What is the Difference between a Reclining and a Tilt-in-Space Shower Chair?

If you or a loved one have limited mobility, bathing can be a challenging and risky task. You may need assistance from a caregiver or a special device to help you maintain your hygiene and comfort. One of the most common and helpful devices for bathing is a shower chair, which is a seat that can be placed in the shower or tub to provide support and stability.
However, not all shower chairs are the same. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may benefit from different types of shower chairs that offer different features and functions. In this blog post, we will explain the difference between two of the most frequently confused types of shower chairs: reclining and tilt-in-space shower chairs. We will also review some of these products that you can find on Your Medical Store, we are a trusted online retailer of medical equipment and supplies.

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What is a Reclining Shower Chair?
A reclining shower chair is a shower chair that has a backrest that can be adjusted to different angles, from upright to fully reclined. This allows the user to change their position and posture while bathing, which can improve their comfort, circulation, and relaxation. A reclining shower chair may also have a footrest that can be raised or lowered to support the user’s legs and feet.
A reclining shower chair is ideal for people who have difficulty sitting upright but once reclined, they can use their legs and feet to help support the reclined position.
Some of the advantages of a reclining shower chair are:

• It can reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, muscle fatigue, and joint pain by allowing the user to change their position and relieve pressure points.
• It can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the vital organs and tissues by elevating the user’s legs and feet.
• It can enhance the user’s mood and well-being by providing a soothing and relaxing shower experience.

Some of the drawbacks of a reclining shower chair are:

• It may require more space in the shower or tub than a standard shower chair, which can limit the user’s mobility and accessibility.
• It may be more difficult to transfer the user to and from the shower chair, especially if the user is heavy or has limited upper body strength.
• It may be more expensive than a standard shower chair, depending on the quality and features of the product.

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What is a Tilt-in-Space Shower Chair?
A tilt-in-space shower chair is a shower chair that has a seat and backrest that can be tilted together as a unit, without changing the angle between them. This means that the user’s hips, knees, and ankles remain at the same angle, regardless of the tilt position. A tilt-in-space shower chair may also have a headrest, a footrest, and armrests that can be adjusted to suit the user’s needs.
A tilt-in-space shower chair is ideal for people who have poor trunk control, spasticity, or involuntary movements that make it difficult for them to sit upright or recline. It can also provide optimal support and comfort for people who have complex medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury.
Some of the advantages of a tilt-in-space shower chair are:

• It can improve the user’s posture and alignment by maintaining a constant angle between the user’s hips, knees, and ankles.
• It can prevent the user from sliding or falling off the seat by providing a secure and stable base of support.
• It can enhance the user’s safety and hygiene by allowing the caregiver to tilt the user back and rinse their hair and body without causing discomfort or injury.

Some of the drawbacks of a tilt-in-space shower chair are:

• It may be heavier and bulkier than a standard or reclining shower chair, which can make it harder to maneuver and store.
• It may require more skill and training to operate and adjust the tilt mechanism, which can be challenging for some caregivers or users.
• It may be more costly than a standard or reclining shower chair, depending on the quality and features of the product.

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How to Choose the Right Type of Shower Chair for You?
As you can see, both reclining and tilt-in-space shower chairs have their own benefits and drawbacks, depending on the user’s needs and preferences. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which type of shower chair is better for you. You need to consider several factors, such as:

• Your physical condition and abilities, such as your mobility, strength, balance, and coordination.
• Your medical condition and needs, such as your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment plan.
• Your personal preferences and goals, such as your comfort, convenience, and satisfaction.
• Your budget and resources, such as your income, insurance, and availability of products.

To help you make an informed decision, you should consult with your doctor, therapist, or other health care professional who can assess your situation and recommend the best type of shower chair for you.

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Here are some of the Best Reclining and Tilt-in-Space Shower Chairs that you can find on Your Medical Store

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Homecare Series Tilt-in-Space Reclining Shower Commode Chair by Vive
​*Most Economical Tilt-in-Space Choice

​This product is a versatile and multifunctional shower chair that can also be used as a commode chair or a transport chair. It features a tilt-in-space and reclining mechanism that can be easily adjusted by a caregiver. It also has a padded seat, backrest, headrest, armrests, and footrests that can provide maximum comfort and support for the user. It has four locking casters that can ensure smooth and safe movement and transfer. It has a removable commode bucket that can be conveniently emptied and cleaned. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs and a seat width of 17.25 inches.
Some of the advantages of this product are:

• It can provide optimal positioning and pressure relief for the user.
  
• It can accommodate different user heights and sizes by adjusting the seat height, seat depth, backrest height, armrest height, and footrest length.
  
• It can offer a durable and hygienic design by using rust-resistant aluminum frame and waterproof vinyl upholstery.
  
• Least expensive tilt-in-space chair at $639!
  

Some of the drawbacks of this product are:

• It may be too large or heavy for some showers or tubs, especially those with narrow doors or low thresholds.
  
• It may be too complex or difficult for some caregivers or users to operate and adjust the tilt and recline functions.
  

Shop for this one

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Laguna Reclining Shower Chair by Platinum Health
*Most economical choice overall

​This product is a stylish and comfortable shower chair that has a reclining backrest that can be adjusted to five different positions, from upright to fully reclined. It also has a padded seat, backrest, headrest, armrests, and footrests that can provide optimal comfort and support for the user. It has four swivel casters that can ensure easy and safe movement and transfer. It has a removable commode pail that can be conveniently emptied and cleaned. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs and a seat width of 18 inches.
Some of the advantages of this product are:

• It can provide a relaxing and enjoyable shower experience for the user by reclining up to 180 degrees.
  
• It can fit most roll-in showers.
  
• It can offer a sleek and elegant design by using high-quality materials and colors that can blend with any bathroom decor.
  
• It is relatively inexpensive at just $597!
  

Some of the drawbacks of this product are:

• It may not provide enough tilt or pressure relief for some users who need more than 180 degrees of recline.
  
• It may not accommodate different user heights and sizes by having a fixed seat height, seat depth, backrest height, armrest height, and footrest length.
  
• It does only recline, so your patient would need to be able to use their feet on the footrests to help support themselves from sliding.
  

shop this one now

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Etac Swift Mobil Tilt-2 Roll-In Shower Commode Chair
*Best design, quality, and warranty

​This product is a functional and ergonomic shower chair that has a tilt-in-space mechanism that can be easily adjusted by a caregiver using a lever. It also has a curved seat, backrest, headrest, armrests, and footrests that can provide optimal comfort and support for the user. It has four locking casters that can ensure smooth and safe movement and transfer. It has a removable commode pan that can be conveniently emptied and cleaned. It has a weight capacity of 286 lbs and a seat width of 19.5 inches.
Some of the advantages of this product are:

• It can provide optimal positioning and pressure relief for the user.
  
• It can accommodate different user height and sizes by adjusting the seat height, backrest height, armrest height, and footrest angle.
  

• It can offer a simple and user-friendly design by using a single lever to control the tilt function and a gas spring to assist the movement.
  
• Comes with an impressive 5 year warranty!
  

Some of the drawbacks of this product are:

• It may not fit some showers or tubs by having a wide seat and a long base that can interfere with the shower door or curtain.
  
• It may be too pricey for some customers, as it costs $1,617.00.
  

shop this one now

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MJM Heavy Duty Bariatric Reclining Roll-in Shower Chair
*Best solution for the larger patient

​This product is a sturdy and durable shower chair that has a reclining backrest that can be adjusted to three different positions, from upright to fully reclined. It also has a mesh seat, backrest, headrest, armrests, and footrests that can provide optimal comfort and support for the user. It has four locking casters that can ensure smooth and safe movement and transfer. It has a removable commode bucket that can be conveniently emptied and cleaned. It has a weight capacity of 700 lbs and a seat width of 30 inches.
Some of the advantages of this product are:

• It can provide a comfortable and relaxing shower experience for the user by reclining up to 180 degrees.
  
• It can accommodate the larger patient with its 700 lb capacity and wide 30 inch seat..
  
• It can offer a strong and reliable design by using reinforced PVC frame and anti-bacterial mesh fabric.
  

Some of the drawbacks of this product are:

• It may not provide enough tilt or pressure relief for some users who need more than 180 degrees of recline.
  
• It may not fit some showers by having a large seat and a long base that can interfere with the shower door or curtain.
  
• It may be too expensive for some customers, as it costs $1,949.00.
  

shop this one now

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Professional Tilt-In-Space Reclining Shower Commode Chair by Platinum Health
*Good middle of the road option, fan favorite for a few years

​This product is a premium and versatile shower chair that has a tilt-in-space mechanism that can be easily adjusted by a caregiver using a hand lever. It also has a padded seat, backrest, headrest, armrests, and footrests that can provide maximum comfort and support for the user. It has four locking casters that can ensure smooth and safe movement and transfer. It has a removable commode pail that can be conveniently emptied and cleaned. It has a weight capacity of 330 lbs and a seat width of 18 inches.
Some of the advantages of this product are:

• It can provide optimal positioning and pressure relief for the user.
• It can offer a deluxe and elegant design by using high-quality materials and colors that can blend with any bathroom decor.

Some of the drawbacks of this product are:

• It may require more space in the shower or tub than a standard shower chair, which can limit the user’s mobility and accessibility.
• It may be more difficult to transfer the user to and from the shower chair, especially if the user is heavy or has limited upper body strength.
• It may be more costly than a standard shower chair, depending on the quality and features of the product as this one costs $1,199.00.

shop this one now

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Conclusion
Reclining and tilt-in-space shower chairs are two of the most frequently confused types of shower chairs that can provide different benefits and drawbacks for different users. Depending on your physical condition, medical condition, personal preferences, and budget, you may find one type of shower chair more suitable for you than the other. To help you make the best decision, you should consult with your doctor, therapist, or other health care professional who can assess your situation and recommend the best type of shower chair for you.
If you are looking for high-quality and affordable reclining and tilt-in-space shower chairs, you should check us out at Your Medical Store, we are a leading online retailer of medical equipment and supplies. Your Medical Store offers a wide range of products that can suit your needs and preferences, from basic to advanced, from standard to customized. You can browse the website and find detailed descriptions, specifications, reviews, and ratings of each product, as well as helpful guides and tips on how to use and maintain them.
We hope you found this blog post informative and useful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you and help you with your shower chair needs. Thank you for choosing Your Medical Store, your trusted online source of medical equipment and supplies.

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