How to Sleep in a Recliner | Shoulder Surgery, Knee Surgery, Acid Reflux, Abdominal Surgery 

Very helpful. I also want to compliment you on your language and diction. No "buzz words" and no "ah's and uh's" is such a breath of fresh air. Thanks again.

I sleep almost daily in a recliner when I take naps. While I do support my head and my back, I found the best way is to get myself comfortable, cover myself in a blanket, then have my cat come and make herself comfortable in my lap. (The cat's the most important part.) We both sleep very well! 😸

As a retired orthopedic nurse, I find your explanations about proper movement and suggestions, following major ortho surgeries, concise, and very easy to understand. What a great help you provide to all patients! Carole

These videos should be mandatory watching for patients and carers. I had a stroke and stumbled on you content. I have had enormous benefits from watching you. My physio’s and OC have not covered many things you share. Thank you so much!

Great video. Thank you for sharing. I can offer two additional things I did after I once had abdominal surgery: (1) I tied a hiking rope to something secure like a door handle across the room and directly in front of the recliner and I used my arm strength, rather than mid-section muscles to grab hold of the rope and pull myself up to a standing position, otherwise I found it almost impossible to sit up out of the chair without feeling I was putting stress on my stitches/injured area, or having to ask for help to pull me up. (2) Second thing I did was I took an extender tube from a vacuum cleaner attachment and slid it over the handle of the recliner so that it added a much taller and easier to leverage handle to raise the recliner to the upright position without having to otherwise bend sideways to reach down for the lever.

I am 62, and have slept in a recliner in our bedroom for the past 3 years due to extensive and repeated shoulder surgeries, and probably always will.I am very happy doing so as it makes me feel very secure and comfortable.

This video is complete truth. Unfortunately if you move or get up for any reason to use bathroom get a drink ect you have to get all set up again pillows towels blankets it's a job.

I've slept in a recliner for 16 years, always making sure my recliner is very well padded and comfortable. I've always kept a thin pillow behind me but the travel pillow idea sounds much more comfortable. I've never thought to add pillows to support my arms but it's easy to see how much better it would be. I wasn't aware of the lumbar support idea either. My recliner has great padding under my legs so I don't need to add support there. Maybe not using these tips is why I've never slept longer than 4 hours in many years. I'll be buying a travel pillow, a couple of pillows for my arms and using a rolled towel for my lower back and look forward to sleeping better for a longer period of time. Thank you so much for this video.

Good tips! When I recovered from an abdominal surgery with a along incision, I could NOT lie flat without pain. I slept in my recliner for at least six weeks. I found it helpful to throw a bed sheet over the chair at night. Since I also spent much of my day in the same spot, the cool, clean bed sheet told my brain it was nighttime and time for sleep. In the morning, I removed it. Somehow, that really helped me.

I have really bad scoliosis and I've slept in my recliner for probably 5 years now and I really appreciate all your tips. I do have a small pillow at the base of my back and that really does relieve any pressure. I will definitely try your other tips.

I am 70. Been sleeping on my Lazy Boy chair for 4 years now. I never sleep anywhere else. It was the perfect place during my Covid and Long Covid illness. Never ever going back to a bed. Liked all your recommendations.

All that in place, you suddenly have to pee.😉

I have had to sleep in a recliner for nearly 20 years now and it took me a couple of years of 'learning the hard way' to get it right. Before I watched this video, I scribbled out a list of the things I would like to see covered .... and you nailed just about everything ! I can only tolerate about an hour laid back as far as you demonstrate, then I have to come up to a sitting position with feet down. In this position, a cushion under the feet is a must and I strongly recommend elasticated knee high surgical stockings to combat oedema [fluid build up]. Giving raised support for the elbows takes a large proportion of the weight of your arms off the load carried by your shoulders, lower back and bum. The built in pillow of the chair is plenty soft enough and the addition of neck support is essential, but this does little to stop your head flopping sideways in sleep.... and the resultant stiff necks. I got myself a loosely filled down pillow which I hold at either side in the centre, and shake down the contents into two separate 'wings'. I then put in a half turn twist at the centre to turn it into a 'bow tie' shape, the centre of which then goes behind the neck, leaving the 'wings' to give sideways support to the head. My daughter-in-law kindly made me a similar item that simplified things by incorporating just the right amount of support for the back of the neck. I am probably still the only patient at the local hospital to have spent weeks on the intensive care ward .... in a reclining chair ;-) May God bless the wise and kind nurse who actually listened to my tortured screams and fought her bosses to make this possible .... Cathy, I love you still !

This is excellent. OT work is so undervalued (I am a nurse working with elders). I sometimes sleep in my lift recliner when my senior pup can't do the stairs; I know I will be way more comfortable sleeping (and waking up) after trying these strategies. Thank you!

I've slept in a recliner for over 15 years due to back and shoulder issues. My recliner has lumbar support and an adjustable head rest. I start the night with the chair 3/4 back, then during the night, I move it all the way back. This position change helps my back. My main problem is when my back hurts, I ride up on the arm rests with my elbows, that makes my shoulders hurt. I'm going to try the pillow trick.

I had my hip replaced few years ago. Coming home from the hospital, I couldn’t climb the stairs to go to bed at night. I found new appreciation of my reclining chair, it was very comfortable.

Excellent video! In two weeks I am going to have a reverse shoulder replacement and your videos are terrific to help me get prepared to have my recovery time as productive and comfortable as possible. Thank you so much for making and posting your videos! I love how you not only explain what to do but also why it is important. Clear, concise, and very very helpful. You also are so matter-of-fact about it that it feels very do-able, rather than overwhelming.

About six years ago I had acute edema problems. After spending six weeks between the hospital and therapy center, I was allowed to come home. My doctor then told me to abandon my flatbed and get either a hospital bed, adjustable bed, or a recliner. I opted for a power recliner with lift ever since that time. I will never sleep anywhere but my chair for the rest of my days. It is so comfortable and elevates my feet as needed. I heartily concur with your video instructions and appreciate them.

I'm so glad I stumbled onto this video. With my sleep apnea, my length and quality of sleep is better since I started using the recliner, but I tend to have pain in my tailbone. Thanks for explaining in plain language how to make the recliner more body-friendly.

Great video I have slept in a recliner for the last 13 years since my bypass surgery and through one hip replacement and wish I could of seen it long ago. All your hip video are great and much appreciated. I am a 75 year old male and do get up through the night and will use your tips for my hip surgery next month Thanks again tom 😊😊

Great video & information. I’ve slept in a recliner for a couple years and have learned each of your points the hard way! One thing I’ve recently done is add a fitted chair cover that I can wash easily. I have MS and no longer walk. Started using a home-hospital bed that I could lower way down but still had to set up a pulley system to get my legs on. Trouble is I was not able to arrange my legs very well after I got them on the bed. I bought an electric recliner and found that very easy to transfer into and with all the positions it allowed, and the pillow adjustments I can lay it back and get my constantly swollen feet/legs above my heart. It is also easy to adjust my position to get more comfortable if necessary, and it is very easy to get out of. I’m 68, live alone, and was recently given a lift for my house. When I get it installed I’ll be able to move my recliner upstairs where my closet and private bathroom are and will continue to snuggle into my comfy recliner. 🥱 😴

Wish I had seen your excellent video when I had hip surgery, twice, & it would have made my recovery easier.

I've been sleeping in my recliner for about five years. I sleep on my side with my legs bent. I use a pillow at my chest area hugging it. It's nice because I have my 36-gallon fish aquarium beside me and it's so nice watching the fish. But I sleep very well, no pain yet. I'm 63

I am so glad that I came across your video! My husband is his recliner most of the day. He had knee replacement surgery in July and has been complaining of his surgery knee being very stiff and hurting when he stands. He also has severe back pain from a fall off of our back deck 4 years ago where he fractured five ribs near his back. We have tried injections, therapy, massage, pain meds, and lastly acupuncture. Nothing has worked. The acupuncturist said he has curvature of his spine and a scheduled bone density test in a few weeks. I will have him watch your video and make him try all of your tips. Thank you so much for this video.

I have been sleeping in a 160 degree recliner for about 4 years, due to not being able to sleep horizontally for reasons of GERD and lower back pain. I think my recliner must have been designed well, as it is VERY comfortable. I do agree about the neck support and lumbar support. I was never able to find a bed mattress that provided comfort. Tried wedges, knee pillows, etc. I agree that if one uses a recliner long term to keep in mind the neck and lumbar signals your body may be sending. Thanks for such thorough and well presented videos. Long live recliners!!!

Thanks for the info. I was in a MVA back in April. The accident caused some severe shoulder pain, which turned out to be a torn rotator cuff. Surgery will be happening soon. I’ve never experienced shoulder pain before. Trying to figure out how to sleep in my recliner for 6 weeks post op. I truly appreciate all the time and effort you put into this video!

I lived in mine for 3 weeks after prostate surgery. Had I known I would have purchased a bigger better one but it was a life-saver.

Excellent instruction that was especially interesting as I have a bed that does what this recliner does and all of that advice is so well researched. My only problem with trying to sleep with forearms across a cushion is it can cause you to wake up with numb hands and 'pins and needles' through the blood supply not reaching your hands. I have to then dangle my arms down at the sides to stop the sensation. After 20 weeks in hospita during 2014 following serious injury - 15 of them constantly on my back I learned the details shown here the hard way, avoiding pressure sores etc. But I do think the advice here is extremely good and professional too.

My wife and I have been sleeping in recliner lift chairs for 5 years due to Parkinson Disease and Sleep Apnea. We have not slept that well but the lift feature has been great. Looking forward to trying your recommendations tonight.

Thank you. Making this video is one of the BEST acts of kindness.😢😊❤

I’m about to have my third shoulder operation so I’m quite familiar with sleeping in a recliner. You hit every point but one. I’m 6’1” and my feet extend beyond the foot rest. The point you made about the heel support is exactly what I do to support my feet by placing a thin pillow under my calves and heels.

I’m so glad I found this video before my rotator cuff surgery; thank you!

Excellent video! I've been sleeping in my recliner for about 3 years and use a firm foam pad under my legs which help in retracting the foot support as there's little built in foam and it really hurts the backs of my legs without it. It would be nice to get a new recliner designed for sleeping for big guys. Mike

Great video, clear, precise and simple. The only thing I would add is a visual of you with all supports in place.

The recliner is more comfortable than my very expensive mattress

Excellent advice. I have been sleeping in a recliner for years but wasn't sure of the kind of support that was necessary. I am going to try this tonight. Thanks again.

Wished I'd seen this before sleeping in the recliner after sinus surgery. It was most uncomfortable, but neededto use the recliner because when I'd lay in the bed, I couldn't breath. Thank you!

Been over three years since I started sleeping on a recliner. Best sleep ever. No more acid reflux. I’ll go to bed with my wife for cuddles then move to the recliner that I moved to the bedroom

Wow! Great info I never even considered. My husband with dementia spends most of his day in his recliner. And over time I've noticed him having increasing difficulty getting up from the recliner and walking. I'll be more aware of supporting those parts of his body from now on. Thanks so much.

Your video and presentation are top notch! Thank you! I have one suggestion. I first posted this as a reply to an earlier comment - but thought I’d bring my thoughts more openly about “getting up” … and replacing everything to lay down again. 😅 I wonder if it’s possible to hand craft a customized one complete unit that meets all your needs. I would stitch Velcro to a long side of a washable throw blanket, to attach multiple aids , being able to customize placement of them. I don’t know if “sheets” of Velcro is available .. but multiple strips in the target areas (neck, lumbar, knees, etc) should work. You want enough Velcro to keep those attachments firmly planted where you most need them, with slight adjustments possible. Rolled towels could be stitched into permanent rolls, or covers made out of “good” portions of worn sheets and pillow cases. Velcro attached to covers. Everything needs to be washable - turn Velcro side inside out for washing, or what I’ve done for open Velcro, is wash it inside a large pillow case. Otherwise lint builds up in the Velcro, and it doesn’t stick as well. Just an idea. Maybe attaching ties to the throw blanket and (custom sized) pillowcases is a better way to go. I have one use the bathroom multiple times during the day and several times at night. Still using my bed, where I anchor my blankets and top sheet on the wall side, held in place by good tucking and wall placement, that lasts between clean sheet changes. For this purpose, my top sheet is one size larger than my bottom sheet. To get up easily (without waking up fully), I throw my covers off, toward the wall side, in one unit. I use a pillow btw my knees because I side sleep, and it eases strain on my hips and lower back. I remove the knee pillow, use the bathroom with dim white Christmas lights, and upon return to my bed, replace my knee pillow, adjust my small pliable neck pillow to fill the gap between my head and shoulders, pull the covers back over me in one unit, and I sleep till my bladder fills again. Usually three to four hours, adding up to 8 or more hours of sleep per night. So something needs to be done built in a similar way for recliners. Having to recover and adjust so many pieces of pillows and towels, would drive me nuts and cause insomnia by having to use cognitive brain processes for the placement of so many items in the middle of an otherwise perfect sleep position …

Well done video with very good information. I've been a Pediatric ICU nurse for over 2 decades and I use all these strategies in critically ill patients to prevent pressure injures in each of the areas you outlined. It's also wise to shift your position in the chair at least every couple of hours to relieve these pressure points, particularly in the sacrum, the back of the head and the heals if they are not suspended.

Very informative and helpful !

This came up on my utube, I hadn’t searched for anything like it but what a fantastic find. We have a recliner that is 20-25 years old (manual too) and this video is going to enable us to use it more effectively for our current and future needs. ❤

This is great! I am having hip replacement surgery in four days. My bed is a high bed so I will be sleeping in my recliner for a while. This was so helpful. I have watched many of your videos. They have helped to put me more at ease about the surgery. Thank you for all you do.

I started sleeping in a recliner 2 months ago because of acid reflex that was causing spasms of my esophagus and also trouble swallowing. Incredibly I have not had one episode since and also my morning migraine headaches have also disappeared! I'm never sleeping lying flat again! (I sleep on my sides in the chair with lower back support)

Thank you, that was a lot of useful information, and just what I needed.

THANK YOU !!! I have lower back problems. Sleeping in a horizontal position really hurts my back after 2 hours. So I sleep in a semi-reclined position. Your mention of having the feet higher was extremely helpful. THANK YOU !! Well made video. Great Delivery !!! 😄👍👍👍

Thank you I have to sleep upright cos of vertigo for 48hours. This helps a lot

After being in an auto accident and having my postal truck knocked over 1/10 of a mile from the point of impact rendering me unconscious and ending up with 19 broken bones, I have slept in a recliner using 4 bed pillows for years.

Excellent suggestions! Thank you.

Thank you, this was exactly what I needed after rotator surgery ❤

Thank you so much for this video! It will help me correct the problems I have been having.

This is great! I'd love to learn more about how to position myself when I'm bedbound. I'm not always bedbound, so I am able to sleep on my side and sometimes even sit up. But when I'm in bed 24/7, both lying down and sitting up feel like juggling a constellation of pillows to try to suit different positions, and I never quite feel like I've got the support right.

I've been using a travel pillow, but have let my legs and back fend for themselves! Lots of good information here, thanks.

Brilliant video thank you so much I am having a knee operation in two weeks so I will be watching again for more tips.

Nice video, you hit many of the points I discovered by trial and error over years. I am overweight to the tune of about 300 lbs, this has given me lower back pain for most of my life. I hate pain killers. I discovered in my 20s most of my pain was in the morning when I woke up, then one night after a night of playing World of Warcraft I fell asleep in my recliner and when I woke up it was the next day, I got up and my back didn't hurt. I started sleeping in my recliner more and more, one modification at a time it got more and more comfortable to sleep and eventually I just got rid of my matrass. Now my back only hurts after strenuous exercise like moving heavy things for several hours. Now at 34 my recliner has become my home, where I work, eat, watch TV and sleep. Somehow I even lost weight. Recliners for life!!!

Excellent Video! Very Helpfull. I have been sleeping on a Recliner for many years now since I had Back Surgery, in my case I had to have disk L5/S1 removed. I encountered all the problems you have pointed out in your video. it was trial and error that finally resulted in a good nights sleep that did not cause more damage. Your video is the first that I have come across to address sleeping on a Recliner. I do THANK YOU for taking the time to make this information available on the internet, as Back Troubles are so Very Common these days. I will in my case soon be looking for a replacement Recliner as mine is getting quite old at this point and although I have it fixed up to suit my personal situation there are better more comfortable models being made. I think the ELECTRIC RECLINERS are much better than the non-electric models when it comes to those like myself that have to sleep on them on a regular basis.

Thanks 4 all the useful tips! One rrquest- ending with a position showing ALL the aids in use. Take care!

Thank you for your helpful advice last month. I had knee replacement surgery.

Thanks for the great info. Every bit makes sense. Easy to follow, step by step. I just had interior reduction and fixture on my right tibial plateau. Ill be in a bed and recliner for 12wk. Tailbone stress is definatly hard, i fractured it in the past.

I had knee replacement surgery on Feb 6, I could not get comfortable in my bed. I tried for several days but just couldn't. I decided to try my old recliner. Most people wouldnt even keep this old thing. I wanted to get rid of it too, until after surgery I found out its the most comfortable sleeping I've had in years. I've been in this recliner for 4 months, and I've tried going back to my bed many times. I always come back to this old recliner. It lays so far back that I'm almost laying straight out flat... It has the pillow support under my legs. It's just wonderful. I hate I can't sleep in my bed, but I'm so thankful for this old recliner and so glad I kept it! I also bought slip covers for this recliner so it looks great too! It is fake leather that peels, so now it looks and feels so nice! ( 2nd knee replacement is on Monday June 5, so looks like this may be my permanent sleeping spot.😢)

Thank you for posting this. I am facing eye surgery, knee surgery, hernia surgery & possible 2 rotator surgeries over the year. All are excellent ideas & will follow them. Perfect timing for this teaching video.

Great info. And comments were very helpful and friendly. Glad I found you. I had hip replacement and turned out great, but at first lots of pain getting in and out of bed at hospital. So slept in recliner. Came home and my sons had bought me a recliner for comfort and now I'm not in pain, but stayed in recliner. I was feeling guilty until I read the comments. Thanks.

Wow this was helpful. Am getting a recliner for my elderly mum & needed to make sure her posture would be OK. Cheers💐

Very helpful, thank you. In October I fell and broke my upper humorous right bone and could only sleep comfortably in a recliner or occasionally the sofa. Wish I had seen your video at that time. Thank God I now can sleep in our bed!

A few years ago I had surgery on my neck and had to sleep in my recliner for the first month. I'm glad to see that I did most of what you sugessted. I have knee surgeries in my future where I figured I'd have to sleep in a recliner to start.

What are great job. So thorough and attention to every little detail

I just bought an all electric (push buttons) loveseat recliner. It does everything including the lumbar & reclines to put your feet above your heart. It does not have good knee support options but is comfy also our feet actually go past the foot rest, at 6'4" & a foot taller than me, my husband is used to that. If I sit fully back my heels do rest on the foot rest. It's worth the money to have so much comfort especially when you spend a great deal of time using it. We both still use our neck supports even the the head rest adjusts.

Very very informative! Thank you.❤

I just watched this video a couple weeks ago and it was a God send. I was trying to sleep in my bed w/ cracked ribs and the pain was excruciating. When I moved to the recliner, I finally could rest and start healing. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much I have had two rib plating surgeries for injuries I got in the Army that got worse, and it’s been a nightmare to sit down and not hurt it. Great video pretty lady!!

Thank you for sharing this video. I hope it helps me when I try to sleep on my recliner tonight.

It’s nice to know I’m doing something right. I’m going to buy one of the bed ladders. Thank for your knowledge

My recliner started becoming less comfortable. Being on a fixed income, I decided to try ordering a body pillow online. It came with its own case. I have used it every day since I received it, and have found it to be a great, budget-friendly help for those times I have to sleep in my recliner, due to my COPD causing breathing issues when I try to lie down all the way in my bed. I just position it long way, and sit on it lengthwise. Occasionally, I fluff it. 🤷

I find that I tend to slide down in my recliner, pushing my head forward and making my neck uncomfortable. This video helps! Also, I was not aware of the possible problems of the gap between footrest and seat. Thanks!

OMG thank you for this video! I found all your hints so incredibly helpful. You explained things so clearly as well. Thank you!!! 💖💖💖

Thanks for all the info. My son has both legs in straight plaster cast (has acl surgery on both following accident.). Legs are STRAIGHT for two more weeks then to brace/castes. These little inputs will surely help this rehab time. Wish I’d seen before the passed month!

You give a lot of great info. Thank you. Glad I found your videos

My husband is currently in surgery to get a full knee replacement and I'm scared out of my mind 😢 I'm looking forward to that call that he's out of surgery and he woke up. That's my biggest fear. Thank you for these videos for aftercare as well because I'm going to believe and receive he is going to wake up and be fine and ready to recover. He's my best friend. We've been married since 2007 ❤

I began sleeping in a zero gravity recliner. What a difference!!! I haven't returned to sleeping on a bed in over a year and probably never will.

Thank you - very helpful. I often spend part of the night in my recliner - it works well but I've learn some important things in this video. Thanks!

Thank you, this is helpful. I've been forced due to cardiac concerns to sleep in a power recliner, and you are right about the pressure areas, esp the heels. My recliner, while expensive, has very little padding on the lower leg area. I ended up making my own extra padding (pillow and a velcro strap to hold it on.) I tried a commercial leg cushion with poor results, a regular thick 2" chair cushion used to cover a kitchen chair works well.

Thank you so much for this video! I've been sleeping in a recliner now for almost a year and it saved me from so much backpain, relief of the tailbone and anxiety (I get anxiety from sleeping in beds, I don't exactly know why). So many people talk badly about recliner being your long-term solution for sleep... But I always found it better to SLEEP rather than NOT to sleep, or sleep really poorly. It's such a vital part of our daily life and health. Go with whatever works for you, everyone!

Thank you for the advice, very helpful.

I have slept in a recliner for 8 years due to back pain. A bed is so painful after 15 minutes, Not every recliner gets the correct angle for my back but they are more comfortable.

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

Looks like you have a Golden chair. They do have lift chairs that offer many if not all the features you were talking about. Looking at the remote, you have a 2 zone chair. They have 4 and 5 zone chairs that will allow the user to sleep in with all the support you were talking about.

I had shoulder replacement surgery just a week ago and was expecting to sleep in a recliner (except my husband’s recliner is broken and lop sided). My husband insisted I sleep in our bed so he could keep an eye on me. He brought up cushions from the couch and made a comfortable spot in our bed. But this video has given me a couple more pointers. Actually my biggest pain is that a ring in the back of the sling is digging me in my back.

Great info.

I slept in my recliner after my shoulder surgery, back fusion and my knee replacement surgery for the first couple weeks. It was definitely easier for everyone especially my poor husband who had to change the ice in my ice water bladder that wrapped around my knee

Thank you so much for your very helpful videos! Could you do one on cryotherapy machines and set up for shoulder use?

Thank you for the clear and informative presentation! Very useful!

Great video My tip is to practice before surgery and the confines of a sling. That’s what I did last night so now I will Hager by chair and a very good idea how to position everything. Thank you for the extremely helpful videos. I know it will help reduce pain as much as possible.

Great tips! Thankfully, my recliner lays significantly flatter.

Thank you for this information! I'm getting ready to have surgery on my leg and I will be sleeping in a recliner part of the day.

I'm getting ready to have my 2nd shoulder surgery on March 31st. I have been sleeping in my recliner since my first shoulder surgery almost 2yrs ago. I wish I had seen this video earlier. I am going to use the pillows under my feet and behind my back. As I've recently had spinal fusion surgery and I have severe pain in my sacral joint. Plus I have CHF so my feet and ankles swell on a daily basis. Thank you for your extremely important videos, they are VERY helpful.

Excellent video. I already do the pillow to lift my legs and a small pillow under the side of my chin. Looking forward to using a pillow around my neck and st my lumbar.

This is a good video to watch when shopping for a recliner.

Oh wow....I just happened to see this just before I closed RU-vid and got into my recliner for the night. I sleep in it because my bed makes me sore and stiff all over but I can't afford a new one right now... so thank you for the excellent advice!

I've been sleeping in a recliner for some time now. When I first started, I would wake up with a sore neck every morning and then one day, it just stopped hurting. I put it down to my neck getting used to a different position. I'm not sure whether I'll sleep forever in a recliner, but watching your video has given me healthier options to how I'm currently doing it. I've had a few operations over the years and for future ones, would seriously consider recovery in a recliner, they are much easier to get in and out of than a bed. Thank you for doing the video.