and Golden chairs, get sized correctly, and arrange delivery and setup across the Salt Lake City area. We are here to help you choose the right one.
Shop Lift Chairs Call 801-906-3900
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